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The Importance of Foundation Drainage

Written by Ysabel Mano on . Posted in Drain Cleaning, Renovations.

A strong foundation is key to a safe and stable home, but without proper drainage, your foundation is at risk of water damage, cracks, and costly repairs. Whether you’re building a new home or improving an existing one, foundation drainage plays a crucial role in keeping moisture out and preventing structural issues.

What Is Foundation Drainage?

Foundation drainage refers to the systems in place to divert water away from your home’s foundation. Without these systems, excess moisture can seep into the foundation walls, leading to:

  • Cracks & shifting due to expanding soil
  • Mold & mildew from trapped moisture
  • Flooding & water damage in basements or crawl spaces

Types of Drainage for Foundation Protection

There are several types of drainage systems used to protect footings, foundations, and basements from excess water buildup.

1. Perimeter Drain System

A perimeter drain is a system of pipes installed around the outside of your foundation to redirect water away from your home. This prevents water pooling around your foundation walls, which can cause cracks and erosion.
Learn more about perimeter drains

2. Footing Drains

A footing drain is a drainage pipe installed at the base of the foundation to collect and remove groundwater. This system is critical in areas with high water tables or frequent heavy rainfall.
Difference Between Foundation Drains & Footing Drains:

  • Foundation drains focus on keeping water away from basement walls.
  • Footing drains protect the footings (the base of the foundation) from excessive moisture.
  • Foundation footing drains combine both systems for maximum drainage efficiency.

3. French Drain

The French drain, also called a weeping drain, is a type of drainage system that consists of a perforated pipe wrapped in gravel or porous material. This design allows water to seep into the pipe, which then redirects it away from the foundation. The surrounding backfill material ensures smooth water flow while preventing debris from clogging the pipe.

Since French drains efficiently move water away from a home’s foundation, they are commonly installed around basements and crawl spaces.

4. Sump Pit and Pumps Drainage

For areas that experience heavy rainfall or snowfall, a sump pit and pump system is often the best solution when simple slopes or gradients aren’t enough to move water away from the home.

A sump pump system works as a catch basin for excess water, collecting groundwater in a sump pit before actively pumping it away from the foundation when the water level reaches a certain threshold.

Foundation Drainage & Waterproofing: A Complete Solution

While a foundation drainage system plays a major role in protecting your home, it should be combined with other waterproofing methods for maximum protection. By combining foundation drainage systems with preventative waterproofing, you can protect your home from costly foundation repairs.

Is Your Foundation Drainage System Working?

If you notice signs of moisture buildup, cracks in the basement, or pooling water near your home, your drainage system may be failing. At John G Plumbing, we provide expert foundation drainage solutions, including perimeter drains, footing drains, and foundation waterproofing.

Contact Us Today!

The Repiping Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Ysabel Mano on . Posted in Bathroom Renovation, burst pipes, Renovations, Repiping.

If your home was built between the 1970s and 1990s, there’s a chance it has Poly-B (polybutylene) piping. Many home insurance providers in Canada no longer cover homes with Poly-B pipes, and some companies may even require proof of pipe replacement before offering a policy.

At John G Plumbing, we specialize in Poly-B pipe replacement to help homeowners protect their property, secure home insurance, and prevent costly water damage. Here’s what you can expect from our five-step repiping process:

Step 1: Mapping Out the Most Cost-Effective Method

Before starting, we assess your home’s plumbing system and discuss the best repiping options. Cost to replace Poly-B piping in BC varies based on home size, pipe material (PEX or copper), and labor. We prioritize a cost-effective approach while ensuring your new plumbing system meets Canadian insurance requirements.

Step 2: Preparing by Cutting Drywall Pieces

We carefully cut drywall in necessary areas to access the old Poly-B pipes, minimizing damage for easy repairs. This step ensures an efficient repiping process without unnecessary demolition.

What insurance companies cover Poly-B pipe replacement?
Some insurance providers in Canada will cover part of the repiping cost. Contact your home insurance provider to discuss potential coverage options.

Step 3: Dry-Fitting the New Pipe System

Before making any permanent changes, we dry-fit the new PEX or copper pipes to ensure proper alignment and efficiency. This step is crucial to avoiding future plumbing problems.
Poly-B plumbing problems

  • Poly-B pipes deteriorate over time, leading to leaks.
  • Insurance companies may refuse coverage for homes with Poly-B piping.
  • Poly-B lawsuits in Canada have highlighted the risks of this outdated material.

