DO YOU KNOW THE FACTS?

Let's face it, plumbing isn't always the most glamorous topic. But behind every flush, every gurgle, and every perfectly running tap in Ontario, there's a fascinating (and sometimes bewildering) world of rules and regulations. We’re talking about the Ontario Building Code, specifically the plumbing sections – the unsung heroes preventing your basement from becoming an indoor swimming pool and ensuring your drinking water doesn't taste like last week’s dishwater. At Harris Plumbing, we've navigated these waters for over 51 years, so trust us, we’ve seen it all… even the obscure rules that make you scratch your head!

Fact #1: The Mysterious Case of the High Loop

Ever noticed that weird high bend in the drain hose behind your dishwasher or washing machine? That's not just a plumber's artistic expression (though we are artists in our own right!). The Ontario Building Code *requires* a "high loop" or an air gap on these drain lines. Why? To prevent dirty water from siphoning back into your clean dishes or clothes. Think of it as a one-way street for grime. Without it, you might be washing your clothes in last night's spaghetti water. Yum!

Fact #2: The Great Escape of Sewer Gas (and how we stop it)

Every fixture in your home – sinks, toilets, showers, floor drains – has something called a "trap" (that U-bend you see under your sink). These traps are ingenious. They hold a small amount of water, creating a barrier that prevents nasty, smelly sewer gases from wafting up into your living space. Imagine a world without traps… your morning coffee would come with an unwelcome aroma. The Code ensures these silent guardians are in place and working properly. And yes, even floor drains need a "primer" line to keep their trap filled, because who wants their basement smelling like an unloved sewer?

Fact #3: The Evolving World of Pipe Materials

Our plumbing ancestors in Ontario started with wooden water mains (yes, hollowed-out logs – talk about rustic!). Then came lead, then galvanized steel, and eventually the copper and plastic (PEX, PVC) we know and love today. Why the change? Health, durability, and cost! The Code has evolved with materials, ensuring that what's inside your walls is safe and built to last. So, if your home is a century old and still boasts some original pipes, it might be time for a professional inspection. Your insurance company might even thank you – some won't insure homes with certain outdated piping materials!

Fact #4: Sump Pumps and the Illicit Discharge Dilemma

Sump pumps are basement heroes, silently whisking away groundwater to prevent floods. In most Ontario municipalities, this discharge is meant to go outdoors, away from your foundation. But did you know that some homeowners (illegally!) connect their sump pump discharge directly to the municipal drain system? This is a big no-no unless explicitly permitted. It can overload the public system and lead to headaches for everyone. It's like trying to pour a swimming pool into a teacup – things are bound to overflow! A licensed plumber from Harris Plumbing knows the local rules to keep your discharge on the straight and narrow.

Fact #5: The Hot Water Heater's Safety Valve Hero

Your hot water tank has a Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) – it's like its personal bodyguard. If the water inside gets too hot (think dangerously hot, like 210°F!), this valve opens to release pressure, preventing a potential explosion. The Ontario Building Code stipulates that this PRV must have a drain line extending to within 6 inches of the floor. In Canada, plastic drain pipe is even allowed for this purpose. It’s a small detail, but it’s literally a life-saver (and a property-saver!).

So, the next time you use your plumbing, take a moment to appreciate the intricate dance of pipes, traps, and regulations working tirelessly behind the scenes. It's not just about water in, water out; it's about health, safety, and preventing expensive surprises. And if you ever find yourself scratching your head about a plumbing mystery, remember your friendly, licensed journeyman plumbers at Harris Plumbing are always ready to demystify the system and keep your home flowing smoothly in Simcoe County, Muskoka, and York Region!