It is not always clear when you should call an emergency plumber in Calgary. When water is flooding in your home, it’s pretty obvious that you need a professional plumber to help you. Other times, you could have a situation on your hands but don’t know it yet.

It’s always better to be prepared in an emergency, which is why we discuss the situations when you should contact an emergency plumber.

When to Call an Emergency Plumber

Flooding & Sewer Back Ups

We touched on it above, and we’re focusing on it now: rushing, flooding water is the definitive sign of an emergency plumbing situation. The damage that your house can face when it is under flooding can affect the foundation, the ceilings, walls and even the roof. It’s paramount that you speak to a professional Calgary plumber immediately if your home is experiencing a flood.

If your home is experiencing water or sewage backing up from your household drainage. It is best to call a professional plumber to address the root cause of the backup before irreversible damage is done to your home.

Burst, Leaking or Frozen Pipes

Pipes are the “lifeblood” of your plumbing system; if there are any problems, you have to act fast to prevent further issues. The three most notable factors that can impact your pipes’ quality include if they’re leaking, bursting or frozen.

A leaking pipe is a clear sign that if you don’t make quick plumbing repairs, it can get worse. A bursting pipe is the result of a prolonged leaking pipe. If water saturates drywall or flooring, it can cause irreversible damage, so you must act quickly and call an emergency plumber.

As for a frozen pipe, this is something that must be dealt with immediately, particularly during Calgary’s harsh winters. As the water turns to ice, the pipe can burst due to the expansion, leading to blockages in your system or flooding.

Overflowing Toilet

A clogged toilet is one problem that can be handled without minimal fuss. An overflowing toilet is another issue altogether. The last thing you want is to find your bathroom flooded with toilet leftovers and sewage smells. It can be damaging to your home but also your quality of life and overall health. If you suspect that your toilet is overflowing, call our expert Calgary emergency plumbers now!

(If you want to learn more about the most common plumbing problems in your household, read our post here)

Hot Water Tank Issues

Due to a hot water tank’s finer details, you can experience issues that can spiral out of control very quickly. Problems such as sediment buildup, pilot light and thermostat issues, or natural wear and tear can stop your system from functioning and even cause leaks.

That means no hot water for your home and a potential flood in your hands – in one of the most complex parts of your home. Bringing on board a specialist can help you navigate any water heater repairs. In some cases, if the damage is too severe, you might have to replace the unit.

Don’t Wait Around – Contact Our Calgary Emergency Plumbers

If you have a plumbing emergency on your hands or suspect one might be occurring, then contact our emergency plumbers immediately. You can risk damaging your home if you do not act fast. Call our experts today when you need us!

Calgary Plumber and Drains is your number one team of Calgary plumbers! Our success has been built on values such as honesty, hard work, affordable prices and superior customer service. We pride ourselves on offering clients throughout Downtown and surrounding areas with top-quality plumbing services, including leak repairs, installations, sewer and drain cleaning, toilet repairs, and water heater repairs in Calgary. As an emergency plumber in Calgary, we’re available when you’re in dire straits! For the number one plumbing company in Calgary, contact Calgary Plumber and Drains at 403-629-2920.

Your Guide To Plumber’s Putty & Silicone

What are They and What are They Used For?

As mentioned above, both plumber’s putty and silicone are sealing compounds that provide protection and enhance connections between pipes, drains and faucets. It keeps the connection between pipes and plumbing systems sealed and makes sure nothing ever loosens up.

The Materials of the Compounds

The key difference between the two is the material compound. Plumber’s putty is soft sealing material and that means it won’t harden over time, making it easy to disassemble or remove after several years. Silicone on the other hand, dries up and hardens over time, making it difficult to remove or work with again.

Longevity & Durability

Plumber’s putty can last on average for 15 years once applied due to the flexible material. On the other hand, silicone putty lasts about 10 years because it is harder than the former, so it either breaks or wears down faster.

Maintenance & Application

You or your plumber can bend it to your liking, so that it repairs your plumbing problem while its installation is easier than ever before, meaning any pipes or drains can be reached thanks to its simple application. Furthermore, due to the soft material of plumber’s putty, only this product has the flexibility to be applied and reapplied in future.

On the flip side, plumber’s putty is not as adhesively strong as silicone caulk and won’t work as well as for plastic or metal threaded pipes.

Silicone, on the other hand, is not as versatile as plumber’s putty, but it still can be applied to numerous surfaces and plumbing systems. It is a strong adhesive and is a practical option as it hardens quickly and can instantly repair most plumbing problems.

In turn, it doesn mean that if silicone breaks or cracks, you’ll need to replace it completely – but that is rare thanks to its strength. Once it does harden, it means it cannot be reapplied, making it difficult to shape and modify.

What’s The Best Option For You?

It ultimately depends on what you need these sealing compounds for, as their applications can be used for different plumbing repairs. It’s best to speak to your Calgary plumber or hire them to handle the repairs for you. With their experience and guidance, they can apply the right compound to protect your plumbing system for years to come.