Frozen pipes are a homeowner’s worst nightmare in the winter.

The risks include expensive and extensive plumbing repairs and damaged walls and ceilings. So what do you do when your pipes freeze in the winter?

Before we get to that, let’s look at the signs that indicate your pipes are frozen.

Signs Your Pipes are Frozen

If you experience any of the following, your pipes could be frozen:

Damp drywall or ceiling
Limited water coming through the pipes
Gurgling sounds when pipes are running
Smelly water
Bulging pipes

What Should I Do?

There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your frozen pipes don’t damage your home:

Shut off your water source. Find your main water supply source and shut it off.
Try to find the frozen pipe. If possible, see if you can find it.
Check for leaks around the pipe. Determining the pipe’s condition can help you know what to do next.
Try to thaw it. Using a portable heater, heating cable, electric heating pad, or hairdryer can help thaw your pipes.
Contact a plumber. If the pipe is leaking, heavily damaged, or unable to thaw it, then having a professional plumber review and fix it is your best course of action.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

The best way to prevent your pipes from freezing is to keep them at a temperature above zero. Here is how you can do it effectively:

Insulate the pipes – Purchasing specifically designed pipe insulation made from fibreglass, polyethylene or foam. These can help protect your pipes from any cold throughout the winter.
Use heating tape – Similar to pipe insulation, applying heating tape to pipes can help them retain heat.
Cover crawl spaces and gaps – Ensuring that gaps are closed will stop any cold air flowing into and onto your pipes, reducing the chances it will freeze.
Let your faucet and pipes – It might seem strange, but letting the water run through your pipes will help it during winter. The small amount of friction and heat produced by water can keep your pipes from freezing.
Keep your thermostat consistent – Keeping your home nice and toasty will ensure that the pipes remain at a decent temperature.
Close the windows and doors – Ensuring that no cold enters your home will help protect your pipes from getting exposed to extreme colds.

Preventing frozen pipes is the best way to protect your home, avoiding emergency plumbing situations and costly repairs. If you do suspect that you have a frozen pipe, it’s best to contact a Calgary plumber 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.

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!

There comes a time when your water heater has to be replaced.

When should you do it? And most importantly, how much does it cost?

Before we get to that, let’s see why you should choose a gas unit over an electric one, and what can impact the cost of your gas water heater replacement in Calgary.

Why Choose Gas Water Heaters Over Electric?

While gas water heaters are typically more expensive initially, they tend to be cheaper in the long-term.

A study by Smarterhouse shows that over a 13-year cycle, no-pilot ($4,560), conventional ($5,394), condensing ($5,408), and high-efficient ($5,220) gas heaters cost less than electrical water heaters ($6,528 to $6,769 depending on the model).

Home Advisor backs this claim up, stating that the cost over a 12-year lifespan was $6,250 for electrical models and $5,000 for gas.

Other benefits include a longer lifespan, fewer water heater repairs, operation during power outages, and less time to reheat the water. However, gas models are not as energy efficient as electric units.

What Affects The Water Heater Installation Cost in Calgary?

There are several important considerations when deciding which gas water heater you should purchase for your home: model, brand, complexity, and labour. Each of these will have an impact on the final cost of your installation.

Tankless vs Tank

Tankless options are the more expensive choice for sustainability and value, as water is provided by on-demand needs instead of tank heaters, which stores them. Depending on how you want your unit to operate, it will impact your choice. It will also impact the way it is installed, thereby affecting the price.

The Brand

The likes of A.O. Smith, Rheem, and Bradford White are considered the top choices for gas water heaters, so it makes sense that they would cost more than other brands. There are, however, cheaper, lesser-known brands. The decision you choose will affect the installation costs, as it could mean the difference between a simple connection or an hours-long job.

Location of the Installation

Depending on where you want your water heater, it will impact the installation’s overall cost. It might require the Calgary plumber to put in extra work, use special tools, or apply a unique approach to get it done. This process will also include the removal of the old unit.

Labor Cost To Install Water Heater

Calgary plumbers will charge per hour or job (click here to see how much Calgary plumbers charge), depending on their rates and value. As such, you should expect to pay a little extra if the plumber is more experienced, more professional, and can deliver the service you want. It’s a worthwhile investment, as that means the job is done the first time correctly.

The Cost of Gas Water Heater Installation in Calgary

According to Home Guide, the “cost to install a new water heater ranges from $400 to $900 for a 40 to 50-gallon tank, and between $1,470 and $2,510 for a tankless”.

Home Advisor backs this claim up, stating that “a water heater costs $804 and $1,548, or an average of $1,162, include the unit and labor”, but also note that “plumber labor runs $45 to $150 per labour.

As previously stated, many factors can influence the cost of the installation. Ideally, it is best to research and speak to a plumber who can provide you with the best value and workmanship for your installation.

