A functioning hot water heater is an essential appliance in any home, providing hot water for various daily tasks, including bathing, cooking, and cleaning. When your hot water heater malfunctions or breaks down, it can disrupt your daily routine and cause inconvenience. In such situations, it’s crucial to choose the right professional for hot water heater repairs to ensure a prompt and effective solution.

Find out about the steps to help you select the right professional for the job of water heater repair in Calgary.

1. Identify the Problem

Before you start searching for a professional to repair your hot water heater, it’s essential to identify the problem as accurately as possible. Understanding the issue can help you communicate effectively with potential repair experts and ensure that you receive the appropriate service.
Common hot water heater problems include:

No hot water or insufficient hot water
Leaking tank or pipes
Strange noises coming from the heater
Foul-smelling or discoloured water
Pilot light or ignition problems

By pinpointing the problem, you can provide clear information to potential repair professionals, making it easier for them to assess the situation and provide an accurate estimate.

2. Verify Credentials and Licensing

When searching for a hot water heater repair professional, it’s essential to verify their credentials and licensing. Reputable repair experts should have the necessary certifications and licenses to work on hot water heaters in your area. Licensing requirements can vary by location, so be sure to research the regulations in your specific area.

3. Seek Recommendations

Seek recommendations from friends, family, neighbours, or colleagues who have recently had their hot water heaters repaired. Personal referrals can provide valuable insights into the quality of service, professionalism, and pricing of the repair professionals they work with. Additionally, online reviews and ratings can help you gauge the reputation of potential repair experts.

4. Obtain Multiple Quotes

To ensure you receive a fair and competitive price for hot water heater repairs, it’s advisable to obtain multiple quotes from different professionals. When requesting quotes, be sure to provide detailed information about the problem you’re experiencing, as this will help repair experts provide accurate estimates.

While cost is a crucial factor, it’s equally important to consider other factors such as the reputation of the repair professional, their experience, and the quality of their work. Balancing these factors will help you make an informed decision.

5. Check for Insurance and Liability Coverage

Accidents can happen during hot water heater repairs, and it’s essential to ensure that the repair professional has adequate insurance and liability coverage. This coverage protects both you and the repair expert in case of accidents or damage that may occur during the repair process.

6. Inquire About Warranty and Guarantees

Ask potential repair professionals about any warranties or guarantees they offer on their work. Reputable repair experts should stand behind their work and provide warranties that cover both parts and labour. Understanding the terms and duration of these warranties can give you peace of mind regarding the quality of the repair.

7. Evaluate Experience and Expertise

Experience is a crucial factor when choosing a hot water heater repair professional. An experienced expert is more likely to have encountered a variety of hot water heater issues and can quickly and effectively diagnose and repair your unit. Additionally, inquire about the repair professional’s expertise with your specific type and brand of hot water heater.

8. Assess Communication and Professionalism

Effective communication and professionalism are essential qualities in a repair professional. Pay attention to how promptly they respond to your inquiries, whether they provide clear explanations of the repair process, and whether they arrive on time for appointments. A professional who communicates well and respects your time is more likely to provide a positive service experience.

9. Request References

Don’t hesitate to request references from potential repair professionals. Contacting previous clients can give you valuable insights into the repair expert’s work quality, reliability, and customer service. Ask the references about their overall experience and whether they would recommend the repair professional to others.

10. Inquire About Timelines

Ask potential repair professionals about their estimated timelines for completing the water heater repair in Calgary. While some repairs may be relatively quick, others may require more time and planning. Understanding the expected timeframe can help you make necessary arrangements, especially if you need hot water restored promptly.

11. Consider Energy Efficiency

If your hot water heater is older and experiencing frequent issues, you might want to consider whether it’s more cost-effective to repair it or replace it with a more energy-efficient unit. A knowledgeable repair professional can provide guidance on the best course of action based on your specific circumstances.

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.

You might think that you’re the only person in your neighbourhood that has problems with their plumbing. You’ll be wrong to think that.

Plumbing problems occur daily. Some are just more common than others. We take a look at the most common plumbing problems that people experience every day.

1 – Slow Draining Sink

Notice that your sink doesn’t drain as fast as it used to? That’s sure to be a blockage that is restricting water flow. It can happen to your kitchen or bathroom sink, and even shower drain, and it is widespread.

Why does it happen?

It is because food remnants (from the kitchen) and knotted hair and soap (in the bathroom) blocks up the drain. You can prevent blockages from occurring by not putting any grease, oil, food, debris and hair down the drain.

How to fix the current issue:

Using drain cleaner may temporarily alleviate the blockage, but the best scenario is to contact a plumber that offers drain cleaning in Calgary. Professional drain cleaning is the best option to clear any blockage and avoid damaging your plumbing system.

