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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

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!

Home Of The Week | August 20, 2015

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From small repairs to custom new build or renovation plumbing and heating system design and installation.

Whether you require HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) or Plumbing Mechanical work look no further than the Mechanical HVAC Contractors at JJ McLellan and Son to provide whole home comfort for all your Plumbing and Heating needs big or small, new or repairs!

Did you know we also service and clean Septic Systems!
A Royal Flush Is Better Than A Full House!

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

Hiring – Licensed and Experienced HVAC Gas Technician | Mount Forest

We are hiring a licensed and experienced Gas Technician to join our team at JJ McLellan and Son.
Air Conditioning, Plumbing and/or Sheet Metal license and experience preferred but not necessary.

We are located in Mount Forest and serve the Mount Forest, Arthur, Durham, Drayton, Palmerston and Harriston areas for Plumbing and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Services).

Regular business hours of 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday with some after hours and weekend hours as required.

The Applicant Must Possess The Following:

  • Possess a current Gas license (G1 or G2)
  • The ability to work as a team with others as well as independently.
  • Possess the ability to provide excellent customer service.
  • The applicant must have a clean driving record and ability to drive company vehicles.
  • The applicant must maintain and ensure their license is updated and renewed during the course of employment.
  • The ability to read and write english and fill out all required paper work with relation to service calls or installs.
  • Technicians must be able to work flexible hours as required (evenings and/or weekends).
  • Responsibilities will include service, maintenance, installation of various HVAC equipment including Furnaces, Boilers, Infloor Heating, Fireplaces, Water Heaters, Gas Stove, Gas lines.
  • Must be able to perform heavy lifting, bending and twisting as required with the related responsibilities.
  • Ability to read blue prints.

If you are interested please fill out the form below with your resume and licenses. Only those applicants which posses the above requirements and licenses will be contacted. Thank you!

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www.jjmclellan.ca

Why JJ McLellan and Son?

  1. We’ve been in business since 1948. Over 65 Years and 4 Generations!

    2. Licensed and Trained Technicians (Plumbers, Gas Technicians and Operators) to handle Service, repair and installations for Heating, Plumbing, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Septic System, Septic Pumping, Confined Space.
  2. We Service What We Sell and More!  Service, Repair and Installation.  Renovation, Retrofit and New Build. You never have to worry about calling us if you have a problem, we install and service all of our equipment and any existing equipment you may have!

    We will be here for the long run and that includes after hours or weekend emergency service!

  3. Trust and Honesty – We are Home Owners. Between the ladies in the office, sales and our technicians we take pride in our job and care about our customers. As home owners ourselves we can all in some way relate with many, if not all problems our customers run into! We wouldn’t sell you anything or advise a repair we would not do in our own homes!
  4. We Offer True Home Comfort Service – Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning ( HVAC ), Plumbing. JJ McLellan and Son goes beyond the heating and air conditioning equipment to look at the whole house as a system.
  5. Our Heating Options  – Hydronic Radiant Heat – Boilers, In Floor Heating, Gas / Propane Forced Air Furnaces, Gas / Propane Fireplaces, Unit Heaters, Geothermal Heating.
  6. Our Air Conditioning Options – Central Air Conditioning, Mini Split, Geothermal Cooling.
  7. Our Plumbing Options – Repair, Fixtures, Water Treatment Systems, Pressure Systems, Water Pumps, Sump Pumps, Sewage Pumps, Back Flow Water Prevention, Water Well Services, Septic Systems.
  8. Our Specialty Options – Camera for Drains, Sewers and Wells, Flushing Equipment for Drains, Sewers and Wells, Confined Space Work Certification, Backhoe and Dump Truck, Septic Pumping, Vacuum Truck.
  9. Financing and Extended Warranty available.

We are the home comfort people for your Plumbing and Heating needs!  

The HEAT is back! But… your A/C could still freeze up!

The heat of the summer is back and in full force!

The hydro grid will be feeling the force today with all the air conditioners being turned back on to cool the homes after the fall-like weather we have had.

Even with this hot humid weather, your air conditioner can still freeze up!

Why?

If you only turn on your air conditioner when its very hot out or if your system is dirty. Both can cause the system to run continuous or cycle on and off too quickly and could over work the system which would eventually freeze up or a part could burn out within the furnace.

How?

When the air moves over the A-Coil, which is located above the furnace, the A-Coil cools the air with the freon from the condenser. When the system does not get a chance to rest and is continuously running the A-Coil will eventually ice up causing the system to not work properly.

This is an A-Coil. The freon runs through the copper tubes. It really does have an A shape!
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Looking down on the case A-Coil.
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What Should I Do?

To avoid the air conditioner system freezing up there are a few suggestions.
1. Keep the temperature in your home set at a consistent temperature all the time. If the home requires cooling, the air conditioner will turn on.
2. If you only use your air conditioner when it gets very hot – begin by setting the thermostat just 2-3 degress less than what the current temperature is in the room. Once the house reaches that temperature, let it sit for 30 min and then lower it again by 2 degrees. By allowing your home to slowly be brought down to a comfortable temperature your equipment has a chance to rest and will avoid freezing up that constant operation can cause.
3. Set a realistic cooling temperature. On very hot humid days, your system will have a very hard time cooling your entire home or business after not being on for a day or more.
4. Ensure your filter is clean! A dirty filter will block air flow causing the system to over work.Filters are not expensive. Buy a few at a time and have them on hand ready to change!
5. Is your heating system clean? If your furnace and air conditioner are dirty this can cause your system to over work.

