Welcome to Emergency Plumber Montreal, our one-stop destination for tips, news, and stories from local plumbers. We’re here to help you navigate the labyrinth of pipes that stretch from the St. Lawrence River to the peak of Mount Royal. And remember, in Montreal, we don’t have plumbing problems, we have surprise indoor ice rinks! 🥁
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How To Fix A Dripping Faucet
Signs To Look For:
The persistent sound of water dripping even when the tap is turned off.
Description and Causes:
Dripping faucets are not only annoying, but they also waste water and increase your utility bills. Often, these drips can be caused by a worn-out washer or O ring.
Necessary Tools:
Wrench, Screwdriver, Replacement washers or O rings.
Steps To Follow:
- Step 1: Turn off the water supply: Locate the water shut-off valve under the sink and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply to the faucet.
- Step 2: Remove the faucet handle: Use a screwdriver to remove the handle’s decorative cap and then unscrew the handle. Set aside the handle and screws.
- Step 3: Access the cartridge or ball valve: Depending on your faucet type, you’ll need to remove the cartridge or ball valve. Use pliers or an adjustable wrench to carefully loosen and remove the valve.
- Step 4: Inspect and replace parts: Check the cartridge or ball valve for any signs of wear, such as cracks or damaged O-rings. Replace any faulty parts with new ones.
- Step 5: Reassemble the faucet: Put the repaired or new cartridge or ball valve back into place. Reattach the faucet handle, securing it with screws and the decorative cap.
- Step 6: Turn on the water supply: Slowly turn the water supply back on to check for leaks. If the faucet is no longer leaking, you’ve successfully fixed the problem.
- Step 7: Test the faucet: Turn the faucet on and off a few times to ensure it operates smoothly without any leaks.
Safety Precautions:
Ensure the water supply is turned off before you start working to avoid any accidents.
Prevention Tips:
Regularly check your faucets for any signs of wear and tear. Replace any worn-out parts promptly to prevent dripping.
Remember, Montreal plumbers have a unique tool in their kit – a hockey stick, for those hard-to-reach clogs.
How to Repair Leaky Pipes
Signs To Look Out For:
Unexplained water puddles, damp cabinets, watermarks on walls or ceilings, and unusually high water bills.
Description and Causes:
Leaky pipes can be caused by various problems, including stubborn clogs, incorrect pipe laying, pipe corrosion, pipe joint damage, cracked seals or pipes, and excessive water pressure.
Necessary Tools:
Pipe cutter, Solder, Flux, Propane torch, Slip coupling.
- Step 1: Turn off the water supply: Locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it clockwise to stop the water flow to the affected area. Release any remaining pressure by turning on a faucet.
- Step 2: Drain the pipes: Open nearby faucets and allow the water to drain from the pipes. Have a bucket or container ready to catch any excess water.
- Step 3: Identify the leak: Inspect the pipes carefully to find the source of the leak. Common areas include joints, connections, or damaged sections.
- Step 4: Repair small leaks: For minor leaks, use plumber’s epoxy or pipe repair tape to seal the damaged area. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow sufficient drying time.
- Step 5: Replace damaged pipes: If the leak is substantial or the pipes are severely corroded or damaged, use a pipe cutter to remove the affected section. Measure the replacement pipe, and use appropriate fittings and soldering equipment to connect the new piece securely.
- Step 6: Test for leaks: Turn the water supply back on and check for any new leaks. If everything is secure and dry, your repair is successful.
- Step 7: Insulate exposed pipes: To prevent future leaks due to freezing temperatures, insulate exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation.
Safety Precautions:
Turn off the water supply before starting the repair. Wear protective gloves and eyewear.
Prevention Tips:
Regularly inspect your pipes for signs of damage or corrosion. Maintain a reasonable water pressure to avoid straining your pipes.
In Montreal, plumbers don’t just fix pipes, they’re also part-time ice sculptors.
How to Stop a Running Toilet
Signs To Look Out For:
The sound of water running long after you’ve flushed, a toilet that won’t flush, or a toilet that flushes itself.
