<![CDATA[Ward's Water Pumps & Plumbing - Blog]]>Fri, 03 Apr 2020 00:27:54 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[UV Systems]]>Mon, 03 Feb 2020 19:01:09 GMThttps://www.wardswaterpumps.ca/blog/uv-systemsAn ultraviolet disinfection system (UV system) is a chemical-free, highly effective method to remove the threat of microbiological contaminants from water (e.g. e. coli, coliform).  
 
How Does UV Disinfection Work?
 
Water flows through a chamber where it is exposed to ultraviolet light. This UV exposure destroys microbes that may be present in the water.  
 
The four main components of a UV system are:

  1. The reactor chamber (houses the UV lamp and sleeve)
  2. The UV lamp (bulb)
  3. The sleeve (protects the UV lamp from the flow of water)
  4. The controller unit/ballast (control for UV system)
 
UV lamps require yearly replacement (just the lamp, not the whole system). At that time, it is also a good idea to check the sleeve for mineral build up or clouding. Since the UV light must shine through the sleeve in order to reach the water, it is important for it to stay clear. The sleeve can be cleaned using a mineral removal product. If the sleeve cannot be fully cleared of build up, it is important to replace it at that time]]><![CDATA[Top 5 Reasons for Well Pump Failure]]>Mon, 15 Jul 2019 13:42:19 GMThttps://www.wardswaterpumps.ca/blog/top-5-reasons-for-well-pump-failure Picture
Broken Control Box: The control box can be found outside of your well, usually in your basement near the pressure system. It functions as the start and run-relay for your submersible pump. If this box isn’t working properly your pump won’t run either. This can be repaired quickly by simply switching out the control box.
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Broken Pressure Switch: The pressure switch is found in front of your pressure tank, usually in a basement mechanical room. It senses the pressure in the water piping and signals your well pump (submersible or jet pump) to turn on and off. Often this switch gets coated in dust, which blocks the electrical signal to turn your pump on and off. The pressure switch can be easily replaced. 

Broken Wire: There are wires that travel from your house, underground and down your well to reach your submersible pump.  These wires can occasionally break, due to age or direct damage. Luckily, most of the time the damaged wire is located in the well itself, so it can be accessed and repaired easily.

Broken Well Pump: Submersible pumps and jet pumps can work for many years, but at some point they will fail. There are many reasons why the aging pump fails, such as mineral build up, burn-out, or failed parts. At this time many people with jet pumps decide to switch to a submersible pump.
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Running out of Water: It is possible for your well to run out of water and if you’re not aware of this, your pump will continuously run, trying to produce water. This will cause pump burn-out. To prevent this, a PumpTec, which is an automatic shut-off, can be installed as a proactive measure.
]]><![CDATA[Frost Free Outdoor Faucets/Hose Bibs]]>Fri, 21 Jun 2019 13:14:55 GMThttps://www.wardswaterpumps.ca/blog/frost-free-outdoor-faucetshose-bibs
With today being the first day of summer, you might think it’s a strange time for us to be posting an article about frost-free hose bibs. Well, not only is this a good time of year to be thinking about installing these devices, it’s also the time of year that people may be discovering issues with their current outdoor taps. Let me explain…

Frost-free hose bibs are great devices that can be used to minimize the potential for cracked or burst pipes, due to freezing temperatures in the winter or late fall months.  These taps can be used year-round, which is often desirable for those of us living in rural areas or on farms. Traditional hose-bibs must be fully winterized each year in order to prevent freezing, whereas frost-free hydrants are built and installed with features that automatically minimize the risk of freezing.    

How does a frost-free hose bib work?

Frost-free hose bibs are designed to keep water out of the area of piping that is exposed to the elements.  These design features include the following:

·         length of the pipe (i.e. pipe that goes into the house is longer than traditional faucet)
·         positioning of the valve (shut-off valve is positioned further inside house where temperature is warmer)
·         angle of the pipe (positioned at a downward angle promote drainage)

These design features are very helpful in reducing the chances of a split pipe due to freezing, however there are still some potential issues that could arise.

Finding a Leak in the Spring

Many people have the unfortunate experience of discovering a leak in their home, upon the first use (or after a few short uses) of their frost-free hydrant.  Although the issue is not recognized until late spring, the damage was done in the fall or winter months, when the temperature dropped to at or below freezing. But how can this be you ask? These hose bibs are supposed to be frost-free?  Frost-free hose bibs will only remain frost-free if they are able to drain properly.  If the hose bib is not able to drain properly and fully, water may remain in the exposed pipe, leaving the potential for a split as soon as the temperature drops to at or below freezing.