If you are doing all the correct things and its still not working properly, it could be low on freon or there could be a more serious issue. In which case you should call a professional!

Stay cool 🙂

A Visual.
An A-Coil and Furnace ready for installation in a customer’s home. The A-Coil is cased so it comes like this with the coil inside. The front of the case comes off to check or clean. A-Coils which do not come in a case have duct work built around them.
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Every Summer Should Feel This Great | Mount Forest Premier Lennox Dealer Air Conditioning Benefits

An Air Conditioner is becoming more common in homes to provide ultimate home comfort year round and work as a HVAC Home Comfort System with the furnace.

Did you know that an air conditioner is designed to not only cool, but add to your comfort by removing humidity from the home !

During cooling season the air in your home will be cleaner and any pollutants and allergens will be caught in the filter – without central air conditioning the air would only be filtered during heating season. This is a benefit for those with allergies to ensure they are breathing clean air within their home.

Air Conditioning Systems are energy efficient with savings of hundreds of dollars each year in comparison to older models or “window shakers”, they are also very quiet with sound levels as low as 70dB.

The ultimate benefit for air conditioning in your home or business is comfort. Whether you are at home or work your productivity levels will be higher, you and your family will sleep sounder, the cost of being comfortable is much more affordable and if you upgrade your older unit the refrigeration in the newer units are less harmful to the environment!

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Kitchen and Bathroom Updates | Wellington North Plumber & Gas Technician

If you are thinking of updating your Kitchen and/or Bathroom the options and decisions can be extremely overwhelming!

Is bigger really better? Should you install tile or a shower unit? Do you need a bathtub or just a larger shower? Elongated or round toilet seats? Does a right height toilet really make a difference? Does it really matter? Should you install infloor heating into the bathroom floor?

First, start with a budget. You need to come up with a number that you are comfortable with and look within those price constraints.  Renovating your bathroom and/or kitchen is an investment into your home which will provide you many years of enjoyment and financial pay back should you decide to sell.

With the internet, many home owners are extremely knowledgeable prior to contacting their plumbing and heating contractor.  HGTV Remodels has inspiring ideas for your kitchen and bath to help get you started.

Tips From Our Pro’s

    • Do your research on products – don’t get sucked into flashy features you may never use.
    • Sit on a toilet with an elongated bowl, round bowl and one that is right height.
    • Doing a complete renovation on your kitchen and bathroom is not for a DIY’er – this is something that should be left to the professionals.
    • If you need to move any plumbing, ensure this is done before you install flooring or paint.
    • Measure twice – always!
    • Quality over quantity – if you are spending the money you want to get value products and services from brands and a business who will stand behind their product. Look for products with a great manufacturers warranty.
    • If you purchase your own products and have the plumber install them, if a problem ever arose it *may* not be as easy to fix – one stop shopping with ordering your fixtures and having them installed will ensure if there were any problems the records are all in one place.
    • Consider the age of the plumbing in your house – does it need to be upgraded in your mechanical room before you can upgrade your bathroom or kitchen?
    • If you are not design savvy work with a cabinet maker or hardware store to ensure your kitchen or bathroom is laid out properly to maximize efficiency and save on any costly mistakes.
    • If you are getting a solid surface counter top – you will need a minimum of 24 hours for it to set prior to your faucet and plumbing being reconnected.
    • It takes time – Plan accordingly.
    • Ask family and friends!
    • Most important – have fun with it!

Some of your options for your kitchen and bathroom.

Stainless steel kindred kitchen sink and faucet set in an upgraded laminate counter with a very stylish and modern tile back splash.

 

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4 foot walk in shower with glass doors.

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American standard basin lavatory sink with a simple faucet set.

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Undermount American Standard lavatory basin with a Moen single lever faucet.

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Corner Shower with glass sliding doors.

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Closeup of the corner glass sliding doors for the shower.

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Kitchen faucet and drinking water with an undermount stainless steel sink.

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4 foot shower with glass sliding doors slightly frosted

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Bathtub with glass sliding doors slightly frosted.

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Custom bathroom sink and faucet for a powder room.

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Undermount sink and faucet.

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Whirlpool tub installed ready for the tile or skirt.
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Pull out kitchen faucet with drinking water and upgraded undermount kitchen sink.

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Kitchen bar faucet and dual sink – one side is larger than the other – perfect for prep !

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Custom bathroom fixtures.

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Custom tiled shower with slide shower bar.

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Kitchen bar faucet.

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Pull out faucet showing the wand coming out of the faucet and the water on.
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Toilets are available in colours other than white.

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Bathroom sink faucet.

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Custom tiled shower complete with body jets, rain shower head and slide shower bar.

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Bathtub surround with shower bar and angled shower curtain rod.

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Farm house kitchen sink with a pull out kitchen faucet.

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Stainless steel sink and faucet set ready to be connected to the plumbing.
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