The ultimate guide to furnace repair in Calgary and preparation before winter

Maintaining your furnace so that it will perform efficiently in the winter requires some preparation. For maximum comfort, as the temperature outside begins to dip into the negatives as winter emerges, every homeowner will want to ensure that their household stays warm and comfortable. The temperature in many homes is dependent on how well the furnace is functioning and how well it can handle heating an entire home during the coldest months of the year. 

Before you crank up the heat on your furnace when frigid weather materializes, you’ll want to know how you can prepare your furnace for the winter to avoid having to get a costly furnace repair in Calgary

Changing filters

Changing the filters of your furnace and HVAC system will keep particles and dirt out of your furnace to ensure that it works efficiently during the winter. Changing filters will give you a chance to clean them and effectively extend the lifespan of your furnace and HVAC system. This action should be done at least every few months to keep your furnace from eventually becoming damaged. 

Thermostat inspection

Inspecting the workings of your thermostat before winter is to make sure it is working correctly without room for incident. How your thermostat works is ultimately contingent on how efficiently your furnace will function. You can inspect whether or not your thermostat’s battery is low, program it for a winter setting, or, if needed, obtain a programable thermostat that will automatically shift temperatures when you’re household is home or not, which is a huge asset when it comes to reducing energy bills. 

Cleaning drainage tube

When you own a propane and natural gas furnace, small traces of water that is produced from these substances can be found in the drainage tubes, which should be cleaned out, or else, the system could shut down entirely upon trying to use it. Detaching the tube from the furnace system and blowing the water out using compressed air can effectively remove all moisture from the drainage tube before using your furnace. 

Vacuum and clean out debris 

Although removing the dust from the filters of a furnace is imperative, the other areas of your furnace should also be free from debris, so it will effectively work to keep you warm during the winter. You can start tackling the debris in your furnace by loosening dust and other particles from its inner components that are hard to reach with an accessible object that won’t harm it, like a paintbrush. Once the debris has been loosened, you can extract the remaining debris with a vacuum. For areas that accumulate dust, like the burners, you should contact a professional with experience in furnace repair in Calgary, so they can safely and securely remove all dust and debris without harm. 

Uncover heating vents

Uncover all the heating vents that might be covered before you begin to use your furnace regularly in the winter season. If your vents are blocked, this prevents heat from escaping and keeps your home from warming up, and it will also overheat the furnace, which, in turn, will significantly damage it. 

General maintenance 

You should hire a professional for general maintenance and inspection involving any heating source in your home. This can include inspecting a properly cleaned furnace, checking a chimney for potential carbon build or small animal encampments, and getting a complete HVAC system check to ensure everything is working in winter. 

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.

What is the worst season for plumbing problems

Plumbing troubles are an inevitable event that will happen to all homeowners, where troubles can cause costly repairs. During some weather events, most plumbing systems will become even more vulnerable to damages that can wreak havoc on a property, culminating in the burning question: what season are plumbing problems most prominent? 

Determine what season you should be wearier about when it comes to your plumbing system, what you can do to prevent severe damages, and when it’s time to call plumbing companies in Calgary to get the repairs you need during the months your plumbing is most susceptible to damage. 

Rainy season

Typically, in most areas within North America, plumbers will receive the most inquiries and repair requests between September and December. More so, urgent repairs are usually needed in the aftermath of any substantial holiday, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Calls for plumbers can also be extended into the spring months of March and April, depending on the climate and the rainy weather that can emerge. 

Why fall and winter

The fall and winter are the seasons where plumbing issues are most likely to strike an unassuming household. During September and December, the climate will begin to change and cool down from the sweltering heat of the summer. When the temperatures drop, pipes become more liable to freeze and burst, even if the temperatures only shift by a minuscule amount. Seasons like September are often when large amounts of rainfall can overwhelm plumbing systems and damage them. So, when the season inevitably gets colder or wetter when the summer is ushered out, and autumn emerges, be on alert, as these types of weather events will negatively affect the functions of your plumbing systems. 

Person in protective orange gloves unblocking a clogged sink with plunger or rubber pump. Close-up, selective focus.

