Category: General

The harsh winters of Edmonton cause plenty to freeze, but what you may not have thought about is faucets outside your home. Even if the water has been turned off for the season, leaving hoses and nozzles in place could result in freezing, and a very costly repair.

You can protect yourself from the hassle by making sure your home’s outside water sources are winterized properly.

How to Winterize Your Faucets

Avoid having to make emergency calls to plumbers in Edmonton by following these tips for winterizing your exterior faucets:

• Disconnect Hoses – Garden hoses should be disconnected from the outside faucet and placed in the garage or storage shed. Leaving them attached could result in damage to the hose and nozzle.
• Determine What Type of Faucet You Have – Not all faucets installed in Canadian homes are frost-free. If the faucet has a knob that is perpendicular to the house, it is frost-free. That means the knob turns a long stem that closes off a valve inside the house. If the knob is at a 45-degree angle, it is not likely to be frost-free and therefore, you must winterize it.
• Winterize the Frost-Free Valves – Find the service valve for your faucet outside and close the valve off. Then, turn the faucet to the “on” position. Place a container under the valve to see if any water drains. If water has drained from one or both sides of the system downstream of the service valve washer or gate, you have successfully winterized the faucet. If water has not drained, you may need to peel away the gasket that is holding water waste into place. Leave valves open throughout winter so that any water remaining inside can escape rather than freeze inside.
• Check Other Areas Too – Do not forget to check for other water supply lines in unheated areas, such as crawlspaces or basements. These pipes should be insulated to keep them warm.
• >Sprinkler Lines – Be sure to drain water from your home’s sprinkler system supply lines too by following the manufacturer’s winterizing instructions.

Always Plumbing & Heating is your resource for winter and plumbing concerns. If you have a plumbing concern, contact your trusted plumber in Edmonton today. We also offer emergency plumbers in Edmonton to attend to any issues such as frozen pipes, broken pipes and even water heaters. Give us a call at 780-489-8118 or contact us online.

After Labour Day, it is usually time to close down your cabin, trailer or vacation house for the winter. One of the biggest issues is preventing your pipes from freezing during the off-season, which is a very common problem.

Experienced plumbers in Edmonton recommend that you should partially winterize any time the residence is not used full-time or when it will be left unoccupied for long stretches. You should completely winterize your cabin or trailer after Labour Day and continue until the middle of spring.

How to Properly Winterize

You will need to go through a few steps to winterize your cabin or trailer. If you will not be parking a trailer in a covered, warm space, do follow these winterizing tips too:

• 1.Water Heater – If you have a propane water heater, turn the setting to vacation mode or pilot. If electric, go to the electrical service panel, locate the breaker labeled “water heater” and turn it to the off position.
• 2.Water Lines – Find the water supply lines for your cabin where they come into the foundation. These are typically copper or PVC lines coming from the ground. Locate the shut off valve to these lines and turn off all water.
• 3.Faucets – Once the water is turned off, locate the lowest faucet on the property (preferably one on the exterior). Open that faucet and leave it open. If you do not have an exterior faucet, find a faucet at the lowest elevation point inside the cabin and turn it on.
• 4.Remove Water – Next, go through the cabin and turn every faucet to the on position and flush every toilet. This will eliminate as much water as possible from the system.
• 5.Antifreeze – Next, pour antifreeze into every drain of the cabin, including showers, sinks and toilets. For RVs, you can use RV antifreeze, but for cabins you must use regular antifreeze. RV antifreeze is diluted for water tanks.
• 6.Dishwasher – Close the dishwasher (if applicable) and let it run for a few seconds to pull any water from inside the supply lines. This will activate the solenoid for the dishwasher and prevent it from freezing or breaking during the winter.

Even when you follow all of these steps, you may not get all of the water drained from your cabin’s pipes. If you experience any breakage or pipe issues, Always Plumbing & Heating is here to help. Our team of Edmonton plumbers can repair broken lines and even help you get your cabin’s water back on for the new season. Give us a call at 780-489-8118 or contact us online.

When you buy a home, you already know that you need a home inspection. While home inspectors are well-trained, they often lack the specialized training required to adequately diagnose plumbing issues. As the homebuyer, you should perform your due diligence and be on the lookout for any plumbing problems before you make an offer or sign the sales contract.

The Importance of a Proper Inspection by Your Edmonton Plumber

The home you are buying may only be a few years old, but it does not take decades for a home to develop costly issues in the plumbing. In fact, if the previous homeowner did not maintain the home properly, it could develop costly issues after just a year. “Buyer beware” is a true statement and once you officially purchase the home, those plumbing problems are repaired on your own dime.

