Sump pumps—seen as staple components of homes all over Calgary—are simple, yet vital mechanisms responsible for saving properties, lives, and valuables at the same time thanks to the way they work.

However, it just so happens that not enough people know about them as they should.

Like other parts of a home such as ovens, plumbing, septic tanks, or heaters, this system is important, making it vital for homeowners to know what it is, in further detail. Admittedly, however, this can be easier said than done because of how unfamiliar sump pumps are, in general.

Thankfully, not knowing about the pump mechanisms at hand doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll need to put your safety in danger. It isn’t too late to learn about how they work and where their value lies. Through the help of this guide, you won’t need to worry about looking at your home’s pump in complete confusion ever again, especially in emergency situations.

What Are They, in the First Place?

If this is your first time hearing about a sump pump or you’re just thinking about brushing up on it once more, it’s best to remember that it’s a mechanism in your home’s bottom.

Technically speaking, this particular system is designed and developed to detect rising water levels within a home’s lowest point. Often found in basements or crawl spaces, these pumps seek to fill a pot in which they’re installed so that they can effectively remove excess water and minimize the risks of excessive flooding.
 
Where Do They Apply?

Sump pumps’ main purpose is to offer a degree of control and relief when there is flooding within the confines of a home.
 
In terms of functionality, these pumps are expected to deal with medium-degree issues that come about with temperature changes or plumbing issues. Although they’re not rated to handle the demanding implications of natural disasters like floods and rainstorms, they can help manage the level of water that you have in your home with much more ease. 

Beyond flood control, these pumps are also valuable investments when it comes to ever-powerful Canadian snow seasons. These pumps can offer valuable protection against excess snowfall so that anything and everything that may wreak havoc is completely settled.
 
How Does the Mechanism Protect as Well as It Is Rated To?

Generally speaking, sump pumps can protect a home by pumping excess gallons of water away from the base of a home. 

Although this function may seem overwhelmingly simple at first because it looks like it won’t do much, the truth is that its straightforward mechanism helps save lives. It gets to do this by siphoning water out of your crawl space quickly enough to prevent any further issues that may compromise your home’s liveability and structure
.
Through the help of 24 Hour Plumbing And Heating’s sump pump installation services, for instance, you can provide your home with multiple forms of protection, such as: 

1. Protecting any valuables stored in your basement
2. Preventing mould and mildew growth
3. Helping to fulfill your home insurance needs (if it is required)
4. Providing extra peace of mind during the wetter months of the year
5. Protecting your home from water damage and the health risks that can come with it

Conclusion

Although it may not seem like much at first, your home’s sump pump system plays a pivotal role in ensuring your overall safety and protection when dealing with floods in your basement and crawl space. By understanding this system more, you can cultivate a strong appreciation for it while brushing up on various ways to maximize its effects much better!

24 Hour Plumbing And Heating provides sump pump installation in Calgary, AB for all kinds of homes that wish to prepare themselves for any potential issues in the long run. Schedule an appointment with us today so that we can outfit your home with one of the most effective flood prevention systems it can have in no time!

When it comes to plumbing issues, these tend to strike without warning—often occurring at the worst times. They can happen anytime and cause a wide range of problems, whether it’s a minor issue like weak water flow or a major problem like a burst pipe.

There are plumbing fixes that homeowners can do on their own, but others simply require professional services right on the spot. When in doubt, it’s best to rely on a trusted emergency plumbing service in your area.

Here are several issues which will require you to call an emergency plumber as soon as you notice them:
​
Clogged Toilets

A plunger can usually remedy minor toilet clogs, but if your toilet has started to overflow, it’s time to contact the plumbing companies near you and ask for an emergency plumber to head over. While you might be tempted to take matters into your own hands and attempt to fix this problem yourself, it’s one that might just get worse with the wrong solution. Clogged toilets require an unblocking of the pipes, and excessive plunging can just force the block deeper into your pipes, making it more difficult to unclog as a result.

Clogged toilets may also be a sign of a more serious problem, especially if they are recurring. Only professional, licensed plumbers can diagnose the root of the issue and determine what’s causing your clogged toilets. Possible causes include the main pipeline being clogged or a full septic tank that needs emptying. In any case, the right solution should be implemented for it to be remedied permanently.

Freezing Showers

If your showers feel like they’re sourcing water from the north pole, then it’s probably best to get your water heater checked. Solutions for this may be simple and involves checking the breaker box on your electric heater.
However, signs like rattling noises and anything else that doesn’t appear right might be a sign that you need to call a plumber in your area to examine the problem. Old water heaters are prone to more issues, so try to recall the last time you had it replaced. If it was well over a decade ago, then your plumber will likely recommend a replacement over repair!