Prevention

Although you cannot stop the seasons from changing and damaging your plumbing, preventative measures can be taken. In fact, there are numerous methods that can be implemented before the weather gets colder to protect your plumbing system. You can ensure that the pipes in your home are insulated and properly functioning before the temperature begins to shift and have your pipes meticulously inspected by professional plumbing companies in Calgary to ensure there is no prior damage from the previous winter. Without focusing on your pipes before the colder months set in, your pipes will freeze, weaken, and be more likely to deteriorate. Your pipes are also more likely to become damaged if you fill your sink with food scraps, grease, or fat, which will inflict significant damage. More so, keep a steady temperature within your home to maintain the insulation in your pipes and walls. 

Conclusion 

Any time the temperature substantially cools down, you can expect your plumbing system to begin to shift in functionality. Because of this, the worst season for plumbing mishaps is often when the summer weather begins to transition to autumn and then winter. Of course, your holidays can be free of plumbing problems when you undertake preventative measures, such as getting your system inspected by a professional. 

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.

During the summertime, people don’t think much about their plumbing in Calgary. The assumption is that nothing needs to be done about it until the weather gets chillier. However, the warmer weather doesn’t exempt a plumbing system from any possible problems. You can avoid potential summertime plumbing issues by checking out a few tips and tricks below!

Summer Plumbing in Calgary: Tips & Tricks

Test Sump Pump

In summer, Calgary weather can be prone to sudden heavy rain. As a result, it can lead to flooding. It can devastate your home by having flood water fill up your basement and create water damage. In turn, it can lead to the deterioration of your house and risk to your health by creating a breeding ground for mold. Sump pumps prevent water from entering your home by pumping water out and through a discharge pipe outside. Keep water at bay and test your sump pump to ensure it’s working properly! 

Check Sprinkler System

Sprinkler systems are in full swing for usage during the summer. Yet, some issues can occur if you don’t check its condition. Commonly, sprinkler systems end up getting leaks. Furthermore, sprinkler heads that aren’t working create clogs. In this case, you want to replace them to avoid such problems. An embedded sprinkler system on your lawn without clean heads can lead to flooding, backed-up water and lawn areas drying out.

Mindful of Root Growth

Once spring has passed, summertime is the time for most greenery to flourish and grow truly. Unfortunately, when roots spread out further for more nutrients, it can interfere with your sewer line. In turn, it can cause a sewer backup in your home. If you suspect an issue with your sewer line, it’s best to have a plumber in Calgary to see the level of damage you could be facing. Better to be safe than sorry if the tree near your home is impacting your sewer line this summer. 

Be Aware of Sweating Pipes

What exactly are sweaty pipes? They’re the condensation on pipes, faucet heads, and other plumbing fixtures when cold water runs or has just run through them. Typically, these are temporary and are quite common. However, it becomes an issue if you see it constantly. Usually, the culprit is a leaky faucet, running toilet or improper main valve adjustment. So keep an eye out for sweaty pipes to avoid those plumbing problems! 

Know the Main Water Valve

Are you aware of what your main water valve does? If not, it would be imperative for you to know! Your main water valve can cut off your water supply. In cases of leaks or bursts, you would want to know where to shut it off to prevent water from continuously spewing everywhere and causing potential damage. Typically, you can find them in a basement, garage or utility closet. Others have one outside or near the water main in the street, curb or sidewalk. If unsure, you can always consult a plumber to ask where it is. 

Find the Right Pressure 

During the summer, you get more usage out of your shower, washer and other water-based appliances and fixtures. That’s why you need to ensure your water pressure is right. According to the City of Calgary, “homes built after 1990 in areas of over 80 PSI are equipped with a pressure reducing valve (PRV).” If your home is older or the PRV is over five years old, the water pressure in your home will become too high, and you will need maintenance. 

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.

Nothing can make you sweat more than dealing with plumbing problems during the summer. As many Calgary plumbers know, the summer months in the city can result in heat waves that have many Calgarians increasing their water usage. However, in doing so, this stress on your plumbing can create a host of unexpected problems.

