CJ BC Plumbing Tips

  Plumber demonstrating a silent toilet leak food coloring test Your toilet can leak quietly from the tank into the bowl without making an obvious sound. This is called a silent toilet leak. Because the toilet may still look and flush normally, the problem can continue unnoticed and waste water every day. Fortunately, you can check for this type of leak in about 5–10 minutes using a small amount of food coloring. What Is a Silent Toilet Leak? A silent toilet leak happens when water slowly passes from the toilet tank into the bowl even when the toilet has not been flushed. The most common cause is a flapper or flush valve seal that is worn, warped, dirty, or no longer sealing correctly. Unlike an overflowing toilet or a visible pipe leak, this problem may not leave water on the bathroom floor. What You Need You only need: • A few drops of food coloring • A clock or phone timer • Approximately 5–10 minutes Be careful when removing the toilet tank lid. Ceramic tank lids can be heavy a...

  Water hammer is a common plumbing issue that many homeowners do not notice until they hear banging noises in the pipes. Water hammer can happen when water flow stops suddenly. This often happens with appliances that have quick-closing valves, such as dishwashers and washing machines. In this video, I explain why hammer arrestors are important and where they are commonly installed. Watch the video below: What Is a Hammer Arrestor? A hammer arrestor is a small plumbing device that helps absorb shock inside the waterline. When a dishwasher or washing machine suddenly stops the water flow, pressure can create a shock wave inside the pipe. This is called water hammer . That shock can cause: Banging noise Pipe vibration Stress on valves and fittings Stress on appliance hoses Possible long-term plumbing damage Why Dishwashers and Washing Machines Need Hammer Arrestors Dishwashers and washing machines can stop water flow very quickly during operation. Because of that sudde...

  Many condo owners do not know where their water shut-off valves are until a leak happens. But during a plumbing emergency, knowing where these valves are can help reduce water damage and give you more time to respond before the problem gets worse. In this video, I explain the basic shut-off valve locations for common condo fixtures and how those waterlines connect back to the unit manifold. Watch the video below: Common Fixture Shut-Off Valves in a Condo Most condo units have individual shut-off valves for common fixtures such as: Kitchen sink The kitchen sink usually has a hot water shut-off valve, a cold water shut-off valve, a drain, and a dishwasher waterline. The dishwasher is normally connected to the hot waterline. Lavatory sink A bathroom sink usually has one hot shut-off valve, one cold shut-off valve, and a drain under the vanity cabinet. Toilet The toilet usually has one shut-off valve near the wall. Unlike a sink, the toilet uses cold water only. Laundry machine...

  A simple emergency plumbing tip for condo owners and tenants Condo Water Leak? Shut Off This Valve First A water leak in a condo can become serious very quickly. If you know what to shut off first, you can reduce water damage before the plumber or building maintenance arrives. The first thing to do is stay calm and look for the closest shut-off valve. If the toilet is leaking, shut off the small valve behind or beside the toilet. If the sink is leaking, shut off the angle stop valves under the sink. If the washing machine is leaking, shut off the hot and cold laundry valves. If the dishwasher or kitchen line is leaking, check under the sink for the dishwasher supply valve. If the water is still leaking, then shut off the manifold valve if your condo has one. Many newer condos have a plumbing manifold or a main shut-off valve inside the unit. This can stop water to several fixtures or the whole unit. If you cannot stop the leak from inside your unit, contact your building emergenc...

  Knowing how to turn off the water in your condo can help prevent serious water damage. When a leak happens, the first few minutes are very important. If you can stop the water quickly and safely, you may be able to reduce damage to your unit, the unit below, and common areas. 1. Look under the sink first. Many sinks have small shut-off valves under the cabinet. You may see one valve for cold water and one valve for hot water. In many cases, turning the valve clockwise will shut off the water. If the leak is coming from the faucet, supply line, or sink area, this is usually the first place to check. 2. Check behind or beside the toilet If the leak is coming from a toilet, look for a small shut-off valve near the wall or floor behind the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. This can stop water from continuing to fill the toilet tank. 3. Check the washing machine valves If the leak is near the laundry area, check the hot and cold water valves behind or beside the washing...

Water leaks in a condo can be stressful, especially because the water can affect not only your unit but also the unit below you or common areas. If you find a water leak, the first few minutes are very important. Here are the first things you should do. 1. Turn off the water The first thing you should do is stop the water if it is safe to do so. If the leak is coming from a toilet, sink, or washing machine, look for the small shut-off valve nearby and turn it off. If you cannot find where the water is coming from, try to locate the main water shut-off valve for your unit. 2. Be careful around electricity If water is close to electrical outlets, lights, or appliances, do not touch anything. Water and electricity can be dangerous together. If it looks unsafe, step away and call building management or a professional. 3. Take photos and videos Take clear photos and videos of the leak, wet floors, walls, ceilings, and damaged items. This can help when you contact your strata, property manag...