Why is there a sewer smell in our house?

The most common cause of a sewer smell in the house is a dry p-trap, a curved pipe that is usually filled with water as a seal to hold out sewer gas. Traps may require periodic cleaning to dislodge clogs that prove too stubborn for plunging or removing with a plumber’s snake. Replacement can be be done with disconnecting the trap with water-pump pliers, clean out the debris, and reinstall the trap. If you decided to clean the trap with a chemicals take extra precautions because chemicals can damage the drain pipe if they are not plastic.

Another source of offensive odors can come from your kitchen garbage disposal. If you try to add bleach or baking soda to the disposal and it does not work it may be the rubber ring around the disposal opening. Over time this rubber ring can collect gunk and since it is damp can create odors. To clean the rubber ring, scrub it thoroughly on the top and bottom with a brush with firm bristles or a rage. For both of these cleaning items use some type of antibacterial cleaner.

My drain isn’t working. Is it any way I can find out without digging?

Most older homes that do not have an ABS or PVC sewer line will eventually have this problem. To find out the problem we do video camera inspection. And you will see on a monitor screen everything what is going on inside of the drain pipe. Later we can use cleaning snake or use other solution to help you out.

What advantages will I get if I want to change my old galvanized pipes in my house with copper or plastic?

Replacing your old pipes can increase your water pressure, stop your faucet screens from clogging up with rust and may even improve the color and taste of your water.

I don’t have enough water to use shower and laundry at the same time.

If you feel that you don’t have enough water you can call us and we can provide asolution and quote to increase the amount of water by installing new supply lines with larger pipe diameter. Now most of houses in Regina have 1/2″ water supply line. You can install 3/4″ copper/plastic pipe or even 1″ pipe to have enough water for your needs.

How do I know if I have a blocked drain?

Blocked drains are usually noticeable by the fact that the toilet will no longer flush away your waste or the manhole covers outside are overflowing. Another identifying factor of blocked drains is often the smell that the blockage emits.

I am getting a foul odor from a bathroom in the basement. What can we do?

Plumbing systems are designed to prevent foul odors from entering the house by means of the trap attached to fixtures. Traps contain water to seal out foul odors; if the water seal evaporates, the odors enter the house. To solve this problem temporary, pour a bucket of water in each trap, sink, shower and floor drain. This will prevent the odors from entering the house. The permanent solution, call Variety Plumbing and we will check your plumbing system with a Closed Caption TV (CCTV) system to find the problem.

How does weeping tile work
A weeping tile is a porous pipe used for underground drainage. The pipe is typically plastic with small slits cut lengthwise into it. It is buried and surrounded by aggregate rocks larger than the slits. The aggregate rocks prevent excessive soil from falling through the slits into the weeping tile. Weeping tile is below the footing around the full perimeter of the foundation wall and covered by ¾ clear stone. With this arrangement, water in the surrounding soil above the weeping tile flows into the weeping tile. The weeping tile then drains into a storm sewer or a sump pump.