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Home Plumbing Tips: Retrieve Items that Wash Down the Drain

Your grandmother’s ring, a beloved toy, or a favourite pair of earrings… they have all accidentally fallen down the drain at some point! Luckily, there are some useful methods you can try to retrieve them with minimal damage. Using some household items or calling emergency plumbers in Edmonton can ensure your precious belongings are not lost forever down the drain.

If you have lost a valuable or sentimental item down the drain, or have a blocked pipe problem, contact Always Plumbing & Heating. Our professional Edmonton plumbers can find a solution to retrieve your item and provide necessary plumbing repairs. We are available for emergency plumbing services and routine maintenance appointments for appliances throughout your home.

Take It Back: Getting Items that Fall Down the Drain

Get your precious trinkets and small items back in your hands. Use the following steps or call our plumbers for a fast service appointment.

Here are simple techniques to retrieve your lost belongings:

  • Shut Off the Water: The faster the water is shut off, the less likely your item will be carried further down the drain and into the drain stack and sewer line.
  • Check the P-Trap: Each type of plumbing requires different techniques, but a trap under the sink is usually a good place to look for items that have vanished down the drain. A wrench or pliers should be used to detach the trap from the other pipes and a bucket will be needed to catch residual water that comes out.
  • Turn to the Experts: If you have checked the P-trap, or didn’t have the tools necessary to do so, plumbers in Edmonton can be of assistance. Leave it to the experts for a fast and friendly fix. A thorough check and removal of any clogging items can be completed and hopefully your item can be retrieved safely.

Work with the professionals at Always Plumbing & Heating for retrieving lost items down the drain, home plumbing issues, or pipe repairs. Our staff is fully trained and available to help with emergency plumbing issues, new installations, and maintenance inspections. Book your convenient appointment today or contact us for fast assistance with items that have gone missing down the pipes.

Contact plumbers in Edmonton at 780-489-8118 today to find out more about our range of home plumbing services. Contact us online to tell us about your plumbing emergency or get more information.

Plumbing Resolutions for Your Edmonton Home

Are you ready for 2017, Edmonton? How about your plumbing? At Always Plumbing & Heating we believe in making home improvement resolutions for the New Year. Whether it’s paying more attention to plumbing maintenance or being more mindful of water consumption, there are several things that we can do in the coming year to ensure the health of our pipes and conserve water. In addition to losing those extra pounds and finally taking that French class, consider adding some home improvement resolutions to your list. Need some inspiration?

Here is our list of plumbing resolutions that we feel will be most helpful in the coming year.

Proper Insulation – The frigid Edmonton winter can harm your plumbing system if you aren’t careful. Make sure that your pipes are properly insulated in the New Year. Any plumbing located in a crawl space, attic, storage room or other area that is not heated should be insulated. Avoid freezing pipes – and the subsequent expensive repairs by adding insulation to any exposed or compromised plumbing.

Water Conservation – Try to use less water in the New Year with helpful fixtures that keep waste to a minimum. Modern low-flush toilets and low-flow shower heads work similarly as their less-efficient counterparts, but use much less water. Low-flow toilets use 1.3 (or less) per flush as opposed to the 1.6 gallons (or more) of regular designs. Low-flow faucets are also a great way to keep water use down.

4 Benefits to Installing Low-Flow Fixtures

Plumbing System Inspection – Keep your plumbing in great condition with a thorough maintenance inspection from a plumbing professional. Even if you aren’t experiencing any trouble with your plumbing, having the system assessed can help determine minor problems before they become costly repairs. Small leaks, damaged pipes and other signs of wear can easily be fixed if caught early.

Mindful Flushing – Be mindful of what you flush down your toilet! This resolution is very easy and could save you a lot of money on plumbing repairs. There is a long list of common products that plumbers find stopping up sewer lines. But this list is rendered obsolete by this simple statement: “Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. No exceptions.” This statement should be emphasized to everyone in the household.

Garbage Disposal Etiquette – In addition to mindful flushing, it’s also good to take stock in what is acceptable to throw into the disposal. In spite of what the name implies, the garbage disposal is not a trash can. There are several things that shouldn’t be washed into the disposal including all non-food items, grease, fats and oils, fibrous foods, pasta and rice. You should also begin running the disposal with water before you use it – and make sure you don’t force large quantities of food waste down at once.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Repair Small Issues – If you’ve had long-running problems with fixtures, this is your year to fix them before they become bigger issues. Faucets with slow leaks and sinks that drain slowly will only get worse over time. Try correcting these minor problems yourself before they degenerate and become big repair problems.

Water Heater Maintenance – Flushing out your water heater tank once a year to get rid of the sediment buildup is a good practice. Odds are that you haven’t had this service performed (or attempted to do it yourself). Flushing out the sediment will help ensure clean water and keep your tank running at peak performance.

How to Flush a Water Heater

Always Plumbing & Heating would like to wish you and your family a happy, healthy 2017! Call us 24/7 if you need assistance meeting your plumbing resolutions for the New Year!

Related Blogs:

Winter Precautions for Edmonton Homes

Holiday Plumbing Tips for Edmonton Households

To request a service appointment, give us a call at 780-489-8118 or contact us online.

Boosting the Heat in your Holiday Home

Christmas and Boxing Day are just days away, which means that friends and family will soon be convening for extended visits. With more people in the home than usual, you’ll be using more energy to keep everyone comfortable and entertained. The HVAC system in your Edmonton home will be working overtime to ensure everyone stays warm (especially with the forecast predicting zero degree lows). Always Plumbing & Heating wants to help you keep your utility costs down throughout the extended holiday. We’ve compiled a few tips to help balance the comfort of your holiday household with sensible energy use. While some of these precautions have already been mentioned in previous winter weather blogs, all are worth touching upon again.

Proactively boosting your central air before your holiday events will ensure a comfy, cozy vacation that won’t create a high energy bill.

Dust

Before the guests arrive, make sure that the house has been thoroughly dusted – including the duct vents and areas around them. While cleaning is usually on the agenda before a big event, sometimes dusting can take a back seat to more obvious chores. However, dusting is an essential component is helping your HVAC this holiday. The extreme winter weather in the past few weeks means that your home has probably been sealed tight. Dust and dirt can collect when the airflow has been restricted, which means that your HVAC has been pulling in a lot of that debris (and collected in the air filter). When possible, dust with a vacuum or a sheet of microfiber.

15 Simple Dusting Tricks

Change Air Filter

As stated many times on this blog, changing your HVAC air filter once a month during peak seasons is always a good rule of thumb. But if you’ve already changed the filter for the month, give it a quick inspection and consider changing it out again if it’s dirty. The extra foot traffic in your home will increase the dirt, dust and pollutants in the air. A clogged air filter restricts airflow and can also affect the temperature of the air. Your HVAC will end up working harder and using more energy to circulate air that has been compromised.

