Troubled Water: Common Causes of Water Discoloration

When you turn on your bathroom faucet, the water that comes out doesn’t always look pure and clear, it may appear cloudy or yellow instead. This discoloration often occurs due to a number of reasons. If you have concerns about your water discoloration and what could be causing it, a plumbing Toronto expert lists the five common causes and what you can do to fix them.

New Water Source:

The most common cause of water discoloration is a new water source. If your home has been connected to a well or municipal supply, the change in the quality of your drinking water could be the culprit.

This is because many water sources contain natural minerals like iron or manganese that may not have been present in your previous supply. When these minerals are introduced to the pipes leading to your home, they will react with chemicals in the pipes, which will cause rust or mineral deposits to form on them.

Algae:

Water that is a green, blue, or brown color is usually the result of algae. Algae live on the surface of fresh or saltwater. If your water source is stagnant and has a lot of algae in it, there will be more algae to grow. Algae cells contain chlorophyll which gives the water a greenish tint. The best way to remove this type of coloring from your drinking water is by using an activated carbon filter.

Sediments:

According to an emergency plumber Toronto, Water that looks murky or cloudy is often a sign that sediments are present. Sediments are made up of suspended particles that result from organic matter, minerals, dirt and other substances. Sedimentation occurs when solids settle to the bottom of the container and liquids rise to the top.

When you turn on your tap in your house, there will be a certain amount of sediment in the pipes which can then end up in your drinking water as it flows through. Talk to a plumbing Toronto expert if you need help.

Your Water Heater is Too Old:

If your water heater is more than ten years old, it's probably time to replace it. The older the water heater, the more likely that a sediment buildup will turn your once clear hot water into a murky brownish color. This is due to mineral deposits left behind from the boiling process. Not to mention, older units also tend to be less efficient, costing you more money in energy bills.

Discolored water isn’t just an eyesore, it’s also potentially harmful to your health. By identifying the cause and following the appropriate solution, you’ll get crystal-clear water in no time! Seek the help of a qualified plumber if you notice discolored water often. They can assess the situation and help you out with services like drain repair Toronto and more.

Does Your Bathroom Smell Bad? Read This Guide To Know Why

Your bathroom is your own little retreat, but one that’s easy to mess up! From dirty grout lines to clogged drains, there are plenty of things you can do wrong when it comes to keeping your bathroom clean and smelling fresh. To help you prevent bathroom smells from infiltrating your space, a professional plumber in Toronto recommends the following five reasons why your bathroom smells bad and how to fix them!

Water Traps Might be Dried Up:

The first thing you should do when your bathroom smells bad is check that you don't have a dried up water trap under your sink. These traps collect the sewage and oils that flow into your sink and hold them there until it's time for a drain cleaning.

If they dry up, the sewer gases will come back up through the drain and into your bathroom, where they'll give off their distinctive smell. Put some water in the trap every now and then so it doesn't get too dried out. This way, any odors can be captured before they make their way back up the pipes.

Sewer Pipes Are Cracked or Broken:

A cracked or broken sewer pipe is the most common cause of a bathroom odor. Sewer gas from a leaky pipe can seep into the house through sinks and drains, causing both unpleasant odors and unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide in poorly ventilated areas. If your home has plumbing that is several years old, you may have had a crack or break that has gone unnoticed until now. If this is the case, it is time to call an emergency plumber in Toronto! Sewer pipes are usually made out of clay or concrete.

Clay pipes are older, but they are still used today because they are less expensive. They tend to be broken easier because they are brittle and very hard to patch up once damaged. Concrete pipes are stronger and last longer, but they cost more money upfront as well as during maintenance costs later on down the line. Both types will eventually need some kind of repair at some point in their life span so make sure that you know what type of pipes your home uses before making an emergency phone call to a plumber!

Toilet & Bathroom is Dirty:

A dirty bathroom is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which causes the unpleasant odor. In order to combat this, clean your toilet with some bleach and water every week. To make sure that you're getting all of the dirt off of your floor, wipe it down with a wet rag as well. This will remove any residue from shoes or other objects that are tracked in from outside.

If there's an unpleasant odor coming from your bathroom sink, then you might have too much soap buildup on the drain cover. Using vinegar or baking soda can help alleviate this problem by breaking up the grime so it can be washed away more easily. Check under your sink to see if anything has spilled onto the ground and use a wet cloth to get rid of any dust bunnies.

