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Septic System Tips

Maintaining a septic system is essential for the proper functioning of your household plumbing and to prevent environmental contamination. Here are some tips for septic system maintenance:

  1. Regular Pumping: Have your septic tank pumped regularly by a professional. The frequency will depend on the size of your tank and the number of occupants in your household. Typically, it’s recommended to pump every 3 to 5 years.
  2. Watch What You Flush: Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Avoid flushing items such as diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or any non-biodegradable materials, as they can clog the system.
  3. Be Mindful of Water Usage: Reduce water usage to prevent overloading the septic system. Fix any leaks promptly, install low-flow fixtures, and spread out laundry and dishwasher loads over time rather than doing them all at once.
  4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid pouring harsh chemicals down drains, as they can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the septic tank needed for proper decomposition. This includes bleach, drain cleaners, and antibacterial soaps.
  5. Use Septic-Safe Products: Use septic-safe cleaning and personal care products labeled as such. These products are designed to be biodegradable and won’t harm the bacteria in the septic tank.
  6. Protect the Weeping Bed (Drainfield): Avoid driving or parking vehicles on the weeping bed, as this can compact the soil and damage the pipes. Plant grass or shallow-rooted vegetation over the weeping bed to prevent soil erosion and absorb excess moisture.
  7. Maintain Proper Drainage: Make sure gutters and downspouts are directed away from the weeping bed to prevent excess water from saturating the soil.
  8. Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections of your septic system by a qualified professional. They can check for signs of damage, leaks, or other issues that may require attention.
  9. Be Careful with Landscaping: Avoid planting trees or shrubs with aggressive root systems near the septic system, as their roots can infiltrate and damage the pipes and tank.
  10. Educate Household Members: Make sure everyone in your household understands the importance of proper septic system care and knows what can and cannot be flushed or poured down drains.

Following these tips can help extend the lifespan of your septic system, minimize the need for repairs, and protect the environment. If you ever notice any signs of a problem with your septic system, such as foul odors, slow drains, or sewage backups, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for assistance.

5 Common Plumbing Emergencies and How to Handle Them

  1. Burst Pipes:
    • Shut off the main water supply immediately to prevent further flooding.
    • Open faucets to relieve pressure in the pipes.
    • Thaw frozen pipes slowly with a hairdryer or warm towels – or reach out for professional help.
    • Contact a plumber to repair or replace the burst pipe.
  2. Clogged Drains:
    • Try using a plunger or plumbing snake to clear the blockage.
    • Avoid using chemical drain cleaners as they can damage pipes. If you use a chemical cleaner be sure to
    • If the clog persists, contact a plumber to professionally clear the drain.
  3. Leaking Fixtures:
    • Turn off the water supply to the affected fixture or shut off the main water supply if needed.
    • Examine the fixture for any visible damage or loose connections.
    • Tighten any loose fittings or replace damaged parts like washers or seals.
    • If the leak persists, contact a plumber for repair or replacement.
  4. Water Heater Failure:
    • Turn off the power or gas supply to the water heater.
    • Check for any visible signs of leakage or damage.
    • Relight the pilot light if it has gone out (for gas water heaters) IF you feel comfortable.
    • If you can’t resolve the issue, contact a plumber HVAC tech to inspect and repair the water heater.
  5. Sewer Line Backup:
    • Stop using water fixtures immediately to prevent further backups.
    • Avoid flushing toilets or using sinks, showers, or dishwashers.
    • Contact a plumber to inspect the sewer line and clear the blockage professionally.
    • Consider preventative measures such as regular sewer line maintenance to prevent future backups.

Remember, in any plumbing emergency, safety should be the top priority. If you’re unsure how to handle the situation, or if the problem seems beyond your capabilities, don’t hesitate to call a licensed plumber for assistance. Acting quickly can help minimize damage and prevent costly repairs.

We Are The Home Comfort People We Service What We Sell As Well As All Other Makes & Models!

Areas We Service for Plumbing and Heating: 
Wellington County including Wellington North, Mapleton and Minto.
Grey County including Southgate and West Grey.
Mount Forest, Clifford, Harriston, Palmerston, Arthur, Drayton,
Moorefield, Durham, Ayton, Holstein, Neustadt and all areas in between!

Give us a call for your retrofit project, renovation or new home build for a FREE quote!

Click to Call From Your Cell Phone 519-323-2000

Spring Septic Pumping

Our spring septic pumping is well under way – did you know we actually pump all year round!

