Your water heater plays a vital role in providing you with hot, comfortable water. So when it breaks down, it’s important to make sure that you get it replaced as soon as possible.

However, most people are immediately concerned with the cost of replacing their water heater system. This is due to the fact that they might not be informed about the overall cost of the project.

Having a firm idea of what can impact the cost and the average price of the water heater replacement in Calgary can alleviate any concerns. And our guide can explain it all.

What Impacts the Cost of Water Heater Replacement?

The Type of Water Heater

There are numerous types of water heaters, including gas, electric and natural. Each of these options has its own pros and cons, so it ultimately depends on what you want for your home and lifestyle.

The Brand of the Water Heater

Each brand – from Rheem to Bradford White – has its own unique way of manufacturing its tanks, affecting the efficiency, lifespan, warranty and cost. It’s important to consider each of these factors when choosing a brand.

Tank vs Tankless

Water heaters are available in two options: tank and tankless. Both offer pros and cons and have to be installed differently, which can influence the cost of your replacement.

Are you interested to know how much a gas water heater installation costs? Read our guide here!

The Size of the Water Heater

Simple mathematics here: the larger the water heater, the more will cost you. So make sure you consider how large a water heater you want for your home.

The Labour of the Replacement

This is what will most likely have the biggest impact on your price. The quality, experience and workmanship of the Calgary plumbers replacing your heater will affect your total cost. It’s always better to go with industry-leading experts as opposed to the “cheaper” alternative.

Any Additional Work

The removal of your old unit and replacement of your new one will affect the hourly cost of the project, as well as retrofitting any existing connections and hauling away your old water heater and any materials from the replacement.

The Average Cost of Water Heater Replacement in Calgary

It can be difficult to determine the cost of a water heater replacement project without considering the above factors and speaking directly to a Calgary plumber. However, having a rough estimate of the cost can be a useful guide:

Home Advisor says that “installing a water heater costs between $815 and $1,591, or an average of $1,201, including the unit and labor.”
Home Guide offers similar rates, stating that a “Water heater installation costs $600 to $1,800 on average.”
This Old House also says that “A 50-gallon water heater costs around $1,000 for an electric heater and $1,200 for a natural gas heater of the same capacity.”
Finally, The Yellow Pages states that “The cost of replacing a water heater in Canada can range from $105 to $8,300, with the average cost being $1,466.”

Contact a Calgary Plumber and Drains today so you can get a clearer estimate of the overall cost of your project.

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.

Plumbing is something that most people take for granted.

It’s one of those major things that you don’t really notice until you finally need someone to come in and save the day. The modern lifestyle we currently enjoy can’t be possible without the experience, knowledge and skills of licenced plumbers in Calgary.

How Plumbers Help Your House

Being a plumber is a taxing, physically-demanding job that requires constant education to maintain their high-quality standards and assist people with their plumbing repairs. This can include a wide range that is not limited to:

Faucet Repairs & Replacement
Toilet Repairs & Replacement
Sink Replacement
Waterline Repairs
Boiler Repair & Replacement

As plumbing systems become more advanced and complex, plumbers need to ensure they can handle anything thrown at them. That’s why plumbers are experts in numerous other factors involving plumbing and heating products.

They can assist with furnace and water heater repairs and replacement, drain cleaning and sewer line repair and replacement. More importantly, they can handle plumbing emergencies that can damage the value and structure of your household, as well as carry out inspections and maintenance to ensure your plumbing is in proper working order.

Plumber Man With Tools In the bathroom. Plumbing And Renovation

All these services require a professional that is highly-trained, skilled and knows the various different types of plumbing appliances, systems and products.

But there are more ways that plumbers help households and homeowners:

Health and safety – plumbing mishaps can result in sewage coming up to your house, risking your family getting infected by diseases and germs. They also ensure you have clean and healthy water for showering, cleaning and drinking.
Waste removal – plumbing is also used to remove liquids and waste. This ensures that you can keep your clean water separate from harmful contaminants. If done poorly, contaminants can seep into major plumbing systems.
Prevents water wastage – Leaks and drips can result in you wasting water, costing you more in bills and in repairs. Plumbers can eliminate and help you save water.
Upgrading your plumbing system – New advanced plumbing systems are more secure and energy efficient. Plumbers can help you upgrade your outdated plumbing, so you can increase the value of your property while saving money.

(Want to know what a plumbing emergency is? Read our post here!)

The Importance of Hiring Experienced Plumbers

It’s important to ensure that if you require a Calgary plumber, consider the following:

The experience and knowledge of the fully certified specialists
Transparent pricing for all their services, including no hidden fees
A range of plumbing services ensuring you customers have everything they need
Immediately response to any emergencies and situations
Add value and quality to your house, while respecting your household
Establishing positive relationships with their customers

Take your time, do your research and look for a plumber that is really going to make a difference to your plumbing. As you know – you’re going to need them!

There is no shortage of plumbers in Calgary, but that doesn’t mean you should settle on anyone. You need to hire a plumber that is experienced, skilled, passionate with a high success rate. Most importantly, they have to be licenced.

Being licensed is a key component in the repertoire of a plumber, so if they don’t have it, you shouldn’t hire them.

Here is why you should only hire a licensed plumber.

Reasons Hire A Licensed Calgary Plumber

They are Backed by Local Organizations

If the Calgary plumber is licenced, their local and provincial association recognizes them for their quality of work, with the plumber inclined to follow the standards set by the organization.

Plumbers that aren’t licenced mean they don’t have to follow protocols or standards, which means a poorer quality of work.

It’s important because when you hire a licenced plumber, you’re getting a skilled, trained and certified specialist committed to delivering high-quality work for you.

(Here are some of the most common plumbing problems you should know about!)

