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.

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.

Are you planning on undertaking some bathroom renovations for your home? Do you wish to upgrade and improve your plumbing systems, such as your hot water tank? What about a sewer line replacement or repair?

Before you jump the gun, it’s important to know if you need a plumbing permit for the job. Let’s dive right in and find out!

When Do I Need a Plumbing Permit?

Ultimately, you do not need a plumbing permit if you are undertaking maintenance, minor plumbing repairs or upgrading certain bathroom elements in your home. The most common examples include replacing or repairing a toilet, fixing faucets, repairing a leak or installing a new shower.

The key reason is that these repairs do not affect the structural integrity of your home or plumbing system. Generally, if you are doing any repair, maintenance or upgrades that alter the structure or plumbing system (such as water supply or sewer lines) of your home, you will require a permit from the City of Calgary.

According to the City of Calgary, “a plumbing permit is required when: A plumbing system is constructed, extended or altered [or a] Water and sewer lines in or around the home are replaced.”

In some cases, you might require a permit when installing or repairing a hot water tank, particularly if there are any changes to the “the gas lines located upstream from the water heater shut off valve, the venting system (e.g. size and design) [and] the type of water heater (e.g. changing from a natural draft water heater to a direct vent water heater).”

What are the Benefits of a Permit?

Having a permit before you commence any major plumbing or renovation work will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re following City bylaws while ensuring a high standard of work is being met by the plumber. Plumbers will have to follow the standard set by the work, guaranteeing a higher quality of work.

Most significantly, it also protects you against liabilities or fines in the future. Not only will you face a penalty from the City of Calgary, but if you sell your home, the buyers can make a claim against you if the work affects their home.

Is it Easy to Apply for a Permit?

To obtain a permit, you will have to meet the criteria set by the City of Calgary (including whether you legally own the home, do the work yourself or hire a professional), pay the application fee, and apply for the permit.

Should Hire a Plumber to Help Me?

Indeed, you should. Having an experienced plumber on your side (like the experts at Calgary Plumber and Drains) can make your permit application process easier. They will be able to manage your application for you, so it gets accepted without any further delays. It’s the best option if you don’t want to apply for an application yourself.

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!

Don’t think that all plumbing pipes are the same.

In today’s plumbing world, there are many types of plumbing pipes available: some made from newer materials, and some are old classics.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of these six commonly used plumbing pipes.

Modern-Day Plumbing Pipes

Copper Pipes

Commonly used for water supply lines within the home, copper pipes (also known as rigid copper) are better plumbing options available. Not only is the pipe easy to install and repair for professional Calgary plumbers (as it can be easily cut copper cutters), but for homeowners, it handles heat well, stands up to high water pressure and can be recycled.

As for the cons: it can be a tad more expensive than other plumbing pipe options, and it’s not a pipe for DIY projects. It’s best to leave that to the professionals.

PEX Pipes

PEX is made from HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and is a long-lasting alternative to most older-day pipes. It is durable, cost-effective, non-toxic, resists freezing damage, and doesn’t corrode from the inside.

As such, it’s considered the best replacement pipe for plumbing repairs.

PVC Pipes

Short for polyvinyl chloride, PVC has slowly become one of the more popular choices for residential plumbing systems.

Made with a combination of plastic and vinyl (in technical terms, thermoplastic polymer), these pipes have a long life span, have more durability than most other metal pipes, and can easily handle water pressure, making them ideal for the main supply line. It is also easy to mould and bend to your will and has a low-cost attached to it.

However, it can also be susceptible to warping, especially in extremely hot water, and cannot be unjoined and must be cut when they are glued together.

CPVC Pipes

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride, shortened to CPVC, is the sister of PVC. Both are made with similar elements and materials, with the key difference being that CPVC is chlorinated.

What does this mean?

It means that apart from sharing many of the same benefits as PVC, CPVC pipes can also withstand higher temperatures than PVC pipes. This ensures CPVC can handle hot water transport.

