Home Safety Archives - Always Plumbing & Heating

Home Safety Tips to Keep the Season Merry This Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us, bringing warmth, joy, and festivities into our homes. As you prepare to celebrate with loved ones and create beautiful memories, it’s essential to ensure that your home is not only cozy but also safe. In this article, we’ll explore some crucial home safety tips that will help you maintain a merry and accident-free holiday season.

Plug-in Heater Safety

Heaters are a lifesaver during the chilly winter months, but they can also pose safety hazards if not used correctly. To keep your home warm and secure, here are some tips on using heaters safely.

Keep Heaters Away from Flammable Objects: Whether you’re using electric space heaters or a fireplace, make sure they are at a safe distance from curtains, furniture, and other flammable items. Heaters generate high temperatures, and if they are too close to flammable materials, there is a significant risk of these materials catching fire.

Curtains, in particular, can be highly flammable and can quickly ignite if they touch a heater. Once a flammable object catches fire, it can lead to a rapid spread of flames, which can engulf the room or even the entire house within minutes.

Use Heaters with Safety Features: Opt for heaters that have built-in safety features such as tip-over switches and overheat protection. These features can prevent accidents in case your heater malfunctions. This is especially important when using heaters in bedrooms or other areas where you may not be able to constantly monitor their operation.

Your safety and the safety of your loved ones are paramount, and investing in a heater with safety features is a smart way to ensure a cozy and secure home during the holiday season and beyond.

Electrical Safety for Christmas Tree Lights

As you adorn your home with the warm glow of holiday lights, it’s crucial to prioritize electrical safety. Here are some guidelines for safely plugging in Christmas tree lights and other decorations:

Inspect Lights and Cords: Before plugging in your lights, carefully inspect them for any frayed wires, broken bulbs, or other visible damage. Discard and replace damaged lights promptly to prevent electrical hazards.

Use UL-Listed or Safety-Approved Lights: Choose lights that have been tested and certified for safety by organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This ensures they meet specific safety standards.

Avoid Overloading Outlets: Distribute the load of your holiday lights and decorations across multiple outlets or circuits. Overloading a single outlet can lead to overheating and electrical fires.

Use Extension Cords Safely: If you need extension cords for your lights, ensure they are rated for outdoor use if placed outdoors. Indoor cords should be used indoors only. Never daisy-chain multiple extension cords, as this can create electrical hazards.

Don’t Pinch Cords: Avoid pinching cords between doors, windows, or heavy objects. Pinched cords can become damaged over time, exposing wires and posing a safety risk.

Unplug When Not in Use: When you’re not enjoying your holiday lights, unplug them. This not only conserves energy but also reduces the risk of electrical issues or overheating while you’re away from home.

Outdoor Light Safety: If using lights outdoors, ensure they are rated for outdoor use. Keep connectors above ground to prevent water damage. Secure outdoor lights and extension cords to prevent tripping hazards.

Timer Use: Consider using timers to automate your lights. This not only saves energy but also ensures the lights turn on and off at appropriate times without overloading circuits.

By following these electrical safety precautions, you can enjoy the festive ambiance of holiday lights without compromising the safety of your home and loved ones. Electrical safety is key to ensuring a joyful and worry-free holiday season.

Christmas Tree Safety

When it comes to Christmas tree safety, a few key precautions can make all the difference during the holiday season. If you’re opting for a live tree, choose one with vibrant, green needles that don’t easily fall off when touched.

Ensure the tree’s trunk is freshly cut, which helps it absorb water more effectively. Place your live tree in a sturdy stand and keep it well-watered throughout the season. Regularly checking and replenishing the water level in the stand not only prolongs the tree’s freshness but also significantly reduces fire risks.

When positioning your tree, make sure it’s away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or candles, and avoid overcrowded areas that can lead to tripping hazards.

These simple steps ensure your Christmas tree remains a beautiful and safe centerpiece for your holiday celebrations.

Garbage Disposal Safety

During the holiday season, your kitchen often becomes a bustling hub of activity. With all the delicious meals being prepared, it’s essential to keep your garbage disposal unit safe and efficient.

Avoid Overloading: Don’t stuff too much food waste into the disposal at once. Overloading it can lead to clogs and potential damage. Large amounts of food can become compacted, making it harder for the blades to break down the waste into small particles. This inefficiency may lead to food chunks or bits getting stuck in the disposal or pipes.

Run Cold Water: Cold water helps to keep fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) in a solid state. When FOGs enter the disposal in a liquid form due to hot water, they can easily coat the blades, trap food particles, and accumulate in the pipes. Over time, this can lead to clogs and blockages.

Avoid Hard and Fibrous Materials: Keep items like bones, fruit pits, and fibrous vegetables away from the disposal. They can damage the blades and cause jams. Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, or onion skins can become tangled around the disposal’s blades, impeding their movement. This not only affects the disposal’s efficiency but can also lead to clogs in the pipes.

Regular Cleaning: Clean your disposal regularly by grinding ice cubes and lemon or orange peels. Food residue can build up in the disposal, leading to unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning helps remove these residues and keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.

Plumbing Safety

Your plumbing system is integral to your daily life, from providing clean water and sanitation to supporting various household appliances and systems. This

is vital, especially when you have guests over. Here are some plumbing safety tips to ensure a hassle-free holiday season.

