Archive for July, 2011

A question we get asked sometimes is…

I think my kitchen drains are partially clogged because the sink drains slowly. What do you recommend?

• First, try using a plunger
• Second, you can remove the trap. Be careful if you have used a liquid drain opener because there may be some in the trap
• Third, if the clog is beyond the trap, there are drain augers that extend from about 15 feet to about 50 feet.

There are also special enzyme based drain openers that will help dissolve buildup in pipes in older homes.

Or if all fails, give us a call at 604.283.2383

Richmond Plumbers

How can I prepare for hot water heater problems?

Most problems occur when you least expect them.  Many can be solved easily as long as you know which part of the heater is malfunctioning. Water pollutants or sediment hamper the performance of the heater so lower the temperature so the deposit will become soft – 130 degrees works well.

Be sure to check reset buttons for any malfunction and if there is not enough hot water or water is too hot, be sure to adjust the settings. Check your pressure valve too. If the water is dirty or has a smell then empty and clean the tank.  Over the years we’ve found that most problems related to Heating Richmond do need professional attention.

If you feel you need help with your heating system or anything related to plumbing call us for assistance – 604.283.2383

RCC 28TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT – SELL OUT SUCCESS – June 29, 2011

The Richmond Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament draws both corporate foursomes & individual golfers to enjoy an outstanding day at Richmond Golf & Country Club in a “Texas Scramble” format.

Special Guest MC “Jim Hughson, Hockey Night in Canada”

Hole-In-One Opportunity for $10,000 Cash Sponsored by Ashton Service Group.

The sold out event was sponsored by Campbell & Pound Commercial Ltd. (Title sponsor) and Soo Singapore Jerky LTD (Platinum sponsor).  All of the members and guests were treated to lunch and a BBQ banquet. Later that evening, special guest MC “Jim Hughson, Hockey Night in Canada” gave attendees his comments on the last few months of hockey and closed off with an open auction.

Partial proceeds from the tournament were dedicated to the Richmond Chamber of Commerce Scholarship program. Since 1994 RCC have donated in excess of $80,000.00 for scholarships and are delighted to be able to continue support such a worthwhile program in the Richmond Community.

Newly elected Chair of Richmond Chamber Lisa Wong commented on the success of the day, “I always look forward to this excellent annual event which brings together members of our business and broader community. Resulting in yet another sell out this year, rain or shine, we see our members engaged, making business contact and having a great time”.

 Ashton Service Group is a Proud Sponsor of The Richmond Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament

June 29, 2011

Q: When my washing machine shuts off abruptly, the water supply pipes make a loud banging noise. Is there anything I can do to stop this?

A: Water hammer (the noise you’ve described) occurs because the water in the pipes slams to a stop, causing a shock wave and a hammering noise. It’s not only annoying but also destructive to the pipes.

You can minimize or eliminate water hammer by installing air chambers dead-end pieces of pipe. Most washing machine manufacturers recommend extra-long chambers—up to 24 inches—to provide added cushion for abrupt turnoffs.

If you need help with anything, call us and we’ll take care of it for you… 604.283.2383

Richmond Plumbers at your service

Tankless Water Heaters – Are they right for you?

Most of us are familiar with hot water tanks that store heated water – tankless water heaters or instantaneous water heaters only heat water on
demand when a hot faucet is opened.

Since a tankless water heater comes on when you open a hot water tap and turns off when you close the faucet, the energy used is only for the hot water that is needed. Because there is no storage tank of water, and no constant heating and reheating of stored water, you are not losing energy heating water when you don’t need it. These energy savings translate to dollar savings for you and reduced impact on our environment.

The advantages are many. Not counting the money savings (operating costs), endless hot water supply (if sized properly), smaller impact on
the environment, space savings, replaceable parts, the unit is made of fully recyclable parts and longevity.  Check out Canada ecoENERGY grants

Call us today to see if a tankless water heater is right for you  -  604.283.2383

What should I look for in selecting a plumber?

The choice of plumbers can make the difference between a good experience and a disastrous one, so it is important to do your homework. And it is best to make the selection before an emergency occurs. A good way to start is to ask trusted friends and neighbors for local recommendations of plumbers they have liked. In addition, plumbers should be licensed and insured.

Ask whether they provide 24-hour service, and what sort of response is offered in emergency cases. Do they have all of the parts they would typically need on the truck to save a return visit? While you can compare prices, it is not always the best way to make your selection, but do ask what payment methods they accept. It is more important to have a positive feeling after interviewing a plumber or company, as that professional will be working in your home at a particularly stressful time.

Check out their service warranty and confirm that they remove replaced fixtures. Plumbers are great sources of advice, so listen to the voice of experience — the plumber who has been in business for a while, and has solved many problems, most likely offers all kinds of additional services to complete your job.

When it come to heating Richmond homes or any home for that matter, you can count on Ashton to deliver.

Call for free consultation 9 – 5 weekdays @ 604.283.2383

What’s the best way to thaw frozen pipes?

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you might suspect a frozen pipe.

Locate the suspected frozen area of  the water pipe. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation or call us for preventative measures.

Keep the faucet open and use a hair dryer to warm the pipe. As the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through. You can also use a heating pad or even hot towels wrapped around the pipes. None of these methods should be left unattended for any Richmond heating problem.

Do Not Do This

Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device. Remember, if one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

If you are unable to locate the frozen area; if the frozen area is not accessible; or if you can’t thaw the pipe, call us at 604.283.2383.

If you notice that something is wrong with the functioning of your furnace, then you would surely want to get it repaired as soon as possible. It is important to get the furnace fixed by a proper professional, so that you can avoid getting it further damaged. A proper professional who repairs furnaces will be able to analyze the problem in a short period of time, and can help you get the furnace fixed soon. You should be on the lookout for such a professional, who can guarantee that you will be getting the furnace fixed quite soon. Given the energy efficiency of new furnaces, sometimes it is prudent to replace the furnace rather than costly repairs for years to come.

It is not quite hard to find such a person. In fact there are entire companies which have such people working for them. These companies will be able to send over a professional to fix your furnace whenever you need them. All you need to do is to choose the right kind of company to hire and you will be assured of getting a good service from them. Check the Better Business Bureau and  spend some time looking into the sort of companies which offer furnace repair services, and you will be able to find a suitable company soon, which will help you get back your furnace to normal in a short period of time.

For furnace service in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, give us a call @ 604-283-2383.