Lastly, while we're talking about sinks, if they have standing water on them then they might also be contributing to odors! Make sure that they dry after each use by placing towels underneath them before turning them on.

Pipes Are Leaking:

If your bathroom smells bad, it could be due to leaking pipes. Pipes can leak for a variety of reasons, but in order to fix the problem you'll need to identify where and what is leaking. If the leak is coming from your faucet or shower head, turn off the water valve that controls those sources and see if the smell goes away.

If not, you'll need a plumbing Toronto expert who specializes in pipe leaks and installations. If you notice that the smell persists after turning off the water at the source, then there may be something amiss with other fixtures like your toilet tank. The liquid inside the tank might have become stagnant and started to decay, which will cause an awful stench. Talk to a professional for assistance.

Buildup of Biofilm:

Biofilm is something that forms on the insides of drain pipes. It's made up of bacteria and other organic material that is not washed away by regular cleaning. Over time, this buildup will cause your bathroom to smell bad because it will produce malodorous gases. You will have to use products that are specifically meant to clear out germs and bacteria. It is ideal to hire a plumbing service that specializes in drain cleaning and drain repair Toronto.

Bathrooms are some of the most humid and warm spaces in your home, which makes them the perfect spot for bacteria and mold to flourish. When you’re not taking care of your bathroom, you can unknowingly cause it to smell bad—and no one wants to use a smelly bathroom! Frequently inspecting your bathroom for plumbing issues and making necessary renovations should keep it fresh and hygienic at all times. Talk to a professional plumber specialized in toilet repair in Toronto if you have questions.

Five Plumbing Upgrades That Can Help Increase Your Home’s Value

Adding plumbing upgrades can completely change the look and feel of your bathroom while adding value to your home and increasing its comfort level. No matter what kind of bathroom you want, from modern and minimalistic to elegant and traditional, plenty of plumbing upgrades can help you make a statement without taking too much effort or being too expensive to install or maintain.

Here are five plumbing Wahroonga upgrades that can help you make a statement in your bathroom!

1.      Replace Your Old Toilet

If you've been looking for a way to make your toilet stand out in the crowd and have more of an impact on the overall look of your bathroom, one thing you can do is replace your old toilet. The newest toilets come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so it's easy to find one that fits in with the design aesthetic of your bathroom. Plus, these new toilets are designed to offer all sorts of extra features, such as water-saving operation, dual flush action, or even heated seats.

2.      Upgrade to Water Efficient Fixtures

Invest in water-efficient fixtures. You can reduce your water usage by up to 40% simply by installing a high-efficiency toilet and showerhead, which will also help you save money on your water bill. It's worth the investment if you plan to live in your home for years.

A new aerator could be installed on your sink faucet or the spigot outside that lets out water from the hose. Installing a new diverter valve might be an option if you want to get more control over how much flow is going out of the faucet or through the spigot at any given time. Get help from a plumber in Wahroonga to make water-efficient bathroom upgrades.

3.      Build In a Shower in Your Bathroom

If you want to make a statement and showcase your bathroom in the best possible light, adding a shower to your bathroom is one of the most effective ways. Making sure to include plenty of storage and even an extra sink can help create an inviting space that will be perfect for entertaining.

4.      Tankless Water Heater

The tankless water heater uses two main technologies to heat the water. One is an electric element and the other is gas (natural gas, propane). The electric element heats up the water and sends it through a pipe in the wall of your house. The gas burner heats up the water and sends it through a pipe outside your house.

Both tankless systems will save you money over time because you are using less energy than traditional systems that rely on keeping a large amount of hot water heated all day long.

5.      Update Your Sink Faucet to Touchless Technology

Touchless technology has been around for a while, but it's still as popular and useful as ever. If you're looking for an upgrade that can make your home more modern, this is a great way to do it. Touchless faucets let you clean your hands without having to touch anything because all you have to do is wave your hand over the faucet and you'll be able to turn the water on or off, depending on which setting you select.

You can also use the motion-sensor faucet to keep your hands dry if you don't want to get wet from washing them after doing some dirty work outside like mowing the lawn or gardening.

Contact a Plumber in Wahroonga to Upgrade Your Home's Plumbing System

If you're looking for ways to make your home stand out and add value or have an old or outdated plumbing system that needs replacing, a plumber can help make any of these upgrades happen for you and fix any plumbing issue, including blocked drain Wahroonga.