Consistent Thermostat Setting

With additional people in your home, and the constant flow of holiday guests, it will be tempting to raise or lower the thermostat whenever the temperature becomes uncomfortable. One of the easiest ways to increase your energy bill is to constantly change the setting of the thermostat. Wait until you have the maximum amount of people gathered – then find a temperature that is ideal. Keep the thermostat at that setting throughout the extended break. If you are traveling for the holidays, leaving the thermostat set between 50 – 60 degrees will ensure you save money while keeping the interior of your home at a safe level of warmth.

Open the Shades

Remember to open the curtains and blinds on days that are sunny. In the winter, using the sunlight to boost the indoor heat is a good way to help keep utilities down. The natural sunlight helps to reduce the amount of work that your HVAC does in order to keep it warm. This phenomenon, called passive heating, is an important supplement to your winter heating. Depending on the angle of your home you can save quite a bit of energy throughout the season.

Stock Up on Blankets

You will want to make sure that your houseguests are warm – especially at night. To keep everyone comfortable (and from adjusting the thermostat), keep plenty of clean blankets at the ready. This is especially important when the outside temperatures are hovering around zero. Sherpa, wool, flannel, and fleece blankets are ideal for cold nights. You might also consider sleeping bags that are rated for sub-zero temperatures. They are great for additional layering and can be transformed into a proper bed blanket with the addition of a duvet cover.

Check for Air Drafts

If you are hosting guests over the holidays, you will want to make sure that any drafts have been sealed. That cold guest bedroom should be your first stop! Drafty windows can be easily fixed with transparent window film. There are several different brands of film insulation, but most work in a similar fashion. The plastic film sheets are cut to fit the window area and then molded airtight to the glass through the application of heat. Drafts in walls that come though the plumbing or small cracks/gaps can be easily fixed with latex caulk or weather stripping.

More on Drafty Windows

Ceiling Fan Support

Just like ceiling fans boost the cool air in the summer, they can also help make the most of the warm air in the winter. If you have a ceiling fan with reversible blade movement, set it to run clockwise. When the blades turn counter-clockwise, they pull up the warm air. When they move in the reverse, they push the warm air back down and help maximize the available heat.

A spirited holiday gathering with several people will increase the warmth in your home even without the additional precautions. But by taking a few hours to help boost your home’s heating system, you’ll not only be saving energy, but ensuring that your family and guests are comfortable throughout the holidays. Remember that Always Plumbing & Heating has agents available 24/7 for any HVAC emergencies that might occur during your festivities. If you begin having problems with your central air system give us a call at 780-489-8118. Don’t let a heating problem compromise your holiday!

Related Blogs:

Winter Weather Precautions for Edmonton Homes

Winter Energy Saving Tips for Edmonton

Call us at 780-489-8118 to learn more about winter plumbing and heating in Edmonton. You can also contact us online to reach our plumbers.

Prepare for Edmonton Winters: Plumbing and Heating Plans

From snow boots to winter tires, there are a lot of considerations to make when it comes to preparing for the heavy snow, frigid nights, and short days of winter. Don’t forget your plumbing and heating, especially if you are headed out on a winter vacation! Your plumbing in Edmonton and HVAC systems require a little extra care and attention to ensure your home is in the same shape you left it when you return. Keep your living space comfortable and safe and avoid damage to your furnace or pipes by planning ahead.

Turn to the skilled technicians at Always Plumbing & Heating for furnace maintenance, home plumbing, and winter inspections to keep your home running its best all year long. Our Edmonton plumbers provide a wide range of services and can schedule convenient appointments to give you peace of mind that your home is efficient and safe.

Tips to Help Avoid Winter Plumbing and Heating Issues in Edmonton

Even if your mind is already on the beach, don’t forget about the home you are leaving behind! You want to return to everything in working order, so take the following precautions to protect your plumbing and heating in Edmonton while you are away during the winter.

Follow these tips to protect your pipes and furnace while you are soaking up the sun or taking on the slopes:

Turn Off Water:

Unless you have a boiler, it is a good idea to turn off the water main. This is particularly important if you are leaving for an extended period of time. If no one is around to use the water and check your pipes, they may be susceptible to damage from frozen, expanding water.

Furnace Maintenance:

Book your HVAC inspection before leaving home. That way, you will be confident in the condition of your furnace and can have any necessary repairs completed before they lead to bigger issues.

New HVAC Systems:

If you travel often or your furnace could use replacing, consider a high-efficiency unit that can alert you of any changes or issues. Not time for a new furnace? Explore your options for an upgraded thermostat. New Wifi-enabled options allow you to control settings remotely to account for extra cold days, receive alerts if any problems arise, and check in easily from wherever you are.

If you have more questions about how to prepare your plumbing and heating for your winter escape, or just to get through the season more efficiently, contact the professionals at Always Plumbing & Heating. We work with you to understand your home and find the perfect new plumbing and furnace installations or maintain your existing heating systems in Edmonton. Contact our reliable staff today to schedule your maintenance appointment before departure.

Call us at 780-489-8118 to learn more about winter plumbing and heating in Edmonton. You can also contact us online to reach our plumbers.

Inspecting the P-Trap in Your Edmonton Home

A slow drain in your Edmonton home might not be an immediate concern, but if it goes on for too long the stoppage can build up and cause damage. Slow drains in your sink are often the result of issues that can be easily fixed. Before a minor clog turns into a major issue, try tackling the problem yourself. If you have tried using natural drain cleaners (chemical products are bad for your plumbing system), consider inspecting your p-trap to remove the clog. The p-trap is the p-shaped pipe that connects your sink to the wall. A p-trap is designed to “trap” sewer gasses from infiltrating your bathroom – as well as catching debris washed down the sink. The debris is caught in the p-trap, preventing it from moving deeper into your system where it could cause a clog that is harder to reach.

The p-trap is designed to be easily removed and is one of the more simple DIY plumbing procedures.

Removing the P-Trap

Though the removal of the pipe is simple enough, it can be a fairly messy procedure. Be prepared with the following items: rubber gloves, bucket, towels, small cleaning brush and a wrench.

  • Remove everything from underneath the sink. The p-trap will contain water and debris, which could be potentially messy.
  • Put on your gloves, which will help to grip the pipe – as well as keep your hands clean.
  • Place the bucket underneath the p-trap to catch the water and debris that will spill.
  • The p-trap is connected by slip nuts on either side, which you should be able to loosen without the aid of a wrench. If the slip nuts are hard to turn by hand, use your wrench to loosen them.
  • Once the p-trap is loosened, water and debris will most likely spill into the bucket. Be mindful of fumes while you are relieving the pipe of its contents.
  • Use your fingers to remove any debris stuck to the pipe; soap and toothpaste residue is especially sticky. Use your small cleaning brush for especially difficult clogs.
  • Run water through the trap (into the bucket) to ensure the entire pipe is clear.
  • Reinstall the p-trap to make sure that the clog has been removed.

