Plumbing Services

Plumbing Services

Bathtub and Shower Valves

There are three main bathtub and shower valves:

  • Thermostatic Valves
  • Diverter Valves or Transfer Valves
  • Pressure Balancing Valves

Bathtub and Shower Valves

There are three main bathtub and shower valves:

  • Thermostatic Valves 
  • Diverter Valves or Transfer Valves
  • Pressure Balancing Valves

Diverter/Transfer Valves – These valves direct (or re-direct) the flow of water from the shower head to the tub, the shower, etc. A diverter valve will divert the flow of water in one direction only. For example, you can run water either from your bathtub faucet to the shower or shower head. A transfer valve on the other hand allows you to run water from various outlets.

Pressure Balancing Valves – This is a temperature mechanism and is the most common type found in most homes. The purpose of this valve is to keep a constant temperature by regulating the ratio of hot and cold water. If a fluctuation does occur, (i.e., someone flushes the toilet), the valve is designed to restrict the flow of hot water to prevent sudden scalding.

Thermostatic (Mixing) Valve – This valve will bring the water to specific, pre-set temperature to your shower, shower head, or faucet. This means there is no more fiddling with the hot and cold water until you get the desired temperature. Once you turn your faucet on, you simply wait till the water reaches the desired temperature automatically.

There are a few typical signs to watch for that indicate it’s time to have your valve changed. A leak is the most obvious one. It is not recommended that you wait to have it replaced as water may be leaking behind the wall as well and can cause a lot of damage.

Another sign that it’s time to have the valve replaced or even upgraded is a sudden and drastic change in the shower temperature when someone turns on a faucet or flushes the toilet in another part of the house.

If there are young children or an elderly person in your home, upgrading to a thermostatic (mixing) valve will help prevent possible injury from scalding water.

If maintained, shower valves have a long life but may be more adversely affected in areas where you have hard water.

Our certified plumbers at Sidney Plumbing can check your shower valve to ensure it is in good working order. They are happy to advise you on the type of valve that is most appropriate for your household and one that will stand the test of time.

Blocked Drains

Blocked drains can happen in the best of homes and may not necessarily be a plumbing emergency. It should however be addressed as quickly as possible in order to prevent a more serious and complex issue which could end up being more costly.

Blocked Drains

Blocked drains can happen in the best of homes and may not necessarily be a plumbing emergency. It should however be addressed as quickly as possible in order to prevent a more serious and complex issue which could end up being more costly.

Clogged Toilets

No one wants to deal with a clogged toilet especially when it becomes a reoccurring issue. Some of the signs that indicate a certified plumber should be called include:

  • Your toilet is either flushing poorly or not at all
  • A toilet that seems to be running constantly
  • Toilet routinely overflows
  • Water that is trickling inside your toilet tank

If these issues go unchecked, it could result in a total breakdown of the toilet. If this does happen, it should be considered an emergency and be inspected by a plumber. Sidney Plumbing is ready to respond to emergencies regardless of what day or time it is.

In order to avoid costly repair bills or a complete toilet replacement which may include pipe replacements, it is important to get professional help at the first signs of a malfunctioning toilet.

Clogged Drains

There are several areas in any home that require water and other debris to be drained quickly and efficiently including the kitchen, bathroom, laundry sink, and washing machine. If water is backing up and out of a sink drain, or you can smell rotting food from you disposal or kitchen sink, it is recommended that a plumber investigate the cause. Other common signs of a clogged drain that requires attention by a certified professional are:

  • The sound of gurgling from any drain which typically occurs after running a dishwasher or washing machine
  • The shower or bathtub is progressively getting slower to drain
  • An unexplained puddle of water pooling near a sink or tub
  • Water that backs up from a sink drain

These are all indications that there is a blocked drain somewhere in your home and the issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible in order to avoid serious damage to your plumbing.

Clogged Bathtubs and Showers

There are also telltales signs that a bathtub or shower drain is clogged such as:

  • Standing water around the drain even though is has not been recently used
  • Hearing unusual gurgling sounds from the drain in your shower or tub
  • Any new unpleasant odors coming from the drain

While many of these issues may not be considered an immediate emergency, they all warrant having it looked at by a professional. The certified and experienced plumbers at Sidney Plumbing can assess whatever drain problems you are having and recommend the best and most efficient solution. It is important to address any drain concerns you may have quickly so as to prevent further problems down the road. Regular maintenance and upkeep will ensure that all of your home’s plumbing will run a peak efficiency for years to come.

