Spring is finally here and that means it’s time to perform routine residential maintenance to ensure that your home is operating at an optimal rate. The first thing you should check is your home’s plumbing system to make sure that it’s up to par with local building code regulations and check for potential winter-related damages. Seasonal temperature changes and elements can wreak a lot of havoc on residential plumbing systems.
There’s no time like the present to hire a Hamilton plumber to perform the following routine spring plumbing maintenance and repairs for your home.
Plumbing fixtures, particularly outdoor pipes, that are directly exposed to winter elements can sustain serious damages. Freeze-thaw cycles cause water inside the pipes to expand as it freezes, which places a lot of strain on the pipes and causes cracking. Metal pipes are also prone to corrosion. Leaks caused by these damages can significantly increase your water consumption and monthly bills. Hire a residential plumbing contractor in Hamilton to check your pipes every spring to identify potential problems as soon as possible and repair them before they get worse.
Drains throughout your home including laundry machines, sinks, showers, and bathtubs can all get clogged with dirt, debris, and hair if they’re not cleaned regularly. Clogs prevent the drains from working properly, which leads to water backlog and appliance degradation due to residual particulates. Spring cleaning is the perfect time of year to check and clean out the drains in your home to prevent clogging.
How old is your water heater? When was the last time you flushed it out? Mounted water heaters have an average lifecycle of about 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. If the time has come to replace your water heater, consider tankless water heater installation in Hamilton to increase energy and space efficiency in your home.
Exercising your all of the water valves throughout your home by opening and shutting them in early spring tests their functionality. Replace broken or missing valves immediately to prevent further damages and expenses.
Dripping indoor and outdoor faucets are a guaranteed sign of internal piping leaks. If you turn off a faucet all the way and it’s still leaking water, hire professional plumbing services in Hamilton to perform an extensive inspection of your home’s piping system.
Food colouring can help you determine if you have internal toilet leaks caused by pipe damage. If the water in the bowl changes colour, then this means that further inspection is warranted. Clear water indicates that no further action is required and your toilets are functioning normally.
Heaps of melted snow surrounding your house is a major flood hazard. As the water seeps through the foundation of your home, it can cause serious damages and weaken the structural integrity, not to mention destroy the various building materials. Make sure you have adequate flood protection measures and materials in place every spring to prevent costly damages.
Whether you need routine residential plumbing maintenance or drainage repairs in Hamilton this spring, MDM Mechanical is happy to be of service. As a family-owned and operated business, we understand how important it is to keep your home in tip-top shape for future generations. Contact us today to learn more or get a quote.
Residential plumbing systems are incredibly complex. The average homeowner most likely has a basic understanding of how their drainage system works without a firm grasp of the specific parts or mechanisms that protect their home from water damage. If you have a home with a basement, then chances are that you’re somewhat familiar with a sump pump. Even if you don’t know exactly what it is or what it does, you at least know that your home has one or that it should. Sump pump tank installation in Hamilton should only be handled by a licensed plumber in your area. Keep reading for everything you need to know about sump pumps.
A sump pump is a mechanical device that’s attached to your home’s underground water drainage system, also known as a sump pit. Water that accumulates inside the sump pit needs to be drained to prevent plumbing issues, water backlog, and flooding. The sump pump, which is typically installed at the lowest level of your home—the basement—pumps out the excess water and redirects it toward your local sewage system outside.
There are two main types of sump pumps that are used by residential plumbing contractors in Hamilton and other parts of Ontario.
Pedestal sump pumps are the most common type because they’re easy to install and maintain. They’re installed on the floor in a crawlspace or corner of your home’s basement. That way, you can easily access the sump pump as needed to inspect it for clogs or damages and perform routine maintenance. Pedestal sump pumps are also more cost-effective due to the fast and easy installation and maintenance.