It helps having a knowledgeable operator who has worked along side our plumbers and heating tech’s for years – he knows the in’s and out’s of your homes in’s and out’s!

Call today to get on our septic pumping list to ensure you are flowing freely all year 😉

We Are Hiring! Plumber & Gas Technician

For General Inquires please email us –>  service@jjmclellan.ca  

JOIN OUR TEAM – WE ARE HIRING!

We provide competitive wages based on experience as well as benefits.

We are a service based company who services what we sell and more!
Please submit your resume at the email address above. Job based out of our shop in Mount Forest, Wellington North.

HELP WANTED – HIRING LICENSED GAS TECHNICIAN
We currently have an opening on our team for a licensed gas technician. Full-time position for HVAC Service and Installations. Experience required. Must have a valid Gas License and Drivers License. Ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in residential service and installations for Furnaces, Fireplaces, Water Heaters (A/C and HRV experience an asset) as well as customer service skills when dealing with customers.

HELP WANTED – HIRING LICENSED PLUMBER
We currently have an opening on our team for a licensed plumber. Full-time position for Plumbing Service and Installs. Experience required. Must have a valid Plumbing License and Drivers License. Ideal candidate will have at least 1 year experience with plumbing repairs on taps, toilets, water heaters, rough in plumbing, water softener, water treatment, waste water drainage, septic systems etc. As well as customer service skills when dealing with customers.

Areas We Service for Plumbing and Heating:
Wellington County including Wellington North, Mapleton and Minto.
Grey County including Southgate and West Grey.
Mount Forest, Clifford, Harriston, Palmerston, Arthur, Drayton,
Moorefield, Durham, Ayton, Holstein, Neustadt and all areas in between!

Welcome Spring – With Snow & Showers

Its been an interesting start to 2023 Spring, however Im sure all would agree this is a “normal” Ontario Spring where we are teased with some gorgeous summer like weather and then are hit with the snow again 😉

As we are eagerly awaiting the return of our spring weather here are some tips and hints to make the most of your own property!

  • Pump your septic – the spring is a great time to get your septic cleaned out so that you are confident you will be flushing great all year long! We pump out BOTH sides of the septic tank – the liquid and solid. Our driver is extremely knowledgeable and can also pick up on any potential issues for you! A royal flush is better than a full house!
  • Clean and Service HVAC System – this is for your Furnace/Boiler, Air Conditioner, Water Heater, HRV etc. They work hard for us and are able to last even longer when cared for with maintenance! Preventative maintenance can also pick up on issues before they get bad – like the furnace quitting in the middle of the winter!
  • Turn on your outside taps – we highly recommend turning the water supply off to your outside taps during the winter to prevent any freezing or possible water damage. The frost free faucets are much better, however its still good to turn off. Also if you possibly forgot this fall, its a good thing to remove your hose before the winter also, they can hold water and potentially cause issues!
  • Keeping in mind, being friendly to nature, “they” say its not good to do yard or garden clean up too soon, the bee’s also appreciate the dandelions as their first feed so if you can stand a bit of yellow, let it mellow for a bit 😉
  • Clean up around outside vents – ensure they are clear from any debris (especially plastic) and any plant material.

The spring is a great time to begin any projects you were thinking of over the winter

Give us a call today at 519-323-2000 or Email us to book your appointment today!

Preparing and Prepping for the Winter

After a brief slow down back in the Spring of 2020, the trades recovered and ramped up quite quickly with so many people spending more time within their homes. Naturally, people began investing within their home space to make improvements but also spending more time at home, our systems have truly been put to the test!

I understand being in the office of our HVAC and Plumbing office, as well as at the time, I myself was in the midst of our own major renovations on our own home! Trust me when I say patience is a virtue! 

With so many trades with full schedules it is now a great time to ensure you, and your loved ones are prepared in your home. Please ensure you check in on your loved ones living on their own too! Especially the seniors in our lives.