Dishwasher Installation and Repair

Whatever type of dishwasher you wish to have installed or repaired, the experts at Sidney Plumbing have more than four decades of experience in doing the job right the first time.

Dishwasher Installation and Repair

Repairs

At Sidney Plumbing we understand the frustration when a kitchen appliance breaks down or malfunctions in some way. If your dishwasher suddenly stops working or perhaps starts leaking, it is definitely time to call in an expert. Having your dishwasher serviced prior to or as soon as it stops working properly may save you from having to replace it entirely. Regular service will ensure that your dishwasher, or other kitchen appliance, can dramatically extend its life.

When you call our experts at Sidney Plumbing, we will listen carefully to your concerns and let you know if it seems that a repair is in order. We take pride in being accountable for any repairs and guarantee that all repairs we perform will pass the test of time. You can also count on us for regular maintenance to help you keep your dishwasher, and other kitchen appliances, running at peak performance.

Installations

If you are looking to have a new dishwasher installed, our certified plumbers will ensure that all local codes and ordinances are followed to the letter. The experts at Sidney Plumbing are fully knowledgeable in the maximum length for a drain hose as well as the enclosure requirements the dishwasher must have.

While most dishwashers are installed next to the kitchen sink, there are cases where homeowners wish to have one installed in an island counter. These installations are quite technical and require a separate drain and air vent for its drain.

Whatever type of dishwasher you wish to have installed or repaired, the experts at Sidney Plumbing have more than four decades of experience in doing the job right the first time.

Drain Camera Inspections

Clogged drains in your home may be the sign of a blocked drainage system or in the sewer lines. If gone unchecked, it can lead to extensive damage to other parts of your home including your foundation.

Drain Camera Inspections

Clogged drains in your home may be the sign of a blocked drainage system or in the sewer lines. If gone unchecked, it can lead to extensive damage to other parts of your home including your foundation. Some of the initial signs you may notice in sinks and tubes include:

  • Gurgling
  • Bubbling
  • Foul odors

The experts at Sidney Plumbing will assess the situation and let you know if a drain camera inspection of your sewer and drainage lines is necessary. Using state-of-the-art equipment will determine if there are any blockages and the severity of the blockage(s). A locator tool can then determine the location of the blockage(s) from above ground.

What is a Sewer Inspection Video Camera?

This valuable tool is basically a long, robotic snake equipped with a small camera at one end which allows the drainage professional to see where the blockage is and it’s severity. Because underground pipes have multiple curves and twists, it would be impossible to determine exactly where a blockage has occurred without such a video camera.

Other important information that such a camera will let us know is whether your system is a cast iron pipe or PVC. It can also see tee’s, fittings, and other types of connections. A location device on the inspection video camera will tell the plumber exactly where the sewer lines are located.

Blockages are typically caused by:

  • Roots
  • Broken pipes
  • Mud
  • Etc.

Although this equipment is a highly valuable tool, it does have its limitations. For example, a video inspection camera alone will not determine or locate leaks in your sewer line. It is however an excellent ‘secondary’ tool in performing a leak location test.

If you are experiencing any drainage issues, be they big or small, the professional and certified plumbers at Sidney Plumbing will assess the situation. They will take the time to explain everything in detail and in terms that you will easily understand.

Faucet and Leak Repairs

While a leaky or dripping faucet can be extremely annoying, it can also be an indication that there may be a bigger plumbing problem in the works.

Faucet and Leak Repairs

While a leaky or dripping faucet can be extremely annoying, it can also be an indication that there may be a bigger plumbing problem in the works. There are three main areas where leaks and/or drips commonly occur, those being under the sink, from the spout itself, and around the base of the faucet.

