The post What’s The Difference Basement Underpinning And Bench-Footing? appeared first on Doctor Rooter.
]]>Two of the most popular techniques professionals use to complete the basement restructuring process are basement underpinning and bench-footing. These techniques are widely debated within the renovation marketplace and within this post, we’ll examine the differences between the two processes and pick out the advantages that each process brings to a renovation project.
Bench-Footing is a Faster Process
The bench-footing process involved in extending a basement space, and is often substantially easier to complete than the basement underpinning process. This also often means that it’s less expensive. Those who are upgrading their new home as part of this process might consider the cost as the most important deciding factor.
Underpinning Can Help Command a Higher Market Value
If you’re about to move properties in the next year, underpinning the basement structure could be considered the optimal approach. This is because underpinning will bring a greater market value for your home.
However, the greater amount of time it takes to complete the process means that underpinning can be expensive for those without the required resources. It’s imperative that you analyze the potential market value of your home after the renovation compared with the cost of having the work completed.
Underpinning Brings You More Basement Space
Unlike the underpinning process, bench-footing your basement space will mean the construction teams don’t place the foundation directly underneath the old foundation.
Bench-footing involves placing a new foundation partly beneath. This leads to more limited space within basements that have been bench-footed. If you’re looking to maximize the available room in your new basement space and to provide guests and potential tenants a more luxury appeal to their area, you might consider under-pinning your basement.
Combination of both Underpinning and Bench-Footing is Becoming Highly Popular
Because of the cost of underpinning basements and the sizing restrictions that occur when the bench-footing process is used, many homeowners are now choosing a combination of both renovation techniques.
This design allows for one half of the basement to be bench-footed in order to save time, and the other half to be under-pinned, providing some extra space within the area. This balance between the two styles could be a suitable option for those unable to make that final choice.
The benefits of renovating basement spaces are clear. But it’s important to talk with local renovation experts about how to take on this complex building process. To learn more, contact our expert team directly!
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]]>The post Smart Tips For Better Home Improvement appeared first on Doctor Rooter.
]]>Within this post, we’ll take a look at smart tips for better home improvement.
Consider Low Flow Shower Heads
You can maximize your home energy efficiency and reduce costs by switching to high-efficiency low-flow shower heads in your home. These systems have been continually reengineered in recent years to provide stronger performance than older models with the same cost benefits. This ensures you can save hundreds of dollars a year while conserving natural resources.
Review Tankless Water Heaters
If you’re considering replacing your water heater as part of the plumbing upgrade process, it might be the ideal time to review the latest tankless water heaters.
Unlike the old systems, which fill a tank with warm water, these systems operate by heating only the amount of water that you need for your bath, shower or wash. You’ll save water in your home and reduce your water heating costs by as much as 40%.
Install Whole House Water Filtration Systems
One important element of retaining a healthy home is providing the property with higher quality, fresher water throughout the year. Many homeowners are discovering the water coming from their taps isn’t quite as healthy as they thought.
To ensure your family is protected against possible water contamination, it’s important to review the benefits of installing a whole house water filtration system. These systems work to significant reduce elements such as sediments and chlorine in your drinking water, and can protect you against dangerous bacteria in the drinking water.
Insulate Plumbing Pipes to Prevent Leaks and Freezing
In Ontario, some homeowners have found that our winter temperatures can lead to significant plumbing issues such as freezing pipes. To protect against this common problem, you should consider insulating the pipes and creating a protective line around the pipe area. This works to reduce the number of leaks within your home due to frozen pipes cracking and bursting over time.
By committing to smarter home improvement, homeowners across the country are now saving thousands of dollars per year while conserving resources. To learn more, contact our specialists today.
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]]>The post Latest Trends In Water Filtration Systems appeared first on Doctor Rooter.
]]>In this post, we’ll provide a quick guide to several of the newest trends in water filtration.
“Smart” Water Filtration
Connected devices now permeate almost every area of the average Canadian home, so it’s of little surprise that water filters are now being designed for integration within the home’s internet network.
The latest “smart” water filtration systems are being designed to notify users via a smart phone app when it’s time to change the tank and when the water in the system is not the optimal temperature.
These applications are also designed so that users can set reminders for them to drink more water. And such smart devices are also now being linked to smart electricity meters within the home to turn off the cooling functionality when nobody is home, thereby saving electricity over time.