Tips for Optimal Use of Frost-Free Hose Bib

·         In early Fall, be sure to follow the weather reports, and disconnect any hoses if there is a risk of frost or freezing (hoses or any connections to the hose bib will block the pipe from fully draining, which leads to risk of freezing and splitting)
·         These hoses may still be used throughout the year, as you will have access to water with your frost-free hose bib, just be sure to disconnect and drain immediately after use
·         It only takes one frost to damage your piping, and you may not know that the damage has been done until spring, so upon first use it is recommended to do a quick check for leaks (this goes for traditional hose bibs as well)
·         Be sure to fully tighten the handle of your hose bib in the winter months, as even a small drip could build up and cause freezing (and subsequent splitting) that you may not notice until Spring
Remember: to keep your hose bibs frost-free, you must be sure to implement the above tips to avoid damage!
If you are interested in switching to frost-free hose bibs or have any questions about this topic (or any other plumbing issue) please feel free to reach out to us by phone or email any time. We are happy to help!
]]><![CDATA[Our (Sulphur) Water Story]]>Mon, 09 Apr 2018 19:01:32 GMThttps://www.wardswaterpumps.ca/blog/our-water-story
Growing up with sulphur water, I became accustomed to its distinct qualities. When you live with this water, believe it or not, you become desensitized to the strong odour, although the taste never really seems to fade. As a child, I never really gave it much thought, although to this day, I still am not one to drink a glass of plain water when thirsty. My dad would assure me that “there are people who would pay money for this water!” I’m still unsure of the truth of that statement, but I do know that it wasn’t the opinion of my dad that I cared so much about, rather the opinion of my same aged peers, and let me tell you, they were not impressed. “Will my hair smell like the water?” – was a question I remember being asked by one of my friends who was considering washing her hair at my house (and thank goodness, it does not). At the time, the main (affordable) option for treating sulphur water was the use of harsh chemicals; at least that’s what my parents told me throughout the years. They didn’t want to go that route, so we just dealt with it, and prayed that my dad didn’t make the Kool-aide (as he was the only one who insisted that the tap water wasn’t so bad).
Fast forward into the future, and I have married a plumber (coincidence?), and we have purchased the very property that I grew up on. Luckily, Richard and I were in strong agreement that the water needed to be treated immediately. Our plan of action included an air injection sulphur filter, a UV light, and a water softener. We also recently made the addition of a small reverse osmosis water filtration system, which is hooked up to our fridge, as well as a small drinking water tap at our sink (unnecessary, but quite enjoyable). Richard has said that our water is one of the worst cases of sulphur that he’s come across, but you would never know it now. If you live in the Waterdown, Flamborough, or Hamilton/Burlington area, and are dealing with sulphur water, please feel free to reach out to us, by phone or email, with any questions that you have about treatment options. We are more than happy to help (and we completely understand what you're going through).

]]><![CDATA[Is your water hard?]]>Tue, 03 Apr 2018 15:03:56 GMThttps://www.wardswaterpumps.ca/blog/is-your-water-hard
“Hard water” is a term used to describe water that has a high mineral content.  These minerals are picked up as water travels through the rock-filled ground, on its path to joining an underground aquifer.  Common minerals in and around the Hamilton area include calcium, iron and magnesium.  Hard water is absolutely safe and enjoyable for consumption, however many people prefer the qualities of soft water for use in their home.  

Hard Water Features:
  • Many enjoy the taste
  • Source of natural minerals
  • Leaves mineral deposits (scale) on household fixtures (build-up can cause problems over time)
  • Can lead to corrosion of pipes
  • Mineral stains and water spots on sinks, dishes
 
Soft Water Features:
  • Creates better lather for hair washing
  • Easier to rinse soap from skin when showering
  • Less chance of mineral staining on clothing (e.g. white shirts picking up a yellow tinge)
  • Easier on appliances (washing machine, dishwasher)
 
Many people choose to remove the minerals from their water, with the use of a water softening system.  Ward’s Water Pumps & Plumbing has a lot of experience installing and servicing water softening equipment.  If you have any questions about your current equipment, or would like to obtain more information on a new system, please feel free to reach out to us by phone or email; we are happy to help.
]]><![CDATA[Water Cisterns: A Great Way to Augment Your Water Supply]]>Thu, 21 Jul 2016 18:45:30 GMThttps://www.wardswaterpumps.ca/blog/water-cisterns-a-great-way-to-augment-your-water-supply
What is a cistern?
A cistern is a large (usually concrete) container that can be filled with potable water.  Cisterns are buried underground, with only a small access that is seen above ground level.
 
Why Would I Need/Want a Cistern?

There are three main reasons why someone would want to install a cistern on their property:
  1. Low yielding well (a well that has some water, but not enough to meet the property’s needs)
  2. Poor quality of water in well, that is difficult and costly to treat (e.g. high level of sulphur or iron)
  3. No water available (i.e. no natural water source on property)


Who Has Water Cisterns?

It is not uncommon, if you’re living in a rural community, to require a cistern on your property. You may not even realize that your neighbour has a cistern, as they are hidden almost completely underground. Here are some places that we have installed water cisterns:
  • Large and small residential properties (you don’t have to have a giant lot to have a cistern installed)
  • Small businesses, especially those that place a high demand on their well water (e.g. greenhouses)
  • Farms (animal and crop)
  • People with new wells that turn out to be low yielding
  • People with older wells that have had a change in water quality or quantity

When Do People Decide to Install a Cistern?

Most people decide to install a cistern when they have been running out of water on a consistent basis.  It can be a frustrating thing!   If you’ve lost confidence in your well water, then it might be time to consider looking into a long term solution.
 