Proper Plunging

If the clog has not been fixed, try using a plunger. If your sink has a modern stopper, you’ll need to remove it before plunging:

  • While you are still situated under the sink, remove the pivot rod that holds in the sink stopper. The pivot rod is the long, horizontal metal piece that connects to the sink. Unscrew the pivot nut and remove the rod.
  • Once you’ve removed the rod, pull out the stopper to access the drain.
  • Add water to the sink (enough to cover the entire rubber portion of the plunger).
  • Place the plunger over the drain and plunge it vigorously for several seconds. Repeat this step a few times if the clog shows signs of movement.

Contact the Edmonton Plumbing Experts

If this second procedure doesn’t fix the clog, you might need to contact a professional plumber to assess the problem. Always Plumbing & Heating can help with any issue you might be experiencing with your plumbing system. If you’re dealing with a clog or other persistent problem that you can’t remedy yourself, give us a call today. Our expert plumbers will have your pipes running smoothly again in no time! Contact us at 780-489-8118 to schedule an appointment.

Related Blogs:

Holiday Plumbing Tips for Edmonton Households

Hot Tub Installation in Edmonton: What You Need to Know

Ready to take the plunge and install that hot tub you have always been dreaming of? Whether you have already chosen the perfect model or are just considering the idea of a hot tub for your backyard, a little research can go a long way. Relaxation, warmth, and a lot of fun can be enjoyed with a backyard hot tub year round, but you need the right property and placement to make the most out of your new addition.

The Edmonton plumbers at Always Plumbing & Heating have years of varied experience with plumbing installations. From new construction projects to additions like hot tubs for family homes, we can get the job done quickly and with attention to detail and quality.

Considerations for Installing Your Backyard Hot Tub

Read the list of considerations below and contact our Edmonton plumbing professionals to determine how we can make installing your hot tub as easy as possible.

Keep these factors in mind when deciding on the placement and size of your backyard hot tub:

  1. Budget: Different models will require different levels of heating and water. Ask about efficiency, running times, and maintenance costs. Crunch the numbers before committing to a year-round hot tub.
  2. Location: If you are lucky enough to have a great location nearby your home, the plumbing installation costs will be significantly lower. The further from your house, the further electrical wiring and plumbing connections will need to extend.
  3. Support: Hot tubs are heavy, especially when they are filled with water and people! The ground can shift with different seasons, quick freezes, and thawing, so having a solid base is crucial for a hot tub that operates properly and works for years to come.
  4. Maintenance: In addition to cost factors, maintenance is an important consideration in terms of monitoring water quality, pH levels, and chemicals. You will also need to clean the filters and change the water.
  5. Value: Even if selling your home is only an idea for the very distant future, a hot tub can add a lot of curb appeal to your property. Keep this in mind with cost and when determining the location and winterization of your hot tub.

Enjoy the jets, not the stress, with help from reliable and professional plumbers in Edmonton. Get reliable and efficient plumbing installation from the team at Always Plumbing & Heating. We offer a wide range of plumbing services in Edmonton, as well as heating maintenance and furnace installation. Rely on our experienced team for comprehensive services to make your home comfortable and enjoyable, inside and out.

Get in touch with us today by calling 780-489-8118 to find out more about hot tub installation on your property or contact us online for plumbing repairs in Edmonton.

Winter Weather Precautions for Edmonton Homes

Another Edmonton winter means frigid temperatures along with the inevitable ice and snow. With area temperatures once again plunging into the negative digits, we find ourselves dealing with a litany of daily tasks to ensure that our homes are kept safe and secure. Our HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems will be working overtime to compensate for the extreme cold, so it’s important to keep them running efficiently. While fall maintenance is essential for getting your home prepared for the cold, an Edmonton winter requires continued upkeep.

We’ve compiled a list of procedures that will help keep the extreme cold and icy weather from harming your home.

HVAC

One of the easiest, but most overlooked, ways to keep your furnace running efficiently is to change out the filter every month. A dirty filter is the number one cause for system failure as it can greatly restrict airflow. During seasons of heavy use, changing out the filter every 30 days will help keep the air clean and ensure the heater runs at maximum capacity. A dirty filter will not only promote poor indoor air quality (IAQ), but also prompt your heater to work harder. Keeping a clean filter helps reduce energy consumption as well, so make sure that you have several replacement filters on hand. When buying replacement filters, there are two important factors to consider; the size and the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). Attempting to use a filter that is too small or too big will cause issues with your system. Make sure that you only install the appropriate size. The MERV rating helps consumers choose the best filter for their system and uses a scale from 1-16. A MERV rating from 7-12 is generally considered best for home systems (higher rated filters are for hospitals and other medical institutions).

MERV Ratings: What Do They Mean?

HVAC Notes:

  • Change out furnace filter monthly
  • Research proper filter
  • Have HVAC maintenance performed twice a year

Plumbing

If you have an indoor sink located next to an outside wall, chances are you have experienced frozen pipes. The supply lines that run to that particular sink are probably connected through that wall. The best (and most cost-efficient) way to keep the shut-off valves and water supply lines protected is to keep the vanity cabinet doors open. The warmer air inside your home will help keep the supply lines from freezing. Some homeowners leave the faucet running at a slow drip to keep the plumbing from freezing, which is also a valid method – but can be costly to maintain. The use of space heaters to warm pipes, which are a popular option, are not recommended as they present a dangerous fire hazard. If you do encounter a frozen line and have no way to warm it, the best course of action is to leave it alone. A plumbing professional can assess the potential damage – which is often hard to determine until the temperature goes above freezing. Close the shut-off valve to the line to prevent any water from running through and leave it to the experts on how to proceed.

Plumbing Notes:

  • Open cabinets where exposed pipes can freeze
  • Allow a slow drip on faucets
  • Close the shutoff valve on pipes that have frozen

Electrical

Losing power during the bitter Edmonton winter could have potentially fatal results. A whole house backup generator is the best defense against losing electricity during a winter storm. It is especially important if your home doesn’t have a fireplace or alternative method of heating. Using electrical products to help stay warm can also be potentially hazardous, so be mindful when using electric blankets, portable space heaters and fan heaters. Household electrical fires increase during the winter months due, in part, to these electrical heating accessories. Space heaters are particularly dangerous and have caused hundreds of fatalities throughout Canada and the U.S.

Electrical Notes:

  • Install a backup generator in case of a power outage
  • Use electrical heating products with caution
  • Have an electrical system inspection every five years

Always Plumbing & Heating is your first, best resource for winter-related service issues. If you have any problems with your HVAC or plumbing system, regardless of the weather, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are open 24/7 and can dispatch a technician to your home anytime – day or night! Call 780-489-8118 to speak to a live customer service representative and schedule an appointment today!

Related Blogs:

Winter Duct Maintenance in Edmonton

Winter Energy Saving Tips for Edmonton

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Holiday Plumbing Tips for Edmonton Households

With Christmas and Boxing Day almost a month away, Edmonton households are getting ready for their seasonal celebrations. Decorating and menu-planning are just a few of the essential steps in preparing for the rush of friends and family. But before the annual gatherings begin, consider taking precautions to keep your plumbing free from the typical post-holiday problems.

