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Did you know that?
Vitek Miljø AS is part of the group The West Coast Contractor.
The Group comprises several successful companies within the construction sector.
Together, we have extensive experience and expertise within the industry, and a clear ambition to be the market leader in Western Norway.
Tertnes Holdning AS is the owner of Vestlandsentreprenøren.Henrik Reigstad, Managing Director of Vitek Miljø AS / CFO of Vestlandsentreprenøren AS, states the following:
We are in a unique position to achieve something significant in the market. Vestlandsentreprenøren possesses a high level of expertise and offers a wide range of services – this enables us to provide our customers with comprehensive and optimal solutions. I look forward to what lies ahead!
There has been an unusually long cold spell in Western Norway, with several nights in a row below minus ten degrees. This has taken its toll. Over the past week, the phones have been ringing off the hook at water and sewerage companies, which have been inundated with enquiries from desperate homeowners with no water coming from their taps, showers or toilets.
“It’s absolute chaos. I’m sitting in my home office and the phone just won’t stop ringing. We received 200 enquiries this weekend alone,” says Bjørn Guldberg, managing director of Vitek Miljø, when TV 2 calls. The prolonged cold spell has caused a great deal of frost and ground frost, leading to ice forming in a number of water pipes around the city and elsewhere in Western Norway.
Report on the bitter cold, TV2, Vitek
Grit traps, gutters and downpipes must all be cleaned regularly, but how often and who is responsible varies.
Nobody wants any trouble, but if you cut corners when it comes to the important things, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Maintenance and cleaning of sand traps, roof drains and gutters are among the things that can quickly become costly if not taken seriously. That’s why we’ve put together a simple guide to how often the work needs to be done and who’s responsible for ensuring it gets done.
A sand trap is a filtration device for drains, gullies and grates located on roads and streets throughout the country. Its function is to separate dirt and gravel from the water flowing down, which then collects at the bottom of the gully, allowing the water to flow on through the system. It is absolutely essential that the water is allowed to flow freely out of the catch basins. If the outlet becomes blocked, this could lead to surface water flooding and cause significant damage to the surrounding area, the environment, property and pipework.
There are several factors that determine how often a sand trap needs to be cleaned. Among other things, its location on the site, whether a lot of grit has been spread during the winter season, and the volume of traffic passing over the trap are all important points to consider. If you are unsure, VITEK’s expert staff can carry out an inspection and assessment, and work with you to draw up an agreement for regular cleaning of the sand trap.
A rule of thumb is that you should empty the sand trap once it has reached 50 per cent of its maximum storage capacity, so that you always have a little leeway in case there are any variations in the amount of sand and gravel, or if delays occur.
Housing cooperatives and private property owners are responsible for emptying and cleaning sand traps. If a sand trap causes problems in the form of flooding or environmentally harmful discharges, the owners responsible for the sand trap will be liable for compensation or, in the worst case, fined.
Gutters and downpipes are occasionally required to drain large amounts of water in a short space of time, so it is absolutely vital that they are free of dirt and debris that could block the waterways. Blocked gutters can lead to unpleasant – and costly – damp and water damage. The cost of cleaning gutters and downpipes is therefore a small price to pay, compared to the potential bill that could be lurking if you were to neglect this task. In most cases, insurance companies will not cover damage resulting from uncleaned gutters, so it’s important to be extra vigilant here.
An annual clean-out, ideally in the autumn once the leaves have really started to build up in the gutters, is the minimum required to avoid problems with blocked gutters. Remove leaves, dirt, twigs, birds’ nests or any build-up of moss and similar debris.
Cleaning gutters and downpipes should be a natural part of the routine maintenance work carried out by the caretaker or others responsible for operations in housing cooperatives and co-ownerships. If you own a detached house or a semi-detached house (or if there are several of you sharing a house), you should agree in advance who is responsible for cleaning the gutters. If a gutter has become blocked on your «neighbour’s side», but you share the guttering system, this can have major consequences for you as well.
Do you have any further questions about emptying and cleaning sand traps, gutters or downpipes? Please get in touch with us at VITEK, we’d be happy to help!
Has your sink started to gurgle, or is there a bit too much water on the floor when you have a shower? If so, you may have a leak or blocked pipes. We’ll give you some tips on what to do in both cases.
Damage to pipes can be costly to repair, both in terms of time and money. That is why checking the condition of your pipes is one of the most important things you can do as the owner of a home or a building with its own pipework. Here, we provide an introduction to how you can identify any problems as early as possible, and what you need to do to resolve them.
