"My priority is to offer exceptional customer service and superior quality workmanship, every time, to every customer. I am direct, honest, and will deliver the best solution to your plumbing and heating issues at a competitive rate."
~ Justin Jacob, owner
1-250-581-0065
Practical plumbing tips and tricks you should know
HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY WATER HEATER?
At least once a year flush out the sediments. You should also test the pressure relief valve regularly and replace it if it fails to operate. Some people choose to do this themselves, while others prefer to call a professional. And although some water heater repairs and maintenance are simple, if you aren’t comfortable working with gas or electricity, always call a professional. If a tank has a functioning anode, it should not rust. Therefore, you should have the anode checked by a plumber you trust about once every two years.
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDATION FOR REPLACING A TOILET IN MY HOME?
If cracks or flaws are present in the tank or bowl, this can impede the operation of the fixture. Poor mounting and deteriorating rings and seals can negatively affect the operation as well. When considering any new fixture for your home, I recommend you choose one made by a major manufacturer. New toilets conform to new government standards that require they use no more than 6 litres (1.6 gallons) per flush. The industry standard for high-efficiency toilets is 4.8 litres (1.28 gallons).
WHAT CAUSES MY FAUCET TO DRIP?
Usually when a faucet is dripping the problem has a relatively simple solution: It is likely the internal mechanisms need to be rebuilt or replaced. This is an easy and inexpensive fix. Did you know that you could extend the life of your washers by turning off your faucets gently, as opposed to turning them off like The Hulk (or my mother).
HOW LONG SHOULD A WATER HEATER LAST?
This depends on how well it is maintained, the water quality in your area, proper installation, and amount of use. Based on the manufacturer’s suggested service life, on average, life expectancy of a water heater is about eight to 12 years. You’re better off buying a quality water heater, as it works 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. Considering the average family has a forty-gallon water tank and uses quite a bit of hot water, it’s worth it to get the better hot water tank and have Just In Time Plumbing and Heating professionally install it. Also, check with your insurance company’s policy on water heater lifespan to make sure you are covered if anything goes wrong. Unfortunately, some homeowners I’ve worked with have not been covered by their insurance company for damages caused by their water heater because their policy states a specific timeline in which the water heater must be replaced.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY WATER HEATER IS LEAKING?
Call me right away. Leaking water heaters usually indicate the bottom of the tank has rusted. There are really no good repairs for this problem. You most likely need a new water heater.
IS IT A BIG DEAL IF MY TOILET IS RUNNING?
This is not only irritating, but also a waste of water and energy. If the toilet continues to run into the bowl after the toilet is flushed, some part of the mechanism is out of order and needs to be replaced. This is most likely an easy and fairly inexpensive fix. If you leave it, the problem could gradually get worse.
WHY DOES MY DRAIN GET CLOGGED?
Usually drains are clogged because people are not careful of what they put in them, especially in the kitchen. Many people are surprised to learn the drain is not a portal to another dimension! Other drains, like in the bathroom, get clogged because of hair and the oil residue from soaps/shampoos. Be conscious of what you put down your drains and treat them regularly with a drain cleaner such as Bio-Clean, a non-poisonous solution that creates no heat, no fumes, no boiling.
WHAT IS THE WHITE SUBSTANCE AROUND MY SHOWER HEAD AND FAUCET?
These are mineral deposits, a side effect of hard water, which is frequent around Cranbrook and Kimberley. You can remove these deposits by wrapping them with paper towels soaked in vinegar. Leave these vinegar wrappings overnight, and scrub any remaining deposits off in the morning with the toothbrush of your enemy (I kid, I kid!).
If you have any other plumbing-related questions, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at 1-250-581-0065. I’m also pretty knowledgeable about fishing, craft beer and local camping spots and wouldn’t hate chatting about those either.
Happy Plumbing!
– Justin Jacob, owner of Just In Time Plumbing & Heating
It’s not everyone’s dream to specialize in the proper disposal of human waste and feces. Honestly, I can’t say it was always mine. I actually wanted to be a beach volleyball player, but couldn’t shake this deep connection to my plunger.
Joking aside, I really do love what I do. Service work is my specialty — it feels good to be able to help people at a time when things maybe aren’t going their way. And it’s awesome to be a part of someone’s renovation or build, ensuring his/her vision comes to fruition. My personal priority and business philosophy is to offer exceptional customer service and superior quality workmanship, every time, to every customer, at a competitive price.
Working as a professional plumber in the Cranbrook and Kimberley areas, I’ve noticed many customers are asking similar plumbing-related questions. So, here are eight practical plumbing tips and tricks you should know, based on questions I am most frequently asked.