Leaky Pipes and Faucets

Once you discover a leak, it’s best not to wait around because you may not know how long it’s been going on. Call an emergency plumber right away to immediately identify the cause of the problem and the extent of the damage. Even if you fix a leak by yourself, there’s no sure way to tell if there are other problems in your pipes waiting to pop up.
Another reason to call an emergency plumber during a leak is that it can cause significant damage to the rest of your house, from your walls to your furniture and floor. Recognize the urgency of the situation and call a plumber right away.

Wet Yard

Plumbing problems don’t always show themselves in your home. Sometimes, the place to look is outside!
If you notice small wet spots all over your yard, then it’s an indication of a leak in your main water supply, while the presence of foul odours means your sewer line has been affected. Calling the right professionals immediately is the only thing you can do to ensure that the issue is resolved and doesn’t affect your home.

Conclusion

Considering all the plumbing problems covered here, it now makes even more sense to have an emergency plumbing service at the ready. Homeowners can sustain great damage to their property when emergency plumbing issues arise, and there’s nobody to fix it on time. Being ready is the best solution to avoid such a risk, so finding the best plumbers in your area and asking about the services they offer is your best option.

Here at Emergency Plumbing Heating Company, we offer 24-hour emergency plumbing with a team of licensed, qualified, and experienced contractors. When it comes to high-quality and affordable repair and installation services, we’re the plumbing company for you. Contact us to see our services and get a free quote today!

Although it is a part that is not often seen, your sump pump plays a crucial role in protecting your home. It’s what pulls water flowing into your basement away from your foundation and into your wastewater system. It’s also what minimizes the damages to your house brought about by basement flooding in the event of street flooding.

Since it performs this huge role, you want to make sure that it will continue to do so in the future. However, just because it has been functioning well for the past months doesn’t mean that it will keep doing so. You will need to actively maintain it and, ultimately, know when it has to be replaced.

To help you out, here are three common signs that you need a new sump pump installation soon.

1) A Constantly Running Sump Pump

One surefire way to confirm that your sump pump has gone out of order is if it keeps running regardless of water levels in your basin—and even after all the water is emptied.

This defect will only put an unnecessary strain on the motor of your pump. Ultimately, if it keeps running without any water to cool it down, it will overheat and eventually break down.

Another possible cause of a constantly running sump pump is a defective check valve. This fitting is equipped into the discharge line, which is the tube that moves water out of your basement and towards a drainage site. The check valve then keeps water from flowing back into your sump pump pit.

However, if it has become defective, water pumped out of the pit will only return to the basin. This will put your sump pump in a never-ending cycle of pumping the same water. Examine your check valve immediately to prevent the problem from escalating.

2) A Clogged Sump Pump

Just like other items and fixtures in your home, your sump pump basin will accumulate grit over time. This is especially true if your pump is uncovered.

Considering this, you must be mindful of the mechanism’s condition. Too much grit and other forms of buildup can cause the impeller fan blades to jam. Furthermore, if the water has large amounts of sediment and debris, the pump inlet and discharge line can easily become clogged. A clogged discharge line then causes water to rush back down the pipe and into your basement.

It also pays to remember that when small gravel, loose silt, or dirt makes their way into your pump, they can make it hard for the pump to work. It will turn on, but it will not be able to empty water out of the basin efficiently.
These particles can also jam the float switch and keep it in the same position. A malfunctioning float switch can then exhaust your sump pump’s motor.

3) Loud Noises

Your sump pump will naturally create subtle sounds when pushing up the water through the discharge pipe. However, if you are noticing loud gurgling, clanging, or rattling noises, get in touch with an emergency plumber in Calgary, AB as soon as possible. These noises are far from normal. On top of that, efficient sump pumps make only minimal noise when functioning.

Your emergency plumber will be able to get to the root of the problem and advise you if your sump pump is due for a replacement.

Conclusion

While your sump pump is often out of your sight, it plays a key role in keeping your house’s structure safe from water damage. It drains water away from your foundations and out of your basement. Considering this, diligently maintaining your pump and watching out for the signs listed above will help keep it in its peak performance. Ultimately, these steps help you get a replacement right when it is necessary.
​
For any kind of plumbing emergency in Calgary, AB, you can turn to us at 24 Hour Plumbing & Heating! We know that plumbing emergencies don’t wait, so we’re ready to help you 24/7. Contact us today to make an appointment!

Winter has arrived, and now it is a good time to have a check with your home furnace. You need your home furnace during this time to keep your home warm. And no one wants their home furnace to get damaged during these cold days. You can conduct a maintenance check of your home furnace on your own, or you can call a plumber and get the inspection done by them. While inspecting the home furnace, there are some signs that you should look out for.