All those parties and dinners can take a toll on kitchen sinks – and added houseguests can create a strain on water usage.

Because plumbing problems generally spike 50% after the holidays, it makes sense to take action before the festivities begin. The professionals at Always Plumbing & Heating in Edmonton have compiled a list of important tips for ensuring your pipes stay free from blockage and other expensive repair issues.

Watch the Grease: Many of our most favorite dishes create some kind of grease or oil residue during cooking. Grease and oil can help cause severe blockage in your plumbing system if you aren’t careful. Make sure that all cookware and dishes are wiped free of grease and oil before they are washed in the sink. Also be sure to use cold water with the disposal when using it to grind food waste with grease or oil residue.

How to Properly Dispose of Grease and Oil

Food Waste Removal: Give your garbage disposal a break and try to compost all the food waste you would normally throw into the sink. Add it to the pile of waste that is not acceptable for disposal and you’ll end up with a vibrant soil for your garden or lawn. If you don’t compost, make sure that you have a plastic trash bag next to the sink to catch all of the food waste.

Disposal Use: If you must use your disposal for food waste, be mindful of the kinds of food that are inappropriate. Keep all fibrous or hard organic materials away from the disposal as they can clog and even cause damage to the unit. Some of the worst culprits include: potatoes, celery, onions, lettuce, bones, rise, egg shells, cigarette butts and the aforementioned grease, oil (and fat).

Disposal Cleaning: Keep the garbage disposal clean throughout the holidays by pouring a small amount of dish soap into the opening and run it with some cold water. Throw in some lemon slices to add a clean scent.

Watch the Kids: When there are large groups of people over for the holidays, watch the kids to ensure they don’t use the disposal as a garbage can. Keep a trash can beside the kitchen sink to encourage everyone to throw their garbage/food waste into the proper receptacle.

Toilet Etiquette: The only things that should be flushed down a toilet are toilet paper and human waste. If you are hosting guests for a party or an extended stay, there might be a few people who aren’t good at following this rule (especially kids). Make sure that guests are made aware of certain products that aren’t safe to flush. The main culprits that stop up plumbing are: flushable wipes, sanitary napkins, cotton balls, paper towels, tissues, dental floss and cleansing pads.

Shower Schedule: If you have guests for the holiday, try to have everyone wait 15-20 minutes between showers. This will help ensure enough time for the hot water to replenish, but more importantly it will allow the drains to clear properly.

Plumbing Problems: Try to address any plumbing problems in advance, well before any guests arrive. You don’t want to keep anyone inconvenienced while a plumbing technician is working on a repair. You also don’t want to be put on a list for repair work after the holidays – as a blockage or leak while guests are present could ruin the celebration.

We hope that you and your family have a stress-free holiday season. By taking a few precautions with your plumbing, you should also enjoy a blockage-free celebration as well. But if anything does happen to your plumbing system during the festivities, don’t hesitate to give us a call! The technicians at Always Plumbing & Heating are available 24/7 for any emergencies you might experience. Call us any time at 780-489-8118 for exceptional plumbing service and repair.

Related Blogs:

Winter Plumbing Maintenance in Edmonton

Plumbing is not a 9 to 5 Task

To request a service appointment, give us a call at 780-489-8118 or contact us online.

A Better Business: Always Plumbing & Heating’s Commitment to Service and Community

Always Plumbing is proud to be an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 1999. Our A+ standing with the organization is not simply a rating to trumpet in advertising, it’s a true reflection of our commitment to service and community. In addition to our exceptional service record, our community involvement with various charities including the Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS), the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern Alberta and the St. Albert Food Bank has fostered strong ties to our Alberta neighbors and given our Always Plumbing family a greater purpose. Our 17 year partnership also reflects our dedication to superior business and advertising practices, which is essential in our continued growth throughout Alberta and surrounding communities.

Though the BBB is a well-known organization, many people are unaware of its background – and the stringent requirements needed for accreditation. The BBB, founded in 1912, is a nonprofit that functions as an intermediary between a customer and a business. It collects and provides unsolicited reviews on more than 4 million businesses. It also handles a variety of disputes between a customer and a business. Their rating system represents the BBB’s opinion of how a business will most likely treat their customers based on information it obtains. This information includes customer complaints, the years it has been in business and its business practices. Here’s a thorough overview of the rating system.

This well regarded institution consists of 112 independently incorporated organizations in Canada and the US. But those organizations all work together since August 16, 2011 when the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) integrated the operations between Canada and the US. The unification was motivated, according to the official statement, ‘…for an improved customer experience for those who purchase goods and services across the border.’

The BBB researches and reports on a number of important factors that customers should know about a business. The business profiles that the BBB makes public are:

  • Proper Licensing
  • Appropriate and Truthful Advertising
  • Government Actions (Regarding Marketplace Conduct)
  • Out of Business Designation
  • Misuse of BBB Name/Logo
  • Bankruptcy
  • Returned Mail

It’s not that easy for a business to gain BBB Accreditation. A stringent BBB Code of Business Practices (Accreditation Standards) must be met and maintained. Always Plumbing takes these standards very seriously – and abides by them in both practice and philosophy. These practices, also referred to as the BBB Standards for Trust, (taken from their site) are:

  • Build Trust (Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.)
  • Advertise Honestly (Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling.)
  • Tell the Truth (Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms.)
  • Be Transparent (Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees and procedures that bear on a customer’s decision to buy.
  • Honor Promises (Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations.)
  • Be Responsive (Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in
    good faith.)
  • Safeguard Privacy (Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of customers regarding the use of their information.)
  • Embody Integrity (Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions and
    commitments with integrity.)

Full list of BBB Accreditation Standards

Are you looking for a home services company with a stellar BBB rating and a reputation for superior work? Call Always Plumbing today at 780-489-8118 to set up an appointment!

*All information regarding the BBB was taken from their official site.

Improve Your Heating System’s Energy Efficiency by Upgrading Your Thermostat

Cold days and nights lie ahead as the seasons change and mercury drops. Is your home ready for the cold? Whether you have an old furnace or a new HVAC system that will keep your living space comfortable throughout the winter, it is important that the right technology is in place to make it work well. Advancements in thermostats enable furnaces and air conditioning units to work more efficiently, effectively, and become customized to your habits.

Whether you need a new heating system in Edmonton or are interested in making your existing HVAC solution more environmentally friendly, contact the professionals at Always Plumbing & Heating. Our range of furnace repair services, plumbing options, and expertise in heating make us your one-call solution for a comfortable and efficient home.

3 Ways a Smart Thermostat Can Improve Your Home’s Heating

It may seem strange to replace your thermostat, rather than your furnace or heat pumps, in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating system. Our Edmonton heating professionals can help direct you towards a smart thermostat that seamlessly connects with your new or existing system for better performance.