Description and Causes:
A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day. The issues that cause running toilets include refill tube problems, worn-out flapper seals or flush valves, improperly sized flapper chains, and corroded toilet handles.
Necessary Tools:
Adjustable wrench, Wire cutter, Replacement flapper or valve.
Steps To Follow:
- Step 1: Remove the tank lid: Lift the lid off the toilet tank and set it aside in a safe place.
- Step 2: Check the flapper: Inspect the rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank. If it’s warped, damaged, or not sealing properly, it could be causing the running water.
- Step 3: Adjust the flapper chain: If the chain connecting the flapper to the flush handle is too long or too short, it can prevent the flapper from sealing correctly. Adjust the chain length to ensure a proper seal when the toilet is flushed.
- Step 4: Check the fill tube: Ensure that the fill tube, which refills the tank after flushing, is positioned properly and not submerged in water. Adjust its height if necessary.
- Step 5: Check the float: The float is a buoyant device that controls the water level in the tank. Make sure it’s not sticking or getting caught on anything, as this can cause the toilet to keep running.
- Step 6: Clean or replace parts: If the flapper, chain, fill tube, or float are damaged or worn, clean or replace them as needed.
- Step 7: Turn on the water supply: After making adjustments or replacements, turn the water supply back on and let the tank fill up. Observe to see if the running has stopped.
- Step 8: Test the toilet: Flush the toilet and listen for any signs of running water. If everything is working correctly, the running should have stopped.
Safety Precautions:
Although working on a toilet is relatively safe, it’s always a good idea to wear rubber gloves.
Prevention Tips:
Regularly clean and maintain your toilet. Replace any worn-out parts promptly.
Why did the Montreal plumber always take a break at 3pm? He said it was the city’s official poutine break.
How to Improve Low Water Pressure
Signs To Look Out For:
Slow filling tubs and sinks, weak shower pressure, and slow running faucets.
Description and Causes:
Weak water pressure can make it challenging to use any plumbing system in your home. Often, low water pressure is a symptom of bigger plumbing problems, like pipe corrosion, hidden water leaks in your home, drain or sewer clogs, or cracked or blocked sewer lines.
Necessary Tools:
Plumber’s tape, Adjustable wrench.
Steps To Follow:
- Step 1: Check for leaks: Inspect your home for any visible water leaks, especially around faucets, showerheads, and pipes. Repair any leaks promptly to improve water pressure.
- Step 2: Clean aerators and showerheads: Unscrew the aerators from faucets and showerheads, then soak them in a vinegar solution to remove mineral deposits and debris that may be blocking the flow. Rinse and reattach them securely.
- Step 3: Check the water meter and pressure regulator: Locate your water meter and pressure regulator (if applicable). Make sure the pressure regulator is set at an appropriate level and functioning correctly. Adjust or replace it if necessary.
- Step 4: Clear clogs from pipes: If you suspect clogs in your plumbing system, use a plumber’s snake or auger to clear blockages in drains, pipes, or sewer lines. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damage.
- Step 5: Check water main valve: Ensure that the water main valve is fully open. If it’s partially closed, it can restrict water flow and cause low pressure throughout the house.
- Step 6: Adjust pressure reducing valve (PRV): If your home has a PRV, you can adjust it to increase water pressure. Consult your user manual or call a professional plumber for guidance.
- Step 7: Call a professional plumber: If you’ve tried the above steps and still have low water pressure, it may be due to more complex issues like pipe corrosion or hidden leaks. In such cases, it’s best to call a professional plumber to diagnose and resolve the problem safely and effectively.
Safety Precautions:
When checking for leaks or blockages, be careful not to damage any pipes or fixtures.
Prevention Tips:
Regularly clean your faucets and showerheads. Maintain your plumbing system to prevent leaks and blockages.
The underground plumbing network in Montreal is so vast and intricate that if you could stretch all the pipes end to end, they’d reach the top of Mount Royal and back down again, forming the world’s most colossal and gravity-defying water slide!
How to Clear Slow or Clogged Drains
Signs To Look Out For:
Slow draining sinks, tubs, and showers, gurgling noises from drains, and water backing up out of a sink drain.