1) The Age

A home furnace has a life expectancy of fifteen to twenty years. Before the furnace reaches the age of fifteen years, you should take its effective care. Once the furnace reaches the age of 15 to 20 years, keep an eye on any abnormal function, sound or smell. If anything such happens, call a plumber for inspection, they will tell you how much longer the furnace will last.

2) Feel Cold Air

If your home furnace is not heating the house properly, then it’s probably a sign of some failure with the furnace. Most of the time, it is the blower fan in the motor that malfunctions. This can create some cold spots in the house. If the furnace is not blowing the air at all, then it could be an issue with heat exchanger or pilot light, that only professionals can see if it’s possible to fix.

3) Strange Noises

The HVAC system in your home usually makes noise. You may not hear it because the system may be new. Or the HVAC system is at a place in the house from where you are not able to hear the sounds. But if you hear some unusual pops or squeak sounds, then probably something would have come loose in the unit. The HVAC system would need a repair or replacement of the part.

4) Increased Heat Bill

If you see fast growth in your utility bills, then you should consider replacing your home furnace. This can be the sign that the furnace will last only a few more days. Over the years, home furnace loses its efficiency and it takes more time to heat the house, using more energy.

5) Yellow Pilot Light

If you are using a natural gas furnace, then go and check with the pilot light. If the pilot light is yellow, then your furnace would be leaking carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas. When you notice yellow pilot light, rust, excessive condensation or a bad smell, then immediately shut off the HVAC systems, and call a technician.
If you notice any of these signs in your home furnace, then you should probably call us. Our experts will inspect and tell if your systems need repair or replacement. To have a thorough maintenance check of your furnace and plumbing emergency, call for our services today.

With the winter months right around the corner, you and the rest of your household may be planning a vacation somewhere warm and more welcoming. However, before you start packing, there is still one thing you need to do. While not many homeowners realize this, getting the pipes ready for winter is vital. Otherwise, when the cold finally sets in, your pipes will be in danger of all sorts of problems, from leaks to bursts and more. Without you around to keep the home in check, the likelihood of such issues occurring becomes exponentially higher.

As such, along with all the preparations you will need to do to make your home winter-ready, here are some of the things you need to do to ensure your pipes are the same.

1) Drain All the Water

The one thing you will need to do is to ensure all the pipes in your home are drained thoroughly. That way, there will be no risk of any water freezing over, stressing out your pipes, and leaving your plumbing system riddled with issues.

To drain the pipes in your home, the first thing you will need to do is shut off the main valve. Follow that up by turning off the water pump along with the heater. Once everything is shut off, drain all the valves and taps in your home by opening them. You can utilize air compressors to pump air into the pipes to push more water out.

Also, drain your hot water tank and your holding tank until it is empty. For your toilets, flush them and keep on doing so until there is no more water left. After all of that is done, pour some antifreeze into the pipes through your bathtub and sink to ensure any water left will not freeze and crack the pipes.

2) Insulate Your Pipes

Once all the pipes in your home are drained, you can then go about insulating them. This is to further ensure that your pipes will not be prone to freezing, that everything will work just as fine when you come back.
You can insulate exposed pipes, such as those under your sink, with sleeves and slip-on foam insulation. Also, keep an eye out for any cracks in the walls, floors, and ceilings. These cracks can introduce the cold into your home, so make sure you caulk them up. Finally, ensure any crawl spaces in your home are insulated. As for the vents that lead to the outside, you can block them up using cardboard.

Conclusion

Follow all the tips above before you pack your bags for your winter getaway. Remember, you want to enjoy a stress-free vacation, and you can help guarantee that by ensuring your pipes remain in perfect condition while you are away.
That said, if you discover any issues with your pipes or need help maintaining them, you can contact plumbing professionals to help. With their tools and knowledge, they can ensure that all your pipes are in perfect condition and that any problem is quickly addressed.

Emergency Plumbing Heating Company is a provider of high-quality, fast, and affordable plumbing repair and installation services to help homeowners with their plumbing-related needs. If you are looking for plumbing companies near you, work with us today!

How serious are you about maintaining your home’s plumbing system? Plumbing is one of the most vital parts of your home infrastructure. Even one pipe leakage can create great havoc and lead to substantial loss of your house assets. Some plumbing problems like frozen pipes are caused due to fairly chilly weather of Canada; however, some issues are consequences of your wrongdoings. Your one wrong move can lead you to dialling numbers of various plumbers in Toronto to get that one fix done. You might now think about the major things you do that are affecting your plumbing system severely. However, following you’ll find the minor things that you weren’t aware can damage your home’s plumbing.