  • Check and change smoke detector and co-detector batteries 
  • If you are on a septic – do you know where your septic tank is? Locate the lids and it is recommended to check and pump as needed every 3-5 years – depending on how many people are living in your home.
  • Whether on septic or town sewers – any packaging that states it is “safe to flush” – please ONLY flush toilet paper and human waste. These “flushable wipes” have caused SO many issues including backups so please beware!
  • Change the furnace filter at least 3-4 times a year
  • Locate your furnace shut off Switch. If your power goes out, sometimes the power needs to be reset, this switch can do that. 
  • Ensure you have a back up source of heat. Permanent examples would be a fireplace on each level of your home. The nice thing about a gas fireplace is they will work when the power is out, except for the fan. Another great and very affordable option is little household space heaters that can be plugged in and moved where needed. If you are comfortable with wood, that is also an option too. 
  • Be sure you know where your main water shut off is located in your home. Along with any other plumbing equipment. 
  • Ensure you have a back up supply of water, in case you are without power or your pump stops working. Even if just for 24-48 hours.

If this past year has taught us anything (I can say this personally),  it’s also that our mental health is a key factor in everyone’s lives. As much as we truly would love to help everyone, we must be realistic and ensure we are able to support our loyal customers while also ensuring to avoid burnout! This is a good reminder for all, and not just those of us in the trades!

So, hopefully these tips will help you feel confident if you find yourself with a furnace, water or plumbing issue that you could handle it to a certain extent before your professional can attend in the morning or next business day. 

Spring Cleaning | Septic Systems

With the first official long weekend to truly kick off Spring I know many of us will be doing some spring cleaning of some kind whether its in the house or outside in our yards and garden’s.

When it comes to Spring Cleaning its good to remember your Septic System every 3-5 years to ensure your waste water and sewage continues to flow without issues!

Do you know the last time your septic system was pumped?

Depending on the number of people living in your home, will dictate how often the tank should be pumped. The system is designed to naturally break down solids and then over time will flow out into the weeping bed from the system to properly drain into the ground.

If the tank has not been pumped regularly and the solids level becomes too high this can cause issues in the pipe from your home to the tank and also from the tank out into the weeping bed. What happens is the system cannot properly break down the solids when there is more solids than water. If this happens the solids could then begin to flow out to the bed, however as they are solids this will then cause a blockage and could potentially cause a sewage backup in your basement if not rectified properly and in a timely manner.

The other thing that could potentially cause issues is if you use too much water and the bed becomes saturated. If you are suddenly using a lot of water, the system will not have time to break down as its designed to and much of the water will just flow out to the bed. If its flowing to the bed, this is good, however ideally the best scenario is for the water to go into the first chamber of the tank with the solids, begin the breakdown process, then flow out into the bed.

How do you know if your tank is in need of a cleaning or there is a problem with the weeping bed?

  • If its been over 5 years since the last time you had it pumped.
  • If you are hearing gurgling from your toilets or drains.
  • If you notice wet spots over the weeping bed.
  • If your drains are not draining.

Remember…

  • Its also important to remember to not plant any trees or bushes around the weeping bed as the roots can grow into the system and cause blockages.
  • Do not pour any oils or grease down the drain as they will harden in the tank and will cause blockages.
  • Do not put any feminine products down the septic system. These will not break down and will pose a potential blockage issues.

A Royal Flush Is Better Than A Full House!

Areas We Service for Plumbing and Heating: 
Wellington County including Wellington North, Mapleton and Minto.
Grey County including Southgate and West Grey.
Mount Forest, Clifford, Harriston, Palmerston, Arthur, Drayton,
Moorefield, Durham, Ayton, Holstein, Neustadt and all areas in between!

Give us a call for your new home build or renovation for a FREE quote!

Click to Call From Your Cell Phone 519-323-2000

Spring Specials for your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Cooling System

Is it time to update your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at your home or business? We have the right options for you! We provide sales and service, so if your system has any issues at anytime after we’ve installed it we will be available for you – whether its during the week, in the evening or on the weekend! We service what we sell and more.

Is your system simply in need of a cleaning and servicing? We can help with that too! For any systems which are still covered under the manufacturer warranty they recommend having your system serviced yearly to ensure the warranty is still valid. A clean and service can ensure the system is operating as it should, could possibly pick up on a potential wear and tear issue on the appliance and by having it cleaned to ensure its operating efficiently this will also save you on your energy bills!

Any questions contact Mike at our office to discuss the various options we have available!

Happy World Plumbing Day 2016 | A Royal Flush Is Better Than A Full House

“A Royal Flush Is Better Than A Full House!”

Did you know its World Plumbing Day!?

WPC mission statement is: “To promote the role of plumbing in improving public health and safeguarding the environment, by uniting the World Plumbing Industry, for the benefit of all.”

Join us in saying a great big THANK YOU to everyone (especially our hard working plumbers and technician’s) who work hard everyday to ensure we have clean, safe water and that our sewage continues to flow! It can be a tough and sometimes very tiring job!