Watch What You Flush: Avoid flushing items like cotton balls, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products down the toilet. Feminine hygiene products are designed to be highly absorbent to manage menstrual flow. When flushed, they can absorb water and expand, which can lead to blockages in the plumbing pipes. This can result in clogs and sewage backups.

Keep an Eye on Water Pressure: High water pressure can strain your pipes and fixtures. Consider installing a pressure regulator to solve this issue. Water pressure regulators help to reduce sudden and high water pressure surges in your plumbing system. Water hammers, caused by these surges, can damage pipes, appliances, and fixtures.

Check for Leaks: Inspect your pipes for any leaks or drips. Even a small leak can lead to significant water damage if left unaddressed. Leaking pipes, faucets, or appliances can lead to extensive damage to walls, ceilings, floors, and belongings. Catching leaks early can save you from costly repairs and restoration.

Additional Tips

Avoid DIY Plumbing Projects: While DIY can be fun, it’s best to leave plumbing repairs to the professionals. Plumbing involves working with water, pipes, and sometimes gas lines. Incorrectly handling these elements can lead to accidents, injuries, or even fatal incidents. A professional plumber is trained to work safely in such environments, while DIYers may not fully understand the risks involved.

Regular Maintenance: Make sure your heating equipment is well-maintained. Clean or replace filters as needed, and schedule professional maintenance to keep your heating system in top shape.

Book a Free Estimate with APH: If you find yourself relying on plug-in heaters to keep your home warm, it might be time to consider a more efficient solution. APH offers free estimates to assess your heating needs. Our technicians can recommend a furnace that will keep your entire home toasty without the need for space heaters.

Keeping your home safe during the holiday season is essential for enjoying the festivities without any worries. From safe heater usage to garbage disposal and plumbing safety, taking these precautions will ensure that you have a joyful and accident-free holiday season.

Get Help from a Pro

For prompt and reliable furnace repair in Edmonton, look no further than Always Plumbing and Heating. Our skilled technicians are ready to address your heating concerns, ensuring your home is cozy and warm in no time. With our expertise, you can enjoy the safety and comfort of a professionally maintained heating system.

Wishing you a safe and Merry Holiday Season!

Top Safety Tips for Your Furnace: How to Keep Your Home Toasty All Winter Long

Winter is a magical season when we enjoy cozy evenings by the fireplace, warm blankets, and hot cocoa. However, to make your home truly toasty during the coldest months, you need a reliable furnace. To ensure your furnace operates safely and efficiently, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide of top safety tips. Read on to discover how to keep your home warm and secure throughout the winter.

1. Regular Furnace Maintenance

The first step to a warm and safe home is regular furnace maintenance. Your furnace should be inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year. This ensures it operates efficiently and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns. A well-maintained furnace will also consume less energy, saving you money on your utility bills.

2. Change or Clean Filters

Your furnace’s filters play a crucial role in maintaining air quality and preventing dust and debris from clogging the system. Depending on the type of filter you have, you should either replace it or clean it every one to three months. This not only enhances air quality but also improves the furnace’s efficiency.

3. Check for Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by a malfunctioning furnace. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to ensure safety. Check these detectors regularly to make sure they are functioning correctly. If they ever sound an alarm, evacuate your home immediately and contact a professional.

4. Ensure Proper Ventilation

A well-ventilated furnace is essential for your safety. Clear any obstructions around the furnace, such as storage items or debris, to ensure proper airflow. Also, check that the furnace’s exhaust pipe is clear of any blockages, as this is crucial for the safe removal of combustion gases.

A safe furnace is not just about comfort; it’s about the well-being of your family. Carbon monoxide leaks, gas leaks, or furnace malfunctions can pose serious health risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards. Therefore, taking the time to maintain your furnace and follow these safety tips is essential for a warm and secure winter.

5. Keep Flammable Materials Away

This may seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. Keep all flammable materials, such as paper, fabric, or cleaning products, well away from the furnace. Your furnace can get extremely hot, and any accidental contact with flammable materials could result in a fire.

6. Maintain a Clear Area

In addition to keeping flammable materials away, ensure that the area around your furnace is clear of clutter. This will not only prevent fire hazards but also make it easier to access your furnace for maintenance or in case of an emergency.

7. Ensure Proper Insulation

Proper insulation is crucial for keeping your home toasty and your furnace efficient. Insulate your walls, attic, and crawl spaces to prevent heat loss. Insulation not only maintains a comfortable temperature but also reduces the workload on your furnace, helping it run more effectively and extending its longevity.

8. Have an Emergency Plan

No matter how well-maintained your furnace is, emergencies can still happen. Prepare for unexpected situations by having a clear emergency plan. This plan should include knowing how to shut off your furnace, where your fire extinguisher is located, and how to exit your home safely.

9. Invest in a Smart Thermostat

Consider installing a programmable thermostat to help you maintain a comfortable and energy-efficient home. These devices allow you to set schedules for your furnace, reducing energy consumption when you’re away or sleeping and ensuring warmth when you need it most. This not only saves you money but also reduces the wear and tear on your furnace, extending its lifespan.