Learn what the top four common plumbing problems you encounter during the summer are. This way, you don’t need to sweat about any plumbing issues arising!

Problem #1: Various Types of Clogs

Summer is the time of the year when people are at home more often due to school being over and more work holidays. In which case, you can expect more usage out of your plumbing besides yourself and possibly your household. Friends and family come over more often during this time, which can cause unexpected plumbing problems. 

For instance, you can expect clogs during summer to occur most likely from:

  • Your toilet
  • Your garbage disposal
  • Your shower
  • Your sink

Unfortunately, not every person is mindful of your plumbing system, so the increased usage can result in clogs in those areas of your home. 

A woman is showing a leaking washing machine to a plumber.

Problem #2: Laundry Water Supply Line Leaks

Calgary is no stranger to heat waves. People end up dripping in sweat that soaks easily through clothes. On top of that, many generally get their clothes dirty more often because of various activities (e.x. hiking). As a result, many use their washing machines frequently to clean said clothes.

Continuous use of your washing machine over a period of time can wear down your water supply lines and shut off valves. It can also create leaks over time in your washing machine’s water supply line hoses, which can potentially lead to flooding. Avoid having to pay for potential water damage by changing your water supply hoses every couple of years. We recommend always using a braided water supply line. 

Problem #3: Risk of Sudden Flooding

Beyond the heat, summer also comes with rain. In Calgary, rainfall can come suddenly and heavily. Depending on the severity, it can potentially cause your basement to flood. When you’re susceptible to flooding, the watery debris can bring in bacteria and germs into your home that can be a breeding ground for sickness. Furthermore, flooding creates significant water damage that would need repairing – which can get costly. You can prevent spending a fortune on repairs by ensuring your sump pump is in good condition. Once you know your sump pump is in working order, it can effectively help steer heavy rainfall water away from your home and prevent any flooding from occurring. 

Problem #4: Possible Kitchen Leaks

Like with your washing machine, you can expect frequent use of your dishwasher during the summer. Social gatherings like having BBQs with friends and family mean a lot of dishes that need cleaning. The most convenient way to clean up is generally with a dishwasher, but having so much demand can lead to system leaks. A tell-tale sign there is something wrong is if you see water pooling around your dishwasher or your dishwasher will not drain . In which case, you want to reach out to plumbing in Calgary that can directly assess and fix the issue. 

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.

As we get closer and closer to summer, many start to reach out for their thermostat to dial down the temperature as the days become warmer. Long gone are cold winter months and the frequent use of your furnace to keep you warm. 

It then begs the question: “What do I do with my furnace now that it will be getting hot?” 

Interestingly enough, any business that conducts furnace repair in Calgary is no stranger to folks being uncertain about what they should do.

Get the facts from the experts on what you should be doing with your furnace during the summertime! 

Keeping Furnace On or Off

The biggest question folks have is whether they should keep their furnace on or off during the summertime. The issue is whether it can effectively save on energy and your utility bills. However, these benefits may or may not apply to you depending on the type of furnace you have – and, typically, how old it is. 

Types of Furnaces 

You don’t need to worry about turning off furnaces for the most part. Nowadays, they’re rather energy-efficient since they include an electrical ignition so that any gas doesn’t need to burn continuously – which saves costs on utilities! Unlike other gas furnaces, which need to have gas constantly running to keep a pilot light going. With these furnaces it is still recommended to keep them on even though they are not as energy efficient. 

Additionally, a furnace can still be used during the summer if you have a central air conditioning system. Why is that? The AC uses the furnace to help circulate cool air through your home. 

When your furnace sits dormant through the summer months, potential problems can arise when you need to use it again, and it might not work as it should. 

Scheduling Furnaces for Servicing & Repairs

Summertime is considered slower for businesses that conduct furnace repairs and replacements. In which case, it’s perfect to schedule servicing for it! You won’t be spending too much money as you would during peak, high-demand seasons like winter if you need repairs or a replacement. 

Plus, it’s better to check if everything is in working order before winter. It helps you prepare in advance, so any bigger repair issues do not blindside you. Ensure top-tier performance by scheduling whatever service you may need for your furnace while it’s nice and hot outside! 