Here are 3 reasons you should consider upgrading your thermostat:

  • Savings: New technology will adjust the temperature to make it as efficient and low-cost as possible. Lowering the temperature a few degrees while you sleep and accounting for zone control preferences and changing weather means you can enjoy monthly savings on your heating bill.
  • Ease: Smart systems do the hard work for you. Rather than figuring out the intricacies of a new furnace or adjusting the climate control system a few degrees depending on the time of day, the system will take care of it for you. Focus on the things you love, like cooking or your favourite television show, without worrying about your family’s comfort.
  • Impact: You want to make your environmental impact as small as possible. With a busy schedule, it can be difficult to remember to adjust settings manually, every single day. When a thermostat takes care of efficiencies, matching your ideal temperature with the best options for energy use and the life of your heating system, you can rest assured your environmental footprint will be reduced.

Upgrade, replace, or repair your existing thermostat and HVAC system before the deep freeze sets in. Alberta’s leading plumbing and heating company, Always Plumbing & Heating, can provide a full range of HVAC services. Backed by professional training, experience, and a positive attitude, you can rely on our staff for reliable service and quality results. Save money and return home each day with confidence that it will be comfortable and efficient. Call us for all your heating and plumbing needs in Edmonton.

Call Always Plumbing & Heating at 780-489-8118 or contact us online today to discuss your thermostat and heating system in Edmonton.

Winter Duct Maintenance in Edmonton

Winter in Edmonton means keeping the house closed up and the central heating on for several months. The constant use of the furnace or boiler in your closed home can be detrimental to your indoor air quality (IAQ). Unlike the summer, when cooler morning temperatures allow for some open window ventilation, the Edmonton winter is too cold for outdoor air. To help insure your home is free from allergens and airborne toxins for the next few months, it is important to inspect your air ducts. Keeping them clean and free from leaks not only contributes to a healthier IAQ, but also generates better energy efficiency. An annual Inspection of your ducts will help catch problems before they become large issues, ultimately saving you money in repair work and keeping service inspections to a minimum.

Are you ready for some DIY winter air duct maintenance?

Equipment:

  • screwdriver
  • flashlight
  • window cleaner
  • towels
  • multi-purpose foil tape and/or silicone caulk

Main Unit Ducts:

Our maintenance begins with the main HVAC unit in the home, usually located in the basement or storage space. It contains large ducts that are connected to the branch ducts running throughout your house. These large ducts perform two separate functions; one side of the system forces air through the interior branch ducts while the other side pulls air in. This ensures that the air in your home is circulating efficiently. Check for leaks by turning on the unit and feeling around the exposed ducts for escaping air. The majority of leaks happen around the seams and angled areas. Check the ducts for leaks by holding a couple of sheets of toilet paper close to the places where air might be escaping. If the tissue blows away from, or sticks to, the area – you have a leak.

Leak Repair:

A minor duct leak can be easily repaired, especially if caught while the opening is still relatively small. When you find a leak, make sure that area around it is free from dust and grime. After it has been cleaned and is dry, use the foil tape to cover the opening. Aluminum foil repair tape works best on flat surfaces or on duct seams. There are some instances (such as a leak on an angled duct) where caulk might be a better solution.

How to Seal Ductwork with Foil Tape

Branch Ducts:

Our next focus is on the exposed branch ducts which can usually be found in the attic, crawlspace or basement. These ducts are covered with insulation and should be inspected for dampness, mold and torn or unprotected areas. Wet or moldy insulation would suggest blockage within your duct system. If you are comfortable disassembling the ducts, find the nearest connection point to the damp area and clean it out. If you can’t clean the area yourself, schedule an HAVC professional to check out the blockage and have the entire system serviced.

Always Plumbing & Heating Duct Cleaning

Heat Registers/Vent Grilles:

Heat registers and vent grilles are spread throughout your home. Registers generally have louvres (adjustable slats) attached help control the flow of air, while grilles have fixed covers. Registers are used to distribute the warm or cool conditioned air and are directly on the floor or the upper half of a wall. To check the registers, unscrew and remove the vents so you can investigate the duct interior with a flashlight. Check for high accumulations of dust, debris and mold. The grilles are used to help circulate the air and have fixed covers, but you should take a flashlight and check their duct interiors as well. If you spot anything out of the ordinary in either area, you should have your ducts inspected by a professional.

Keeping your ductwork running efficiently is a good way to ensure your IAQ is healthy all winter long. After you have run through our checklist and feel that professional repair or cleaning is in order, give us a call. Always Plumbing & Heating offers complete ductwork services in addition to several IAQ solutions for Edmonton homes with indoor air concerns. Call us today at 740-489-8118 to schedule an appointment with an HVAC professional.

Related Blogs:

PREPARE YOUR FURNACE FOR WINTER AND SAVE ON HOME HEATING IN EDMONTON

THE IMPORTANCE OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Book your furnace and boiler maintenance inspection today for efficient home heating in Edmonton . Call Always Plumbing & Heating at 780-489-8118 or contact us online .

Winter Energy Saving Tips for Edmonton

Though winter hasn’t hit Edmonton in full force just yet, we’ve already had a taste of the chilly weather to come. As the temperatures continue to plummet over the next few weeks and months, thoughts turn to keeping safe and warm in our homes. Because of the harsh winter weather, thoughts also turn to ways of saving energy while maintaining the comfort of your household. There are several simple procedures that you can do to ensure a more energy-efficient home during the coldest months.

Always has compiled a list of helpful ways to reduce the cost of energy this winter without compromising on comfort.

Seal Drafts – Most homes have a few areas where cold air can creep in; windows, doors, sink piping and basements are just a few of the usual suspects. Insulating and air sealing these areas will go a long way in lowering your heating costs. Insulation kits and products made specifically for filling small cracks are readily available at the local hardware store.

Five Ways to Seal Your Windows for Winter  

Ceiling Fan Switch – A little-known fact about ceiling fans is that they can also be used to help distribute heat. A fan moving counter-clockwise will help push warm air up – and a fan moving clockwise will help trap the heat and keep rooms warmer. Most modern ceiling fans have a switch that will allow you to change the direction of the blades. Good ventilation and airflow will also help with energy efficiency, so keep the ceiling fans running throughout the season.

Adjust the Thermostat – By turning your thermostat down 10 – 15 degrees for eight hours a day, you can save about 10 percent a year on your utility bills. Try turning the thermostat down every night before bed – and simply bundling up. If sleeping is a problem in cooler temperatures, try turning down the thermostat while the family is out of the house during the day.

Unplug Electronics – During the winter, and especially during the holidays, we tend to use more electronics. Make sure that you unplug your gadget chargers, computers, tablets and any other product that requires electricity when it isn’t being used. Even when these products are not in use, they are using electricity when they are plugged in.

Sunlight – The most obvious, yet neglected, source of free heat is sunlight. Open the curtains and blinds during sunny days, which will help to heat the home. South-facing windows will get the most benefit, so make sure they are open all day to ensure maximum exposure.