Programmable scheduling, Geofencing, and compatibility with other smart home devices make it a wise investment and cost-effective choice.

How do smart thermostats help save on energy costs?

Smart thermostats optimize your heating and cooling based on your preferences and daily routines. They can adjust the temperature when you’re not at home or in unoccupied rooms, preventing energy waste and reducing your utility bills.

Are smart thermostats compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant?

Yes, many smart thermostats integrate with popular voice assistants, allowing you to control your thermostat with voice commands for added convenience.

Can I use a smart thermostat if I don’t have a smartphone or Wi-Fi?

While Wi-Fi connectivity enhances the features of smart thermostats, many models still offer local control via the thermostat’s interface. However, some advanced features, like remote control and learning capabilities, require an internet connection.

10. Obtain a Generator

Consider having an emergency power source, such as a generator, to ensure your furnace continues to function during power outages. Losing heat during a winter storm can be dangerous, so having a backup power solution in place can keep your home warm and safe when the electricity is down.

11. Have Alternative Heat Sources

In an emergency, having alternative sources of heat is crucial to staying warm and safe. Here are five alternative sources of heat:

Portable Propane Heaters: Portable propane heaters are efficient and easy to use. They provide a direct source of heat and can be used indoors with proper ventilation. Propane heaters are a popular choice for emergency heating.

Kerosene Heaters: Kerosene heaters are another reliable option. They burn kerosene fuel to generate heat and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. However, proper ventilation is essential to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Wood-Burning Stoves: If you have access to firewood, a wood-burning stove can provide an excellent source of heat. They are efficient and can be used to cook as well. Ensure your stove is properly installed and maintained.

Body Heat and Insulation: In emergency situations, your own body heat is a valuable source of warmth. Using blankets, sleeping bags, and insulation materials can help trap and conserve heat. Huddling together with others can also provide additional warmth. It’s not uncommon for families to gather in one room to maximize the heat in that area.

A well-maintained furnace not only provides warmth but also peace of mind throughout the cold months. Always Plumbing and Heating is your best ally when it comes to maintaining a warm, comfortable home. We’re experts in furnace repair, installation, and maintenance.

Whether you need emergency furnace repair, furnace maintenance, or are considering installing a new smart thermostat, Always Plumbing & Heating stands ready to meet your needs. Our friendly and supportive staff can answer any questions you may have about your heating system and advise you on the best equipment for your home.

Contact us today, and experience the peace of mind that comes from having trusted professionals by your side for all your heating and cooling requirements. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we’re just a call away!

During fall and winter, we offer a special furnace tune-up coupon to help you save when the time for your annual appointment rolls around. To increase your savings, you can always join our Diamond Club to enjoy both AC and furnace maintenance every year, as well as additional discounts on service calls, new appliances, and installations.

Replace Your Old and Recalled Poly-B Pipes

If you have poly-b plumbing in your home, it is inevitable that you will be replacing it at some point. Poly-b (polybutylene) plumbing was installed in as many as 700,000 homes in Canada between 1978-1995. At the time, it was popular with builders because it was much cheaper than copper, and it was easy to install. However, it became apparent that poly-b was not suitable for plumbing – over time the flexible pipes began to burst and leak. Many homeowners suffered devastating damages, and a major class-action lawsuit took place which paid out over $20 million to homeowners. Unfortunately, payouts were only available if you replaced your plumbing before 2005, or within 15 years of being installed. There are still many people who have poly-b plumbing in their homes, which is a disaster waiting to happen.

How to Tell if You Have Poly-B

You can identify if your home has polybutylene pipes by removing a few tiles in your basement ceiling. Poly-b is flexible, light-grey in color, and has markings on the tubing. Poly-b is unable to withstand high pressures and high temperatures of whole home plumbing.

Q&A With Homeowners About Poly-B

“My home has poly-b and it looks fine from the outside. Why should I replace it?”

One of the main issues with poly-b is that the pipes deteriorate from the inside-out. This means that, while the pipes may appear ok to the naked eye, this does not necessarily mean they are not eroded, and prone to rupture at any time.

“Can I simply hire a plumber to patch up poly-b leaks when they occur?”

The answer to this is a complicated one. While a professional plumber can repair poly-b leaks when they occur, this is hardly a long-term answer. The issue with patching up your poly-b is that you are in an uphill battle that you are bound to eventually lose. You may have other leaks that occur in different sections of your plumbing lines at any given time. Patching up your poly-b often becomes more costly in the long run, and it also leaves you in harm’s way of a potentially disastrous plumbing leak.

“I am selling a home that has poly-b pipes. What should I do?”

If you are the seller, you may consider replacing the poly-b water lines prior to selling. Having new plumbing lines in your home is a huge selling point for buyers. Having poly-b lines in your home is a huge negative for potential buyers. A buyer will probably ask to have this done or to have the costs of doing so considered when coming up with their asking price. If you do not wish to replace the plumbing before selling, you should at least receive a quote to have this job done. That was you can be prepared with it, and if the buyer asks for a price reduction because of the poly-b, you can be certain the amount is reasonable.

“I am a homebuyer, and I found a home I love but it has poly-b water lines. Should this deter me from making an offer, and what else should I consider?”