Outdated Plumbing Pipes Still in Use

Poly B Pipes

Poly B pipes are also known as Polybutylene pipes. They are flexible grey pipes mainly used in hot water and residential plumbing systems. It was considered the standard home pipe, as it was used in properties from 1985 to 1997 because of its flexibility, low cost, and ease of installation.

However, due to its reputation for being notoriously problematic, resulting in hairline cracks, leaks at fittings and bends when exposed to excessive high-temperature, uv light or high-pressure areas, it has been replaced with more advanced pipes, such as PEX.

Galvanized Steel

While not common in today’s housing construction, galvanized steel was big in the 1980s, and many homes still have them today. The steel pipes are coated with a layer of zinc, which helps prevent any build-up of rust, while they can easily be threaded together at the ends.

As for the reasons why homes don’t have them anymore: they eventually corrode and block water flow while also passing on lead into the water supply. Unfortunately, a lot of homes still have them and use them (particularly for some applications, like natural gas hot water heaters). It’s best to get them replaced when possible.

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 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.

Do you suspect that your drains are clogged? Are you concerned that you might need a sewer line replacement in Calgary? Don’t know what to do next?

You’ll discover that inspecting, looking down your pipes or even clearing them out might not be enough. You’ll literally have to take a deeper look with a CCTV camera.

What’s a CCTV camera inspection? Why do you need it? How does it help you with your sewer line or drain cleaning in Calgary? We breakdown all the key pointers for you with this simple guide.

Everything You Need To Know About CCTV Sewer Inspection & Plumbing Calgary

What Is CCTV Sewer Inspection?

CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television Video, and it involves using a camera to inspect the inside of your drains, sewer pipelines, or other drain lines.

The CCTV unit consists of a damage-resistant stainless steel camera head attached to a long line of waterproof push cable and a transmitter that sends images and data back to the plumber’s monitor. These images and videos can be recorded for inspection later on, if necessary.

The camera head is surrounded by high-intensity lights, providing clear views of your drainage system, helping plumbers identify the root causes of plumbing issues and the exact location of the problem.

Why Use CCTV Sewer Inspection?

In the old days, Calgary plumbers needed extreme and invasive methods to inspect sewers and drains, such as digging up the ground and buried pipes or removing appliances, walls or flooring. CCTV sewer inspection changed the industry in a heartbeat.

The process requires minimal work to pinpoint the exact location and issue of the problem while saving homeowners money and time on plumbing repairs.

CCTV services can help homeowners find the exact cause of problems, including:

Cracked or frozen pipes
Offset joint pipes
Pipe corrosion
Deterioration over time
Severe blockage
Poor installation or other plumbing repairs

What Are The Advantages Of CCTV Sewer Inspection?

Using CCTV for preliminary inspections has many benefits to homeowners. Here is what you can experience:

Extremely Affordable Option

As we mentioned above, compared to other invasive methods, CCTV sewer inspections are the most effective manner to inspect sewer and drain problems. Instead of spending thousands on repairs or unnecessary work, CCTV provides an avenue for repairs to only be focused on the damaged section, reducing the cost and time to fix the entire pipe.

A Preventative Method

They can also be used for preventive maintenance during plumbing inspections or when repairing other issues. By undertaking sewer inspections, plumbers can identify any small issues before they turn into major problems.

Quick Service

Calgary plumbers can use CCTV cameras to quickly and accurately pinpoint the exact location of the problem, determine what’s causing them and then recommending the easiest and most affordable solution. This one method adds layers of simplicity and effectiveness to a plumber’s job.

They Are Environmentally Friendly

The minimal amount of work required to inspect sewers and drains, such as the lack of digging landscape, concrete and land, means that no ecosystems are disturbed. It’s the safest and cleanest way to inspect your pipes.

Hire A Professional Plumber in Calgary For Your Inspection

The best and only way to know what is happening in your drains or sewer is by undertaking a CCTV inspection. Don’t try this at home by yourself. Instead, hire a highly-qualified and professional Calgary plumber to help you determine the exact extent of your plumbing problem.