Insulation – One of the best ways to keep your home energy-efficient throughout the year is to add insulation to your home. Many older homes (and even new ones) can benefit from adding extra insulation to their attic or walls. Those drafty areas in the walls that compromise your heating every winter can be minimized with additional insulation. A home energy audit by a professional technician can determine how much insulation you already have – and help determine problem areas in your home that would benefit from air sealing and insulation.

What is a Home Energy Audit? 

Decorate with LED Lights for the Holidays – If you are big on decorating for the holidays,consider using LED (Light Emitting Diodes). LED’s last up to 25 times longer and are at least 75% more efficient than incandescent lights.

Save on Home Heating in Edmonton

Remember that another good way to save energy (and money) this winter is to schedule a tune-up for your boiler or furnace. An annual tune-up will help keep your heating unit running at maximum efficiency and ensure a long life. Call Always Plumbing & Heating today at 780-489-8118 to schedule maintenance on your boiler or furnace.

Book your furnace and boiler maintenance inspection today for efficient home heating in Edmonton. Call Always Plumbing & Heating at 780-489-8118 or contact us online .

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Why Furnace Repair Services And Maintenance Appointments Are So Important in Edmonton

Have you ever faced a long winter’s night with a broken or malfunctioning furnace? If not, consider yourself lucky. If you have, then you know that it is time to schedule your maintenance inspection with a trusted HVAC professional. Furnaces and heating systems provide comfort and warmth during the coldest depths of the winter season. There is nothing worse than when the temperatures drop and you realize that your heating system isn’t working. It can be a frustrating, uncomfortable, and even dangerous experience if left unresolved. When you are stuck in this situation, it can be difficult to remain calm but it is important to assess the problem and take the steps necessary to repair or replace the heating system as quickly as possible.

24 Hour Furnace Maintenance and Emergency Furnace Repair

Maintenance is crucial for keeping your furnace working properly and avoiding unexpected issues. The team of Edmonton furnace repair experts at Always Plumbing & Heating can schedule a convenient furnace maintenance inspection before the weather gets colder, and give you peace of mind that your heater can make it through another year. Contact us to set up your appointment with our experienced technicians today!

3 Reasons to Book Your Furnace Repair Service

Need more reasons to schedule your maintenance tune-up this year? Consider the following advantages of a proper maintenance program or contact our technicians to tell us more about your particular furnace:

  1. Lifespan: Your furnace will last longer if it is operating correctly. Don’t waste money by replacing a furnace before you need to. Instead, proactively service your existing heater to keep it in optimal condition as long as possible.
  2. Savings: A furnace that is running its best will also be running at its cheapest! Save on your monthly heating bills all winter long by maintaining the operation of your electric or gas furnace.
  3. Efficiency: Most of those savings come from efficiency. A qualified furnace repair technician in Edmonton can make small adjustments with a big impact. Reduce excess energy waste, heat loss, and transfer issues by bringing in a professional to take a look.

Give your furnace the attention and respect it deserves so it can continue to keep your home as comfortable and affordable as possible. Make future furnace problems a thing of the past!

The team at Always Plumbing & Heating offers furnace installation in Edmonton, as well as emergency furnace repairs, and regular maintenance checks. Call us for comprehensive emergency service and preventative care to get the most out of your furnace this year and for its entire service life.

Book your 24 hour furnace service appointment with Always Plumbing & Heating today at 780-489-8118 or contact us online for furnace repairs in Edmonton.

Winter Plumbing Maintenance in Edmonton

Another Edmonton Halloween on the books means that winter is right around the corner. The arrival of colder weather also means that homeowners should be thinking about their annual winter plumbing maintenance. Cracked pipes are always a concern when the temperatures start to dip below freezing, but there are a variety of other issues that winter imposes upon a plumbing system. The good news is that these problems can be easily minimized and often prevented with a few proactive steps.

We’ve compiled a list of DIY solutions that should keep the water running throughout the winter season – and ensure your plumbing remains in great shape for years to come.

Insulate Pipes (Exterior)

We’ve already reached freezing temperatures in Edmonton, so hopefully homeowners have secured their outside plumbing fixtures. But these steps are essential for keeping pipes from cracking, so it’s worth noting for those who have yet to prepare. First, it is important that you unplug all garden hoses, drain them of excess water and place them in storage for the winter. All outdoor faucets/spigots should be drained as well and secured with a faucet cover. You will also want to close the shut-off valve on all the pipes leading to the outdoor plumbing. These steps will go a long way in keeping your interior pipes safe from freezing.

Insulate Pipes (Interior)

Insulation is the most important component in winter pipe maintenance. Make sure that all exposed pipes in your home are insulated with foam padding or insulating tape. Exposed pipes are usually found underneath the kitchen and bathroom sink, the basement and sometimes underneath the home. Just because the pipes are inside your house doesn’t mean that they are resistant to freezing. There are a number of reasons that interior plumbing might freeze including drafts, poor insulation in the home and cracks in the foundation. Spend some time reviewing the plumbing throughout your home and cover any piping that you can see (and reach).

Run Water

Throughout the winter, make sure that you run water through every valve in your home a few times a week. Running water through the fixtures will help keep the plumbing from freezing. You might also consider a slow drip during extended periods of extreme low temperatures.

Open Cabinets

During the long Edmonton winter, make a habit of leaving open the cabinets beneath the kitchen and bathroom sinks. The warmer air from the home interior will help keep the pipes from freezing.

Mindful Holiday Use

The holidays can take a toll on your drains, disposal and pipes. Cooking favorite dishes for friends and family will often lead to clogged plumbing. Excess grease and oil coupled with cold pipes can cause a clog that is difficult to fix. Never dispose of grease and oil in the sink – and be careful of plates and cookware with too much residual grease. Make sure to wipe off the excess with a cloth before washing them in the sink.

Clean Drains

Keep your plumbing clog-free by cleaning with an eco-friendly mixture of salt and boiling water. Salt is a natural, non-toxic pipe and fixture cleaner – and also far less expensive than commercial options. Simply pour ½ cup of salt into one gallon of water and heat the mixture to just under boiling. Pour the entire contents into the sink and it will help remove grime, grease buildup, lingering odors and bacteria. Try to do this at least once a week throughout the holidays to keep your plumbing free from clogs.

With a forecast predicting even lower temperatures in the next two weeks, we wish our Edmonton neighbors a smooth, comfortable transition into winter. We hope that your plumbing remains in great condition throughout the season, but if you ever need professional help – Always Plumbing and Heating is just a phone call away. Contact us 24/7 for emergency repairs at 780-489-8118.

Book your furnace and boiler maintenance inspection today for efficient home heating in Edmonton. Call Always Plumbing at 780-489-8118 or contact us online .

Halloween Plumbing Safety Tips

October in Edmonton is filled with festive events that bring family and friends together. Planning costumes, decorating the house and making favorite treats are all a part of the fun. But all that celebrating can also come at a price. A few of our most beloved Halloween traditions can wreak havoc on a home’s plumbing system. Scary? Maybe. However, Always is here to help take the fear out of the season.