If you are a home buyer looking at a home with poly-b, you shouldn’t let that deter you from acquiring the home of your dreams! While poly-b replacement is something that you will need to consider in the foreseeable future, and you may also factor this into your asking price. You could ask the seller to provide an estimate from a reputable plumbing company in the area on the cost of replacing the whole system. Don’t forget that you will also have to consider there will be some cosmetic repairs that will need to occur, like drywall and ceiling repairs, as some areas will need to removed to complete the installation. You may also consider adding a condition to your offer regarding the poly-b replacement and remediation. You can ask your realtor for their recommendations on adding this as a buyer’s condition. You will also want to hire a reputable home inspector who will thoroughly check for leaks, moisture issues, and/or mold/mildew. You should also check with your insurance company, as many insurers are becoming more reluctant to provide flood coverage if you do not have this system replaced. Lastly, you can ask the seller for any repair and maintenance records related to the water lines, as well as full disclosure of any previous leaks or floods that may have occurred.

Say Goodbye to Cracked, Leaking Poly-B Pipes

Never fear another plumbing leak again. Call the expert plumbers in Edmonton at Always Plumbing & Heating today for a FREE estimate on your whole home poly-b replacement. We will send an extensively-trained plumbing team to your home to inspect your system and provide a straightforward price on the replacement. The cost of replacing poly-b piping will vary depending on the size of your home. The expert plumbers at Always Plumbing & Heating will remove the poly-b pipes from your entire home and transition them to PEX piping. This can be an expense upfront, but it will protect you from future devastation that would be sure to happen if leaving poly-b piping in your home. We also offer in-house financing with affordable monthly payment plans which is a favourite of our customers. If you have any questions about poly-b piping in your Edmonton and area home, please do not hesitate to contact the professionals at Always Plumbing & Heating, your local experts in whole home re-piping.

For a limited time*, with your whole home poly-B replacement, you will receive a FREE fully installed Flo by Moen whole home flood protection system. Your new water lines combined with a smart, mainline leak detection and shutoff valve, will offer you peace of mind when it comes to your home’s plumbing system. The best way to avoid water damages is to prevent it, and that is exactly what you will receive when you have your poly-b replaced and a Flo by Moen installed in your home.

*Offer available until December 31, 2021

Protect your Indoor Air Quality with a Brand New Air Purification System

There are many things that we can do when it comes to ensuring that our homes are safe for our families. Keeping the house clean, making sure the plumbing and electrical systems are functioning properly, and giving the property general maintenance are all very important tasks, but we must not overlook the air we breathe day by day.

This is the reason why Indoor Air Quality is such an important aspect of keeping our homes safe and clean. We provide optimal air purification system installations that are going to keep the air you breathe at home clean and free of germs, chemicals, viruses, bacteria, mold, pollen, and all kinds of dangerous particles.

The air you breathe can make you sick

It may not seem like a huge issue for most people, but you can have many health issues in the long term if the quality of your air is not optimal indoors. This is the reason why so many people feel sick all the time and they catch the flu or experience allergies out of the blue. It’s the air inside their own homes that is becoming a problem and they don’t even know.

A whole home air purification system is an investment that proves to be extremely useful for your home because it provides air purification 24/7. A professionally installed system will work hand in hand with your home’s HVAC equipment so that your air is purified as it circulates throughout your furnace and ductwork.

We are ready to help you all year long

If you are in need of a quality installation for your home, you will find that we offer some of the best solutions for air purification. We offer starter systems that work on collecting larger particles like allergens, to hospital-grade systems that utilize UVC and UVV light technology which will destabilize and destroy airborne viruses as they pass through your home.

Final thoughts

Air purification is a very valuable investment for your home because it helps protect your health. Even as you sleep, the quality of the air you are breathing is going to have a major effect on your health in the long run and this is the reason why it’s so important to consider installing one.

Be sure to contact us if you have any questions about our Air Purification Installations. We are a team that is dedicated to optimal customer service and we are ready to help with any doubts or concerns you may have regarding our purification systems.

COVID-19 and the Air Quality in Your Home

The second wave of COVID-19 has arrived. With daily case counts on the rise, the provincial government has begun tightening restrictions on social gatherings to help control the spread. While it was relatively easy to maintain social distances from one another this summer when we could spend the majority of our time outdoors, with the cold weather we will all be spending more time in our homes. Our home is our oasis and we need to ensure that it stays that way.

We receive a lot of questions every day from our customers about how they can improve the air quality in their homes. The best practice would be to find the source of the air contaminant and eliminate it. Unfortunately, you can’t do anything about the reality of the coronavirus. However, you can improve your homes’ ventilation and filtration to reduce your chances of your family becoming ill. Adequate ventilation is standard in the building codes for new homes, but few older homes have been adapted to meet these recommendations. Adequate ventilation acts just like the lungs of your home. A steady supply of fresh, filtered, outdoor air is good not only for keeping ahead of the coronavirus but also for controlling the levels of humidity, chemicals in the air, and carbon dioxide in your home. Ensuring your home has adequate ventilation is the single best thing you can do in your home.