As a part of World Plumbing Day and our appreciation for indoor plumbing, clean healthy water and safe sewage systems we must also remember the importance of water conservation in our daily use and taking care of our home and business plumbing systems.

A few things to remember to help conserve our water and plumbing systems!

  • Shut the water off when not in use.
  • Upgrade to a low water consumption use toilet.
  • Install a new shower head.
  • Ensure all plumbing leaks are promptly repaired.
  • Upgrade old water lines to ensure clean, proper and efficient water flow.
  • Only run your dishwasher when it is full.
  • Replace old appliances with new energy star appliances (dishwasher and washing machine).
  • Install a water softener which will clean your clothes better and rinse soap off your body, dishes and clothes easier.
  • If you notice your drains are slow or not draining properly, have this investigated before it causes a back up into your basement.
  • Space out your water usage rather than doing large amounts of laundry in one day (which can flood your septic system) space it out over the evenings of the week and only do a couple loads on the weekends.
  • Use a rain barrel to catch rain water for use in gardens.
  • Ensure you have a proper septic system – septic tank and weeping bed.
  • Know the location of your septic system and weeping bed. When your home was built there would have been a septic plan.
  • Ensure the septic tank lids are always accessible – this is especially important during the winter if you have a back up. There are risers and plastic lids that can be installed which are easier accessible at anytime of the year.
  • Check your septic tank yearly to ensure it is draining properly and pump when the sludge build up is lessening the capacity of your tank. (Approx 3-5 yrs) When in doubt always call a professional.
  • If you have a garborator in your home ensure your septic tank is pumped yearly – or if you are on a septic put your food scraps in a composter.
  • Never put any kind of grease down your drains or into your septic system.
  • If you have a septic system be careful what cleaners you use in the toilet – heavy bleach cleaners can kill micro-organisms important in breaking down and treating waste water.
  • Do not flush paper towels, baby wipes, feminine products, kitty litter, condoms or anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Even if the product says “flushable” ! We’ve flushed out many blockages due to these “flushable wipes”!
  • Do not pour any chemicals into the septic tank – the system is designed to work with the natural biological’s which enter the tank to break down.
  • Never drive over, park on or build over top of your weeping bed. In the winter it is important to never plow the snow above your weeping bed, this will help insulate and prevent freezing in colder winters.

How does your Plumbing System Work???

Here are a few pictures to give you visual of the system!

This is a typical home septic system.
septic-diagram2

A colour coded diagram of a home’s basic plumbing system.

home-plumbing-system

A home’s plumbing system coming out to the main sewer.

houseplumb1

For those of you connected to town water and sewer,
InflowandInfiltrationDiagram

Is your home or workplace ready for Spring! | Spring Plumbing & Heating Tips

The Home Comfort People

We will heat you up and cool you down!

12 Spring Home & HVAC Tips and Hints!
  • Clear any brush or debris away from your vents and air conditioner condenser outside.
  • Remove any debris from your eavestrough and roof. Repair any leaks in the eaves to ensure proper drainage.
  • Examine your roof to determine if any shingles were damaged or fallen off during the winter.
  • Check all exterior taps to ensure once turned on there is no leak inside or out.
  • Walk around your home and check the grading to ensure all landscaping, decking, patio stones or paving is properly slowing away from your home and safe with no cracks or broken deck boards.
  • Check all exterior electrical plugs for proper operation – if there is any damage or a plug is not working be sure to call a qualified and licensed electrician to repair.
  • Pull the lids off your septic tank (if you have one) and check to ensure the tank is properly draining. If you notice your tank has a lot of sludge in it or that your drains are gurgling or slow its time to book a septic tank pumping.
  • Pull out all furniture from walls and thoroughly vacuum and clean behind and under them.
  • Change your furnace filter and vacuum all registers and cold air returns by removing the grates and vacuuming into the duct openings.
  • Check all windows and doors (inside and out) for any cracked caulking or wood damage.
  • Check all indoor plumbing for any leaks and repair or call a professional as required. Ensure if you have a sump pump it is working properly so it is ready for the Spring thaw.
  • Check for dampness in your basement to prevent any mould or mildue growth and ensure your rooms have proper air flow.

    Arrange your Spring Cleaning and Service for your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) Equipment including your Furnace, Boiler, Water Heater, Air Conditioner, HRV, Unit Heater, Tube Heater etc…