  • Leaks from the Spout – This of course is the most common and obvious one. You will begin to notice that water continues to drip even when both handles have been turned off. The first solution tends to be turning the handles a little tighter to stop the drip. The other thing we try is to adjust the handles to just the right position to stop the dripping. Over time the leak will simply get worse and will actually increase your water bill. The first thing a plumber will need to do is determine what type of faucet you have, either a compression faucet, or a cartridge insert. The more modern cartridge faucets tend to be trouble free. If you have the compression version, it would be wise and more cost effective to switch them out for the longer lasting cartridge faucet.
  • Leaks Under the Sink – This type of leak often goes undetected for a prolonged period of time as most of us do not regularly check under the sink. Unfortunately, this is the one that can cause the most damage and often leads to more extensive repairs. If the leak goes unnoticed for a period of time, it can cause damage to a vanity or worse yet to your floor, which can be very costly. Two of the more common causes of this type of leak include:
    1. The P-Trap or sink drain connections have come loose
    2. Loose water supply connections
  • Leaks at Base of Faucet – Leaks in this area are much less obvious since water is usually being splashed around there regularly as we are washing dishes or wiping the counter, etc. On top of that, the leak only occurs when the tap is actually on. There are two common remedies in such cases being, having to have the valve cartridge replaced or replacing a worn out or cracked O-ring.

Whatever type of leak you are experiencing regardless of where it is, it is important to have it assessed by a certified plumber as soon as possible to avoid further damage, costly repairs, or an increase in your water bill. When maintained regularly faucets will function as they should for a long period of time. With more than forty years experience, the experts at Sidney Plumbing will listen to your concerns carefully and be able to address the problem and offer the best and most effective solution.

Garburator Installation

A garburator, often referred to as a garbage disposal, is a great tool to have, especially in a busy kitchen. But when it stops working, it can be a mystery as to why it is not doing its job.

Garburator Installation

A garburator, often referred to as a garbage disposal, is a great tool to have, especially in a busy kitchen. But when it stops working, it can be a mystery as to why it is not doing its job. There are a few steps one should follow in order to keep it functioning properly when you need it. To begin with, there are four simple steps to follow with each use:

  1. Turn on the cold water before placing any food in it
  2. Turn the garburator on
  3. Place your food waste gradually into it
  4. Once grinding has stopped, turn off the garburator and let the water to continue running briefly to flush the drain

What do you do if your garburator stops working? Some of the issues you may encounter include:

  • You hear a humming noise when you turn the switch on but nothing else happens. A buzzing or humming noise tells you that you have power, but the blades aren’t turning. This can indicate that there is a clog and cannot grind.
  • You have an unpleasant odor from the sink that won’t go away. For some reason, the food is not being ground into fine pieces.
  • The garburator does not turn on at all when you flip the switch. This tells you that the disposal has lost power for some reason.

It may be that the appliance simply needs a replacement part. The experienced technicians at Sidney Plumbing will assess the situation and let you know if it just requires a simple fix, or a new garburator is called for.

There are some basic and simple tips to help keep your garburator working properly:

  • Use your garburator on a regular basis. When a garburator is left to sit without use for prolonged periods, it is at risk of becoming rusty and can begin corroding.
  • Always use cold water. Hot water will cause greasy particles/food to break down and settle in the drain which can create a substantial clog further down.
  • Don’t stop using your garbage or recycling bins. Only biodegradable food items should be placed in the garburator.
  • Always cut up larger pieces of food. The garburator’s mechanism is highly efficient at breaking down food but is not designed to break down larger chunks
  • Keep it clean. This will help prevent any food particles from collecting and therefore prevent the machine from working.

Whether you are looking to purchase a garburator, or the one you currently have is malfunctioning, Sidney Plumbing has the experienced professionals who can assess the problem and offer you the best solution to get you back on track quickly.

Kitchen Installations and Repairs

Most families consider their kitchen to be the integral and core part of their home. It is where family and friends gather to share a meal and connect with one another. We often don’t realize the many components that make up this vital part of our home until something goes wrong.

Kitchen Installations and Repairs

KITCHENS

Most families consider their kitchen to be the integral and core part of their home. It is where family and friends gather to share a meal and connect with one another. We often don’t realize the many components that make up this vital part of our home until something goes wrong. At Sidney Plumbing, we take pride in maintaining, repairing, and installing all the components that go into your kitchen including:

Garburator Installation and Repair – The most common signs that your garburator needs repairing includes a bad smell from the sink or a humming sound without any action when you turn the garburator on. Our team of experts are highly knowledgeable in diagnosing the situation. They will let you know if a simple repair is recommended or if a complete replacement is in order.