Submersible sump pumps are the opposite. They’re installed underwater inside of the sump pit located under the foundation of your home. Because they’re submerged in water in the sump pit, submersible sump pumps are a little trickier to access if there’s a problem. Because submersible sump pump installation and replacement in Hamilton is a lot more complex and labour intensive, it’s also more expensive. On the plus side, submerging the sump pump underwater under your home’s foundation results in significant operational noise reduction, which is ideal if you use your basement frequently.
While sump pumps don’t prevent high water levels from infiltrating your basement, they can stop long-term flooding from occurring by using centrifugal force to drain excess water out. As a result, there are a lot of benefits to installing a sump pump in your home if you have a basement.
If the foundation of your home rests on a concrete or cement slab without a basement and you live in a fairly dry climate with minimal annual precipitation, then you most likely don’t need to install a sump pump for your home.
Upfront sump pump installation and replacement costs can be a little pricey. And with the high cost of living these days, it’s perfectly understandable if some homeowners aren’t prepared to invest in a sump pump at the moment. Unfortunately, certain external climate conditions combined with an uneven foundation can leave your home susceptible to abundant water accumulation and damage as a result. Here are a few signs that you need a sump pump installation for your home in Hamilton.
If you’ve experienced flooding in your basement before, then there’s a good chance that it’s likely to happen again. Underground wet conditions are fairly common in various parts of Ontario and this can increase the risk of minor or severe flooding. High water levels can infiltrate your home’s foundation through cracks and porous concrete, which leads to potentially extensive damages. Installing a sump pump can help reduce the majority of the damage by quickly draining water out of your home.
Homes that are built on flat or low-lying land are more prone to damages caused by pooling or standing underground water, especially if they don’t have a sump pump. If you’re planning on purchasing a home, inquire about the terrain on which it’s built. Flat terrains absorb moisture because there’s nowhere for the water to go. But if you have a sump pump, then the external pump will at least draw excess moisture out of the property and redirect it towards a sewage system even if there isn’t a slope.
Climate conditions and annual precipitation levels are another important factor to consider. Ontario winters can be long and grueling, followed by heavy rainy seasons in the spring. The melted snow and rainwater can quickly accumulate and flood your basement, causing extensive damages. Longstanding water leads to mould and mildew development and it also erodes building materials like concrete and various types of flooring. Sump pumps quickly drain excess water from your sump pit so that it doesn’t have a chance to accumulate and flood your basement.
Sump pumps have an average lifespan of about 10 to 15 years before they start to break down and need to be replaced. That lifespan can be even shorter if you live in an area with heavy annual precipitation levels. As your sump pump ages, its efficiency and ability to pump out water depreciates. At this point, you might want to consider replacing it for a newer model.
If you’re looking for professional sewage sump pump replacement or installation in Hamilton, then you’ve come to the right place. As one of the leading residential plumbing contractors in Hamilton, MDM Mechanical has the expertise to quickly resolve any sump pump issues you may have. Book a consultation today!
Commercial plumbing systems get a lot of regular use from customers and employees alike. That means they require routine maintenance checks, repairs, and perhaps even replacements or renovations to stay in tiptop working conditions. As a commercial property owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your plumbing is functioning optimally. Some buildings have superintendents or onsite maintenance workers that monitor and fix minor plumbing and structural issues. But if you can’t remember the last time your building’s plumbing system was properly inspected and it’s starting to show its age, then consider hiring a commercial plumber in Burlington.
Here are a few common telltale signs that it may be time to get your commercial plumbing system checked out by a professional renovation plumber in Burlington.
Water stains in bathrooms, kitchens, and even common areas indicate that your internal commercial plumbing system may be in disrepair. This is usually a sign that your pipes are cracked and leaking. If the water stains are a dark yellow or brownish colour, that means the damage has been present for a long time and needs to be addressed immediately. Severe water damage can lead to structural issues, so you should call a renovation plumber in Burlington to get it fixed.
Public bathrooms get a lot of usage and can sometimes have permanent disgusting odours as a result. But if you keep your commercial or customer bathroom clean and still notice foul odours coming directly out of the plumbing fixtures (e.g., sinks and toilets), then this indicates that there’s a more serious issue at play.
