FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover expert plumbing tips, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices for your home. Find everything you need to keep your plumbing running smoothly and efficiently.
General
Common questions about DrainPro
- We are based on Merivale Road in Nepean and serve all of Ottawa, including Barrhaven, Kanata, Stittsville, Orléans, Gloucester, Vanier, and the smaller communities of Richmond, Metcalfe, Greely, Osgoode, Vernon, and Carp.
Kitchen
Kitchen plumbing
- Two options are advised. The first option is 28 inches to 36 inches above the finished floor, the second option is 36 inches to 45 inches. Having kitchen countertops and kitchen plumbing fixtures at the right height for you is important for ergonomic reasons. Kitchen countertops that are too high often require some straining to do repetitive tasks like dishwashing or food prep. The same goes for surfaces and kitchen plumbing fixtures which are too low, forcing you to stoop slightly. Over time, this repetitive action can cause discomfort and even pain in some cases. Consult with a kitchen plumbing expert to determine the proper height for your fixtures and counters if you aren't sure.
Laundry & Water
Laundry room plumbing
- Some basement laundry room layouts include an adjoining bathroom. Because these are seldom used, some homeowners report a bad odour coming from the laundry room, which is sometimes blamed on the laundry itself, the laundry room floor drain, or another source. Before you call a plumber, try a simple experiment by pouring water into the toilet, sinks and shower stall in the adjoining bathroom. Flush the toilet, let the water drain in the sinks and the bath and check back in a day to see if you still detect a bad smell. The water in your "u-bend pipe" or sink trap will evaporate over time if the plumbing isn't used regularly, allowing odours to seep into the laundry room. Running water in the adjoining bathroom should cure your laundry room odour problem if dry pipes are to blame.
Water Softener
Water softeners and septic systems
- The real concern over water softeners is not with the water itself, but with the by-product of the softening process. Brine water is created as water softeners do their job of removing minerals from the water. This brine water (also known as water softener regeneration discharge) goes into your septic system. Experts disagree on whether the brine water can negatively affect the decomposition of solid matter in a conventional septic system. If you are concerned about the briney by-products of your water softeners, consider investing in a softener system with a large mineral tank. This will allow the brine water to be stored in the tank longer, cutting down on the number of times brine is discharged into your septic system.
Still have questions?
Talk to a real plumber
Call us with any plumbing question. You will always get a human being on the line ready to help.