The next thing you can do is improve the filtration system. Firstly, you may consider upgrading furnace filters. We minimally recommend a deep pleated filter to maximize the surface area and trap the most particles. The filtering efficiency or MERV rating is important. Too low and not much gets filtered out. Too high and the airflow can become restricted. Our technicians will advise you on the best furnace filter for your home. If you have underlying health conditions, a large family, or you simply want the best in air purification, a HEPA filter with a germicidal UV lamp can take it to the next level. This is a hospital grade system that can remove very small particles compared to a basic furnace filter. When used in conjunction with a germicidal ultraviolet light attached to your main ventilation line, this indoor air quality package will offer you ultimate protection against airborne contaminants. While research on their efficacy with the coronavirus is yet to be established, these systems are known to kill many other viruses.

We recommend a complete system that works in conjunction with your home’s ventilation. This includes a polarized media air cleaner, a UVC/UVV germicidal lamp, and a HEPA system, which is professionally installed on your ventilation, cleaning the air as it circulates through your furnace and back out to the rest of your home. While it may be tempting to buy into the latest craze of room air purifiers on Amazon or other big box stores, you will only get optimal protection with a retrofitted system that works to purify the air in your entire home, 24 hours a day. You can only achieve this with a professionally installed system that is attached to your main ventilation as the air circulates through your furnace and ductwork. Read more about the whole-home indoor air quality equipment that we carry.

We recently mentioned that supply chain issues were starting to rear their ugly head with the supply for furnaces and garage heaters. The same is occurring with furnace UV lights and HEPA filters. Schools and office buildings have been buying them up in mass quantities, and we are now looking at 4-6 weeks to get this specialized equipment. If you are thinking of getting one for your home this winter, be proactive and order one with us now. To find out more about indoor air quality packages, or to book a consultation with one of our expert home comfort technicians, contact us online or call us at 780-489-8118 today!

And stay healthy everyone.

Holiday Home Safety (in 6 Easy Steps)

It’s that time of year again. Your home is about to be the bustling center of holiday happenings from cooking to celebrations. It may seem like enough to let your home run as usual and hope everything goes smoothly, but there are several ways to ensure your plumbing and appliances successfully survive the extra stress from the holidays. Use these 6 steps from the trusted professionals at Always Plumbing & Heating to get your home holiday-ready. You can rest easy and enjoy the celebration knowing that your home has been prepped ahead of time!

Step 1: Clean up your doorway and walkways.

Winter in Edmonton can make driveways and walkways very icy and unsafe. Make sure there is a clean, salted pathway to your door so that your guests do not have to worry about slipping on ice. If guests are arriving at night, have the walkways well lit as well.

Step 2: Make a designated space for coats and handbags in a room, on a coat rack, or in a coat closet.

Guests will be coming in from the cold with gifts, coats, food, bags, etc. To make it easier on them (and you), have a designated place to store their items out of the way. This will also help keep sitting spaces free and ensure guests do not place their belongings anywhere that might block airflow or create a fire hazard.

Step 3: Clean shower drains and have a drain screen in place for each of them.

Shower drains will be subjected to more hair and soap scum with additional people using the shower. Test each drain and fixture for free-flowing water and drainage. If any drain a little slower than normal, or not at all, use a plunger or drain snake to clean them ahead of time.

If it cannot be unclogged with an at-home method, call Always Heating & Plumbing for a professional drain cleaning service. Waiting until after the holidays will only exacerbate the problem – and your guests will have an uncomfortable shower experience.

Step 4: Cook as much as possible beforehand.

Not only will this save you stress, it will help regulate the temperature in your home. The added number of people coupled with constant oven use can throw your thermostat off and cause your home to be warmer than normal. Limiting oven use the day of will help to ensure a comfortable and consistent temperature throughout your home.

Step 5: Change your furnace filter.

Changing your furnace filter will make a significant difference in the efficiency of your furnace and your home’s indoor air quality. Indoor air quality decreases as your furnace filter becomes older and clogged with dust. Having a new air filter will help to ensure clean, fresh air throughout the holiday season.

Step 6: Clean your garbage disposal.

Your garbage disposal is one of the most popular appliances in your home during the holiday season. There are several methods to clean it – from baking soda and vinegar to professional cleaning solutions. Before guests arrive, give it a thorough cleaning to make sure it is ready for the extra work.

Don’t add extra stress to your plate this holiday season! While prepping your home for the holidays, if you notice anything unusual with your plumbing or heating, call Always Plumbing & Heating. We offer same day service and our technicians are available 24/7. No matter the day or time, our trusted professionals are here to help ensure your holidays go as smoothly as possible! Call us at 780-489-8118 (Edmonton) or 587-601-1253 (Fort McMurray) to schedule an appointment today!

Winter Storm Safety Tips for Your Edmonton Home

With temperatures averaging well below freezing in Edmonton during the winter, you can never be too prepared for the cold. Here it’s not a question of “if,” but “when” storms will arrive. It can be an unforgiving season if you suddenly find yourself without heat, electricity, or caught out in the cold. Winter is also the most common time of year for cooking/grease fires, electrical fires, plumbing problems and other home hazards. With people spending more time inside in the winter, the home endures more day-to-day activity – and the wear and tear that is associated with it. These winter storm safety tips will ensure that your Edmonton home is as safe as it can be and ready for any size storm that may come.