The number one problem that plumbing technicians encounter every October is pumpkin pulp clogging garbage disposals. But the clogs aren’t limited to disposals; sink drains and toilets are often used to dispose of pulp as well. Pumpkin pulp is a wet, sticky, stringy substance containing seeds that can harden quickly. When the pulp hardens, it turns into a gummy resin that can easily clog pipes. Once it has clogged a drain, it is difficult to remove without help from a professional.

Another, though less prevalent, problem during the season is directly related to trick-or-treating: makeup and face paint. Cotton, cotton swabs, sponges and other makeup related accessories also clog drains – and toilets. Children (and adults) using makeup for their Halloween costumes will often flush these very absorbent materials; wreaking havoc on the sewer line. In addition to the absorbent material causing problems, some face paint is oil-based and can accelerate the stoppage.

Avoid scary plumbing issues this year by reading our tips for a clog-free Halloween.

  • The most important takeaway: NEVER put pumpkin pulp in the sink or toilet. Even when washing bowls and utensils covered with it, wipe them off before washing.
  • When gutting a pumpkin, place all of the pulp in a large bowl. Either discard by wrapping up the mess in newspaper and throwing it in the trash or putting it in your compost pile.
  • Many people bake the seeds, though repurposing the actual pulp is a bit trickier. There are recipes for pumpkin puree using the pulp – as well as variations on pumpkin bread and muffins. Read about some easy pumpkin pulp recipes here.
  • Pumpkin pulp doesn’t break down like most organic materials. It is also virtually impossible to stop the blockage with a store bought drain cleaner. Draino and Liquid Plumber don’t work on pumpkin pulp, which can lead to a service call with a plumbing technician.
  • Halloween makeup and face paint can always be reused next year. If you have a kit with containers of exposed makeup, put them in a Ziploc bag and store them. NEVER throw makeup into the sink or toilet.
  • Cotton balls and sponges with makeup on them should be thrown into the trash. If you have a washcloth with makeup on it, be mindful of oil-based products when washing them. Consider using a bucket of warm water and liquid detergent to clean the cloth or material before throwing it in the washing machine. NEVER wash material containing oil-based paint directly in the sink.
  • Also, parents with small children should make sure that they understand putting candy or candy wrappers in the toilet is not a good idea. Plumbers have seen more than a few toilets clogged with Halloween detritus over the years. Try putting a trashcan in their bedroom (if one isn’t already there) for easy disposal of Halloween trash – and the hard candy that never gets eaten!

Always hopes that our Edmonton neighbors enjoy a festive, clog-free Halloween. But if something does happen to your plumbing this season, remember that we are available 24/7 for service and repairs. Call us at 780-489-8118, even in the witching hour, to schedule an appointment.

Book your furnace and boiler maintenance inspection today for efficient home heating in Edmonton. Call Always Plumbing at 780-489-8118 or contact us online .

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Hard Water Problems? Check For These Signs:

  • Have you noticed a foul odour coming from your faucet?
  • Does your water have an unpleasant taste to it?
  • Do you find you have a low water pressure problem?
  • Are you noticing limescale residue on kitchenware?

Alberta is known among Canadian provinces to have particularly hard water, and even more so in the winter. Hard water consists of extra calcium and magnesium and can cause some problems in your home, such as scale deposits and buildup in pipes and appliances. These deposits can affect the quality of your appliances, causing them to break down before they should. Hard water can also cause dry skin and eczema.

If you are concerned about the state of your water, a skilled plumber in Edmonton can help. With professional training and the right equipment, you water will be tested for hardness. Your plumber may then make suitable recommendations on a water softening system based on your needs and budget.

Benefits of Purchasing a Water Softener from Your Local Plumbers

A water softener contains resin beads. As hard water makes its way through the resin, a procedure known as ion exchange, the hard water ions swap with soft water ions on the resin beads, creating soft water. A water softener that uses less salt and less water can help the environment as a whole.

Here’s why you should consider purchasing a water softener:

  • According to The Water Quality Association, installing a water softener in your home can reduce your water-heating energy usage by up to 24%. It can also reduce the amount of detergent you use for washing your clothes and dishes by 50% to 75%.
  • No calcium buildup means longer lasting water-using appliances.
  • You can reduce your home’s carbon footprint, which is comparable to removing one SUV from the roads every year.
  • Your fabrics will be softer and brighter, and will last longer too!
  • You won’t have to wash your silverware and glassware twice to rid them of water marks and soap film. They will be cleaner and shinier with every wash.
  • Your hair and skin will look and feel smoother and cleaner.
  • You will be eliminating water chlorination, bacterial contamination and/or iron staining.

Always Plumbing & Heating, Alberta’s leading plumbing and heating company, can calculate the right size water softener for your needs. We will help you choose a softener that is certified and can perform to the highest standards. Our installers will also advise you on using the right salt for optimal results. Our team of experts will help you properly set up your water softener to regenerate before your resin tank is fully consumed. This will ensure you benefit from salt efficiency and enjoy soft water for a longer period of time.

Call Always Plumbing & Heating today at 780-489-8118 or contact us online to learn more about our water softeners and water tanks in Edmonton.

How to Know When Your Hot Water Tank Needs to be Replaced in Edmonton

Having a steady supply of hot water in your Edmonton home is something you probably take for granted. Not having that hot water gushing from your faucets and showerheads can bring your household to a standstill in no time flat!

Let’s take a look at six signs your hot water tank may need to be replaced:

  1. Age. The date your water heater was manufactured is encoded in its serial number. Every company does it differently, so check the manufacturer’s website. There is no magic age for replacing your hot water tank. How long it will last depends on a number of factors, including initial build quality (check the warranty), water quality, service and maintenance history, etc. As a rule, if it is nearing ten years of age, or approaching the end of its warranty period, you should have your hot water tank serviced by a plumber in Edmonton.
  2. Noise. Is your water heater popping, banging or rumbling? This is often related to the heater working overtime trying to warm the water through a thick layer of sediment sitting at the bottom of the tank. This overheating causes metal fatigue—eventually leading to failure and leaking. It also means you are wasting money on high utility bills.
  3. Rusty water coming out of your hot water faucets can signify your water heater is rusting from the inside out and is about to start leaking. But it could also mean that the galvanized pipes in your home are rusting. A plumber in Edmonton can inspect your plumbing and water heater to determine the root cause of rusty water.
  4. Not enough hot water. If you notice your hot water is not as hot as it used to be or runs out quicker than it once did, it could be another sign sediment is building up in your hot water tank.
  5. Particles. If you notice tiny bits of plastic in your faucet aerators, it could mean the downtube in the heater is crumbling. Mineral deposits in the aerators probably mean excessive quantities of sediment in the water heater.
  6. Signs of leaking. Water around your hot water tank or rusting joints or connectors mean you should call a plumber in Edmonton posthaste. The bottom could be ready to fall out of your water heater and cause no end of inconvenience and property damage.

For hot water tank repair and service in Edmonton, call us at Always Plumbing! We’re available 24/7 to handle your every plumbing emergency.