Description and Causes:
Drainage problems can cause health hazards and even plumbing disasters if they’re not addressed quickly! These drain clogs happen because hair, soap, and other foreign objects have simply built up in a drain over time.
Necessary Tools:
Plunger, Plumber’s snake, Hand auger.
Steps To Follow:
- Step 1: Using a Plunger: The first step in addressing a clogged drain is to use a plunger. Start by ensuring there’s enough water in the sink, tub, or shower to cover the base of the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain, making sure it’s fully covered. Apply forceful plunges to create pressure that can help dislodge the clog. Be patient, as it may take several attempts to clear the blockage.
- Step 2: Using a Plumber’s Snake or Hand Auger: If the plunger doesn’t work, the next tool to try is a plumber’s snake or hand auger. Insert the end of the snake into the drain and turn the handle to work it further down. The turning action should help break up the clog. Once you feel resistance, it means you’ve reached the clog. Continue turning the snake to break up the clog, then slowly pull the snake out, which should bring the debris with it.
- Step 3: Using a Homemade Drain Cleaner: If the clog persists after using a plunger and a plumber’s snake, you can try a homemade drain cleaner. Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. The combination of these two ingredients will cause a chemical reaction that can help break down the clog. Cover the drain and let the mixture sit for about 15-30 minutes. Afterward, rinse with a large pot of boiling water. This method is not only effective but also environmentally friendly and safe for your pipes.
Safety Precautions:
Never use your hand to try to remove a clog. Always use a plunger or a plumber’s snake.
Prevention Tips:
Avoid putting things down your drain that can cause clogs. Regularly clean your drains with a safe, non-toxic drain cleaner.
Montreal plumbers groove like jazz musicians, finding the perfect rhythm to balance pressure and flow!
How to Fix a Sump Pump Failure
Signs To Look Out For:
Water flooding in the basement, strange noises from the pump, or the pump running continuously.
Description and Causes:
Sump pump failures can be related to a problem with the unit or an external issue. Usually, the causes of sump pump failures include stuck switches, an overwhelming amount of water, like after heavy rain, clogged discharge pipes, improper sump pump installation, and aging.
Necessary Tools:
Bucket, Replacement parts as needed.
Steps To Follow:
- Step 1: Safety first: Before attempting any sump pump repair, disconnect the pump from its power source to avoid electrical hazards.
- Step 2: Check the float switch: The float switch is responsible for turning the sump pump on and off. Make sure it’s not stuck in the “on” position. Gently move it up and down to see if the pump activates.
- Step 3: Clean the air hole: Inspect the discharge line and locate the air hole near the pump. Clear any debris or clogs that might be obstructing the air hole, as it could prevent proper pump operation.
- Step 4: Check the circuit breaker: Ensure that the circuit breaker for the sump pump is not tripped. If it has tripped, reset it and see if the pump starts working again.
- Step 5: Remove excess debris: If there is debris or sediment buildup in the sump pit, clean it out to prevent interference with the pump’s impeller.
- Step 6: Test the pump manually: Fill the sump pit with water to trigger the float switch manually. Observe if the pump activates and pumps water out effectively.
- Step 7: Consider replacing worn parts: If the sump pump still doesn’t work after these steps, it may have worn or damaged parts. Consult the pump’s manual for part replacement or call a professional plumber to assess and fix the issue.
Safety Precautions:
Always disconnect the pump from the power source before starting any repair work.
Prevention Tips:
Regularly check your sump pump for any signs of damage or wear. Clean the pump and the surrounding area to prevent clogs.
Why was the Montreal plumber afraid to go to the comedy club? He didn’t want to ‘crack’ up!
You've Got This! Navigating Your Plumbing Woes With Confidence
Congratulations on taking the initiative to tackle your drainage issues head-on! Remember, every homeowner faces these challenges from time to time, and you’re not alone.
By following these steps, you’ve shown that you’re capable of handling minor plumbing issues, and that’s a big win! But remember, there’s no shame in calling a professional when things get tough.
After all, maintaining a happy, healthy home is a journey, not a destination. Keep up the great work, and know that every step you take contributes to making your home a more comfortable, enjoyable place to live.