2- Dripping Faucets

It’s rare to find someone who hasn’t experienced a dripping faucet. It’s not just an annoying source of irritation, but a waste of water that can cost you more money.

Why does it happen?

The cause of the dripping faucet is usually due to the internal cartridge becoming worn out.

How to fix the current issue:

In most cases, this can be handled yourself if you have the right tools and parts. If not, you can always contact a professional to help.

3- Clogged Toilet

Ahhhhh! Everyone freaks out with a clogged toilet, and rightly so. It’s the last thing in the house that you want blocked up. When the toilet bowl fills up and doesn’t drain away, get to fixing it right away.

Why does it happen?

Blockages usually occur due to a mixture of toilet paper and human waste. There are some cases where people flush items such as feminine hygiene products, paper towels, single use wipes – that’s a big no-no.

How to fix the current issue:

Grab your plunger and start alleviating the pressure. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need a sewer snake or an expert offering drain cleaning in Calgary to clear up the blockage.

4. Running Toilet

A toilet that doesn’t stop running can end up costing you plenty of money in water bills. It’s best to get it repaired as soon as possible.

Why does it happen?

The most common culprit is a faulty flapper valve, which controls the water that passes from the tank to the bowl. In some cases, a running toilet can be caused by a faulty fill valve.

How to fix the current issue:

A replacing the flapper can help you. As for replacing the fill valve, it’s best to hire a Calgary plumber that has experience in toilet repairs.

5- Faulty Water Heater

Notice that you have no hot water coming into your shower? Water from the kitchen faucet is not warm enough? Your water heater may need to be replaced.

Why does it happen?

There are many reasons why a water heater might start to act up, including sediment buildup, pilot light and thermostatic valve failure, or natural wear and tear.

How to fix the current issue:

This should be left to a professional. Don’t tamper with your hot water heater as it can make it worse or risk damaging your home. Bring in a specialist in water heater repairs in Calgary, as they can make repairs or install a new one if yours is too old.

For more information on how long water heaters last, click here.

6- Leaky Poly B Pipes

A problem in many old homes. Poly B, also referred to as Polybutylene, is a flexible grey pipe used in hot water systems and residential plumbing. It has a reputation for being notoriously problematic and should be replaced.

Why does this happen?

Problems such as hairline cracks and leaks at fittings, bends and installed near high-heat areas can result in leaks. It is advisable to change them to a copper alternative or PEX pipes as soon as possible.

How to fix the current issue:

Replacing your Poly B pipes is the only option you have. It’s best to replace them with PEX, which is made from HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and is a long-lasting alternative. It’s benefits include durability, cost-effectiveness and non-corrosion. Hire a Calgary plumber that has experience in Poly B removal and PEX installation.

When a plumbing emergency strikes, it strikes hard. When that happens, you’re going to need a highly qualified plumber.

But in the middle of a crisis, how do you find a plumber who could address your needs while located near your home? What to look for in a Calgary plumber?

Let’s take a look at the process.

What to Look For in a Calgary Plumber

Consider the following factors when looking for a plumbing company in Calgary:

Reputation in the plumbing industry (positive client reviews)
Range of services (find a plumber that offers a complete range of plumbing repair services. That way, you’re covered for any issues)
Plumbing license and certifications (this guarantees that they are qualified)
Insurance (this ensures that any issues arise, there is coverage for both you and them)
Service warranty (make sure you got some back-up in case something happens down the line)
Price (find the right balance. Too cheap means poor workmanship, too expensive, and you’re being overcharged – Read our guide on how much Calgary plumbers charge right here)

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to maximize the following process to help you find the best plumber near you.

How to Find a Calgary Plumber Near You

Ask for Referrals

Go straight to the best sources first: your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. They can give you recommendations on which plumbers they know or use when an emergency has struck. You’ve already got a good idea of the type of work they’ll do, which helps with your decision making process.

Jump Online

Google Maps can help you narrow down the best Calgary plumbers in your area. From there, you can research them, checking out reviews from Google, Facebook, and BBB. All these sites have a directory of local plumbers, featuring reviews, ratings and contact details for each.

Speak to Them Directly

Nothing helps better than contacting the Calgary plumber directly. Having a frank conversation about the problems you’re facing and how they can help you can ensure they’re the right person for the job. You can check out if they offer services that can help.

Always look for a Calgary plumber that is respectful, highly-skilled and certified, offers transparent pricing, exceptional value, and provides a range of services. This ensures that you have coverage any time you face a plumbing emergency in Calgary.

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.