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.

Nothing is more worrying than turning on your hot water and hearing their pipes vibrate. All Calgary plumbers can affirm that choosing to ignore the sound of vibrating hot water pipes should be addressed. 

By getting to the root of the issue, you can effectively figure out what is required to fix them. 

After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry! 

What Causes the Vibrating & Noise?

There are a few reasons your pipes will vibrate and make a noise when they’re turned on. Firstly, it can come from loose pipes, where the supports that keep them up are loosened. Another is hydraulic shock (water hammer). It happens when there is an immediate increase in water pressure, triggered by the speed or direction of water in pipes suddenly changing. Alternatively, it can simply be from temperature fluctuations. Lastly, it could potentially be the air in your pipes which is the problem. 

Understanding the Issue & Fixing It

Once you have identified the reason for the sound, it’s good to know what each one can do to your plumbing. Having that knowledge is instrumental in understanding what certain measures are needed to fix it. 

Hydraulic Shock

If you hear vibrating noise from your pipes, regardless of whether you have turned the hot water on or off, the likely culprit is hydraulic shock (water hammer). It poses a problem by causing your pipes to rupture or even collapse. The common solution is to install a pressure-reducing valve so that it can counteract those effects. 

Loosened Pipes

When your pipes aren’t properly supported, the water that runs through them can hit whatever is near them. In this case, it’s important to understand which specific pipes aren’t well supported by seeing if they have any loose clamps. If the clamps are accessible, they need tightening to keep them secure. Yet, it might not always be easy. If pipes are behind the walls, call a plumber. They can effectively find the right pipe that needs repairing. 

Temperature Changes

Have you ever been spooked by a sudden unexplained noise and assumed it was a ghost? If so, you probably heard someone say in response, “It’s just the pipes!” Unlike supernatural horror movies, the sound does come from pipes! The creepy sound is usually from a person running hot water that causes the pipes to expand and rub anything nearby. You can fix this by lowering the temperature on your water heater or having your pipes insulated. 

Air in Pipes

You may be asking yourself: “How can air get into pipes?” Air enters the system when the water supply is cut for too long. You can fix this issue by running faucets or flushing toilets. However, if the air is trapped for too long, it can lead to corrosion and rust forming in pipes. If you can’t fix it through running water, it’s best to call in an expert to pinpoint the problem and repair it. 

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.

Most folks might not know a sump pump until their basement is ankle-deep in cold water suddenly. It’s a scenario that many Calgary plumbers know all too well since a damaged sump pump can quickly turn into a plumbing emergency. Knowing what a sump pump is and how it works can better understand any issues that might arise in the future and deal with them accordingly. 

What is a Sump Pump?

In 1946, the sump pump was invented by U.S. Navy electrician Karl Niedermeyer to help prevent large amounts of water from collecting under a house’s foundation. It became a mandatory inclusion for homes after the late 80s since it helps prevent groundwater intrusion by removing water accumulated in the sump basin. Typically the collected water from the sump basin comes from storms or when the groundwater level is above your basement floor – hence why you can find a sump pump in the basement. 

How Does a Sump Pump Function?

First, where can you find a sump pump in your basement? You can find a sump pump by knowing where the sump basin is located – usually in a corner or against an outside wall. Once you find it, you will see many holes in your sump basin wall, all of which connect to a drain pipe. Depending on your home, some drain pipes will come from weeping tile pipes outside the bottom of your home’s foundation, while others connect to interior drainage systems under your basement floor.

When groundwater collects and flows into a drain pipe into your sump basin, the sump pump kicks into gear when it reaches a certain level. Depending on your sump pump, it activates in one of two ways: a pressure sensor or a float activator arm. The pressure sensor sends a signal to your pump when water pressure exceeds a certain level. A float activator arm uses an attached buoyant ball that floats on the water’s surface, where the sump pump is activated when the water level reaches a certain height.

Once the sump pump gets into gear, an impeller inside your pump draws water out of the sump basin and sends it up a discharge pipe. You can expect the discharge pipe to empty far from your home’s foundation. 

How to Maintain a Sump Pump?