Clogged Pipes – When sinks become clogged, it is important to understand the reason for this happening. If the water flow in your sink has been gradually getting slower or stops altogether, it can be due to grease, debris or grime that has built up over time. When this occurs, the sewer lines can no longer transport waste and water to underground sewer lines from your home. You may also notice an unpleasant smell coming from your drain which would indicate that water and other waste is not flowing away from a blockage further down in the drains or sewer main.

Whatever the cause, the professionals at Sidney Plumbing will perform a thorough inspection of your drains and let you know if they simply need a quick ‘unplugging’ or a more comprehensive repair. While issues such as this may seem relatively minor, a damaged or blocked main sewer line can cause significant damage to your home’s foundation. Preventative maintenance to the drainage system can save you considerable expense and protect your home for years to come.

Refrigeration – Refrigeration systems have come a long way over the years to include water dispensers, ice makers, and more. There are several problems that can occur with an ice maker such as:

  • No ice being produced
  • Ice getting caught in the raker
  • Ice clumps in bin
  • Auger motor frozen
  • Ice dispenser clogged

While each of these issues are quite common and they have varying solutions to a successful remedy. The professionals at Sidney Plumbing can assess the problem and let you know exactly why there was a malfunction and ensure it is fixed properly.

From dishwashers to sinks, there are a number of appliances in your kitchen that you depend on every day. With today’s hectic lives, having just one thing malfunction can throw everything out of balance. Whether you are in need of regular maintenance, an appliance needs repair, are experiencing drainage issue, or are considering a brand-new build, you can count on Sidney Plumbing to take care of all your plumbing and drainage issues. Our plumbing experts have years of experience, are Red Seal Certified, and are dedicated to getting things done right and to your satisfaction the first time.

 

Pressure Reducing Valves

A pressure reducing valve (PRV) is a specific plumbing valve that reduces the water pressure as it enters your home via the main water line. It ensures that the pressure is reduced to a safe level before it reaches any of your home plumbing fixtures.

Pressure Reducing Valves

A pressure reducing valve (PRV) is a specific plumbing valve that reduces the water pressure as it enters your home via the main water line. It ensures that the pressure is reduced to a safe level before it reaches any of your home plumbing fixtures.

The PVR (also referred to as a pressure regulator) uses ‘spring pressure’ to safely open the valve. There are a number of issues that may indicate your (PVR) is malfunctioning, such as:

  • No water pressure when you turn on taps or the shower
  • Water pressure that is excessive
  • Leaks in areas like a flower bed on your property
  • A vibrating or hammering noise coming from your pipes

The optimum water pressure in a residential home is between 50 – 70 PSI (pounds per square inch). If the water pressure in your home goes above 70 PSI even on occasion, it is highly recommended that you have a pressure regulator installed on your main water line.

Our experienced plumbers at Sidney Plumbing are happy to answer any concerns you have about your home’s water pressure. They will let you know whether or not a pressure reducing valve is necessary for your plumbing system.

Sump Pump Repair and Replacement

Sump pumps play a vital role in protecting your property from melting snow and rain seeping into your home which can cause extensive damage. A build up of moisture within your home can, over time, lead to the growth of bacterial and mold leading to serious health issues.

Sump Pump Repair and Replacement

Sump pumps play a vital role in protecting your property from melting snow and rain seeping into your home which can cause extensive damage. A build up of moisture within your home can, over time, lead to the growth of bacterial and mold leading to serious health issues.

Choosing the right sump pump will depend on several factors such as where the sump pump needs to be located and how water and debris needs to flow from your home. The experienced technicians from Sidney Plumbing will be able to let you know which sump pump is right for your property and your specific needs. Some of he most common sump pumps include:

  • Submersible – These units provide a quieter operation as they are placed into the pit. They are equipped with a waterproof motor.
  • Pedestal – Placed at the top of the sump basin, these units are easily accessible should repair or replacement be required. Equipped with a hollow shaft/pipe which runs to the bottom of the basin this unit pumps water out through an impeller device.
  • Septic Effluent – These units are designed to propel liquified septic fluids through your property drain fields.
  • Sewage Septic Pumps – This type of sump pump is typically installed in cases when wastewater needs to be moved upward from beneath ground surfaces, such as a basement. These systems have been specifically designed to pulverize waste and then pumped upward to your septic tank.