Step 4: Turning Off Water & Connecting to Fixtures

Once we’re ready, we turn off the water, remove the old Poly-B pipes, and install the new plumbing system. Our team ensures all connections are secure before testing for leaks. Replacing Poly-B pipes is the best way to lower your home insurance costs and protect your property from expensive water damage

Can you get homeowners insurance with Poly-B piping?
Many insurance companies in Canada will either:

  • Deny coverage outright.
  • Charge higher premiums for homes with Poly-B pipes.
  • Require a full Poly-B replacement before renewing or issuing a policy.

Step 5: Walkthrough to Ensure Customer Satisfaction

Before completing the project, we do a final walkthrough with you to ensure everything meets your expectations. We also provide documentation of the repiping work, which may help you negotiate better home insurance rates.

Why Repiping Matters

Repiping your home prevents costly leaks, improves water quality, and increases plumbing efficiency. If you’re dealing with low water pressure, discolored water, or frequent pipe leaks, it might be time to consider repiping.
Contact Us for a free estimate

Revamp Your Space and Save: Plumbing Renovation Tips for Budget-Friendly Upgrades

Written by Ysabel Mano on . Posted in Bathroom Renovation, General Plumbing, Kitchen and Bathroom, New Construction, Renovations.

Are you considering a change in perspective and wanting to revamp your home’s plumbing in the Nanaimo and Oceanside areas, including Coombs and Nanoose Bay? Our team of licensed gas fitters and plumbing experts at John G. Plumbing are here to guide you through your plumbing renovations.

Here are 6 tips on ways to save money on plumbing renovations throughout the renovation process .

Picture of a bathroom

1. Plan your Plumbing Renovation Ahead of Time

Our experts can help you create a comprehensive renovation plan tailored to your specific
needs and make sure everyone agrees on the plan before starting any work. Planned
renovations are often more affordable and achieve better results.

2. Design and Layout

A great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about efficiency. Keeping your existing plumbing layout can save you significant money, but if changes are necessary, our professionals ensure the transitions are seamless and cost-effective. We help you create a layout that works for you while maximizing functionality and style.
Picture of a kitchen

3. Costly? Know if you are covered

If the upfront costs of plumbing renovations seem daunting, John G. Plumbing offers financing options to help make your upgrade more affordable. With low payments tailored to your needs, in our partnership with Financeit, you can have peace of mind while not breaking the bank. Interested? Ask about our financing solutions and your upcoming plumbing job. (250) 797-0858

4. Hire a Professional

Do-it-yourself (DIY) may sound like you can save and keep some extra cash in your pocket, however, with complex projects, it is best to hire a licensed and experienced plumber like John G. Plumbing.

You can prepare the space for the experts to step in by removing drywalls and ensuring proper lighting in the room. A professional plumber can help properly do plumbing installations and make sure to avoid any repairs that could cost you in the long run. Plus, you’ll know everything is up to code and safe for your family.

5. Plumbing Installations– Prioritize Energy Efficiency

Incorporating energy-efficient solutions into your plumbing renovation is key. By upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and fixtures, you can significantly cut down on water and energy consumption, lowering your bills in the long run.

A tankless water heater, such as models from Rinnai or Navien, is an energy-efficient and space-saving solution for many households. Since it heats water only when needed, you’ll never run out of hot water, and you’ll avoid the energy waste of traditional tank heaters.

6. Choose the Right Features and Fixtures

Selecting durable, high-quality fixtures is a smart investment. At John G. Plumbing, we help you choose materials and designs that combine function and style. From elegant faucets to energy-saving fixtures, our team ensures your renovation is built to last while enhancing your home’s aesthetic appeal.

Picture of a kitchen

Exceptional Plumbing Renovations You Can Trust

When it comes to your plumbing renovation, you deserve nothing but the best. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service throughout Nanaimo, Coombs, Parksville, and beyond. You can trust that your plumbing system is in the hands of professionals who prioritize quality, efficiency, and reliability.

Contact John G. Plumbing today, and get started on your plumbing renovation without delay!