Maintenance is important. If you have issues with your sump pump, it can become a bigger issue. A faulty sump pump can result in terrible water damage like flooding, warped wood, cause rot, and lead to mold growth that can be expensive to cover the costs on. 

Some factors that indicate a damaged sump pump:

  • Strange noises
  • Visible rust
  • Vibrates too much when running
  • Infrequent pump usage
  • Running too much
  • Irregular cycling
  • Older than seven years
  • Motor stuck or motor failure

For maintenance, it’s recommended to get a sump pump regularly inspected every three to four months, with a more in-depth one to be done annually by a plumber. 

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.

With chilly conditions that can go well below -30°C, the icy Calgary weather can do a number on the plumbing in a home. 

Keep winter’s icy embrace from your outside drain pipes by learning how to prevent freezing from occurring!

How Does Freezing Impact Your Plumbing?

You would be surprised to find how cold temperatures can significantly affect your plumbing. 

When temperatures drop, water can expand resulting in pipe blockages. Once blocked, this can lead to being unable to access running water. Even worse, pressure from the blockage can lead to a pipe bursting and needing plumbing repairs.

Even when winter ends, freezing on your outside pipes can result in foundation water damage, exterior wall cracks, and leaks into your basement or crawlspace.

Signs of Freezing in Your Plumbing

Now you know what could happen if you don’t prevent freezing from occurring. But how can you spot the signs of freezing? 

Temperature – This is a pretty obvious indicator. However, many don’t know the exact temperature of when water freezes. When temperatures drop to under 0°C, it can eventually lead to frozen pipes. Keep in mind weather reports on potential freezing conditions.

Frosted Pipes – If Jack Frost left his mark on your outside drain pipes, then it’s a clear signal to implement preventative measures. If you’re unable to know the exact temperature, this sign is quite obvious to see.

No Water – As stated, freezing can lead to blockages in your pipes. When this happens, you might find yourself without water. As a basic human need, being without water for too long isn’t ideal. Instances like these may require an emergency plumber

Sudden Smells – Odd smells from pipes are never a good sign. It’s more worrisome during winter. When frozen pipes are blocked, odours can’t escape and end up back in the direction of your home. 

How Can You Prevent Freezing from Occurring?

There is not much you can do about the cold. However, you can take control by preventing freezing from occurring.

Insulation – A sure-fire way to prevent freezing is to insulate as it promotes heat retention. It’s recommended to use polyethylene insulation when wrapping it around your outside drain pipes. If you’re still uncertain, insight from a licensed Calgary plumber is helpful.

Snow Removal – Calgary is no stranger to heavy snow. By getting rid of the snow surrounding your pipe, you can effectively reduce the chances of freezing from happening.

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.

As professional plumbers continue to learn more about their field, advancements are made to enhance the safety and security of your home. This can be great news for those purchasing new builds, but for those living in homes thirty years old or older, you may not be seeing the benefits of these discoveries just yet.

Polybutylene piping, also known as Poly B, was the industry standard in the 80s and 90s, often hailed as the solution for all future plumbing. However, since installation, home and business owners have been experiencing water leakages and burst pipes.

Fortunately, a new player is in town: PEX piping. So let’s explore the differences between the two styles of piping and why you should turn to a plumbing company in Calgary today and make the switch!

The Downfall of Poly B and the Rise of PEX

Despite its promising start, poly B has been found to be unreliable, primarily due to two main factors.

The first is that there is a potential for a compromise in the structure before the piping is even installed. UV rays can actually break down the molecular bonds of poly B, meaning that any contact with sunlight prior to installation can be detrimental. The more sun it’s exposed to, the more likely it is that a leak will occur.

The second is that poly B does not react well to chlorine. The piping tends to deteriorate more quickly when dealing with water with higher chlorine concentrations, such as public pools.

The Advantages of PEX Piping

Flexibility

PEX is able to bend into a wide-radius turn if space permits, or utilize elbow joints in tighter spaces. Its flexibility is also a benefit when it comes to impact. Since the piping is able to expand and contract with more ease, it can handle extra pressure and hold up to freezing temperatures.

