Russ Batyi

With over 40 years experience in this highly specialized field we are pleased to have Russ Batyi service our clients. Russ brings a vast knowledge of all aspects of the trade as well having resided locally for decades knows the local water demographics very well and may have in fact serviced your residential or commercial system in the past. Russ is easy to talk to and always available to chat to direct to answer any of your questions and concerns. You’re going to like Russ!

Russ specializes in:

  • Deep and Shallow Well Installations and Repairs
  • Water Filtration, Installations and Maintenance
  • Well Testing and Reports
  • Pump Installations and Service
  • Annual & Semi-Annual Service Agreements
  • Rain Water Harvesting and Cistern Systems
  • 24/7 Emergency Services
  • Residential/Commercial/Industrial
  • Water Testing
  • Well Disinfection

WHAT IS A CISTERN? WHY DO I NEED ONE?

A common reason for a cistern is because the flow from the well cannot keep up with the demand from the house, resulting in stress on the well this is often the case during the summer months when water tables may drop subsequently not providing enough water. This is solved by installing a cistern, which acts as a reservoir. Instead of directly drawing from the well, the water demands for the home will be taken from the cistern; which in turn will be replenished by the well at its pre-set rate, often “trickle filled” so as not to deplete or completely draw down the well in one fill. Smaller cisterns are stored in mechanical rooms, basements and crawl spaces in Poly/Plastic tanks, but most are underground. There are a variety of sizes for these applications.

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plumbers duncan bc
Excavation to begin the install
plumbers duncan bc
Establishing the grades for even placement
plumbers duncan bc
Crane delivery of 2100G concrete cistern tank
plumbers duncan bc
Crane placement
plumbers duncan bc
Final placement of the cistern
well water treatment companies cowichan
Well riser installation
well water treatment companies cowichan
Final well and cistern placement
well water filter systems duncan bc
well water filter systems duncan bc
hot water tank installation cowichan
Several Cistern Systems
hot water tank installation cowichan
hot water tank installation cowichan

The homeowner will be bring the finish grades up and then we will install the Poly plastic tank in the fall to further assist with rain water harvesting and adding to the system.

These pictures demonstrate a cistern system using a 2100IMPG concrete tank for the cistern. The homeowners well does not provide sufficient volume within the dry seasons so utilizing a cistern allows for slow and periodic filling to gain capacity while not taxing the well. The water is then passed through a series of filters and ready for home and yard use.

A rain water collection system will also be added to this system in the future catching gutter and downspout water from the building next to the well and cistern.

We proceed by marking the area and establishing grades to install the cistern, from there plumbing follows from the well to the cistern and fed back to the home using two pumps and a control system. A concrete well riser was installed to assure no ground water seepage was entering the well system as can pose potential bacteria and water contamination.

They may be out of sight…but should not be out of mind!

More and more home owners are installing cisterns as a preventative measure. The flow from the well may be adequate at first, but if there was to be a change in flow rate, or a higher demand, they would be prepared; for example, selling their home to a larger family and increasing the daily load requirements placed on the well. These system are fantastic for assuring adequate gallonage even from a low producing well.

If you are experiencing water shortages due to a low producing well give a cistern some consideration, this can really make the difference for home and building supply and removes the worry of running out of sufficient water requirements.Some acreages produce little or no water, in which case the water would have to be transported by truck and stored in the cistern.

I DIDN'T KNOW IT NEEDED CLEANING!

EVERY WATER STORAGE FACILITY NEEDS MAINTENANCE. Cistern water should be tested and the cisterns cleaned and sanitized regularly (at least annually) to prevent bacteria, insects and animals from contaminating your drinking water.

Even if your water is tested fit to drink, over time there will be build-up of material on the floor and sides of the cistern this is unavaidable. This material is drawn into the pump and into the home. PARTICULARLY CISTERNS THAT ARE SUPPLIED BY WATER WELLS NEED REGULAR MAINTENANCE. Most homes will have a treatment or filter system to remove the impurities from the well water, but the cistern receives raw water directly from the well and stores it, waiting for demand of water from the house. This “holding time” allows the sediment and other impurities from the well to settle on the bottom and side walls of the cistern. Even cisterns that store hauled city water still require servicing; they can accumulate a sediment build-up over time, which is abrasive for the pump.

Most importantly, the cleaning process allows for a thorough inspection of the interior of your cistern. Cracks or flaws would be repaired immediately, preventing ground water from entering the cistern and contaminating the water supply this can be common with aging concrete cisterns. The two most common sources of contamination are from surface water and and ground water entering the cistern. Treatment is always recommended for well and cistern systems serving your potable water requirements.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT THE INTERIOR OF MY CISTERN LOOKS LIKE?

We take before and after pictures of your cistern during the cleaning and sanitizing process as reference.