An important fact to consider is having a battery backup for your sump pump. This will ensure there will be no interruption in its function during a power failure.

Proper maintenance of your Sump Pump system is extremely important to make sure that it will work properly when you need it the most. Keeping your system in optimal working condition will also help prevent costly repairs or complete replacement down the road. Some of the more common issue to watch for include:

  • Clogged/Frozen Discharge Pipes – These must be kept clean in order to function properly and will help prevent issues in the future.
  • Float Valves – Float valves should be checked regularly to make sure there are no obstructions that would prevent it from working when you most need it to.
  • Inadequately Powered – An undersized sump pump will not be able to adequately keep water from seeping into home. It is important that your sump pump is the right size for you particular home.
  • Old/Warn Out Pump – If your pump is older or warn out, the experts at Sidney Plumbing can assess the situation and let you know if it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

Having a properly functioning sump pump that fits the size of you home will keep water, moisture build-up, and mold growth from entering your home. The professionals at Sidney Plumping can assess your sump pump and its components to determine whether any repairs or new installations are required.

Thermal Expansion Tanks

When water is heated, it creates thermal expansion, meaning the volume increases putting pressure on your tank. The purpose of a thermal expansion tank is to prevent excessively high-water pressure as it heats up.

Thermal Expansion Tanks

When water is heated, it creates thermal expansion, meaning the volume increases putting pressure on your tank. The purpose of a thermal expansion tank is to prevent excessively high-water pressure as it heats up. If water pressure become too high, it can damage the joints in supply pipes, the actual water heater, as well as valves in plumbing fixtures. This continued contracting and expanding will eventually cause your tank to weaken.

Homes with a ‘closed’ plumbing system are required to have a thermal expansion tank. A closed water system prevents water from flowing back into the city line once it reaches your home’s plumbing system. If you have a pressure-reducing valve or a check-valve, also referred to as a backflow prevention device, then you have a closed plumbing system.

It is recommended that thermal expansions tanks be installed on the cold line of your plumbing which is located on the downstream of the shutoff valve.

If you are unsure about the type of plumbing your home has, you can call our experienced professionals at Sidney Plumbing to come and perform an inspection for you.

Toilet Repair/Replacement

When a toilet in your home is not working properly, it can be very frustrating; and if you only have one it becomes an emergency. The experts at Sidney Plumbing are ready to deal with this type of issue regardless of the time or day.

Toilet Repair/Replacement

When a toilet in your home is not working properly, it can be very frustrating; and if you only have one it becomes an emergency. The experts at Sidney Plumbing are ready to deal with this type of issue regardless of the time or day. With more than four decades of experience, they will be able to let you know if the problem is merely a simple plumbing fix or the toilet actually needs to be replaced. There are several signs to look for to help you determine if a fix is viable or the unit must be replaced entirely.

Repairs

When your toilet is constantly running it means that water from the tank is constantly coming into the bowl. Not only is this extremely annoying because of the noise, it is an indication that something is malfunctioning. Before calling a plumber, you can test the flapper by pushing down on it until the water stops running. If this is the case, it indicates that the flapper is not sealing properly and needs to be replaced. Other signs that your toilet simply needs a repair include:

  • The lift chain is broken
  • The tank is not filling up with enough water
  • The toilet keeps clogging

All of these issues can be easily remedied by a certified plumber. Keeping your toilet properly serviced will ensure that it will function properly for years to come and help to avoid a more serious plumbing problem or a complete replacement.

Replacement

There are of course telltale signs to watch for that may indicate it is time for your toilet to be replaced. Some of these signs include:

  • Cracks – Water pooling around your toilet may be the result of cracks in the porcelain. Even if the toilet is working these puddles of water can cause extensive damage to the floor as well as mold and mildew growth. Cracks can appear in either the tank or the bowl.
  • Constant Repairs – If you find yourself needing the services of a plumber over and over, it may be time to invest in a new toilet. Constant repairs can add up costing more than a new toilet that will run problem free for years to come. Another thing to consider is if the repair to your toilet is extensive – it may be more cost effective to replace it before further repairs are needed.
  • Constant Clogging – Older, low-flush toilets will begin to experience clogs or stoppages more and more often. The technology for low-flush toilets have come a long way, so if you need to replace the toilet, you can still benefit from less water usage with a modern low-flush toilet.
  • Wobbling – While a wobbly toilet may simply mean the screws need to be tightened, it can also indicate a more serious problem. It may be that over time water has seeped into your floor causing extensive water damage. In this case, you will definitely need a professional to properly assess the damage.
  • Mineral Deposit Build Up – This is a common occurrence in areas with hard water. This build-up can accumulate in the syphon tube and the inlet holes preventing water from flowing efficiently. Over time, the toilet will need to be replaced.

