Plumbing & Water Education

Close-up of icicles hanging from a metal gutter under a roof edge

How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing

Key Takeaways Why Preventing Pipes from Freezing is Essential When temperatures plunge, one of the biggest threats to your home is frozen pipes. What starts as ice inside a pipe can quickly turn into a major disaster — blocking your water supply, cracking pipes​​ and releasing gallons of water that ​can ​cause extensive damage once…

Woman looking at pipes under bathroom sink

Clogged Drains: Symptoms and Solutions 

Key Takeaways Typical reasons drains get clogged and how to troubleshoot 1. Clogged drainpipes Causes: Over time, soap scum mixes with hair, skin flakes and mineral deposits to create a sticky film on the pipe walls. That buildup gradually narrows the opening, slows drainage and eventually catches larger debris until water backs up.  Troubleshooting:  Remove…

Man in resturant kitchen washing a large sheet pan

How to Test for Hard Water

Key Takeaways If you’re seeing spots on your dishes when you pull them out of the dishwasher or your soap doesn’t lather properly, there’s a good chance you have hard water in your home. Sometimes, the signs of hard water will be obvious: you’ll see the telltale scaly white build-up in your sinks and appliances.…

Water softener

Do I Need a Water Softener?

Key Takeaways Water hardness is a key characteristic of water quality. While hard water has no serious health effects, soft water is easier on your pipes, appliances, clothes, skin and hair. For these reasons, if the water in your home is naturally hard, you’ll probably want to invest in a water softening solution. What Is…

A frozen copper pipe with water bursting from a leak

What to Do If Your Water Pipes Freeze

Learn the right steps to take if your plumbing pipes are frozen. In the winter months, homeowners face a number of issues. From snow to cold temperatures, the home is affected in a variety of ways. Plumbing systems in the home can be significantly affected by the colder temperatures. Plumbing pipes have a tendency to freeze in very…

A frozen copper pipe with water bursting from a leak

What to Do When Your Pipes Burst

Key Takeaways Every homeowner who lives in a cold climate knows the dread of a burst pipe. The damage, the expense of fixing it and the hassle of dealing with insurance claims are enough to give anyone nightmares. Knowing what to do if your pipes burst can help — but taking proactive steps to prevent…

woman washing hands

Why You Should Treat Your Water with Reverse Osmosis

When you have impurities you want to remove from your home’s water, reverse osmosis is one of the most effective ways to do it. Water treated with reverse osmosis is crystal clear, tastes great, and is ideal for drinking, cooking and cleaning. What Is Reverse Osmosis? Reverse osmosis is a type of water filtration that…

inside toilet

How to Maintain Home Plumbing Systems

Key Takeaways A healthy home starts with healthy plumbing. For Canadian homeowners, that means doing a little routine care to prevent leaks, clogs, frozen pipes and surprise repair bills — especially with our long winters and hard-water areas across the country. The good news is that many essentials are simple and safe to do yourself. While bigger jobs…