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!

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.

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.