Month: March 2022

When you have leaky or burst pipes, give us a call so we can sort out your plumbing emergency as quickly as possible. We can be reached 24/7, so our emergency plumbing service can get your system up and running again after a disaster strikes.

Here are a few things you can do before we arrive that may minimize damage:

Turn Off Your Water

Your plumbing system is probably the most overworked system in your home. Eventually, it will need attention. So, do you know where your main water valve is? This is usually a large valve where the water connects to the main line in your home (probably under the outdoor spigot). Turn it clockwise. The more quickly you can turn off the water source during an emergency, the better. It’s especially important to shut off the main valve if you have a pipe broken or leaking in a ceiling or wall, because you may not even be aware of which hidden pipe is causing the issue!

If you know that the leaking is coming from a particular toilet or appliance, find its nearby shut off valve on its supply line.

Shut Off Water Heater

Your home may or may not have multiple water heaters. Take these steps to shut them down:

• Turn off the gas to a gas heater or shut off the electric for an electric unit.
• WaterHeaterMasters.com suggests that you, “Twist the handle on the water supply shut off valve clockwise until it stops. This valve is typically located on top of the water heater, on the right side cold line.”
• Connect a garden hose to the water heater, place that near the drain, and open the drain faucet.

Open Spigots and Drains

Too much pressure in your plumbing system is an issue when you have a burst or leaky pipe. That pressure needs to be drained out before it causes several more burst or leaky pipes. Open up drains, and then open faucets — and even an outdoor spigot — to let the remaining water out.

Know what to do in a plumbing emergency! When you’re in need of an emergency plumbing service, you can minimize damage by: turning off your water; shutting off the water heater; and opening spigots and drains to clear out excess pressure. These extra steps may save your home from mold growth, even more major water damage, and a huge insurance claim. Call Crowfoot Home Services today.

A malfunctioning toilet is a major inconvenience for you and your family. Sometimes, installing a new toilet is absolutely necessary. When you need toilet replacement Calgary, contact us.

Let’s discuss three reasons you may need to replace your toilet:

1. Tank Has a Crack

Toilets are made of delicate porcelain. An old toilet’s tank may crack due to aging. You may have cracked it unintentionally during a prior minor repair. Temperature changes cause cracked tanks.

It’s impossible to fix even the tiniest cracks well enough that they won’t grow and leak over time. Honestly, it’s time for a replacement. Turn off the tank’s water supply, and let us know about the crack.

2. Toilet Keeps Leaking

A leaky toilet is an expensive problem since it increases your water usage and makes your plumbing system work harder. A leaky toilet may be something you feel like you can troubleshoot. Certainly, that may be possible if:

• The flapper is sealing imperfectly. (It may be warped or cracked and need replacement. A toilet repair kit is available at hardware stores.)
• The flushing handle is no longer connected by the chain to the flapper in the toilet tank. (If it’s difficult to push down the flushing handle, check the tank.)
• The tank float merely needs adjustment.

The toilet tank mechanisms and bolts may also be rusty and extremely difficult to remove after being submersed in water for years. Also, a larger problem may be at play if you’re noticing puddles of water on the floor. A new toilet install may still be the best fix.

3. Frequent Clogs

Frequent clogs are inconvenient, and they can cause damage to floors, subfloors, and other areas of your home if overflowing toilets are on top floors.

Clogs can stem from a variety of issues:

• Is someone in your home flushing non-flushable hygiene products? (Even though the packaging may say they’re “flushable”, it’s safest to deposit them in the trash.)
• If you have a septic system, is your toilet paper actually “septic safe”? Check the packaging.
• Do you have a low-flow style toilet that’s incapable of creating powerful flushes?

Sadly, your sewer or septic may actually be failing or your pipes haven’t been cleaned annually to prevent daily buildup (resulting in clogs).

Toilet replacement Calgary doesn’t need to be messy. Whether you’re noticing cracks, annoying leaks, or clogging, call Crowfoot Home Services about a new toilet install today.

No matter how hard you’ve tried to keep hair, grease, and food scraps out of the drain, over time, it can all build up. Perhaps you’ve noticed slow drainage in your sinks and/or mild odors creeping into your home. Did you know that eliminating unpleasant odors and reducing the risks of annoying drain clogs can also improve your family’s health — and actually save you money in the future? It may be time for Calgary drain cleaning from us, the professionals.

Here are four benefits of professional drain cleaning:

Eliminates Nasty Odors

Are you noticing mild odors? You may need to give us a call but, first, sprinkle baking soda in your sink. Heat up one part water, one part vinegar. Pour it down. This may be the remedy you need to open the drain and erase nasty smells. (However, if you’re smelling sewage, you may need to call us professionals ASAP.)

Reduces Chances of a Clog Occurring

The best way to protect your plumbing is to prevent issues in the first place.
Scrape your dishes into the sink or wipe with a paper towel to prevent food from getting into the drain. Teach your children not to put toys or other items down toilets. You can purchase mushroom-shaped devices for bathroom sinks or tubs and showers to trap hair.

Improve Your Family’s Health

Minor clogs in the pipes mean grime is hanging out, getting eaten by bacteria. Any leaks or overflows from clogged toilets and sinks can introduce mold to your home. This can lead to illnesses and even harm the structural integrity of your home. You won’t be pouring harmful chemicals from the store down your pipes (which can even corrode them) in a last-ditch effort to unclog pipes. Regular professional drain cleanings mean you won’t have an expensive and nasty sewage backup.

Saves You Money Over Time

Hair, soap scum, and mushy bits of food can clog drains. That can lead to costly repairs if your toilets or sinks overflow. Plugged drains can lead to water damage on your floors, walls, and ceilings (if your residence is more than one level). That means you may have a major mess –and an insurance deductible to cough up.

Did you know that we offer professional Calgary drain cleaning? Let’s get into a routine of regular drain cleanings for your home. Give Crowfoot Home Services a call today!