Winter Home Safety Tips

Always use the 3 feet rule when using a space heater. Make sure it is on a level surface and at least 3 feet away from anything flammable such as curtains, rugs, and blankets.
Make sure all Christmas and holiday lights are turned off when you go to bed for the night or leave your home.
Use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to prevent sparks or rolling logs from escaping.
Keep a trickle of water running in your sink to prevent pipes from freezing.
Winter is the most common time of year for home fires. Never leave your stove or oven unattended, and never use it to heat your home.
Only use generators outside. They should never be operated inside the home or garage.
Have a professional remove icicles as soon as possible. If you do decide to remove them yourself, always wear a hardhat and safety glasses.
Keep your driveway and walkways clear of snow and ice. Here in Edmonton, this can be an ongoing battle. To prevent ice build-up, follow-up snow and ice removal with ice melt or rock salt on steps and walkways.
Keep your home a little cooler and use a humidifier to make your home a less friendly environment for viruses.
Make sure there is a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home. Test them regularly to make sure they are working.
Test smoke detectors twice a year and replace batteries as needed.
Make sure your furniture is not blocking your home’s heating vents.
Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate to the pipes and prevent them from freezing.
Consider an insulated blanket for your hot water heater.
Keep fire extinguishers in convenient locations. Make sure everyone knows where they are and how to use them.

At the beginning of each winter season, go over all safety precautions with everyone in the household. Check the smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. Have a safety plan and make sure everyone in the household knows where extra flashlights and emergency kits are. This winter, remember to regularly check in on the elderly and be careful of over exertion when working or playing outside. Harsh winter weather can be dangerous if you are caught off guard or unprepared. For any of your home’s needs this season, don’t wait, contact Always Heating & Plumbing at the first sign of trouble. Call 780-489-8118 (Edmonton) or 587-601-1253 (Fort McMurray) to schedule an appointment.

Halloween Safety Tips (for Edmonton Homes)

Another Edmonton October means that soon houses will be decorated with all sorts of spooky, festive decorations. In addition to traditional pumpkins and paper cutouts; elaborate blow up figures, animatronic gizmos, video projections and light shows have become modern staples. With all this new technology, it’s more important than ever to take safety precautions for your home and your household. Always Plumbing & Heating enjoys the holidays and wants to ensure that everyone keeps safe throughout the next few months of festivities. Before your household gets ready to celebrate, read through our list of essential Halloween safety tips to ensure less tricks and more treats.

Pumpkin Safety

Always knows a little bit about proper pumpkin etiquette, especially when it concerns your plumbing. Every year we like to remind our Edmonton neighbors about the dangers of improper waste disposal – especially pumpkin guts. In October our plumbers keep busy dealing with pumpkin and holiday-related clogs. Make sure that when you are making those jack-o-lanterns that you place the seeds and organic material in your compost pile – or the garbage. Never put pumpkin debris in your disposal, as the fibrous material can harm both the disposal and your pipes. When carving your pumpkin, try using a pumpkin carving kit with safety blades that are serrated but not sharp. These tools make carving much easier and are less likely to cut or jab little hands. Also, skip the wax candles and place flameless candles inside your jack-o-lantern. Flames can burn the inside of the pumpkin – and are also a fire hazard. The flameless designs won’t heat the interior (which can shorten the life) and will last much longer than tea lights.

Plumbing Precautions

Make sure that all the little ghosts and goblins keep aware of these additional plumbing precautions. Candy, candy wrappers, used make-up and cotton balls should not be thrown into the disposal, toilet or sink. The clogged toilet is another recurring problem our plumbers face every year. All trash should be disposed of in a trash can – especially cotton balls or Kleenex (sometimes used for applying or wiping off make-up). If you are hosting a Halloween party this year, make trash cans easily accessible for your guests. If there’s room, keep one out in the kitchen, one out in the dining room and all the bathrooms. This will help remind guests to throw away all their trash in the proper receptacle – not the plumbing!

Electrical Safety

Decorations have become much more elaborate in the past decade. Giant inflatables and mechanical figures that move have become must-have items for Canadian homes. If your yard has several electrical components this year, be mindful of the safety hazards that they present. Keep extension cords away from sidewalks and places where there will be foot traffic. Moving decorations should be placed several feet away from the sidewalk – and safely away from trees, bushes and other objects that might come into contact with it. If you are installing outdoor lights, make sure that they are marked on the box specifically for outdoor use. Outdoor lights are weather proof and more durable than designs created for interior use.

Halloween Safety Tips from the Canadian Red Cross

Take the time to celebrate the safe way – and keep your little (and big) monsters away from harm during the creepiest month of the year. If you find that you need our services, even after taking precautions, we can assist with any plumbing problem. When goblins clog your sink or toilet, call the plumbing experts at 780-489-8118 (Edmonton) or 587-601-1253 (Fort McMurray).

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

Fall Child Safety for Edmonton Homes

Edmonton homes preparing for the transitional weather season have a long list of maintenance concerns. Always Plumbing & Heating has already covered fall heater, sump pump and DIY home maintenance solutions. Ensuring that your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems are ready for the harsh winter is part of being a conscientious homeowner. Sleet, snow and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on homes and businesses; damaging and even destroying pipes and HVAC systems not properly secured. In addition to those maintenance issues, households with young children will also want to add some safety measures to their fall to-do list. Our home service experts have compiled a list of common issues that will help keep your children (and household) safe throughout the winter.