SIGNS OF PROBLEMS WITH THE PIPES
There are several things you can look out for that reveal the true condition of the pipes behind walls, under floors or in ceilings. Ideally, you’d have an Aquastop (a sensor that alerts you with a beep and a light when a leak is detected – commonly used under the kitchen sink) installed everywhere and along all pipes, but we don’t quite have that technology yet. For the time being, we have to detect the problems by the old-fashioned way by seeing, listening, feeling and smelling.
In some cases, the local authority will contact you to inform you that a leak or blockage has been detected in your pipes connected to the municipal mains network, and you will be required to rectify the problem. In other cases, you will need to detect leaks or unblock pipes yourself.
CLOGGED PIPES
If a pipe has become blocked, you’ll usually realise this when you notice something different from the norm. For example, does the water start to drain abnormally slowly down the drain when you’re having a shower or washing your hands? Has there been an unusual or unpleasant smell in the house for no obvious reason? Are there gurgling noises coming from the traps? If so, it’s important to check the condition of the pipes; hopefully, this will help you avoid a potentially devastating flood.
The best thing you can do if you suspect your pipes are blocked is to contact professionals. Plumbo and other drain unblockers can, in the worst case, do more harm than good if they are not used correctly or at the wrong time. Let the professionals assess whether a drain unblocker will suffice, or whether it is necessary to flush the pipes in a gentle and effective manner.
Leaks in the pipes in your own home are often detected when you hear a constant hissing sound even though none of your water pipes are in use. In other words, the pipes should be quiet when they are not in use. You may also suddenly notice water coming up from the floor or the ground, or water dripping from the ceiling and damp on the walls.
If you suspect you have a leak, the first thing you must do is locate the main valve and turn off the water supply. Also take photographs of any water damage, as your insurance company will usually ask for these. Try to prevent further water damage by removing moisture wherever possible. It will then be up to your insurance company to arrange for assistance to repair any damage that may have been caused by the leak.
To prevent further leaks, it may be It’s worth considering pipe replacement. If there has been a leak even once, this suggests that the condition of the pipes could be better and that, unfortunately, the likelihood of further leaks is quite high.
GET PROFESSIONAL HELP
VITEK offers expert advice whether you’re having problems with blocked pipes or need to replace existing pipes. Please feel free to contact us for a friendly chat, whether it’s about preventing injury or getting help once an accident has already happened.
All homes have water traps. They are located under the washbasin in the bathroom or the sink in the kitchen. They are in the floor drain, the shower cubicle and the toilet. When was the last time you checked your water traps?
A water trap is an absolutely essential part of a home’s pipework. This little device prevents water from draining away, and is extremely important as there are sections of the drainpipe that must always be filled with water. This creates a barrier between the drainage system and the rest of the room. Without the water in the trap, foul odours and unpleasant gases would fill the rooms we use every day – something everyone naturally wants to avoid.
The vast majority of water traps are S-, U-, Q- or J-shaped, but more modern types may also come in other shapes. Water traps are easy to locate and see under washbasins, whilst those in the floor or toilet are usually completely concealed.
If the water trap is not working properly, you may experience odour problems or blocked pipes. This can be a major nuisance for those living in the home and make it difficult to spend time in certain rooms.
You often realise quite quickly if the water in the bathroom or kitchen sink isn’t draining properly, but in some cases you don’t notice this straight away. For example, we might run the tap in the kitchen sink to rinse vegetables or soak pots and pans. The next moment, we get distracted by a phone call, the children shouting or someone knocking at the front door. If the water isn’t draining properly down the drain, it can quickly overflow. This can lead to large amounts of water on the kitchen worktop and floor, and in some cases even minor water damage.
Problems with the trap can occur quite frequently. It is very common for the trap to become blocked, which in turn leads to blocked pipes. This is because hair, grease, food scraps and other debris can clump together in the trap. Sometimes, the gasket that is supposed to sit around the «cup» before the trap is screwed into place is not fitted properly. It is important that it fits securely. If it is loose, this can lead to water leaks.
If you have a room that is rarely used, it may also be the case that the water in the trap has simply evaporated over time. This is particularly common in holiday home bathrooms and kitchens, which are only used at weekends or during holidays. This naturally means that the barrier between the drainage system and the rest of the room disappears, which will become apparent through a foul odour.
It is relatively easy to maintain a water trap, and you usually only need to do so a couple of times a year. Everyone should also be able to clean their water traps manually, rather than always relying on strong chemicals – which many people use incorrectly and end up causing more harm than good.
The very first thing you need to do is unscrew the water trap, which is located directly under the sink, by loosening the large nuts or bolts that hold the parts together. It’s a good idea to place a bucket under the sink so that you have something to catch any water or other items that might fall out.