Nasty odours coming from your bathroom can spread to other areas of your business if they’re not taken care of quickly and this can deter customers from coming in. An experienced commercial plumber in Burlington can inspect your plumbing system, diagnose, and repair the issue.
Toilets and sinks in public places are used a lot more frequently by a number of different people than residential plumbing fixtures. For that reason, public plumbing fixtures, despite having industrial mechanisms, are more prone to blockages and leaks. Leaky plumbing fixtures indicate that there may be a blockage in the pipes. Usually, this is because people have disregard for public restrooms and tend to flush items such as paper towels, diapers, etc. That should be thrown in the garbage instead.
Industrial and commercial toilets are usually able to handle high velocities of liquids. If you notice that the water pressure in your commercial plumbing fixtures is extremely weak, then this could mean that the pipes are blocked. Water has a harder time moving through piping systems when there’s something blocking the way and this slows down its stream significantly. Low water pressure indicates that your pipes may need to be flushed out or replaced entirely if they’re old.
If you’re looking for “commercial plumbing contractor near me”, then MDM Mechanical is here to help. With many years of experience in the residential and commercial plumbing industry, we can quickly inspect and diagnose the problem at hand and come up with a palpable and affordable solution. Contact us today to learn more.
In an effort to save a little bit of money, many of us like to think that we’re capable of performing various handyman tasks and repairs around the house or our place of business. But the reality is that you should almost always hire professional plumbing contractors for residential and commercial water pipe repairs. DIY plumbing repairs can easily land you in more hot water than can possibly imagine. Here are a few important reasons why you should hire an experienced residential and commercial plumber in Ancaster instead of doing the job yourself.
Plumbers have a certain set of skills and knowledge that give them the capability to perform certain jobs. This is a highly skilled trade that requires extensive expertise and the right tools to identify, diagnose, and repair various types of plumbing issues that can occur. Everything from a burst pipe to flooding and water damage needs to be handled with the utmost care and precision. Plumbers with many years of experience under their tool belts typically undergo extensive ongoing theoretical and hands-on training to develop the skills they need to perform their jobs well.
Making a valiant effort to repair plumbing issues on your own is certainly a commendable trait and there’s a lot that you can learn on YouTube. But some things like complex water pipe repairs are better left to the professionals. All it takes is the slightest error in judgment, miscalculation, or using the wrong tools for the job and you could end up making the problem a lot worse. Eventually, the repair costs will add up, especially if it results in extended downtime for your business. You’re better off calling a professional residential or commercial plumbing contractor in Ancaster to do the job right the first time.
Professional plumbers have access to expensive advanced tools such as tubing cutters, propane torches, tongue-and-groove pliers, and different types of wrenches. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s not just enough to have access to all of these tools, though. You have to know what they do and how to use them in different contexts. In a nutshell, even being an amateur plumber can end up costing you hundreds to thousands of dollars just from buying the tools alone.
In addition to learning how to use high-tech tools, plumbers also have to have extensive knowledge of local plumbing and building codes. Building code violations can result in seriously hefty fines down the line. Moreover, they can also hurt your property value if you decide to sell in the future. OHSA doesn’t look too kindly on regulatory noncompliance.
Your search for “plumbing contractors near me” ends here. MDM Mechanical specializes in high-quality, performance-enhancing plumbing installations and repairs for properties in Ancaster and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to request a quote.
After a long and cold winter season, the mild temperatures and sunshine that springtime brings with it are a welcome change. Springtime in Ontario is rejuvenating and allows people to get back in touch with nature. It also happens to be one of the toughest seasons in the plumbing industry. Every season presents different types of residential and commercial plumbing challenges. As a longstanding plumbing service in Hamilton, there’s nothing we haven’t seen.
Residual melted water from the previous winter can present a lot of plumbing issues for your property. With the help of a Hamilton plumber, many of these issues can be resolved for a very low cost.
If you notice a lot of puddles, leaky pipes, and low water pressure in and around your property this spring, then you’re not alone. These are some of the most common plumbing issues property owners in Ontario face during the springtime as the temperatures begin to rise. Here we’ve outlined the potential causes and solutions for each of the most common plumbing issues we deal with in the spring.
Water that gets trapped inside your pipes during the winter months goes through a constant freeze-thaw cycle. When it freezes into ice on particularly cold days, it expands and pushes against the interior of your pipes. The pipes contract and the pressure from the ice inside can cause them to crack and burst.
The older the pipes are, the more susceptible they are to bursting in the winter. Outdoor pipes that are directly exposed to winter elements are also more prone to damage. Burst pipes can lead to a series of water damages throughout your property including peeling paint, yellow or brown stains on the walls, and a mouldy or musty odour. If you notice inexplicably low water pressure in the winter or copious amounts of runoff water and puddle formations in the spring, then it’s highly likely you have cracked or broken pipes somewhere on your property.
Solution: Cracked pipes that are leaking water a are a major plumbing issue that needs to be addressed immediately to prevent further water damage. Not only does this excess water consumption increase your water bill, but it can also cause structural damages to your property. The best solution is to replace the old, damaged pipes with new ones. It’s best to hire professional plumbing services in Hamilton to do this for you.
Low water pressure is a common spring plumbing issue that has a number of potential causes, all of which require some form of action.
Solution: First, check that your water valve is completely open. This is a simple solution that could resolve the problem. If the water valve wasn’t the issue, then further inspection is needed. There may be mineral and sediment deposits clogging your pipes at which point you’ll need to call a Hamilton plumber to flush out your piping system for you. Barring that, you may also want to consider investing in a whole-property hard water softener to filter out minerals and sediments from your water supply.
Lastly, ask your neighbours if they’re experiencing low water pressure issues as well. If they are, then this a much larger issue that needs to be handled by your local water supplier.
Typically located in residential basements, a sump pump is a mechanism that’s responsible for collecting water in the sump basin or pit and then draining it through a discharge line. In the springtime, water accumulation is at an all-time high to the point that a poorly constructed or installed sump pump can’t handle the excess liquid. An overabundance of runoff water running through the sump pump can flood the drainage system. That’s why so many homeowners end up with a flooded basement during the first few weeks of spring.
Solution: Always make sure to properly maintain and clean out your sump pump. Avoid trying to fix the issue yourself as this could lead to further damages and even void the warranty. It’s best to call in professional sewage sump pump replacement and installation services in Hamilton to diagnose and fix the problem.
As mentioned, outdoor plumbing systems are far more susceptible to long-term damages because they’re in constant direct contact with environmental elements. Cold temperatures, freezing rain, snow, and ice on the inside and outside of the piping can all lead to cracking.
Damaged or cracked outdoor pipes result in extensive water consumption, which will inevitably increase your water bill during the winter months. In fact, if you notice a sudden increase in your water bill for no apparent reason, then the first thing you should do is check the outdoor pipes for damages.
Solution: Always winterize your outdoor pipes in the fall. Shut off the outdoor water supply and drain any remaining water from your pipes to prevent freezing. Disconnect all of your outdoor hoses and drain the faucets. For extra protection, make sure to install an outdoor faucet cover to keep the water source properly insulated and prevent it from freezing. If it’s too late and the outdoor pipes are already cracked, then turn off the water valve supplying those pipes and contact a plumber for drainage repair in Hamilton.
MDM Mechanical provides expert HVAC and plumbing services in Hamilton and throughout southern Ontario. All of our technicians are fully licensed and receive ongoing theoretical and hands-on training across a variety of residential and commercial trades to ensure expert workmanship and reliable long-lasting repairs. Contact us today to learn more.
Radiant heating is an innovative method of heating commercial, industrial, and residential properties. Typically, radiant heating systems utilize existing walls, ceilings, and flooring to effectively, efficiently, and evenly distribute heat throughout the property in question. The process uses radiation to directly deliver heat from a warm surface throughout the property. Since the heat source is coming directly from structural elements like flooring, ceilings, and walls, the heat is evenly distributed throughout the property without any cold spots.
Although there are different forms and sources of radiant heating, this article will focus solely on radiant floor heating systems.
As the name suggests, radiant floor heating systems are heating systems that generate heat directly from the floor of a residential, commercial, or industrial property. Radiant floor heating systems are a major asset to any property because they deliver a consistent heat source through your existing flooring without having to install additional baseboard heaters or air ducts. They’re quiet and because they’re installed underneath your existing flooring, the heat rises upward to provide consistent warmth throughout your property.
Hot air replaces cool air as it rises. With a radiant heating system, you can maximize your temperature and comfort levels during the colder months of the year without increasing your energy bills. And you don’t have to worry about the installation and operational processes disrupting dust or other allergens within your flooring structure because radiant floor heating systems completely remove air drafts, which maximizes air quality, breathability, and comfort levels in your property.
However, there are some structural alterations that are involved in the installation process if your property doesn’t already support radiant floor heating systems.
Energy sources for your radiant floor heating systems can vary. There are several different types of radiant energy sources that you can purchase including air-heated, electric, and hydronic radiant floor heating systems (more on these later). The type of radiant floor heating system you choose will depend on the type of energy source you already have or are planning to install. Radiant floor heating systems can be compatible with boilers, heat pumps, or solar connectors.
Fuel-burning boilers come in a variety of configurations including biomass, natural gas, propane, or oil. Electric boiler systems are also an option, but they may be a little more expensive to install and operate consistently.
If the high operational costs of electric boilers and the fuel burning method of gas boilers are off-putting to you, then the next best cost-effective solution are heat pumps. Heat pumps also run on electricity, but they’re significantly more energy-efficient and therefore cost less to operate on a regular basis.
Lastly, there are solar collectors, which are compatible with hydronic radiant floor heating systems only. Solar collectors heat water using solar energy. If the available solar radiation supply is insufficient to meet your heating needs, then they can be used in conjunction with a heat pump or boiler system to make up the difference.
There are three different types of radiant floor heating systems. Before purchasing and installing a radiant floor heating system, it’s important to do your research and understand what type of energy source is most suitable for your needs.
Electric radiant floor heating systems rely on electricity sources such as electric boilers. They’re most suitable for properties that run on time-of-use electricity rates. Floors that have a high thermal mass (the capacity to retain and store large amounts of heat), such as concrete, are most ideal for this configuration as it can be slightly more expensive to run on a consistent basis.
To reduce operational costs, electric radiant floor heating systems can be operated in off-peak hours when electricity costs are generally lower to retain as much heat as possible to be used during peak hours.
Electric radiant floor heating systems require the installation of plastic conductive mats or heating cables as they depend on resistance heating, so it’s important to budget for potentially higher operational costs compared to other types of radiant floor heating systems.
As the name suggests, air-heated radiant floor heating systems require ducts inside the flooring system to provide hot air and distribute it throughout the property. Air-heated radiant floor heating systems are therefore not a viable option for residential apartment buildings.
Hydronic radiant floor heating systems use hot water to heat your flooring. For that reason, it’s the most cost-effective and commonly used radiant floor heating system on the market. It’s used for properties that rely on a thermostat system to heat each room.
Hydronic radiant floor heating systems are compatible with boiler systems that heat and pump water through hydronic pipes. This way, the hot water is evenly distributed throughout the property to provide consistent heating in each location.
Adding to the cost savings of hydronic radiant floor heating systems, minimal maintenance is required, and operational costs are also on the low end of the spectrum compared to its counterparts.
Several physical components must be installed to make for a fully functional radiant floor heating system, regardless of the configuration. Key components of radiant floor heating systems include:
If you’re thinking of switching to a radiant floor heating system for your residential, commercial, or industrial property, you can trust the heating and cooling experts at MDM Mechanical. We make the purchasing and installation process as seamless as possible, so you can get right to enjoying maximum comfort throughout your property. Contact us today to book a consultation with one of our technicians or to get a quote.
Tankless water heaters are a great investment that can provide an endless supply of hot water for your residential or commercial property right when you need it. That’s why they’re also referred to as on-demand water heaters. In addition to being extremely cost- and energy-efficient, the absence of a tank in which to store hot water also saves you a great deal of space and makes the tankless water heater installation process a lot easier for technicians.
If you’re thinking of taking the plunge and installing a tankless water heater for your property, here is everything you need to know about the maintenance involved.
It’s important to get this question out of the way first. Yes, tankless water heaters require some level of routine maintenance. In fact, it’s safe to assume that all water heaters will require maintenance at some point during their lifespan. Tankless water heater maintenance doesn’t necessarily mean that repairs will need to be made, though.
It just means performing whatever upkeep is necessary to keep your unit running as smoothly as possible for as long as possible. An essential part of maintaining a tankless water heater entails taking the time to clean out its various components by removing dust, dirt, oil, and debris that are not only potential fire hazards, but can also clog up the system and cause it malfunction prematurely.
Scheduling a routine maintenance and inspection with a certified technician every six to 12 months depending on the age, make, model, and manufacturer’s recommendations is crucial to the overall health and longevity of your tankless water heater. It’s the best way to protect your long-term investment and even save you a lot of money in the long run.
Technicians perform routine, but thorough inspections of all components of the unit to make sure that they’re all working properly and at optimal levels to maximize on water and energy conservation efficiency. They have a complete checklist of things to look for during the inspection.
Here are some of the most common issues that can negatively impact the performance of your tankless water heater.
While many of these issues are common amongst all types of water heaters, some of them are specific to tankless water heaters. For instance, overloading the system and gaps in water heating time are some of the biggest complaints consumers have regarding this type of water heater. The others are all easily identifiable and fixable with routine maintenance.
Overloading the system and the gaps in heated water supply have more to do with the capacity and size of the unit itself in comparison to the property for which its providing hot water. To put this into perspective, the distance that the water has to travel to reach the desired or intended destination (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, laundry) in the house makes a big difference. If your tankless water heater is located all the way in the basement and you need it to deliver hot water to your second-floor bathroom immediately after someone else used copious amounts of hot water in a different part of the house, then you may notice a delay in the hot water supply.
Despite the fact that tankless water heaters are supposed to supply hot water on demand, it still takes some time to heat up the water sufficiently based on the command given. Hence, you need to make sure that you’re purchasing the appropriate size tankless water heater to meet the hot water requirements of your household. Depending on the size of the property, you might even benefit from purchasing multiple tankless water heaters to meet your needs. This is still a far more space efficient option than getting a water heater with a storage tank.
On average, most technicians and manufacturers would probably recommend that you clean out your tankless water heater at least once a year to keep it fully functional and prevent breakdowns. While this is sound advice, the frequency with which you clean your tankless water heater depends on the quality of the water in your area and where you live. If you have hard water that can result in a lot of mineral buildup inside the unit, then you should flush it out at least once a year or more frequently depending on usage.
Cleaning the exterior and surrounding areas of the unit is just as important as flushing out the interior. Dust and dirt that have settled around and on top of the unit can easily make their way in and block the heat exchanger or other components. Once a month, sweep or vacuum the surrounding area of the machine and wipe the exterior with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaning agent to remove dust and dirt.
Flushing out your tankless water heater regularly removes all dirt, debris, and minerals that can clog its various components from the inside. Buildup of these various elements reduces the unit’s efficiency, which can drive up your monthly water and energy bills. Plus, it’s a huge fire hazard that can be easily addressed with regular maintenance and cleaning.
On average, you should descale your tankless water heater at least once a year. But the frequency may vary based on the unit make and model, where you live, your water quality, temperature, and usage. White vinegar is a common household item that you can use to descale your tankless water heater, or you can purchase a professional grade descaler from a hardware retailer.