HOW DO I KNOW IF GROUND WATER IS ENTERING AND CONTAMINATING MY CISTERN?

We inspect for visual problems and give a detailed report, we can monitor draw down and calculate volume loss.

HOW OFTEN DOES IT NEED TO BE CLEANED?

This is really site specific. BC guidelines suggest an annual cleaning. For the most part it depends on the water the well is delivering to the cistern. You may or may not notice a change in odor or taste over time. If it has been three years or more since the cistern was last serviced, we recommend you give us a call. Vortech can service your cistern in a timely manner and put you on a maintenance schedule to offer peace of mind, we have many clients on annual and bi-annual servicing, we call you days in advance.

CAN'T I JUST CLEAN IT MYSELF?

In order for a cistern to be properly maintained, it must be entered or often we use our pipe cameras to closely identify and inspect for deficiencies, surface water and groundwater inflow, or any other potential risks.

A cistern must never be entered until the cistern’s air quality is tested and deemed safe. No cistern should be entered unless the person entering the tank has been trained in confined space entry and follows the appropriate safety procedures. Often times however entry will not be required, primarily for residential application.

Our trained professionals have the experience, equipment and certification to properly and safely clean and disinfect your cistern and also inspect for imperfections or deficiencies.

With 4 decades of water harvesting, wells and cistern installation experience and maintenance your in good hands with Vortech.

Below demonstrates a system we recently installed.

In this application the homeowner was experiencing water shortages in the dry months so a 2100G concrete cistern was installed to allow for additional gallonage

What our customers say:

  • "I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Charles and the crew at Vortech. I have used their services on two separate occasions and both times I was impressed with their professionalism and excellent customer service. This is a professional, trustworthy, and reliable company that I highly recommend to everyone. They give upfront and honest quotes. They come prepared and their work is fast, efficient, and dependable. Based on prior experience, this is not a given in this industry. So before you go with the big name alternative, consider giving Vortech a call instead. I will never call anyone else."

    Nissa Bell
    Victoria B.C.
  • "Vortech Plumbing came recommended. I met Charles, we agreed on a price with no hidden fees or contracts. The following week had his two men at our house removing bathroom fixtures and installing a new Soaker tub and Shower unit. Drywall was completed and had them back to install the fixtures and trim. My experience with this company was excellent. I will highly recommend them and have to friends and family. An old fashioned hand shake style service is what we received. Such a pleasure to do business with. Great guys, good service at value price. Thanks again."

    D Martin
    Duncan B.C.
  • "Vortech was recommended by a family member to evaluate a loss of water pressure in our home. A broken water main was determined to be the cause under the concrete slab of our home. We had three companies come and quote the job. We decided on Vortech, their approach and expertise separated them from the others and was as well most cost efficient. My husband and I were extremely pleased with the outcome and professionalism shown and as such would highly recommend their services. Fast and very organized. Excellent job."

    Dorothy Walton, RN
    Duncan B.C.
  • Choosing the right professional for our large home renovation, including two new bathrooms and laundry and kitchen, we went with Charles from Vortech Plumbing. New to the Cowichan Valley we had no experience with trades and felt it necessary to phone our local municipality for recommendations as well asked others in the community. Charles's name came up on several occasions. A true professional with excellent communication and patience. The job was done well within our time allowance and the quote honored. In short a pleasure to work with. Vortech Plumbing will be plumbing our new home next spring and highly recommend their services and knowledgable staff.

    Pierre Dufour
    Cowichan Valley
  • I had a serious drainage issue on my property. I called Charles from Vortech Plumbing and Drainage and he promptly assessed the situation and provided a logical and affordable solution. What a refreshing change to deal with a true and knowledgeable professional who quotes a fair price and then honors it!. No surprises and no hidden charges. The work was done quickly and to a very high standard. I will highly recommend Vortech.

    Cathal Walsh
    Duncan, B.C.
  • Sometimes you just luck out... Having just purchased a new home in Maple Bay we had the very good fortune of being steered to Vortech Plumbing by a friend. We had a drainage problem and needed it fixed. At first, we all assumed it was a simple job but as the digging got deeper and the problem became more complex we realized just how lucky we were to have Charles and his crew working on our behalf. Charles and his men were excellent; pleasant, hard working, as tidy as you can be working in mud, and always willing to explain what they were doing and why. Charles briefed us at each step of the way and made sure we were comfortable with their progress and direction. The end result was much better than we had hoped for and we're very happy with the work and the clean up. I would not hesitate to recommend Charles and Vortech Plumbing and Drainage (and already have) to anyone in need of drainage or plumbing work. The problem will be solved efficiently, effectively and with open and honest communication. Have a great day Charles.... and thank you.

    Carolyn Daley
    Maple Bay, B.C.
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