At Always Plumbing we can also perform regularly scheduled hot water tank maintenance. Call us today!

Prepare Your Furnace for Winter and Save on Home Heating in Edmonton

In just a few months, many of us will be pulling out our winter gear and preparing our homes for the cold winter weather. To ensure you and your family enjoy uncompromising comfort as the cold weather sets in, it’s wise to make sure your furnace and boiler are operational and safe. The last thing you want to happen is to power up your furnace on the first day of winter only to realize that it isn’t working. Having a professional HVAC technician perform a maintenance check on your system will help keep it working efficiently and at top-performing levels.

Furnace and Boiler Maintenance To Do List for Efficient Home Heating in Edmonton

If you have an older furnace and boiler, it’s important to take certain measures to improve the overall performance of your system.

  • Unclutter your furnace room. Did you know that you could potentially start a fire by keeping cardboard boxes or paint cans close to your furnace and boiler? If your system has an open flame, any combustible items in close proximity can go up in flames and cause significant damage to your home. Always remember to keep the area tidy.
  • A rule of thumb is to replace your furnace filter every three to four months. Neglecting to do so can cause your furnace to overheat and breakdown. Once your filter is full of debris and dust, the furnace will not be able to heat your home properly. The size of your filter will depend on the size of your furnace, so be sure to review your equipment manual before changing your filter.
  • Clean your floor vents to help maintain healthy air quality and energy efficiency in your home. If the vents are dirty and clogged with dust and other debris such as pet hair and food scraps, the heat will not be able to move unrestricted through the vents. This will force you to increase the temperature on your thermostat, which will also increase your energy usage and costs.
  • Having your equipment annually serviced by a company that specializes in home heating in Edmonton means your equipment will be safe and reliable to operate. A technician will clean the combustion chamber; inspect the fuel pipe; check for any leaks or dangerous gases; replace the oil filter; change the air filter; and test the efficiency of your system.

Contact Us for Furnace Repair & Boiler Maintenance in Edmonton

If you have noticed unusually high utility bills, or you feel as though your home isn’t quite as warm as you would like it to be, call Always Plumbing & Heating. Our technicians are fully equipped and certified to inspect your furnace and boiler, diagnose the issue, and provide you with recommendations or repairs. We offer a range of heating, cooling and plumbing services, as well as top-brand thermostats to help ensure you and your family have total home comfort at all times.

Book your furnace and boiler maintenance inspection today for efficient home heating in Edmonton. Call Always Plumbing at 780-489-8118 or contact us online.

What to do when there is Flood Damage to your HVAC System in Edmonton

It seems like not a month goes by that floodwaters don’t ravage a community somewhere in Canada. And according to meteorologists, the unstable weather creating these floods is only going to get worse with global warming.

So what should you do if floodwater reaches your home or commercial HVAC system in Edmonton?

  • The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) recommends you turn off the power and call a professional plumber in Edmonton immediately to inspect your HVAC system. A professional is likely to see things you might miss. Standing water in contact with your ductwork, AC, furnace or heat pumps is very likely to have some kind of negative effect—at best, a thorough inspection and cleaning may be all that’s required; at worst, complete replacement may be called for.
  • Ductwork. Even slightly damp duct insulation is not salvageable because it is impossible to decontaminate—it needs to be replaced. Cutting corners in this regard could lead to mould, mildew and health issues. A plumber in Edmonton will clean, dry and disinfect your ductwork, update affected insulation with newer, more energy-efficient types and ensure joints are well sealed.
  • Heat pumps and AC. Indoor air conditioning units are not designed to be water-resistant. If your indoor units have been underwater for any length of time, they will most likely need to be replaced. Outdoor units are weather-resistant, but not designed to withstand standing water. Have your outdoor home or commercial HVAC system in Edmonton inspected by a professional plumber to determine what components need to be replaced. If your indoor or outdoor components have shifted even the slightest amount because of flooding, the refrigerant system may be compromised and need to be replaced.
  • Furnaces. It goes without saying that furnaces are designed to stay dry. The slightest amount of water in contact with your furnace’s circuitry and filters may spell trouble. The outside may look clean and dry, but any moisture inside can quickly corrode delicate valves and controls, possibly causing short circuits and electrical fires, or, at best, reliability issues. Play it safe! If you suspect water has reached your furnace, call an Edmonton plumber and put your worries to rest.

In need of HVAC repair or replacement in Edmonton? Contact us at Always Plumbing with all your questions. At Always Plumbing we’ve been in business over 16 years—that’s a lot of experience! And like our name says, we’re open 24/7 to handle all your emergencies.

If it’s HVAC replacement in Edmonton you are considering, we have a host of systems available that can save you 25 – 40% off your utility bill. Call us today!

A Brief History of Plumbing

Today we celebrate World Plumbing Day, a date that marks the many achievements made through the innovation of plumbing. Always Plumbing & Heating celebrates this auspicious occasion with our Edmonton neighbors – and the rest of the civilized world. From the Roman aqueducts in 300 BC to the creation of the modern toilet (or water closet) in the 1920’s, plumbing has drastically changed the way society lives. The health, growth and technical achievements of our world are indebted to the creation and implementation of plumbing. Its history is a long and fascinating journey encompassing centuries of innovative process and design. Always has compiled some of the highlights from the last few centuries:

1596: Queen Elizabeth’s godson, Sir John Harrington, invents the first toilet that flushes. It is forever nicknamed “John.”

1775: The first patent for a flushing toilet is given to Alexander Cummings.

1804: Philadelphia becomes a global leader in the plumbing industry when it becomes the first city to use cast iron pipes for water delivery.

1850: The first bathtub is installed in the White House.

A Brief History of the Bathtub

1855: Chicago is the first large U.S. city to create a comprehensive sewer system.

1870: Water heaters are introduced to private residences.

1883: John Kohler and the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company begin making and mass producing cast-iron bathtubs.

1911: Kohler invents the built-in bathtub, which becomes a common design in homes over the next several decades.

1920’s: Tank toilets are released, effectively reducing water consumption by 30-50%.

1937: The single handle facet is invented.

1930-40’s: Showers, which were first designed (anonymously) in the 19th Century, become a more common fixture in homes.

A Brief History of Bathing

1966: Due to a copper shortage, plastic piping is created and implemented.

1974: The Safe Drinking Water Act is passed in the U.S.

1993: The Energy Policy Act requires plumbing fixtures to have restrictions on water flow rates.

2006: The successful WaterSense program, created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), promotes the value of water efficiency.

2008: The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH). This establishes a “framework of cooperation” between the two non-profits.

Always Plumbing & Heating is proud of our plumbing professionals and the difference they make in the lives of our neighbors. Today, as we celebrate centuries of plumbing innovation, we also salute the outstanding plumbers who keep the water running throughout Edmonton and Alberta. When you need help with your plumbing, call us at 780-489-8118 – and we’ll schedule service with one of our talented team!

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To request a service appointment, give us a call at 780-489-8118 or contact us online.

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