Higher Quality Workmanship, Experience & Education

Bringing in an unlicensed plumber means that there is no guarantee of the work that they are doing. As we mentioned above, licenced plumbers must adhere to higher quality standards to maintain their licence and qualifications.

This also affects their training and education.

In Alberta, apprenticeships take four years (in 12-month periods), with an expectation that it includes a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training each year. And that’s before they even get to be recognized by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act and Plumber Trade Regulation!

From there, the licenced plumber must go through continuous training to stay up-to-date with the latest methods, tools and techniques, ensuring they can deliver for their customers.

(Wondering how to find the best plumbers near you? We got the answers for you here!)

They are Insured for Their Work

A plumber must have liability insurance for their work. This means that if anything were to happen regarding them, you or the plumbing system, the insurance company would cover the incident.

This point is important as it highlights the professionalism of the plumber and their commitment to doing their job correctly.

They have a Health Track Record

Check out the reviews and ratings from Google, Facebook, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau to see what previous customers have said about the plumber. Are the reviews sparkling and positive? Do the customers note down the plumber’s professionalism and experience?

A positive and healthy track record, stretching back a few years, showcases that they’re committed to delivering high-quality work regularly. It’s a huge point to keep in mind when considering their professionalism.

They’re Honest About their Services

One thing that licenced plumbers can’t do is promote services that they can’t actually do, as this can result in potential issues in the future. They have to be honest and transparent about what they can do and how they do it.

It can include everything from standard plumbing repairs and drain cleaning to furnace and water heater repairs. Check if the plumbers are certified by Red Seal to ensure that they can handle your furnace and water heater.

When the opportunity presents itself, always choose a licensed plumber in Calgary. You’ll get a guarantee of workmanship and quality, ensuring that your home is secure against any plumbing problems or mishaps.

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!

You would have noticed it a thousand times before: that slick, soft putty that holds together your plumbing, pipes, sink and toilet. It’s called plumber’s putty. Or it could be silicone.

When it comes to fixing plumbing problems, these two sealing compounds are the most common reparation used by both Calgary plumbers and homeowners. And while both are excellent at repairing plumbing problems, there are plenty of differences between the two.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at advantages, disadvantages, and overall use.

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.

(Learn about the most common plumbing problems right here!)

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.

(Here is how to repair a leaky faucet!)

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.

It’s one of the most common problems homeowners face: leaky faucets.

So much so that most end up contacting their emergency plumber in Calgary for assistance during this little hiccup (and yes, if it’s leaking like crazy and won’t stop, then go for it).

But if you can manage it on your own, then you can advert disaster or delay the problem until you get professionals out to help you. Let us show you how.

How To Fix Leaky Faucets

Firstly, you must know that there are four kinds of faucets: cartridge, compression, ceramic disk, and ball type. We’ll explain how to fix each of them when they’re leaking. Before you start fixing any faucets, make sure you:

Shut off the water under the sink
Cover the drain with a rag to catch dropped parts
Set aside a spot where you can lay out new and old parts

Now, you’re good to go!

Fixing Ceramic Disk Faucets

It is much easier to replace a leaky ceramic disk faucet, so it’s the perfect way to start us.

Push the handle back to access the set screw. Remove it and lift off the handle
Remove the escutcheon cap, before unscrewing the disk cylinder mounting screws. Then continue by lifting out the cylinder
Remove the neoprene seals from the cylinder (if damaged, replace them immediately)
Replace the seals inside the faucets and reassemble it
Place the handle back on, and turn it “on”. You need to let the water run through slowly, so it does not break the ceramic disk

Fixing Cartridge Faucets

Remove the decorative cap from the handle, unscrew it and take it off
Use needle-nose pliers to remove any threaded retaining clip that is holding the cartridge in place. Pull it straight out.
Cut off the old O-rings using a utility knife and remove the spout. Coat the new O-rings with nontoxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease
Continue with slowly replacing the handle and the remaining faucet pieces

Fixing Compression Faucet

Most leaky compression faucets need new seat washers, which makes this fixing process a lot easier than most people think.

Pry off the off the decorative cap on the handle
Slowly remove the handle screw with a screwdriver and pull off the handle
Unscrew the packing nut with a wrench, and loosen the stem from the faucet body
Unscrew (again!) the rubber washer from the bottom of the stem
Replace the seat washer with your newer model
Continue to slowly replace the rest of the faucet until it’s back to normal

If you have any problems with your compression faucet, speak to our team for advice.

Fixing Ball-Type Faucets

Compared to the other types of faucets, this contains more parts, therefore making it difficult. If you struggle with this faucet, there is no shame in contacting a Calgary plumber for assistance.

Pry off the small index cover with a pocketknife from the side of the faucet, which will reveal the hex-head screw.
Loosen the screw with your wrench and pull off the handle
Grab your pliers and remove the cap and collar of the faucet
Loosen the faucet cam and lift it out, as well as the cam washer and the rotating ball
With needle-nose pliers, remove the rubber seats and springs of the faucet
Now, it gets tricky, you’ll have to slip in a new spring and rubber seat until it’s fully loaded. Our tip is to use a tip of a pen to lower it down the faucet. Repeat this to install the second and third time if necessary
Reinstall the stainless-steel ball, ensuring that it aligns with the springs
On top of the stainless steel ball, install the new rubber gasket and cam cap
Tighten the top cap assembly back onto the faucet, before using a spanner to tighten the nut to ensure proper locking against the stainless-steel ball.

If you need assistance when faucet and plumbing repairs in Calgary, don’t be afraid to contact your local expert. It can save you time and money, and avoid you dealing with a great deal of stress.

**Calgary Plumber & Drains shall not be held responsible for any DIY leaky faucet repair projects that do produce the desired results. This blog post is merely a guide only, and proper faucet repair should be conducted by an experienced professional**