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? 

It's a pleasure doing business with you

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. 

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

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. 

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.