Resistant To Chemicals

As mentioned above, Poly B is negatively affected by chemicals such as chlorine. PEX, however, does not respond to chemicals, thus ensuring that the liquids it’s carrying do not impact its ability to perform and last.

Reliability

Naturally, the main goal with your plumbing is to have it work properly. Leaking pipes can lead to water damage and create a financial burden that no one wants to deal with. PEX has been used for over 40 years, proving that plumbers trust this piping to do the job well.

Aversion To Corrosion

Water or soil will not corrode PEX piping, regardless of its age.

Environmentally Friendly

PEX is actually the only piping out there that is considered to be environmentally friendly. During production, the mining of ore is not required to complete the fabrication of this product, nor is chlorine added. Additionally, once installed, heat loss and condensation are reduced, with hot water being efficiently delivered through the pipes. With PEX lasting for decades, you decrease the number of replacement parts that end up in the landfill.

If you’re looking for piping you can count on, consider replacing your poly B with PEX. If you are unsure of what kind of piping you have, always feel free to reach out to a plumbing company in Calgary for help and guidance!

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.

Do you notice that there is a smell coming from your sink? Or is your drain not draining as it should be? Are drains backing up all over the house? If you are noticing any of these signs, you most likely have a sewer backup.

And this is a big problem. 

It means you’ll risk water damage in your home, floods, sewage coming back into your home, damaging it, and exposing you and your family to harmful bacteria and germs. Therefore, it’s important to fix a sewer backup when it occurs. 

But why does it happen? Knowing what causes sewer backups can help you prevent a hazardous situation while being proactive can risk the situation occurring in the first place. 

Here is why sewer backups occur, how to prevent them and what to do if you have one. 

Causes of Sewer Backups

Below are the main causes of sewer backups: 

  • Clogs can occur when there is a build-up of waste in pipes, leading to a backup in the sewer line. This can include tree roots that have grown into sewer lines.
  • Heavy rainfall can also cause sewer lines to flood and go back up pipes. 
  • Damaged or aged sewer lines can break down and crack, causing sewage backups and flooded households.
  • Blockages in city sanitary mains or inside the main plumbing system can result in backups.

How to Prevent Sewer Backups

You can prevent the outbreaks of sewer backups by following these tips: 

  • Don’t pour cooking oil or grease down the drain.
  • If you have a clogged drain, it’s best to get professional drain cleaning services immediately than letting it continue to build up. 
  • Don’t dispose of garbage or waste down the drain; make sure you correctly dispose of paper towels and waste in the trash.
  • Install a backwater prevention valve. This unique fixture allows sewage to leave your home through the drains, but if the water starts to flow backwards (a sign of a blockage), then the flap on the valve will activate and stop it. 
  • Ensure you get frequent plumbing and sewage pump maintenance. Having a professional inspect your plumbing system and sewer lines means they can proactively stop any problems from occurring. 

(What is a plumbing emergency? And does a sewer backup constitute one? Read our blog to find out!)

Call a Plumber Immediately 

If you are experiencing a sewer backup, there is only one solution to your problem: calling an emergency plumber in Calgary

A sump pump in a home basement

Only a professional plumber with expertise and knowledge in sewer lines and plumbing systems can help you with this major problem. They will inspect your sewer line (through CCTV) to determine its condition and if you need repairs or replacement. If the damage is extensive, you might require renovations. 

Before they arrive, there are some things you can do to mitigate the damage: 

  • Evacuate and turn off the electrical power in the flooded area 
  • Shut off the valve for the main water line of your home. If you are in an apartment building, speak to your landlord or property manager. 
  • Don’t use the water supply system at all until the problem is fixed. 
  • Stay away from the sewage water and if you wish to get closer to it, wear protection masks, eyeglasses, rubber boots and gloves before doing so
  • Open up doors and windows to allow ventilation through the house. 
  • Contact your municipal authority or sewer department if your home is connected to a public sewer and if there is a problem. 
  • Contact your insurance to confirm if you have coverage from sewer damage or not.

The quicker you act when you suspect a backup, the less damage there will be in your home. With sewer backups, don’t take the risk – take action as soon as possible! 

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.