Next, dismantle the system and clean the parts individually. Remove any hair or food residues, and wash the parts with warm water and a mild detergent. Scrub the inside of the pipes thoroughly with a brush to remove all deposits.
If it’s difficult to reach inside the drain trap, you can use a thick piece of steel wire. Bend it and use it to dislodge any blockages caused by hair, grease and dirt.
Finally, simply check all the parts you have cleaned. If any of them are damaged, they should be replaced. Then screw everything back into place in the correct order. Remember to make sure the gasket is fitted securely.
If you have a water trap with a foot valve, it will often be fitted with a bottom plug. This can be removed so that you do not have to dismantle the entire pipework to clean the water trap. If there is no bottom plug, you can clean it as best you can through the sink drain.
It’s all well and good to be able to maintain your trap yourself, but in some cases, cleaning the trap won’t solve problems with blocked pipes or unpleasant odours. In such cases, it may be wise to contact professionals who can resolve the situation quickly and effectively. VITEK has extensive experience with all types of pipework in a variety of homes and properties. You can contact us for a no-obligation site visit and a quote if you’re having trouble with your pipes. We guarantee that the work will be carried out to the highest standard, so that your daily life can return to being stress-free.
All sorts of things can happen to the pipes in your home. Whether it’s a water leak or blocked pipes, there are, fortunately, some simple tricks that can sort the problem out. Learn how to fix your pipes yourself.
Whether you live in a detached house, a terraced house or a flat, the vast majority of people will experience various plumbing problems. Some will need to call in professional help, but there are also many situations where you can fix the pipes yourself. In this country, it is usually blocked pipes that cause problems in the bathroom or kitchen. At other times, the pipes have sprung a leak for one reason or another. In such cases, there are simple first-aid measures you can take to get the pipes working properly again.
Blocked pipes are one of the most common plumbing problems people experience. The sink, bath, toilet or shower can all be affected by blocked pipes and water that won’t drain away. It often doesn’t take much to sort out the problem, but what many people forget is to start gently. If you want to get the water flowing freely again, you should proceed carefully so as not to cause more harm than good.
Start by seeing if you can pull any hair, food scraps or other debris out of the drain. After that, the simplest solution is often the best. A suction cup or a plunger and a bit of warm water have cleared out many a blocked pipe, and are usually the only remedy needed.
If manual force doesn’t work, there are many chemicals that promise to clear blockages in pipes. It is incredibly important to read the package leaflet carefully so as not to damage your pipes. Some people have experienced chemical burns to their pipes, and if you’re not careful, others have also suffered burns to their own skin. You should therefore take the utmost care to follow the instructions and protect your skin from the chemicals.
A PIPE LEAK? HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
If there is water pooling on the bathroom floor or you hear an annoying dripping sound under the kitchen sink, you most likely have a leak in a pipe. The very first thing you should do is turn off the main tap so that too much water doesn’t flow out of the pipe. Water damage is not uncommon with leaks, and if you do not stop the problem in time, the damage could prove costly. Also remember to take photos of the leak if possible, so that you have evidence to show should this become an insurance claim. Once you’ve taken the photos, you should start removing water and damp to prevent the damage from getting worse. You should also move any belongings that might be affected by the leak.
Water leaks often originate from loose water traps, for example under the kitchen worktop or at other drains. Tightening water traps is therefore a good idea, and can also be a simple solution to the problem. At other times, blocked pipes can lead to minor flooding, in which case the problem will naturally disappear once you’ve cleared the blockage.
Pipe leaks can also be more difficult to deal with. Sometimes they are caused by age and wear and tear, other times by unskilled labour or simply because the wrong pipes have been fitted in the property. Manufacturing defects in pipes can also occur, and may eventually lead to leaks. In these cases, professional help will be required. Whilst you wait, you can try to tape up any leaks if the situation is urgent, but a plumber will often be able to come out relatively quickly.
BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
It’s always a good idea to know the basics of plumbing first aid for the pipes in your home, but preventative measures are still the wisest course of action. Preventing blocked pipes, carrying out regular pipe inspections and carrying out work on the pipes when the need arises.
If the problem proves too serious or complicated for basic first aid, it is also important to contact professionals who can help. VITEK has been working with pipework for many years and has extensive experience with all types of homes and properties. We can assist you if you need help getting your pipes back in working order. Contact us for a no-obligation site visit and a quote, and we guarantee that the work will be carried out properly.
Is there really anyone who loves literally flushing money down the toilet? Doubtful, but if you spend your savings on replacing your pipes, that’s actually what you’re doing. Which is a shame when there are so many other exciting things you could spend it on instead.
Pipe relining is a more cost-effective alternative to the traditional method of replacing old pipes. What do you think costs more: installing a new pipe inside an existing one, or digging up and replacing the whole thing? You can save money by choosing pipe lining – and here are some of the things you could spend your money on instead.
We all dream of getting away from the snow, stress and the boss every now and then. With the money you save by choosing pipe renovation over replacing the pipes, you can take a trip to every Norwegian’s dream destination – the Mediterranean. Or perhaps you’d rather go on a city break? The point is that if you’re going to spend money at all, many people would rather it went towards memories to last a lifetime and a golden tan than on diggings and new pipes.
See also: Pipe renewal in housing co-operatives – what you need to know
Why stop at renovating your pipes when you can revamp your wardrobe at the same time? Treat yourself to a wardrobe full of clothes that suit you and bring out your best features. With pipe renewal, the pipes are as good as new on the inside, without you having to replace them – you can apply the same principle when you go on a shopping trip. Hold on to your basics and staple items, and instead add pieces that make your wardrobe feel fresh and new.
Tired of your home not having been refurbished since the first series of Hotel Cæsar? Well, now might be your chance. As mentioned, by opting for pipe replacement you’ll save a fair bit of cash – why not put it towards a renovation fund? It’s an investment in the future, whether you plan to live there forever or sell up.
See also: The most important things to know when renovating
Paying off loans is perhaps the world’s most boring piece of advice when you’re listing things to spend your money on. Nevertheless, it’s far cooler to pay off loans than to spend unnecessary sums on replacing the pipes in your home. Spend less time paying off your mortgage, consumer credit or car loan, and have more money left over later on.
Tired of arguing about cleaning or the washing? Who knows – perhaps a cleaner could breathe new life into your relationship? Whatever you’re thinking of spending your money on, it’s rarely a bad idea to spend it on something that improves your quality of life in everyday life, not just on holiday.
See also: 7 reasons to choose pipe renovation
Right, enough of the humour now. The whole point is that, strictly speaking, it isn’t necessary to spend your savings on replacing the pipes. Such a project is a costly business, and can easily be avoided through maintenance, routine checks and pipe renewal. Would you like to know more about how pipe renewal can lead to significant savings? Get in touch with us at VITEK for a friendly chat.
Christmas is approaching, and rich food is on the menu in thousands of Norwegian homes. Pouring cooking fat down the drain can have costly consequences. Dispose of your cooking fat properly.
For many people, Christmas food is synonymous with cosiness, generous portions of good food and gathering round the table. For those of us in the plumbing trade, it largely means dealing with blocked pipes caused by cooking fat being poured down the sink. That’s why we’re giving you some tips on what to do with both rib fat and other types of fat left over from this year’s festive cooking.
If you pour cooking fat down the sink or toilet whilst it is still liquid, many people assume that it will simply flow down the pipes with the hot water. This is partly true, but the problem arises during the colder months when the pipes cool the fat down more quickly. Animal fat, in particular, solidifies quickly when it cools down and builds up as a deposit on the inside of the pipes. Over time, this deposit will cause the pipes to become blocked.
Grease deposits can build up not only in your pipes, but also further out in the municipal sewer network. If a pipe becomes completely blocked, the sewage will back up and spill into your home or onto the streets in your neighbourhood. This is not an experience we would wish on anyone!
To avoid having to spend money on professional help to unblock your pipes, you should practise «grease safety». Essentially, you should always let the fat set in the frying pan, saucepan or baking tin in which the food was cooked, before scraping it out and wiping it up with kitchen roll, which you then bin. If there is too much liquid fat for it to set, pour it into a container and take it to a recycling centre or waste disposal facility. Large quantities of fat are classified as hazardous waste and must be handled accordingly.
COOKING FAT IS A FEAST FOR THE RATSThere are several reasons to avoid pouring cooking fat down the drain. As well as causing blockages, it can attract rats. They live in the sewers and thrive on all your food scraps. By pouring fat down the pipes, you could help breed an entire colony of rats in your neighbourhood.
No matter how careful you are to ensure that grease doesn’t end up down the drain, you won’t be able to prevent it entirely. As a preventative measure, it is therefore recommended that you check and clean the trap regularly, both in the kitchen and in the bathroom.
See also: How to check the water trap (link to article on water traps)
Are you wondering whether your pipes have started to become blocked, or have you perhaps already encountered problems? VITEK has extensive experience in pipe inspection, flushing and pipe renewal. We’d be happy to carry out a no-obligation site visit to assess your problem.
Please get in touch with us; we look forward to speaking to you.