Intuitive-to-Use Systems
While just a few short years ago, water filtration products were complex systems that required comprehensive understanding to use effectively, now the latest filtration technology is being designed for ease-of-use.
The latest systems are designed so that you know the water is being filtered effectively. Some of the leading systems use light pulses to show when filtration is taking place. This ensures that there is never a long period of time where you’re left unprotected by your filtration product.
In addition, some systems feature touch-sensitive components that allow the user to simply swipe to begin dispensing water. It’s an example of how manufacturers are now are now using our everyday devices as a framework for making household items more intuitive.
Sleek Industrial Design
A great number of water filtration systems manufacturers are now using industrial design concepts to craft their filtration technology. This means the newer systems are smaller and more portable, thereby limiting the amount of space they utilize within the home. In addition, systems are being designed to offer various coloured lighting options to assure the optimal design within a broad array of home environments.
Convenience, performance and efficiency are the three critical concepts used by today’s water filtration systems designers. To find a product that is suited to your home environment, speak with our trusted team directly!
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]]>The post Advantages Of Creating A Walkout Basement appeared first on Doctor Rooter.
]]>If you’re looking to take on a renovation project this summertime, a walkout basement addition could be the ideal way to transform your living space. Within this post, our team will review the three leading benefits of creating a walkout basement in your home.
With millions of Canadians now telecommuting or operating their own business at home, many require a separate business space in their residence. The walkout basement is the ideal way to create an office environment within your home property, without disturbing your personal life.
You can invite clients in to your home through the specified door, which means you don’t have to worry about the condition of your family home when bringing clients over. It’s the leading technique to create a separation between your business and your personal life while keeping your business on-track for the coming years.
If you have family and friends living across the country, or around the world, you might invite them to your home to spend a few weeks living with you. To ensure they have their privacy while they enjoy their time in Canada, you might want to create a separate walkout basement space as a guest suite.
This suite can then be furnished with appliances and furniture to give it the feel of a family home. This is how many people are now helping their guests to save thousands of dollars on hotel and bed and breakfast accommodations, and when your guests leave, you’ll now have a separate home environment to enjoy your own private comfort during those days when solitude is required.
Elderly family members might be unable to live on their own within their own house, but you might still be able to provide them with their own private space to use as they wish. By creating a walkout basement for family members, they then know that you’re close-by if they require any assistance, but they have a sense of control that other living arrangements don’t provide.
Don’t have your basement be under-utilized! There are many advantages in creating a walkout basement space in your home. To learn more, contact our team directly to discuss your renovation options!
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]]>The post Why You Need to Avoid Toxic Molds appeared first on Doctor Rooter.
]]>This mold infestation can not only impact the structural integrity of the property, but potentially cause significant health problems for those living within the home. It’s important to understand the challenges that mold can bring to your home and how to recover from these potential issues. Within this article, we’ll examine the common problem of toxic mold in the home.
Mold is Linked to Several Health Issues
Mold has been a well-researched and studied substance across the health community, and we’re still finding new information linking mold to various health conditions. We currently know that mold in your home can have a severe impact on those that suffer from allergies.
Both growing mold and the presence of mold spores within your home have been linked with the following health issues:
We also know that some individuals can be prone to severe reactions to mold exposure. These reactions might include a fever or breathing difficulty. Those with lung issues may also develop lung infections as a result of mold spores within their living environment, making it all the more clear that you must be proactive in both checking for mold within your home and resolving the problem alongside professionals.
Professional Mold Removal Services Help Protect Family Members
While homeowners might often begin the mold removal process by examining their own home to look for the signs of a potential infestation, it’s important to seek experts as quickly as possible. Signs of mold within your home might include:
You might not notice a mold problem without professional assistance, but identifying a problem early can made the difference between solving a problem easily and having to do expensive and extensive repairs.
It’s essential to find a company who have both the experience and the equipment to analyze trouble spots within properties and can quickly identify when your home has a mold infestation. For example, our team utilizes the latest equipment during our mold removal service work. We can help protect your home from mold infestations and ensure that the mold spores are not spread around the home further while we complete our removal work. Booking a removal service as soon as possible can help prevent many mold-related health issues.
