With the winter season in full swing and temperatures far lower than many expected, we’ve all probably spent most of the past few weeks covered up in our blankets with cups of hot cocoa in our hands.

Among the different tools, appliances, and little bits that have helped us through the coldest time of the year so far, our furnaces have undoubtedly made the biggest difference. Even though many may believe that the scarves, thick socks, and double-layer pyjamas will suffice, the truth is that these don’t deflect the freezing cold better than a furnace itself.

As you go through the entire process of making it through the cold and keeping cozy before summer sets in, your comfy self is bound to grow more dependent on this heating appliance. By the time you’ve grown accustomed to the feeling of being in a winter wonderland where you don’t freeze yourself, the unthinkable ends up happening: your furnace stops working.

Got a Dead Furnace? Here Are Some Common Factors to Check

No matter how indestructible your heater may seem, it’s best to acknowledge the fact that it isn’t bulletproof and can conk out at any time.

Admittedly, having your trusty heating appliance suddenly die out can make for a rather frightening experience because of how drastic things can get in such a short period. The moment your system conks out, you’re essentially set up for a race against time wherein each second that passes lead to quick decreases in temperature that will get unbearable.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation wherein your furnace has stopped working, then there’s no need to worry because here’s a checklist of different things to check:

[ 1 ] Dirty Furnace Filters

Often linked to instances wherein a furnace starts firing up but doesn’t blow heat as hard as normal, dirty air filters are often the culprits behind inefficiently-performing furnaces. Such sudden shutdowns and “dead” furnaces typically result from this problem because filters trap dust, dirt, and debris to the point where they restrict or block vital airflow. Once enough dirt and other particles accumulate, the furnace filters will block everything and cause the heat exchanger to overheat, preventing your furnace from working optimally.

​When it comes to dealing with a dirty furnace filter, the most optimal course of action is to contact a heating expert like 24 Hour Plumbing & Heating to facilitate the replacement ASAP!

[ 2 ] Thermostat-Related Issues

Another common reason furnaces conk out and leave poor homeowners stranded and freezing during a blizzard, or heavy amounts of snow is thermostat-related issues.

Often regarded as the “control center” of a heating system, thermostats play a key role in the functionality of the appliance in question. This means that they can end up compromising a system’s functionality if they go out. If you find yourself in such a situation, here are two steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Set your thermostat to heat instead of cool, then set it to 5 degrees above room temperature
2. Replace the thermostat’s batteries with appropriate options

Conclusion

There’s no denying that dealing with a dead furnace in the middle of an ever-strong Canadian winter can be nothing short of difficult because of how inconvenient everything can quickly become. Thankfully, following this guide will help set you on the right path towards getting your trusty appliance back in shape to prevent yourself from freezing!
Do you have a furnace emergency in Calgary, AB, that needs to be solved ASAP? Look no further because we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment with our experts so that we can get your problem sorted out right away!

Septic tanks may not get the most positive reaction when mentioned, but they are extremely useful devices, especially in rural areas that don’t have extensive sewage connections. These are typically found in the ground and are made of concrete, plastic, or fibreglass, processing domestic wastewater for basic treatment as a basic on-site sewage facility.
Like any plumbing fixture, septic tanks are also susceptible to issues. However, given the nature of a septic tank’s function, any faulty parts that could cause overflowing are a homeowner’s worst nightmare! Learning about some of the basic problems that such a fixture can undergo will help you know when to call for emergency plumbing services near you.

Keep an Eye Out for Warning Signs

It’s better to prevent a problem from occurring than it is to fix it when it’s already gotten much worse. Keeping a lookout for warning signs in your septic tank will help you address it swiftly and properly.

If any of the following signs are present, you may want to consult with your local plumber:

1. Standing water or damp spots near the septic tank area;
2. Any gurgling sounds coming from your plumbing system;
3. Slow water and sewage drainage than usual that backs up into the property;
4. Unpleasant odours around the septic tank and drain field; and
5. Growth of lush, bright green grass around the septic tank.

These signs should alert you to potential problems with your septic tank, which could be due to any of the following:

– Inconsistent Maintenance

This is the usual problem, and it’s quite easy to avoid, especially since it’s absolutely necessary to regularly get your tank emptied. Depending on the tank you have, this could happen as often as four to five times a year, while once or twice will suffice for others.

Make sure you set an appointment with a trusted plumbing company to avoid missing the basic essential preventive maintenance procedures.

– Ground Disturbances

While septic tanks are quite sturdy, even a small nudge could have a great effect like fractures or cracks in its walls.

