Having a house in Thornhill is one of the best things because it gives peace of mind and a sense of pride, but when there is old infrastructure or construction issues, it will cause frustration for the homeowner. According to recent reports from the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the average cost for repairing residential water damage is between $25,000 and $45,000 CAD, which is the reason why homeowners must take measures to ensure that their property is in good condition.
Be it an old building with galvanized plumbing and pressure problems or new subdivisions, homeowners will end up paying a lot of money if they neglect these little problems. Choosing to have the plumbing repaired or replaced in Vaughan wisely saves you a lot of money before things get worse. Hiring a plumber in Thornhill is what the homeowner should do for peace of mind. Continue reading for common plumbing issues faced in both old and new buildings.
Common Plumbing Problems in Older Homes
Older neighborhoods have a certain appeal, along with their mature trees, yet the wear and tear from years of use is hard on water pipes and drainage systems. Materials deteriorate over time, causing failures.
Galvanized and Cast Iron Pipes That Are Corroded
A lot of older homes have galvanized steel pipes for water supply and cast iron pipes for drainage. Minerals will accumulate in the steel pipes after many years of use. Rusting corrodes the steel, restricting water flow and resulting in weak showers and discolored water. The cast iron pipes have deposits and cracks on the inside and thus will trap any solid material in the drain, causing clogs. When you see brown water and poor drainage in your home, it is time to call a professional plumber.
Tree Roots That Grow Inside Your Main Sewer Line
Trees are an asset to any property. However, the tree roots keep looking for moisture from below the ground. Clay or cast iron pipes that are old will have some openings at the joints, and the tree roots can get into the pipes through these openings and grow inside the pipes. When roots cause clogs in the sewer pipe, there will be several slow drains, gurgling toilets and bad sewer smells.
Frequent Plumbing Issues in Newer Thornhill Developments
The promise of modern layout and new fixtures comes with the risk of concealed plumbing problems due to hurried construction. Subdivision homes have unique water pressure and connection issues.
Low Water Pressure and Water Hammer
Normal water pressure is about 40 to 60 psi. The low water pressure in a new home is likely caused by a dirty aerator, partially closed valves, or a malfunctioning pressure reducing valve. The banging sounds that are heard when the tap is turned off are water hammer. This occurs when pipes have no adequate support, and the air chamber is empty. If not dealt with, water hammer will cause joint loosening eventually.
Sump Pump Malfunctions and Basement Water
The new houses in Vaughan often get constructed on clay soil that absorbs a lot of water after rains. The sump pump removes all this water from the pit and keeps your foundation dry. Pumps can get stuck, switches can stick, and power failure can occur during storms.
Try testing your pump every spring when you pour a bucket of water into the pit. Get a backwater valve on the main sewer line installed along with the sump pump. It prevents sewage from coming into your basement.
Loose and Inexpensive Parts
Plastic supply lines, toilet fill valves, and inexpensive faucets tend to break quickly. The slow drip of a plumbing problem behind the vanity or in a wall can go unnoticed for weeks or months before it gets noticed. Inspect all sinks every month using a dry paper towel to check on the connections.
PEX Plumbing Problem
The use of cross-linked polyethylene tubing by modern builders is due to its flexibility and resistance to corrosion. The fittings can, however, become loose or develop leaks due to poor crimping or quick installation procedures. Damp walls or floorings close to connections will signal such problems to homeowners.
Plumbing Repair or Replacement? How to Decide
This question costs homeowners the most sleep. Use this simple table as a starting point.
| Situation | Repair Usually Works | Replacement Makes More Sense |
| Leak count | One leak in a healthy line | Leaks keep showing up in different spots |
| Pipe age | Under 30 years | Past its expected life |
| Material | Copper or PEX in good shape | Galvanized steel or polybutylene |
| Water quality | Clear and steady | Brown, metallic, or weak flow |
| Water heater | Under 8 years with a small issue | 10 years or older, or leaking from t |
Warning Signs You Should Call a Plumber Today
There are some issues that don’t afford us that luxury. Here are several scenarios when you should call your emergency plumber right away.
- Water pouring from a burst or split pipe
- Sewage smell or backup in floor drains
- Water stains spreading on a ceiling
- There is no water, and there has been no announcement of a city-wide shutdown.
- A water heater leaking from the tank
Simple Habits That Protect Your Pipes Year Round
These small practices can make a huge difference in terms of savings in Ontario.
- Locate your main shut-off valve now and ensure that all the family members know where it is
- Unhook your garden hoses before the first freeze
- Don’t put grease or baby wipes into the drains
- Drain your hot water tank annually to remove any sediments
- Keep the cabinets open during cold nights so that the heat can get into the pipes
- Arrange for plumbing inspection before you buy or sell a house
Get Professional Plumbing Help in Thornhill Today
It is important to keep your plumbing in tip-top condition regardless of whether you own an old or new property. Finding small damage to your pipes will prevent you from having to deal with high repair costs and severe damage.
For top-quality plumbing services in the area, go to Vaughan, Thornhill Plumbing and Sewer. We provide all types of plumbing solutions, including difficult-to-clear drains and even system upgrades. Contact us at (647) 547-2440 or visit our website to schedule a consultation today.