1) Fixing your Home Plumbing Yourself

Many homeowners tend to think that they are fairly adept in their overall home management and want to test their expertise at each level. Plumbing is majorly a category where homeowners believe that they know major fixes for problems. They, therefore, resort to some noncredible applications that they find on the internet and are satisfied with mere temporary repairs. There are some of the best plumbers in Toronto who can provide you with quick fixes for small problems, so it’s best to call them and get your fix done.

2) Pouring Grease or Oil Down the Drain

Grease or oil has possible fatty substances that can clog your drain. When you pour the oil or grease down the drain, it solidifies, thus clogging the pipes. Some particles of the grease also tend to stick to the pipe walls, creating a buildup, which is enough to create havoc and backing up of water. People also tend to run the food grease or oil down the drain that, in turn, is stuck in the pipes and can ultimately damage the pipe if not treated.

3) Pushing Down Harsh Chemicals

There are many drain cleaners available in the market claiming to remove the clog from the pipes. However, these harsh chemicals can damage the pipes in the long run. Apart from these, the harsh chemicals in cosmetics are also fine enough to create significant clogging problems. Chemical products, as gentle as detergent, soaps, face wash, etc. can cause your pipes to clog. Some of the chemicals can’t be avoided, which is why it is essential to call a credible plumber who will provide you with trustworthy routine checks.

4) Disposing Trash in Plumbing System

In spite of many claims of disposing or flushing the toilet papers cause clogs, people continue to do so. Any solid items that go down the pipes are prone to damage your plumbing systems. Your plumbing systems are not designed to handle large amounts of trash. Doing so, you are being the main culprit of causing damage to your plumbing system. Things like bones, corns, eggshells, or any such substances are also prone to damaging your plumbing.

There are already many pre-existing problems that cause great havoc to your home’s plumbing. All you can do is prevent problems that are possibly the result of your habits. The best you can do is avoid these habits from now and always keep your plumbing systems in check by calling 24Hour Plumbing and Heating – one of the best plumbers in Toronto.

Homeowners take on a multitude of issues surrounding their homes, but plumbing leaks can perhaps be some of the most frustrating and worrisome concerns. This is especially true because water leaks can be difficult to detect, unlike broken heaters, damaged appliances, and even a malfunctioning AC unit. It could happen anywhere, and given the extensive plumbing systems, you may either be dealing with the source right at your dwelling, or somewhere else in the city.

The question now stands—how do you know if you’re dealing with a pesky water leak? Thankfully, there are a few tell-tale signs you need to watch out for. These signs explicitly let you know that you are dealing with a leak, sparing you from being charged with higher water bills and further water damage.

There’s no other way to put it—early detection of water leaks can save you from potential disasters. To help you resolve potential leaks, we’ve gathered three telltale signs you need to call an emergency plumber right away:

Sign 1: You’re Experiencing a Reduction in Water Pressure

If you’re suddenly experiencing a sudden reduction in water pressure, especially when flushing, you may be dealing with a water leak. Although low water pressure can also be caused by sediment build-up in your pipes and even a faulty valve, it’s best to make sure that water isn’t making its way into your home.

Leaks divert the designated flow of water, directing it to unlikely places, such as your walls and floors. As soon as you find your water pressure lowering, call your local plumbing company—there may be a leak in the system.

Sign 2: There Are Sudden Water Stains on Your Ceilings

If you live in an old home, make sure to pay close attention to your walls and ceilings. Any form of discoloration or dark spot can mean a water leak, which can come from your roof, upstairs bathroom, and other areas where plumbing is present. You’ll want to resolve this issue immediately, as you risk damaging the overall structure of your home.

Bear in mind that long exposure to water causes the area to weaken, and also invites mould and mildew to develop. When this happens, you’ll be left with extensive water damages that can burn a hole in your savings account.

Sign 3: There Is Unexplainable Damage to Your Floorings

Your floorings need to be cleaned regularly, making water a necessary part of their maintenance. Unfortunately, too much water can cause damage to your flooring. If you find an area of your home staining, warping, or perhaps growing unexpectedly softer, you may be dealing with a water leak.

This can happen in both your bathrooms and kitchen floors. Make sure to check the floors near the toilet for stains, and next to the sink for loose tiles or cracked caulking. Basements can also suffer from a flooring leak, so keep out for extra moisture and even musty smells.

Never Ignore Your Water Leaks

Although water leaks can be difficult to detect, regularly inspecting your drains, pipes, valves, and appliances can help you detect early warning signs. Any subtle changes must also be taken into consideration, especially when discoloration occurs. In doing so, you’ll be able to spot problems before they develop into irreversible damages.

If you’re on the hunt for an emergency plumbing service you can trust, our team is the right one to call. We offer you 24/7 solutions for all your plumbing problems, and we serve countless clients across North America. With a team of licensed professionals, we guarantee you excellent and efficient service—no matter the issue. Get a quote today!