– Wandering Tree Roots

Out of all the causes, this may be the most difficult to control because you don’t know which way plants’ roots will grow.
Positioning your septic tank in a location away from large trees or plants with thick roots will prevent them from growing right through the tank’s walls. These protrusions can cause leaks in the tank and prevent it from working properly, creating an awful mess in the surrounding area when it bursts.

– Baffle and Dip Pipes Damages

The baffle is the barrier in a septic tank that prevents any solids from entering the soak-away system. Should the baffle collapse, all of those lumpy bits could cause blockages that make your wastewater back up into your house. Dip pipes work hand in hand with the baffle to ensure that the right type of water flows into the soak-away system. Issues with this will also lead to backups in your pipes.

– Vehicular Damage

Though septic tanks are placed safely underground, some can be affected by heavy vehicles, like tractors. This is especially true in the countryside!

Other cars may end up parking right on top of it as well, depending on where it’s located on the premises. This added weight can put pressure on your septic tank and potentially damage it. Too-heavy vehicles might even cause it to collapse, which could lead to disastrous results.

Conclusion

The septic tank is a valuable plumbing fixture that needs to be maintained properly in order to avoid damage. Issues with septic tanks that grow into much bigger problems can lead to messy consequences, so it’s best to get it routinely checked. By knowing the common issues that these plumbing systems are prone to, you can be ready to call the nearest plumber in your area before it’s too late.

At 24 Hour Plumbing & Heating, our team specializes in everything to do with plumbing and HVAC systems. We can handle all types of plumbing emergencies in Calgary! Some of our services include drain cleaning, septic tank repairs and fixes, heating and air conditioning, and more. Book an appointment with us today!

As it is often said, the kitchen is the heart of a home because it is where you prepare meals, and everyone gathers for meaningful conversation.

Imagine you’re in the kitchen and are about to prepare a meal for the family. At that moment, you begin to notice a funky smell that begins to disturb your attention. You check your garbage disposal, and it’s not coming from there; you check your trash bin, and it’s still not there. Where is it coming from?
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After a bit more search, you realize that the nasty smell is coming from your drains! Sinks are where smelly drains often stem from because of the food that is washed down them. However, you can also have smelly drains from the tub or shower.

What Causes Foul Drain Smells?

There are many causes behind smelly drains. For one, debris like food scraps, grease, hair, or soap residue that line your pipes may cause the drain to smell because of the bacteria they attract that releases these nasty odours. Clogged drain pipes or vents can also leave you with stale odours because they promote sluggish water movement.
 
Other than that, even mould and mildew may cause nasty-smelling drains. Yet, it could also be due to sewer gases that rise up from the drains.
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In the case that you smell a rotten egg smell, it could be due to a bacteria that is in your hot water tank that reacts with the sulphates in your water. Last but not least, plumbing mistakes may cause a bad smell to come from your drains. A missing P-trap or drain vent can cause strong odours, as well as leaks or rotting drain tubes. 

How Do You Get Rid Of The Smell?

When you have determined the cause of the nasty odour, it’s time to eliminate it by using the following tips:

1. For debris build-up: Boil water, add vinegar, and slowly pour the mixture down the drain and wait for a few minutes before you run some cold water. After that, pour the remainder of the solution down the drain to wash away everything. You can also use a baking soda and vinegar mixture by letting the solution fizz and settle for an hour, then rinsing it with hot water. 
2. For clogged P-traps: Remove the curved portion of the plumbing and empty it out. Then, rinse the P-trap with a garden hose. 
3. For sewer gases: Have water regularly running through all the drains to prevent sewer gases from rising to your drains. For drains that aren’t used very often, pour some mineral oil into the drain to slow down water evaporation from the pipes. 
4. For water sulphates: Turn up your hot water temperature for a short period. Once it had time to heat up, turn off the main water supply line, attach a garden house to the lower drain port, and empty the tank into the floor drains. 
5. For mould and mildew: This task is best left for expert plumbers because they have the expertise and tools to effectively determine the cause of mould and mildew and remove them from the pipes.

​Getting rid of the nasty drain smells may seem easy at first. Yet, if you have tried various tricks and nothing seems to work, that’s the time you need professional help!

Conclusion

At this point, you now know the various causes of nasty drain odour and the various steps to overcome it. For times when that nasty smell just won’t go away after doing home solutions, there could be something else going on behind your plumbing system that may require professional intervention. If that’s the case, take the time to find a reliable plumber in your area to ensure the best service that could completely eliminate that nasty drain smell. 
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Are you looking for reliable 24-hour plumbing service? At Emergency Plumbing & Heating, we have over 20 years of experience providing top-quality plumbing services, and our experts are dedicated to top-quality customer services. Get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment!