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7 QUESTIONS, ONE LOCAL PRO
Leaks, drains and fixtures: 7 plumbing questions
Practical answers from Connexion Plumbing on leaks, Poly-B pipes, slow drains, fixtures, winter prep and getting a clear quote.
IN CONVERSATION WITH
Marc and Tine Fradette
CONNEXION PLUMBING LTD. · KELOWNA
At the end of the day, we live here too — this is our community, not just our service area.
MARC AND TINE FRADETTE
SEVEN QUESTIONS.
A LOCAL’S EXPERIENCE.
A leak, a slow drain or an older set of pipes can leave you wondering what to do next. We asked Marc and Tine at Connexion Plumbing in Kelowna seven everyday plumbing questions, from knowing where the water shutoff is to getting the house ready for winter.
1
What should someone do first when they discover a leak?
CONNEXION PLUMBING
First, determine whether it is a minor leak or an emergency, and whether you need to turn off the water to the house. Knowing where your main water shutoff is located is essential.
2
Do I have to replace my water lines if they are made of Poly-B?
CONNEXION PLUMBING
Poly-B is known to leak and can lead to significant damage to your home. We recommend having it assessed and planning for replacement sooner rather than waiting for a problem. Ask your insurer how replacing Poly-B could affect your coverage, premium or deductible; the outcome depends on your policy.
3
What commonly causes slow drains, and what should people avoid doing?
CONNEXION PLUMBING
In bathtubs, the cause is usually long hair. Sometimes the hair is accessible and can be gently removed with a suitable drain-hair tool. Avoid forcing tools into the drain. In the kitchen, slow draining is usually caused by grease and fats poured down the drain, so keep those out of the sink.
4
What can a homeowner safely handle themselves, and when should they call a plumber?
CONNEXION PLUMBING
Homeowners may be able to deal with minor issues, such as removing accessible hair from a bathtub drain, fixing a loose faucet or addressing a slow drainage leak in an accessible location, if they know how to do the work safely. For anything more complex, the risk of doing the wrong thing is too high. If you are unsure, call a plumber.
5
Can you install a fixture I have already bought, or do I need to buy through you?
CONNEXION PLUMBING
We can work with either. However, we only offer a warranty on fixtures that you get through us. If you decide to use your own fixture, you will need to deal with any fixture warranty issues yourself if there are problems later on.
6
How can homeowners prepare their plumbing for winter?
CONNEXION PLUMBING
Make sure your irrigation is turned off and has been blown out. Check that you have modern frost-free hose bibs, shut them off where possible, and disconnect the hoses. It is also helpful to visually inspect your water heater: you do not want it breaking down in the middle of winter. A water heater older than ten years may need replacing, and signs of rust or calcium deposits are worth having checked.
7
What information or photos help you provide an accurate estimate?
CONNEXION PLUMBING
It is often hard to assess the situation solely from pictures. For that reason, we offer free home visits to prepare quotes. Seeing the job in person allows us to prepare an accurate quote, with the work and costs explained before we begin.
A LOCAL PLUMBER YOU CAN REACH
Have a leak, a fixture to install or a plumbing job you want to understand before getting started? Find Connexion Plumbing on bibidi, or explore their website to learn more about Marc and Tine’s work.