Plumber vs Drainage Contractor

.There’s an easy way to remember the difference between a drainage contractor and a plumber. It concerns the direction of water flow. A plumber deals with water entering a building, while a drainage specialist handles water exiting the building.

So, why do we know so little about drainage contractors?

We naturally pay more attention to the interiors of our dwellings, which elevates their importance over the exterior, especially when it comes to significant upkeep. As a result, we often don’t consider drainage contractors until we can no longer ignore the problem.

We invite a plumber to maintain or replace the interior water pipes and be a major part of the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom renovations. See our Plumbing Services.

Drainage contractors tend to have bigger equipment, matching the scope of the bigger jobs they undertake:

• Drainage pipe repair, replacement, and maintenance (including its unblocking)
• Building foundation inspection and repair
• Sewer line/pipe maintenance (connection repairs and replacement)
• Sump pump maintenance (connections and foundation repairs)
• Septic tank replacement and cleanout

Leaks and deficiencies may take time, allowing the damage to advance over time, affecting even more aspects and increasing the repair costs. 

Water issues outside a building tend to start under the ground’s surface, so we don’t always notice the beginnings of a drainage weakness. 

A drainage contractor cleans out and replaces main sewer lines.

The main sewer line runs from a connection outside the foundation of your house or building to its point of connection at the city street or municipality sewer line. At times property owners have been surprised to discover that their property’s sewer line may run for many feet beyond where it was originally anticipated adding time and work to the cleanout.

It is difficult to know exactly how long a sewer clean-out takes until the high-resolution pipe inspection video camera can ascertain the extent of the blockage. Read more about inspection, repair, and cleaning by Best Plumbing and Drainage Contractors.

Waterproofing older commercial buildings or historic houses is a difficult job. It should be done by a drainage contractor.

You must treat historic building foundations and drainage lines with respect, meaning you need to preserve the integrity of fieldstone or cinderblock foundations. It requires a contractor experienced with excavation next to historic fieldstone and century-old mortar. 

Interior waterproofing is a less long-lived option that may make more sense in the interim. Best Plumbing and Drainage Contractors waterproof all kinds of buildings; modern homes, commercial buildings, and historic buildings.

A clogged basement main drain or sewer can be opened using high-pressure flushing.

If you notice your drains backing up or detect a sewer smell on the lower level, the clog is likely in your exterior main sewer line or interior main drain. The two wastewater lines use different names depending on whether inside or outside the building; each interior main drain pipe or line goes to a sink, toilet, bathtub or washing machine, and the other end connects to the main sewer line. 

A drainage contractor installs and services septic systems.

You may be building your dream home in the country, but one of the first things you should discover is whether the site’s soil type is conducive to handling a septic system. Best Plumbing and Drainage Contractors perform septic site surveys.

A septic system must never add chemicals or cleaners; the waste’s liquids are released into your drain field and the earth’s water table. Read more about our septic system services.

Catch basin maintenance is done by a drainage contractor. Do you know whether your property has a catch basin? 

A catch basin solves this problem if your property looks like a marsh or your blacktop is holding water after a rainfall, a catch basin solves this problem. With less natural green space around our homes, catch basins are environmentally-friendly, effective and dependable.  You must regularly clean them using a Jet/Vac truck to remove sediments, waste, or solids. An affordable regular maintenance plan is a worry-free answer. Different size basin receptacles are available, and depending on the extent of your property and its likelihood of flooding, two catch basins may make the best sense. Consider whether a catch basin might make your home or business more efficient.

Drainage contractors install new construction sewer lines.

With the investment of specialty equipment comes efficiency at every level of a plumbing and drainage business. Sewer contractors provide excavation for, repair, replacement, and installation of new construction of commercial and residential sewer systems. Piping sections are installed and connected, and backfilled following the final inspection.

Septic tanks always make us smile, but not so much when their contents have overstayed their welcome.

 Your septic tank should be inspected and emptied on a 3-year cycle. 

The government of Ontario recommends more frequent septic system maintenance and emptying so that you have current knowledge of the health of your septic system. 

Your tank separates your flushes and water waste into liquid, sludge, and scum (greases.) 

Liquid waste and some of the sludge are naturally drained underground into your septic field or leaching bed; however, not emptying your tank or using a system needing replacement or repair is a health risk and causes greater expenses later. We can help you properly determine your emptying schedule. It is imperative your system is at its optimal health and functionality. Never apply anything on the surface of your septic field.

Where should a drainage contractor locate a catch basin? 

Catch basins are also known as stormwater drains or storm drains. They are located at the lowest point of a property or city street.

What goes into the catch basin eventually ends up in our drinking and general-use water. Keep dirt and leaves out of your catch basin. Instead, put these with yard waste. Put animal refuse into the garbage, and remember never to put chemicals into a catch basin.

Is a drainage contractor also a plumber?

A well-established, experienced company with the right equipment means efficiency with fewer concerns. There are rare businesses specializing in drainage contracting and plumbing services. This combination makes good sense when you require a plumber for a job that may grow in size. Best Plumbing and Drainage Contractors can see all sides of any potential concern. We help you choose the best interim or long-term solution.

Specialization is a benefit for clients looking for authoritative experience. Business longevity and seniority mean one business can have multiple specializations, dependable warranties, and the best equipment to handle the largest jobs. 

What is the difference between interior and exterior waterproofing?

There are a few situations in a home or commercial building that causes heightened concern; moisture entering a building is one of the most stressful problems to encounter. Waterproofing a wet basement is easier and less costly when done from the inside.

However, the better long-term solution is to dig the perimeter of your home and waterproof the basement from the outside. Interior waterproofing doesn’t keep outside moisture from touching your foundation walls. As such, the potential damage to any product that degrades with water exposure over time is likely. With more congestion between houses and less green space, a sump pump that will also pump excess water out of a basement, in conjunction with waterproofing, is highly recommended.  

See our helpful RESOURCES PAGE for articles that answer your questions about your plumbing or drainage concerns.

With over 50 years of fixing water issues, we’re very happy to offer advice or answer any of your questions in person, or you can see our most common FAQs HERE.

Best Plumbing and Drainage Contractors is Southwestern Ontario’s plumbing, drainage, and waterproofing specialists.

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