Our team is available now to answer your mold-related questions. To learn more on the mold removal process, contact our offices directly!
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]]>The post Plumbing Checks To Do Before Buying Your New Home appeared first on Doctor Rooter.
]]>Analyze System Fittings
The fittings on your home’s plumbing can provide a strong indication on the quality of the workmanship used in the system. Investigate the quality of fittings in bathroom, laundry and kitchen areas to determine whether they’re produced by trusted industry brands. If you haven’t heard of the fitting’s brand, review the company online and ensure they conform to the highest Canadian market standards.
Review Paint Work Closely
In addition to the signs of poor quality paint work, such as chipping and peeling, you might also notice water staining if you look closely at the walls. Any signs of water stains should be immediately brought to the attention of a local plumbing expert for further examination. This could be a sign of an impending water intrusion problem that could cost you thousands of dollars in addition to the home purchase price!
Run the Water to Analyze Drainage
The simple process of running water in the new home could provide important information on the plumbing system. You might find that the water takes time to drain from the sink. Or you may find that the water colour is not clear. Both of these signs indicate a significant plumbing issue that must be analyzed by a local specialist. You might also consider flushing the toilet system to check for water flow in the bathroom. The goal is to avoid plumbing repairs that might cost you as much as $30,000 after completing the purchase.
Check the Drainage Diagram
Your potential new home’s drainage diagram will tell you the age of the pipes and the infrastructure underneath the property. It will tell you whether the infrastructure was updated along with a recent bathroom or kitchen renovation and will also provide information on whether bathroom upgrades have been approved by local officials.
Careful buyers can reduce their home costs by thousands of dollars through a series of simple plumbing checks. To learn more on the plumbing analysis to complete before buying your next property, contact our trusted specialists today.
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]]>The post What to Know About Basement Waterproofing appeared first on Doctor Rooter.
]]>Begin with Finding the Source of Leak
The initial question to answer when investigating a leak in your basement spaces is “Where is the water coming from?” Make sure that all of your home’s gutters and downspouts are functioning and ensure your drainage system is working effectively to move the water away from the home. Once you’ve determined the source of the intrusion, you can then block further water from entering the basement areas while you begin the cleanup and waterproofing process.
Contact a Local Waterproofing Specialist
While the leak in your property might not have caused significant damage to-date, it’s important to gain a specialist’s opinion on the problem as soon as possible. As you begin the cleanup process, contact a company like Doctor Rooter to find out how their inspection and water damage repair process works. Comparing the services of the multiple companies will help you to determine the range of pricing within the industry and help you to find an affordable service provider.
Analyze Waterproofing Services and Products
Before you decide on the ideal firm for your basement cleanup and waterproofing requirements, it’s helpful to understand the type of services they will complete to protect your home. Potential waterproofing services might include:
If we find a substantial crack in your basement foundation is causing water intrusion, they may offer foundation crack injections. This involves injecting an epoxy or polyurethane material into the cracked areas to prevent further water from entering the basement.
The use of quality sealant on piping and other types of home infrastructure can prevent these areas from becoming home water entry points. These are known as interior sealants and are often used to mitigate flooding rather than resolve a current water intrusion issue. Exterior sealants are utilized to keep water from entering foundation wall areas. These products require the addition of exterior drainage areas.
Experts will also seal the walls with a specially-designed membrane during exterior sealing work.
By contacting waterproofing experts at the earliest possible sign of a water intrusion incident, you can achieve waterproofing work that will stand the test of time and help protect your home and family for generations to come. To learn more on the waterproofing process, speak with our expert team today!
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]]>The post What you Need to Know About Drainage Diagrams appeared first on Doctor Rooter.
]]>Now that you know what drainage diagrams are, this post will outline what you need to know and why you need to check drainage diagrams before renovating your current property or buying a new home.
Investigate Drainage Diagrams before Beginning any Potential Renovation Work
Most homeowners know that drainage systems are critical areas to review before renovating bathrooms and kitchen spaces, but it’s also important to review drainage diagrams before beginning on home features such as new decks or home extensions.
For example, if you’re not careful, you might find that the expertly-designed new deck on your property is built on top of piping that’s over 100 years old. You’ll then need to rip up the deck and repair the piping underneath should you encounter a leak. This could be a costly and time-consuming process that can be prevented by simply checking the home’s drainage diagram ahead of time.