Make MDM Mechanical your go-to professional tankless water heater installation and maintenance experts in Hamilton and surrounding areas. As a family-owned and operated local business, we can help you maximize the performance of your tankless water heater by offering professional maintenance services. Get a quote today!
Eventually, you may need to repair, replace, or install a new gas line for your home or business. When and if that time comes, you need reassurance and peace of mind that the gas technician you’re planning on hiring has all of the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications to perform the job safely and properly. Gas piping installation in Hamilton and other parts of the GTA requires the utmost attention to detail and careful planning. Even the smallest technical error can have devastating results.
For that reason, it’s absolutely imperative to make sure that the gas technician you hire is fully licensed and well-versed in local building codes, regulations, and safety standards.
Gas piping installation and repair can be a very dangerous job. There’s a lot that can go wrong in a very short period of time due to even the slightest miscalculation or error. Hiring a gas technician to work on your property isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. Here are a few important factors you should consider when choosing a gas piping installation service near you.
Any time you hire a professional to do any type of work on your property, you should always look into their qualifications and make sure that they have the proper expertise for the job. Installing gas piping systems in Hamilton requires a great deal of in-depth knowledge and skill to ensure that the job is done safely and correctly.
If you’re planning on hiring a gas technician or any other type of trades worker to perform an installation or repair, you should always inquire about their level of experience. There’s no shame in asking how long they’ve worked in the field because that will give you a good idea of how much hands on experience they have. Also, some HVAC companies may have apprentices who are learning on the job, so it’s always good to know who is performing the gas piping installation in your home.
All gas technicians in Ontario must be certified by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). Prospective gas technicians must complete a series of training requirements and pass the following three technical programs with a minimum grade of 75% or higher for both the written tests and the in-class portions.
Looking for a gas piping specialist in Hamilton? To give our customers complete peace of mind, all of the gas technicians at MDM Mechanical have undergone extensive theoretical and hands-on training to obtain their G1 licenses. Contact us today to learn more.
Homeowners rarely think about the technology and equipment it takes to keep their home running until those components require maintenance, replacement, or repairs. Water heater vents definitely fall under that category of often-neglected or forgotten-about, but necessary, appliances.
Chances are that unless you work in the HVAC, plumbing, or home improvement industry that you probably didn’t know there are different types of water heater vents that are only compatible with specific units that vent the same way.
If you’re due for a new water heater, here’s what you should know about the different types of water heater vents that are on the market.
A direct-vent water heater uses a horizontal pipe that’s connected to the external wall of your home to expel hazardous and combustive gases like carbon monoxide. A separate vent is used to suck in fresh air and maintain a steady airflow throughout your home. Direct-vent water heaters are extremely common in old homes and new builds alike. Boasting excellent versatility, and flexibility, direct-vent water heaters are compatible with virtually any structural design.
Similar to direct-vent water heaters, power-vent water heaters also expel gaseous combustive exhaust through a pipe that runs through the exterior wall of your home. The main difference is that a power-vented water heater uses electrical fans to move the gaseous by-products out of your home and safely release them into the external atmosphere more efficiently. Power-vent water heaters are extremely versatile and easy to install.
Since the piping can be installed horizontally or vertically depending on the structure and layout of your home, power-vent water heaters are fairly common just like their direct-vent counterparts. However, they do come at a slightly higher price tag due to the fact that they require metal venting pipes that can handle exposure to acidic and hot exhaust.
Atmospheric water heater vents are the most common and affordable of all of the types of water heater vents for residential structures mentioned here. This system relies on the natural movement of gases that rise out of the water heater’s combustion chamber. These gases go through a flue that leads them upward and expels them into the air through the roof. The pipe that’s connected to the ventilation system must be long enough to run all the way from the water heater to the roof without interruption.
Atmospheric-vented water heaters are extremely common due to their low upfront installation and operational costs. What they lack in versatility and flexibility, they make up for in efficiency and affordability.
Do you have a broken down or malfunctioning water heater vent system?