Three Things to Have Inspected by Edmonton Plumbers

It is a good idea to have the entire plumbing system checked out by a professional. If you do not want to pay for a whole-house inspection, there are three critical areas you should have looked at:

1. Main Sewer Line – Clogs in sewer lines are normal, but sometimes they are an indication of something more serious. An Edmonton plumber can inspect the sewer line for signs of deterioration, clogs pending or tree roots that have penetrated the sewer line. Some sewer line repairs may require a deep trench in the yard, broken up concrete in the basement, etc. Identifying these costly repairs ahead of time can help you decide if the home is worth the hassle, or possibly negotiate a lower price with the seller.
2. Water Heaters – Water heaters do not last forever; in fact, even well maintained units last 10 to 15 years maximum. If that water heater goes out unexpectedly, you could have damaged carpet, tile flooring or real wood floors. A quick inspection will tell you if the water heater needs to be replaced and this may be something you require the seller to do before you accept the home.
3. Toilets – A leaking toilet may not seem like a big problem, but if that leak is allowed to continue, it can rot the subfloor or get between the subfloor and finished floor. This damage alone can be costly to repair.

Hiring a professional plumber can provide you with peace of mind. A plumber knows what indicators to look for and can even estimate repair costs based on the problems detected. This ultimately gives you more negotiating power and also ensures you do not buy a home that will become a money pit.

Always Plumbing & Heating’s plumbers in Edmonton offer home inspections. We can assess the condition of your new home’s entire plumbing system, including water lines and sewage, so you know what you are buying before you make it official. Give us a call today at 780-489-8118 or contact us online.

Most water heaters in Edmonton are tucked away in the basement. They are rarely checked on or even looked at, except when an issue arises. While you may think that you only need to replace your water heater once it shuts down or starts to leak, your water heater often gives you signs long before it requires an emergency replacement.

To avoid unexpectedly having no hot water, or costly water damage repairs, it is best that you replace your water heater before it breaks down completely.

Signs to Watch for and Replace Your Water Heater

If your old water heater is working fine, you may feel there is no need to replace it. However, if it is 10 to 15 years old, it is likely reaching the end of its term. Looking for these signs will tell you if it is time for a replacement:

• Temperature – You may notice your water heater does not efficiently heat the water. This may mean the heating element is worn (or has already broken down). Your trusted plumber in Edmonton may be able to replace the gas thermocouple and get a few more months or years from your water heater.
• Excessive Noise – If the water tank is constantly banging, creaking or knocking, it likely has sediment that has built up inside the tank. As this comes into contact with the interior heating element, it burns away. A water heater can also make noise because it is going out. If the sediment has been flushed out recently and you still notice noises, it may be time for a replacement.
• Maintenance – Each year, you should flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup. If you have not done this, your water heater is unlikely to last as long as the manufacturer estimates, and possibly will be worn out after the 10-year mark or thereabouts.
• Usage – Water heaters are intended for daily use, but the more people in your home showering and bathing each day, the more demand on your water heater, and consequently, more wear and tear. Heavily used water heaters, especially if they are not designed for such volume, will quickly wear out.

If any of the indicators match up with your water heater, it is time to have it inspected. It is best to replace your water heater before it starts leaking from the bottom, but even if it does, you can receive 24-hour service to replace it.

Always Plumbing & Heating can inspect your water heater and replace it if need be. Our emergency plumbing service in Edmonton is available 24 hours, 7 days a week and we carry a full range of new water heaters to choose from. Give us a call at 780-489-8118 or contact us online.

In Alberta, we all know how bitter cold the winter weather can be. Just because spring is around the corner does not mean there are no more cold days (or nights) ahead. As we know here in Canada, winter-like weather is always around the corner, which means homeowners need to be prepared at all times.

If your home has outdoor pipes, it is imperative you prepare them for cold temperatures. All it takes is a small amount of leftover water in the pipe to freeze. Frozen pipes may burst due to the immense pressure. If this happens, your home could experience indoor flooding and costly repairs when you turn on your faucets this spring and summer.

Tips for Protecting Your Hose Bibs

It is never too late to start protecting your hose bibs. To make sure you properly prepare them for cold weather, here are a few tips:

• Remove all hoses from the hose bib and drain any water inside those hoses. Move your hoses to a warmer location, such as your basement or garage. If your shed or garage is outside and could encounter freezing conditions, store your hoses elsewhere.
• Inspect outdoor faucets for leaks. If your faucet is dripping, you need to fix this immediately. All it takes is a small amount of water to freeze inside the pipe. If you notice a leak, contact a plumbing professional right away to have it repaired.
• Turn off your supply line. Then, turn on all outdoor faucets to properly drain any remaining water. Draining it down can reduce the chances that any water will freeze inside the pipe.
• Do not forget to inspect the water tanks you have on your property. Make sure they are not leaking or even showing any signs of a slow drip.

For extra protection, you may want to install a hose bib cover or a frost-proof hose bib. A trained and licensed plumber can help you install a frost-proof bib on all of your outdoor faucets.

The last thing you need to worry about is a flood or plumbing issue this spring. Whether you need help fixing a drip or you are interested in frost-proofing your hose bibs, Always Plumbing & Heating can help. Our plumbing and heating technicians are available for service, repair and 24/7 emergency callouts. Call us at 780-489-8118 or contact us online for assistance with your plumbing problems.

You tune up your vehicle to keep it running, but what about your air conditioning unit? Just like your car or any other mechanical component, your air conditioner needs a tune up to keep it working at its best. Because the air conditioning in your Edmonton home will be under pressure to run daily in the summer, it is best to have it checked by a professional in the spring. You do not have to worry about a broken AC unit ruining your summer!