The best defense for keeping your toilet running for years to come is to have it maintained on a regular basis. Keeping on top of the first signs of a possible problem will save you from having to fork out for costly repairs or a complete replacement.

The experts at Sidney Plumbing have built a reputation of trust based on being honest with all their clients about the best and most effective solutions for whatever plumbing issues they may be experiencing.

Bathroom Vanity and Kitchen Sink Installations

Are you looking to have a sink replaced or perhaps a complete bathroom remodel? With more than 40 years experience, the fully licensed plumbers at Sidney Plumbing can handle it all.

Bathroom Vanity and Kitchen Sink Installations

Are you looking to have a sink replaced or perhaps a complete bathroom remodel? With more than 40 years experience, the fully licensed plumbers at Sidney Plumbing can handle it all. They will listen to your wants and needs, then walk you through what to expect from start to finish. They will offer you the solutions that best suit your needs.

Sink and vanities have come a long way in recent years and offer a variety of models and materials that haven proven to last the test of time. Some of the more common designs available include:

Under-Mount Sinks – Provides a clean and modern look and is mounted underneath the counter or vanity.

Top-Mount – This sink is placed into a precut hole on your countertop and includes a lip or rim which holds the sink in place. This design is typically one of the more cost-efficient models.

Single or Double Bowl Sinks – Can be used for either the kitchen or bathroom. With Double Bowl sinks, one can have both sinks the same size or one larger than the other.

Farmhouse – Used for the kitchen, this model has a large forward-facing section replacing a portion of the counter.

White Stylish – If you are looking for this type of sink, pre-planning is important as the counter needs to be designed for the particular sink you wish to have installed. This usually requires a somewhat more detailed installation.

The most common materials used in sinks are porcelain coated or stainless steel. The different types of materials used in manufacturing sinks have come a long way and can include marble, granite, glass, and copper. Whatever type of sink you choose should take into consideration things like functionality, durability, the best longevity and of course affordability.

Whether you are looking to have a sink replaced in your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, Sidney Plumbing has the expertise to help you make the best decisions for durability and cost effectiveness.

Water Line Installation – Ice Maker

If you are purchasing a refrigerator with an ice make for a new build, it is recommended that you have a certified plumber conduct a pre-site inspection. They will take the necessary measurements and make sure the installation is done right and your ice maker works flawlessly.

Water Line Installation – Ice Maker

If you are purchasing a refrigerator with an ice make for a new build, it is recommended that you have a certified plumber conduct a pre-site inspection. They will take the necessary measurements and make sure the installation is done right and your ice maker works flawlessly.

A water line for an ice maker is most often run from the water supply line of your kitchen faucet. It can then go through the kitchen cabinets and straight to the refrigerator. There are cases when running through the cabinets is not possible, in such cases it would need to be installed through the floor and up to where your refrigerator is located.

Although there are several options as to the type of tubing that one can use, it should have a diameter of 1/4 inch. The most common tubing that is supplied with a refrigerator is plastic, however, copper and braided steel are also used for such purposes. If you are uncertain which tubing is best, the experts at Sidney Plumbing are happy to let you know which option is best for your particular installation.

If you currently have a refrigerator with an ice maker and are concerned that it may need repairing, it is best to have a certified plumber take a look. A small puddle under the fridge can be caused by occasional splashes from the water dispenser or dropping a couple of ice cubes. However, if this continues to be a problem, it is an indication that your refrigerator’s ice maker water line is leaking. It is important to have the water line checked in order to avoid costly damage to the floor or tiles under your fridge.

Water Pressure

Most of us do not think about the water pressure in our home until it seems unusually low or even too high. The faucets or shower heads are typically the first indication that there is something wrong.