MDM Mechanical is a family-owned and operated heating and cooling company that serves Hamilton and surrounding areas. Whether you need standard or tankless water heater installation, repair, or maintenance services in Hamilton, you can count on us to get the job done right the first time. We firmly believe that “there’s no shortcut to quality” and we stand by that statement. Contact us today to book a consultation or request a free quote!
Ontarians are gearing up for sunnier weather and warmer weather usually means more outdoor BBQs and cookouts (even if they are only with immediate members of your household for the time being). Spring and summer are also the ideal seasons for homeowners to renovate their properties. Before getting started on a home or business renovation project, however, it’s important to identify and locate all gas lines throughout your property.
Whether you’re repairing or relocating an existing gas line or installing a new indoor or outdoor gas-powered appliance (e.g., stove or BBQ), hiring an experienced and fully licensed gas piping specialist in the GTA guarantees that the job will be done in compliance with all official local health and safety standards.
Gas piping installation in Hamilton requires a great deal of training, skill, and knowledge. If done incorrectly, the results can be extremely hazardous to your health and your property. If something goes wrong during the installation process or it’s not done according to code, the results could even be fatal.
There are a number of reasons for installing a new gas piping system in Hamilton. Here are a few common reasons for installing a new gas line for your home or business:
Regardless for the reason behind the gas line installation or replacement, it’s highly recommended that you only hire a professional gas line installation specialist in Hamilton to do the job. Working with gas lines can be incredibly dangerous for inexperienced and untrained individuals who don’t know what they’re doing.
Contrary to what you might think, this is not something you can learn to do on the Internet. Rather than put your life and the lives of your neighbours at risk just to save a few bucks upfront, it’s better to hire a professional contractor who knows what they’re doing and has the proper credentials.
Although it’s technically legal in Ontario for property owners to install, relocate, repair, and maintain gas lines themselves, it’s highly ill-advised due to the severe risks involved. In addition to requiring the proper permits from municipal agencies, you will also need to get the work inspected by a licensed gas line specialist or electrician before using it.
Gas line installation, repair, and maintenance comes with a certain level of risk and should only be done by a professional who has the proper training and licensing. In Ontario, this entails becoming TSSA-certified by going through three levels of training (G1, G2, and G3) and achieving a minimum passing grade of 75% or higher.
Here are some of the most common issues that could arise with gas lines if they’re old, poorly installed, damaged, or lack maintenance.
Any one of these issues could lead to potentially dire circumstances. If mishandled, gas piping in poor condition could cause a fire or explosion. Even worse, it could lead to exposure to hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide, which is also known as “the silent killer”. By law, every home in Ontario must have at least one working carbon monoxide detector on every level to alert homeowners of a potential leak or exposure before it’s too late.
There are certain important points that need to be taken into consideration before you can even think about breaking ground. Whether you’re installing a new gas line for an appliance or adding an addition to your existing property, here are some factors to keep in mind throughout the process.
Unless you’ve done a renovation or construction project on your property before, the chances are high that you probably don’t know where all of the existing gas lines are located. For that reason, it’s important to figure out the precise location of all of the existing underground or structural gas lines before starting a new project.
Ontario One Call is a free province-wide service that will come and inspect your property thoroughly to identify the locations of buried infrastructure such as gas lines. They use little red flags as markers to alert property owners of where gas lines are located, so that you know not to dig there.
Existing gas piping systems and new infrastructure should undergo thorough inspection both before and after a project is completed to ensure that they’re safe to use without any potential damages.
Licensed and experienced gas line technicians have the necessary skills and training to identify potential damages or issues with your existing and new gas line. They know what to look for and they can provide the appropriate repair or replacement solutions that fit your needs and budget.
You can stop searching for “gas piping services near me” and “gas piping specialist near me”. MDM Mechanical is a family owned and operated local HVAC and gas piping service in Hamilton and surrounding areas. We’re fully licensed and have years of experiencing working in the industry. We specialize in gas piping system installation, repair, and maintenance. Contact us to get a free quote or book a consultation!