System Options

Option #1: Well Feeding Cistern

This set up, also referred to as a Two Pump System, is used when you want the cistern to work in conjunction with your well, to supply water to your home. Well water is pumped into the cistern to help maintain and hold a consistent supply of water. There is a sensor in the cistern, which calls for water from the well when needed. This is a great option for a low yielding well. The water supply can be augmented with the purchase of water, if necessary. 

Option #2: Cistern as Sole Source of Water

With this set-up, the cistern is the only source of water to the home.  Water is purchased and delivered by a water company, about one time per month. A low level alarm is put in the cistern, to warn you of the need to order water; it usually gives you about a days’ notice. This set up is used if you have no water in your well or if the water quality is extremely poor and difficult to treat.
 
Other Options to Consider
  • Speak to a well drilling/boring company, to see what your chances are of finding water on your property
  • Install a Pumptec in your well (a Pumptec is a device that will automatically start and stop your pump so that it doesn’t burn out when you run out of water)
 
How Long Does it Take to Install a Cistern?
It should only take about one day to install a cistern on your property, however, the clean-up stage may run into a second day.
 
 
 

]]><![CDATA[Summer: Perfect Timing for a Well Extension!]]>Wed, 22 Jun 2016 14:37:14 GMThttps://www.wardswaterpumps.ca/blog/summer-perfect-timing-for-a-well-extension
Living in a rural community, you may have heard a friend or neighbour mention that they’re getting their well upgraded.  You reply with a quick “Right, right. I’ve been thinking about doing that myself…” while in the back of your mind, you’re thinking “Upgraded? Huh? Do I need to do that?”
You promptly go home to google said “well upgrade”, to discover that it is also referred to as a “well extension”.  Here’s what else you found out:

  • Well extensions are a great way to decrease the potential for contamination by surface water
  • You will get to know where your well is located (if currently buried), and can admire its greatness as it will have a welded metal casing that sits about two feet above ground level
  • Only a licenced Well Technician/Well Contractor can safely complete a well upgrade (so, although we can fully relate to the temptation, this probably isn’t a job that you want to roll the dice on with that random guy from kijiji)
  • This job will take only a few hours (for a professional
  • Your well will be banded and tagged, as per Ministry of Environment guidelines
For a list of licenced well contractors, please visit:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-licenced-well-contractors


 
 
 

]]><![CDATA[Warm Weather and Well Water]]>Tue, 14 Jun 2016 14:51:47 GMThttps://www.wardswaterpumps.ca/blog/warm-weather-and-well-water

The warm weather is here, and this will have us outside doing various projects around the home, including maintaining our gardens and lawns, as well as filling our pools. Here at Ward’s Water Pumps & Plumbing, we also spend a lot of our time responding to “no water” calls.

Often, people will call, thinking that there is a mechanical failure within their well pump system; this can certainly be the case, however, another common situation is that the well has run dry. Some people are aware that they have a low yielding well, and use water conservation techniques to maintain a steady (although low) supply. In other cases, the well has been plentiful for many years, and then suddenly comes to a halt. This can happen when placing high demand on the supply, for example: filling a pool or watering grass for long periods during dry, hot weather. The things is, there is always a first time for a well to run dry, so don’t assume that you are safe just because it has never happened before.

If you do come into a situation where you believe that your well has run dry, immediately turn off power to your well pump. This will protect your pump from burning out. This will also give your well a chance to recover. If this is something that happens frequently, you may want to consider this handy device, called a Pumptec, which automatically shuts off your pump, to avoid burn out. The great thing, is that installation of a Pumptec is significantly less costly than replacing your burnt out well pump.

If you are experiencing water problems, but are unsure of what to do or how to handle the situation (including how to turn off your pump), please give us a call or send us a message; we are happy to talk you through it, and understand that this is not familiar territory for most people.

]]><![CDATA[Frozen Water Pipes]]>Tue, 16 Feb 2016 15:24:40 GMThttps://www.wardswaterpumps.ca/blog/february-16th-2016
Don't set your house on fire when attempting to defrost frozen water lines! Instead, give us a call for some advice, or to book a service call.

Click on the link below to read about a couple of unfortunate situations:

http://m.thespec.com/news-story/6307756-do-it-yourself-thawing-of-frozen-pipes-causes-two-weekend-fires
]]><![CDATA[Is Your Tap Water Safe?]]>Fri, 27 Nov 2015 14:37:21 GMThttps://www.wardswaterpumps.ca/blog/is-your-tap-water-safeAs mentioned in previous blog posts, test your well water annually, to be sure it is safe to drink.

Also, if your water is provided to you from a small municipal water system, you might want to consider having it tested. Please see the article that we have linked below.

http://www.nationalpost.com/m/wp/blog.html?b=news.nationalpost.com//news/canada/study-reveals-hidden-dangers-of-tap-water-millions-of-canadians-drinking-from-substandard-sources


For anyone that is concerned about the safety of your drinking water, there are many purifying options for your home, such as:

Reverse Osmosis
Ultraviolet Light
Charcoal Filters

Please contact Ward's Water Pumps & Plumbing for more information about our water treatment options.]]>