Water Pressure

Most of us do not think about the water pressure in our home until it seems unusually low or even too high. The faucets or shower heads are typically the first indication that there is something wrong. Ideally, the water pressure in a residential home should be between 40 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch).

LOW WATER PRESSURE

There are a few telltale signs that your water pressure is too low, some of which are:

  • It is taking an unusually long time to fill a bathtub or sink
  • The washing machine seems to be taking much longer to run a cycle than normal
  • You may be experiencing the same overly long cycle time running the dishwasher
  • The showerhead is not giving you a strong enough spray

If low water pressure is only happening from one faucet, the problem may not require an extensive repair. In many cases it is simply that one fixture or the pipe attached to it that requires attention. However, low water pressure throughout your home is an indication of a more extensive problem. Some of the things that an experienced plumber from Sidney Plumbing will check can include:

  • The main house shut off valve
  • The pressure regulator
  • Water meter valve
  • The condition of any older steel water pipes

HIGH WATER PRESSURE

Although a stronger water flow in the shower may feel terrific, it could be an indication that your water pressure is too high. It is highly recommended that you have it checked as this can cause a number of issues in other areas of your home including:

  • An increase in your water bills
  • Shorten the life of your water heater
  • It can also shorten the life of your washing machine, dishwasher, and boiler system
  • Create small holes in your plumbing

There are a number of things to watch out for that may indicate your water pressure is too high such as:

  • Hydraulic Shock – Commonly referred to as “Water Hammer”. This will happen when you suddenly turn off a faucet. This ‘banging’ noise actually sounds like a hammer.
  • Leaking Pipes – A lot of strain is placed on your pipes when the pressure is too high. Over time, this can cause pinholes in your pipes or loosened joints.
  • Increased Utility Bills – The reason for this is that every time you turn on a tap, you are using more water than normal. It can be measured like this – running a faucet for 10 minutes at 50-PSI will use an average of 30 gallons while running it at 60-PSI will consume 36 gallons.
  • Running Toilet – This could be the result of a faulty valve.
  • Leaking faucets – High water pressure can cause faucets to drip constantly or spray when you turn the water on.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it may be the result of the water pressure in your home being too high. This does require a licensed plumber to investigate what is causing any of these issues. The fully accredited and highly experienced plumbers at Sidney Plumbing will thoroughly investigate the situation and let you know what is needed to fix the problem. Not all plumbing problems require extensive or costly repairs, and we will never recommend work that is not necessary.

Water System Design and Re-Piping

A crucial piece of designing a new home will always be the plumbing system.

Water System Design and Re-Piping

A crucial piece of designing a new home will always be the plumbing system. There are two components involved in designing such systems:

  1. The supply of water to all areas of your home
  2. The proper removal of waste

Detailed planning prior to your new build is crucial and must include pipes in the layout to be of adequate length. A professional plumbing design will ensure that the plumbing system optimizes both efficiency and reduces excessive costs. It will also avoid the need to undergo costly repairs or a complete water system replacement down the road.

Designing a water system must be done by certified plumbers that have a thorough knowledge of all related building codes. The professionals at Sidney Plumbing have more than 40 years experience in designing the plumbing, waste, drain, and vent systems to ensure all aspects are code compliant.

Having a certified plumbing professional on hand during the planning phase of your home will allow them to make valuable suggestions such as grouping rooms that require plumbing. This will ensure that the system is at peak efficiency and will save on material costs.

Materials

Opting to go with less expensive materials/parts may be tempting in order to keep overall costs down in the initial planning stage. The result however can prove to be a more expensive repair or damage to your home down the road. Choosing the recommended high-rated materials has significant benefits such as:

  • Will keep your home’s plumbing working at optimal performance for a longer duration of time
  • Avoid premature costly repairs due to wear and tear of substandard parts

Water Supply and Drainage

Both the water supply and drain-waste-vent systems are located close to each other inside your home. In order to save on energy, a hot water loop system should be created. This will allow hot water to continuously move back to the water heating system. The result will be a reduction of the energy that is required to heat your home’s hot water.

As you can see, designing or replacing a water system in either a new or existing home requires extensive knowledge and experience and should only be done by certified professionals. Our plumbers at Sidney Plumbing have more that 40 years experience in designing and repairing water supply and drainage systems. You can be confident that their recommendations will have these systems working efficiently for years to come and save you costly repairs down the road.