Hot water heaters are standard for most homes across Canada. Whether traditional gas or electric, or even tankless options, hot water heaters are essential to offering functionality, peace of mind and value to your home.

Unfortunately, like all good equipment, it has an expiration date. Knowing when and how long hot water heaters last is an important question to understand. As are noticing when the warning signs start to appear, you know it’s time for a hot water tank replacement in Calgary.

Signs of Water Heater Replacement in Calgary

A water heater not working can be the result of any number of things. Key signs that your water heater might have extensive problems include the following:

Banging or rumbling noises from the tank
Damaged pilot light, gas control or burner.
Tinted hot water, either red or dirty yellow, coming from any faucet in the home
The water has a smelly or distinct odour
You have varying water temperature issues or experience a drop in water temperature
You notice reduced water flow, or you don’t have enough hot water
Water pooling around the base of the tank or there is a significant leak occurring

In a best-case scenario, the signs could require minimal repairs. In the worst-case scenario, it might require a replacement.

Costs of Water Heater Repair vs Water Heater Replacement in Calgary

Water heater repairs in Calgary can be handled quickly and economically. Home Guide states that the cost of water heater repairs ranges from $150 to $500.

However, it might be wiser to replace your current water heater at some point instead of continually paying for repairs.

Home Guide quotes the cost to install a new water heater in Calgary ranges from “$650 to $900 for a 40 to 50-gallon tank, and between $1,470 and $2,510 for tankless,” plus the labour charge from the Calgary plumber, you’ll save money and secure your hot water heater for years to come by opting for a replacement.

How Do I Maintain My Hot Water Heater in Calgary?

Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring that your water heater operates as expected. You should bring in a Calgary plumber twice a year to inspect and flush out your unit to ensure that it maintains its functionality.

The plumber can also inspect if any other repairs are required or if it’s time your water heater gets replaced.

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

On average, a properly installed and high-quality water heater tank can last between 8 to 12 years. Once they have been operating for this long, they start to lose their efficiency and become susceptible to damage.

With the above information, you can now notice the signs that your water heater needs to be replaced by a trusted Calgary plumber.

Are you wondering how much a Calgary plumber charges per hour? You, and many other Calgarians, are in the same boat.

Knowing what you are expected to pay – especially when you can’t always plan for plumbing repairs or services – is essential to managing your budget, home, and plumbing system.

But determining a final cost for a plumbing repair or service can be difficult, as some factors and situations will affect the final price.

As such, before knowing what a Calgary plumber charges per hour, you have to understand what can impact their pricing.

What Impacts a Calgary Plumber’s Rate?

Although plumbers in Calgary charge by the hour, many factors can influence their pricing rate. Listed below are some potential factors:

The Complexity of the Job

Simple mathematics here: the easier the job, the less it will cost; the larger the job, the more it will cost.

For example, according to Home Guide, plumbers can fix a leaking pipe for $250, while a burst pipe can cost between $100 to $200 per foot, with the whole project costing between $400 and $1,500 total.

The complexity of the job at hand has a direct impact on the cost of the plumber. Extensive plumbing jobs or projects require more time, more labour, more tools and a unique approach compared to simple tasks.

The Experience & Quality of the Workmanship

Experience matters when it comes to plumbing in Calgary. You want a seasoned professional that can get the job done right the first time and delivers high-quality workmanship that stands the test of time.

For that level of service, you’ll have to pay more for it. But you guarantee your investment and know that your plumbing system will be fully functional.

Emergency, Weekend, Holiday or After-Hours Charges

Most emergency plumbers in Calgary are called out for on-the-spot repairs and desperate situations. As such, most plumbers will charge more for off-hour repair during weekends, holidays and after-hours. You can expect a higher hourly rate or flat fee, or a combination of the two.

Some plumbers will offer their emergency services for the same rate as their daily rate. Be careful, though, as these deals might mean you get charged more for the work than usual, or you’re hiring a less-experienced contractor.

Commercial vs. Residential Properties

Commercial plumbing systems are entirely different from residential structures. The building codes, equipment, and skill sets vary between the two types, so the price does too. Getting repairs on a commercial property will cost more compared to a residential property.

Trip Fees

Many plumbers might charge a trip fee, depending on the job’s location and the distance they need to travel. The fees will be charged in addition to labour costs.

The Average Cost of Calgary Plumbers Per Hour

According to Home Guide, plumbers in Calgary “typically charge $45 to $150 per hour with a minimum service call-out fee of $50 to $100.”

Home Advisor also backs this claim, suggesting that a “plumber ranges from $45 to $200 per hour,” but “depending on the job, timing and location” can charge more.

As previously stated, many factors can influence the cost of a plumber’s hourly rate. It’s best to conduct research and find a plumber that fits your budget and can provide you with the service required.

It would help if you always looked for a Calgary plumber that is respectful, highly-skilled and certified, offers transparent pricing and exceptional value, and provides a range of services, including water heater repairs and furnace repairs in Calgary.