Why Air Conditioning Maintenance in Edmonton is Important

The worst thing you can do for your home’s comfort systems is turn them on full force after sitting dormant all winter. A quick tune-up can positively impact your AC unit’s performance, lower energy costs and of course, keep you cool all summer long.

If you read your owner’s manual, you will see that your air conditioner’s manufacturer recommends seasonal tune-ups – and some may even require them as part of their manufacturer warranty. There are also other reasons to ensure air conditioning maintenance in Edmonton before you start using your unit this summer, including:

• Catching Small Problems – Small problems are easily caught during a seasonal tune-up. By catching these issues early, you can limit the chances of a bigger, costlier repair job in the future.
• Improved Efficiency – During an AC tune-up, your technician will make sure the unit is operating at maximum efficiency, which means you can look forward to lower utility bills this summer.
• Clean Air – As part of the seasonal tune-up service, your air conditioner’s filter will be replaced. That means cleaner indoor air for you and your loved ones.
• Electrical Inspection – If your air conditioner is working too hard, it could overheat your electrical relays. Once these overheat, they can cause your air conditioner’s fan or motor to fail, and that is a costly replacement. During a tune-up, these items are inspected so that you can avoid expenses for repair work.

Always Plumbing & Heating wants you to stay cool this summer and not worry about being stuck with a broken unit. Schedule your air conditioning tune up in Edmonton with one of our skilled technicians today. Call 780-489-8118 or contact us online.

Air filtration in your home is important. While you may only start to think about your furnace filter as you notice more dust around the house or your allergies kick up, you should be changing your filter long before this happens. Why wait until you require costly furnace repairs?

How Often Should a Homeowner Replace the Furnace Filter?

Your replacement frequency depends on the type of filter you have installed. Some filters can last as long as six months, while others need monthly replacements. The size of your home and overall air quality can change those timeframes too.

For example, in a larger home, even with a six-month filter, you may have to replace the furnace filter more frequently because more air is moving through it. If you have pets, you will need to change your furnace filter twice as often, because pet dander can clog a filter. Ignoring this will ultimately result in expensive furnace repair or even replacement of the unit.

Why Replace an Air Filter?

Whether you are using heating or air conditioning, frequent replacement of your air filter matters to indoor air quality. In the winter and summer, when your air conditioning unit or furnace are working their hardest, you should replace monthly.

The most important reasons why you should replace your air filter include:

• Extending the Life of Your Unit – Your heating or air conditioning unit will breakdown with a clogged filter. As dirt accumulates inside, the system can overheat and when your motor works harder, it eventually wears down and breaks.
• Lower Energy Costs – You may be able to lower your energy bills just by replacing your air filter regularly, because it takes less energy to run a clean unit versus a clogged one.
• Better Air Quality – Whether you have allergies, asthma or just want clean, fresh air, it all starts with your air filter. Dirty air filters contribute to poor air quality inside your home and can even worsen the air because dirt, dust, allergens and dander are being released back into your home.
• Keeping Your System Clean – If your furnace or air conditioner operates with a dirty filter, that dirt accumulates inside and can result in more service and furnace repairs.

Always Plumbing & Heating is your local heating and cooling expert in the Edmonton, Sherwood Park and St. Albert areas. We can help you with routine furnace maintenance and repair as well as make adjustments to your system and improve indoor air quality. Learn more about our furnace repair services. Call us at 780-489-8118 or contact us online.

Your home’s sump pump is a critical plumbing component. It removes water from your basement or crawl space and can be used anywhere standing water poses a problem. Essentially, it protects your home from water intrusion and your foundation from water damage. The pump is activated when its interior float rises because of water, forcing it to turn on and start pumping water from the area.

A sump pump has a fairly long lifespan, but just like everything else meant for long-term use, your sump pump too needs regular plumbing maintenance. Testing your sump pump regularly can help identify any problems so that you can fix them before they become worse and result in serious consequences for your home.

Steps for Testing A Sump Pump

Test your pump at least once every two to three months. If you notice anything that seems out of the ordinary or your sump pump is not working at all, call in your local plumbing experts.

• First, you will need to find the outside exit pipe that catches water. Look inside for any debris or dirt that may be clogging the exit and remove it.
• Next, look for the sump pump unit in your basement or crawl space. Follow the electrical cables from the pump to the outlet. Unplug the float device and just plug in the pump. You should be able to hear the pump start to run. Unplug the cords again and then plug in the float cord first, then the pump second.
• Take the lid off your sump pump and slowly pour water into the crock. You should hear the pump turn on and start pumping water outside of the crock. Wait for the water to pump away, then repeat the process to make sure the sump pump continues to turn on.

If your sump pump fails to turn on as the crock fills with water or it only turns on periodically, you should call in a plumber for assistance. There may be an issue with the floating device or the pump may need to be replaced.

Always Plumbing & Heating can help you test, repair or replace your sump pump. Our expert plumbers are here 24/7 for emergency plumbing issues too. Learn more about our sump pump services by calling 780-489-8118 or contact us online.