Home Buyers Must Take Time to Review Diagrams
In addition to telling you the location of the home’s drainage systems, a drainage diagram can also indicate the timing of any upgrades to the drainage systems. This is important information for those buying a property, especially if you’re buying the property as an investment. It will be difficult to make a fast profit on a home that features an older drainage system that hasn’t been updated along with the rest of the property.
Where to Find Your Property’s Drainage Diagram
So now that we know the value reviewing a home’s drainage diagram can offer, we now have to locate the diagram. Your city’s local conveyancer should be able to provide you with a recent copy of the property’s drainage diagrams. However, you can also check with your water provider for plumber suppliers who also offer the required diagrams to the general public.
By taking the time to analyze a property’s drainage diagrams and reviewing potential issues before you renovate or purchase a new home, you can save thousands of dollars in upgrades on the property in the long-term. To discuss drainage diagrams with a trusted expert, contact our team directly!
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]]>The post Is your Plumbing Issue a Problem or an Emergency? appeared first on Doctor Rooter.
]]>Other times, however, knowing whether the particular problem is one which can wait until normal working hours or one that demands immediate attention is not so easily determined.
Since there are a lot of plumbers that charge higher rates for after-hours service, especially on weekends and holidays, understanding the difference between an everyday issue and emergency circumstances can indeed lighten the load on your bank account.
Should you call a plumber right now?
To the average Joe, pretty much anything can be considered a plumbing “emergency” per se, but more often than not, you are probably safe to wait until it’s convenient for you to pick up the phone and call. Observe the list below to save a healthy chunk of change and keep yourself from the headache of stressing over something not so serious.
Keep in mind that the below issues are what we do classify as such, and thus not ones you should by any means ignore. Any problem you may be facing outside of this list is likely not a major source of concern, at least at the present moment.
Note this is not referring to a clogged toilet or one where water has backed up into only the bowl. Although a nuisance, the latter is nowhere near as severe as when water relentlessly continues to spill all over your bathroom floor. All it takes is a few minutes for the situation to escalate from 0 to 10 on the damage scale, and when that happens it’s time to contact Doctor Rooter immediately after turning off the water supply valve.
This goes for both water and sewage lines, and can be caused by numerous issues (like excess corrosion, sub-freezing temperatures, and gradual wear). If corrosion is to blame, it can usually be detected early by discolored water running through your plumbing lines. In any event, locate and shut down the main valve, then phone your plumber.
Moisture = mildew and mold growth, two things you never want in your home. Leaks located inside interior walls are treacherous foes that only a licensed plumber should fix.
There you have it, the worst of the worst. The plumbing emergencies no homeowner wants to experience, but ones that affect thousands of properties each year. Get in touch with one of our expert plumbers today if you think yours is a victim!
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]]>The post How to Fix an Overflowing Toilet? appeared first on Doctor Rooter.
]]>Which approach do you think is better? Fortunately, you do not need to be a master level plumber to reverse the damage, or at the very least, hold down the fort until a Doctor Rooter representative does arrive!
In almost all cases, the cause of an overflowing toilet is attributed to a blockage. At what location and how severe this may be in the line is something an expert plumber is trained to figure out. The more extensive the clog, the slower the wastewater will drain, that is until one day it stops moving completely. This is when you bathroom is in big trouble!
Bracing your bathroom for toilet trouble
This will cease the flow of water coming into the tank, and is thus a necessary preventative measure. The last thing you need is to deal with is more water, so be sure to do this before anything else. The valve is usually near the base of tank’s rear side.
This will keep the tank from drawing in any more water, and if this is still not enough to cease the flow, find the main supply line in your home and deactivate it as well.
When using the plunger, remember to make slow, controlled movements. Few clogs are ever remedied with quick thrusts, but big messes are certainly caused by such!
Plunging alone is not always enough to clear a clog; for extensive blockages, you need the help of an auger. Plastic, store bought models can get rid of a fair amount of debris, but are nothing compared to the commercial-grade types used by professional plumbers.
If after all of this your toilet still refuses to flush, contact the expert plumbing crew at Doctor Rooter. We have unclogged thousands of residential and commercial toilets!
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