Having a home in Toronto is not an easy task, especially if you have to deal with the city’s drainage system. Here in town, we experience heavy rains, and at times, the streets flood. To ensure your property is ready for the extra flow and pump back-ups, follow these tips. A backwater valve, one of our most effective tools in this ongoing fight, can give you peace of mind and help protect you. Here are five signs that it’s time to put one up on your Toronto property:
Regular Basement Flooding: If your basement floods anytime a heavy rain falls or the snow thaws, this is an excellent sign that your home is at risk for a sewer backup. A backwater valve in your basement can prevent sewage from backing up and help you avoid costly repairs due to water damage.
Sewage Smells are Evident: Foul sewage smells coming from roots or the drain in the basement are both symptoms of a disastrous sewer backup problem. That can happen when the city’s sewer system becomes overloaded in a big rainstorm, and the sewage backs up into your property. A backwater valve can stop this flow, and thus the odor as well.
Slow-Draining Appliances: Slow drains in sinks, toilets, and floor drains could signal a partial obstruction in your property’s sewer line. This clog can continue to grow, potentially leading to complete clogs and water damage. A backwater valve can guard against such clogs by blocking sewage from flowing back into your home.
Stained Basement Walls: Stains or dark spots on basement walls or floor surfaces are common signs of water entry into the basement. It can lead to structural damage, the appearance of molds, and pose risks to your health if not adequately addressed. Installing a backwater valve can prevent future water damage by stopping sewage backups before they enter your basement.
Previous Sewer Backup: If your property has a history of sewer backups, taking preventative measures is essential to avoid future backups. With the installation of a backwater valve, you can finally take action and protect your property from sewage backups – even when it’s raining cats and dogs. This responsibility gives you peace of mind by providing confidence that you’re doing everything possible to safeguard your property.
Ultimately, installing a backwater valve in your Toronto home is a wise investment that helps prevent sewage backups and water damage. If you observe any of the signs above, you should take action before more damage is done and ensure the safety of your property. Don’t worry, the backwater valve is an efficient solution that can give you peace of mind that your home is safe from flooding. Call Santos Water Service & Drain today to find out more about backwater valve installation and other solutions that are The Right Solution at The Best Value for your specific needs.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a common issue during the winter months. With January and February temperatures often dropping below zero, the water turns to ice. This even happens to water inside the pipes of our homes.
If this happens, you’ll notice your toilet does not flush and your faucets do not work properly. Frozen pipes will stop the flow of water into your home, and you will need to call an emergency plumber to come in and thaw the pipes. Attempting this on your own can lead to further damage.
Clogged Sewer Line
The drains in your home carry waste from your bathroom and kitchen into the main sewer line. If this line is blocked, you can end up with flooding, leaky pipes, or more unwanted damage.
Do not try to complete this plumbing repair on your own. The main sewer line is buried deep in your house and the services of a professional plumber are required to fix the problem.
Leaking Fixtures
A tell-tale sign of pipe damage is water leaking from your ceiling or light fixtures. Water and electricity are a hazardous combination, and you should not attempt to fix this on your own.
If you notice water leaking or pooling up in any of your fixtures, you should contact an emergency plumber immediately. If left untreated, this could cause physical harm or an electrical fire.
If you notice any of the above plumbing concerns in your home, it is important to call an experienced plumber right away. Our licensed plumbers at Santos Water Service & Drain have been helping homeowners with plumbing services for decades in and around the GTA.
With advanced plumbing equipment and tools, our plumbers are ready to tackle any plumbing demands at an affordable price. Don’t hesitate to call us today at 416-824-3352 or fill out our online form.