Secure Floor Air Vents

Metal HVAC registers that are located on the floor can sometimes be a safety hazard for small children. They can cut or trip themselves on the grates, which are positioned in open areas for maximum air flow. Small children also like to throw toys and other things down vent if it can be easily opened. Consider replacing your metal air vents with plastic designs that can be screwed into the floor that are not as sharp. You can also find designs that come with screens so that bugs can’t come through the grilles (and children can’t force objects inside).

AC Window Unit Safety

If you have window units in your home, make sure that they are secure and not easily accessible to your children. Keep furniture that might allow kids access away from the unit (this includes sofas, desks and chairs they might climb on). If your window unit is installed in a first floor window, childproof any sharp corners to keep kids from hurting themselves.

Secure the Outdoor Unit

If you have a central air system, the outdoor component of your air conditioning is called the condenser. This unit houses the compressor and fans and the size and shape can be very attractive to children. The sharp edges and connected cables can be very dangerous, so keeping kids away from it is important. Consider securing it with a small fence or shrubs to ensure it is not easily accessible to children. Keep in mind that a condenser needs at least three feet of space around the perimeter.

Keep Thermostat Remotes out of Reach

Children should not have access to the central air thermostat. Unfortunately, technology has made it easier for anyone in the household to get their hands on a remote. Try to keep the remote in a place not easily accessible – and lock them out of smart phone and computer apps that offer digital remote control.

Allergies

If your kids suffer from indoor allergies that seem to coincide with running your central air system, you might need to clean the air filter. When the filter gets dirty, it can no longer clean the air of contaminants – it will also keep your system from running efficiently.

Water Temperature

Be mindful of the water temperature when giving children a bath – or a washing of any kind. In most Canadian homes, the water heater is set at 60 C, which can cause third-degree burns in most adults. To prevent scalding, there have been some injury prevention advocates that have suggested lowering the temperature to 49 C. However, the lower temperature increases the risk of bacteria contamination. The best route to ensure the safety of your kids and household is to keep the temperature at 60 C and take basic precautions suggested by the Canada Safety Council:

Never leave a child alone while filling a tub with water.
Always check the tub temperature before placing a child in the tub.
Turn on the cold tap first and then slowly add hot water until the temperature is at a comfortable level.
Teach your kids to always turn on the cold water first – and turn off the hot water first.

Supervision

Never leave a young child alone in the bathroom. A child can drown in less than 6 centimeters of water, which makes the bathroom a potentially dangerous area for children. If your child is a toddler and just learning to walk, consider installing toilet lid locks to keep them from getting into the commode water.

House Education

A great way to keep your kids safe at home is to educate them on the various systems that are essential to everyday life. Show them all the components to your HVAC and explain how it works. Take them to some of the exposed plumbing throughout the house and explain how the water is heated and distributed. A little knowledge can help keep inquisitive minds away from common household dangers.

Keeping your kids safe during the fall and winter should be a high priority when working on home maintenance endeavors. If you need professional help with any of the tips provided in this blog, contact us today. Our experts can assist with any HVAC or plumbing-related service. Call 780-489-8118 (Edmonton) or 587-601-1253 (Ft. McMurray) to schedule an appointment.

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Summer Water Safety for Edmonton Homes

It’s almost summer, which means Edmonton public schools will be closed for vacation soon. Kids will be home for a couple of months with some free time on their hands. Whether you’ve already made plans to keep your kids occupied or are still searching for some engaging activities, the odds are they will be spending some time at home. With kids at home, the issue of summer water safety becomes a high priority.

Even homes without a pool need to be mindful of the various potential water hazards; especially with toddlers and kids five and under. A study conducted by the Canadian Red Cross revealed some concerning figures regarding child drownings. Make a mental note of the statistics and then follow the safety guidelines given by the professionals. Always Plumbing & Heating wants to wish you and your family a restful and safe summer vacation!

Child Drowning Statistics*

From 2001 – 2010, more than 570 children drowned in Canada.
Two thirds of the children were under 15-years-old.
Children one to four in or near water are the most at risk.
One to four-year-olds drown at twice the rate of children 10 – 14.
60% of child drownings occur in the summer months: June, July and August.
Children drown in private pools five times more frequently than they do in public pools.
In the 10 year span, 34% drowned in private residences or recreational properties. 13% drowned in public parks and conservation areas.
Nearly four in ten drownings happen between 3PM and 8PM.
One in five Canadian parents say they have rescued someone struggling in water. 76% intervened to help save a child.
Among children under 19 who have drowned, only 35% intended to be in the water (pool, bath, etc.). An almost equal number (33%) drowned by entering the water unintentionally (falling accidentally).

Complete Facts and Figures on Child Drownings in Canada

Residential Water Safety Tips

Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water. Always check for faucet or plumbing leaks that might create an instant (and often invisible) pool of water on the floor.
Never leave a baby or toddler unattended around water. This includes bathtubs, fish ponds, wading pools, hot tubs and permanent residential pools.
Always supervise kids when they are in or around water.
Empty wading pool water immediately after use and keep them stored upside down (to prevent them from collecting water).
After a bath, drain the tub immediately.
Homes with toddlers need to make sure that toilet lids are always kept closed. Also install toilet seat locks to help prevent drowning.
Keep doors closed to bathrooms, laundry rooms and other areas where water can be accessed.
Top loading washing machines should always remain closed.
When older kids are swimming in an outdoor pool, make sure that they are paired with a safety partner.
Make sure that any outdoor pool has a fence installed around it. To ensure safety, a proper pool fence should be at least four feet high to ensure small children don’t enter the area unsupervised.
Keep young children and inexperienced swimmers in floating devices.
If you own an above ground or inflatable pool, be sure to remove ladders and other components that might provide access when not in use. Also remember to always cover your pool after use.
Remove pool toys and keep them out of sight when the pool is not in use. Pool toys can easily attract young children.
Even if you don’t own a pool, make sure that your children know how to swim.
Teach children how to dial 911 in an emergency.
Have every adult member of your household learn CPR.

Safety Around the House

Keep your family safe throughout the summer break by sharing these facts and safety tips with everyone in the house. Consider making a list of safety procedures tailored to your home and schedule and print it out. Make sure that everyone agrees on the correct protocol for emergencies and that they have the tools they need to adequately intervene.

Always Plumbing & Heating provides great service 24/7 and our qualified technicians have been nationally certified to wear the Technician Seal of Safety.

* These statistics were provided by the Red Cross from a Canadian-wide study from 2001 – 2010

Proper Smoke and CO Detector Placement

Having smoke detectors installed in your Edmonton home is not a luxury. They are essential devices that every household needs to ensure safety from smoke and fire. But simply having smoke detectors in your home isn’t enough, they must be installed properly and maintained regularly in order for them to work efficiently. The same holds true for CO (carbon monoxide) detectors which are equally important if your home contains one or more combustion appliance. CO is an odorless, tasteless and undetectable gas that can sicken and even kill every living thing in your home. Knowing where to place the detectors throughout the house and when to test them will help keep your home and family safe. Always Plumbing & Heating, a leader in indoor air quality, has compiled a list for proper smoke and CO detector placement and service.

Follow these guidelines (approved by the NFPA) for maximum efficiency:

Smoke Detectors

Install smoke detectors in every level of the home – including the basement (though few codes require one in the attic).
Install smoke detectors inside every bedroom – and outside every bedroom door. This includes storage rooms that are also used as guest rooms and children’s play rooms.
Smoke detectors need to be installed at least 10 feet away from the kitchen (or cooking/heating appliances that might generate smoke). This distance will help minimize the false alarms when smoke comes from the kitchen. Smoke
Smoke rises – so always install smoke detectors on ceilings or on walls near the ceiling. A wall-mounted detector should be positioned a foot or less from the ceiling.
Keep smoke detectors away from windows, air ducts, doors and other areas where there might be a draft. A draft might interfere with the operation.
There are two types of smoke detectors: ionization and photoelectric.
Ionization smoke detectors can detect small amounts of smoke produced by fires that flame quickly. (These are the kind usually set off by kitchen fires).
Photoelectric smoke detectors respond quickly to fires in their early stages; smoldering smoke that infiltrates a space before the source becomes a fire.

Ionization VS Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

Dual sensor detectors contain both technologies (ionization and photoelectric) so they can alert a homeowner regardless of the type of fire.
Test all of your detectors once a month to ensure that the battery is secure and working properly.
If you ever disconnect a detector because of a false alarm, make sure that you reconnect it that same day. Many people forget to reconnect their devices; compromising their homes and families.

CO Detectors

CO detectors should also be placed on every floor. Unless your basement contains a combustion appliance, alarm placement is not necessary.
Install CO detectors in every bedroom and at least one outside, close the bedrooms (or the adult bedroom).
If you have a room above a garage, place a detector somewhere inside that room.
Don’t place CO detectors near fuel-burning appliances, as they give off a small amount of CO when they start.
Install CO detectors at least five feet from the floor, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper mounting.
Keep CO detectors away from kitchens and bathrooms where a high degree of heat or humidity is produced. Both of these elements will affect the performance of the alarms.
Keep CO detectors away from direct sunlight and anywhere cool air might be factor (including AC vents, fans, windows or doors).
Battery-operated CO detectors need their batteries changed fairly frequently. Check the batteries of your CO alarms once a month.
CO detectors are NOT also smoke detectors. Many people make this mistake. However, there are dual CO/Smoke alarms that are available.
Interconnected alarms (of both designs) are “more likely” to operate and alert the occupants.

CO Alarm Safety Tips

According to the Canadian Red Cross, two out of three Canadians say that they haven’t taken the proper steps to prepare for a disaster. Yet there are about 24,000 house fires every year in Canada. Two out of three Canadians say that they haven’t taken the proper steps to prepare for a disaster. Don’t become a statistic. Keep your home and family safe with proper smoke and CO detector Placement throughout your home. If you have any further questions about alarm placement or IAQ solutions, call us at 780-489-8118 to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians.