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Pipe Inspection: Why do you need to schedule one?

Your home is often your greatest asset, so protect your investment. Be proactive and book a pipe inspection today. Routine and regular plumbing maintenance will save you in the long term, allowing you to detect minor issues before they become big problems.

Here are a few more reasons why scheduling a pipe inspection will help your home in the long run:

Prevent blockages

Drain blockages don’t happen overnight. Debris slowly accumulate over time and clog pipes in even the cleanest homes. When a drain is blocked, the water accumulates in the pipes and develops a pungent odor in the air surrounding the drain. Are you noticing a smell? A pipe inspection will identify these blockages and have them cleared quickly, before it becomes a problem.

Keep pipes efficient

Your pipes are connected to large appliances, amenities and vital rooms throughout your home. Highly efficient homes translate to low utility bills. For example, if your pipes are clogged, the water is not flowing properly, which means you leave the tap on and run the water longer. Your increased water usage will cost you. Regular maintenance can ensure your home’s pipes are running efficiently, and the one-time cost of an inspection will save you money when that monthly bill comes.

Identify hidden damage

Generally, your pipes are hidden behind flooring and walls which means you can’t see a minor crack or leak in them. A routine video pipe inspection will identify these cracks or leaks and allow for a plumber to fix them before they turn into bigger issues. For example, Calgary Poly B replacements are on the rise due to deteriorating and leaking.

Discover future problem areas

Pipes tend to develop more issues over time. Regular pipe inspection will allow you to monitor the degradation of your pipes and give you notice as to when they may need repairing or replacing.

The things you should NEVER flush down the toilet

There are many things you should never flush down the toilet.

In fact, if you’re looking for a basic rule, there are really only two things that should be flushed down the toilet (with some accompanying toilet paper).

If you want to avoid blockages in your wastewater system and not rely on Calgary toilet repair, here are some things that should never be flushed.

What should never be flushed down the toilet?

1) Baby and personal hygiene wipes

Toilet paper dissolves in water. Baby and personal hygiene wipes – even “flushable” ones – do not. Instead, they snag on parts of the sewer system and conglomerate with other unflushables.

If you live in Calgary, this problem has hit the news more than once. It was reported in July 2022 that local people called to report emergency blockages over 7200 times in the preceding year.

The culprit was almost always wipes or other unflushable items. Do not flush hygiene wipes of any kind down the toilet if you want to keep it working.

2) Cotton products

Products like cotton pads or Q-Tips also don’t break down like toilet paper does.

Throwing these down the toilet will eventually clog the system. This will only lead to expenditure for you and probably the city too.

3) Feminine hygiene products

More than simply not breaking down, feminine hygiene products like tampons and pads are actively designed to efficiently absorb liquid.

This means they’re perfect for blocking the sewer system if flushed down the toilet. The proper place for these is the garbage.

4) Diapers

Like feminine hygiene products, diapers absorb and contain liquids rather than break down in them.

Plus, diapers can be of a significant size compared to the diameter of the pipes they’re being flushed through.

5) Contraceptives

One more type of product commonly flushed when it shouldn’t be are condoms and other contraceptives.

It should go without saying that, yet again, these are not designed to break down when exposed to liquid. It only takes one to start a clog.

6) Paper towels and tissues

You might be forgiven for thinking you’re on safe ground flushing paper towels or tissues. After all, it’s all just paper, right?

Sadly, no. Different kinds of paper break down in different ways. Even if you have to use paper towels or tissues in relation to toilet activities, don’t flush them.

7) Dental floss

Dental floss also seems like it could be pretty harmless to flush. Unfortunately, it can:

Become an unflushable net – strands of dental floss get twisted around other unflushable items, netting them and blocking pipes.
Do environmental damage – dental floss is non-biodegradable and designed not to tear. If it reaches the ocean it can even suffocate marine creatures. Don’t flush it.

8) Medications

Only in the movies do people flush drugs and medication down the toilet with zero consequences.

In real life, medication doesn’t break down. Instead, it stays in the water, potentially making it toxic.

The simplest rule to follow with toilets is the “Three Ps”. Pee. Poo. Paper. Essentially everything else are things you should never flush down the toilet.

Struggling with a blocked toilet?

Get in touch with us for a swift, convenient fix. Calgary residents have trusted Son-Rise Plumbing & Gasfitting with all their plumbing since 1983.

How do you know when a toilet needs to be replaced

Most professional plumbers will tell you a toilet can last for around 20 to 25 years.

How long has your toilet been in place?

It can be difficult to tell. If your toilet was badly installed or poorly maintained, there are many signs it may need to be replaced before its time.

How do you know when a toilet needs to be replaced?

1) Regular clogs and blockages

One of the most unpleasant signs your toilet needs to be replaced is regular clogging caused by normal use.

Of course, children could have flushed toys or other items. The problem could also be further down the pipe, which is why it’s a good idea to get a regularly blocked toilet checked by a professional.

If normal use is causing clogs frequently, it’s probably time to look into toilet replacement.

2) Cracking

Cracks in toilets can’t always be seen. The most common sign of a crack is water pooled around the base.

Sometimes, a crack above the waterline in the tank can be repaired. However, a crack below the waterline will probably necessitate replacing the entire tank.

At that point, it’s likely more economical to replace the entire toilet.

3) Serious age

That 20 to 25 year toilet lifespan estimate depends on many factors. It also refers to the overall fixture rather than internal components. These age much faster.

If you know for a fact that your toilet is over 25 years old, it may be worth replacing it.

4) Needs constant repair

Most toilets require repair every once in a while. If you find yourself regularly picking up the phone to call your local plumbers, it’s time to consider your options.

The most cost-effective choice might be toilet replacement now to save the cost of ongoing repairs in the long run. Ask an experienced technician for advice.

5) Repeat flushing required

Modern toilets use two gallons of water or less every flush. Older toilets more commonly use three or even five gallons per flush.

This is a significant waste of water, especially when flushing is inefficient and needs to be repeated. That’s bad for your water bill and it’s not great for the environment either.

If either of these are a concern, updating your toilet to a new model will pay dividends over time.

6) Instability

With a newer toilet, a little wobble is likely just a sign something inside needs to be tightened.

Older toilets that feel unstable might have an underlying cause. Leaking pipes can cause water damage and eventually lead to a floor collapse.

If you notice an older toilet feels unstable, you’ll need a professional to check it out.

Get expert advice before replacing your toilet

If you’re trying to work out whether it’s time to replace your toilet, consult an expert.

An experienced technician can help you work out the most cost-effective approach to toilet repair or replacement, ensuring you’re not wasting your money and that your bathroom is in full working order.

Need expert advice on toilet replacement or repair?

Let’s talk it over. Family-owned and operated, Son-Rise Plumbing and Gasfitting has been caring for Calgary residents since 1983.

Boiler safety precautions you should be taking

Boiler safety precautions are easy steps you can take to protect your family from boiler-related problems.

Repairing or replacing your Calgary boiler is expensive, while simple care is cheap. Taking basic safety precautions is a great way to protect your bank account.

Regular boiler safety precautions

1. Check the operating pressure

Every modern boiler comes with a front panel that displays whether the operating pressure is correct, high, or low. If you notice your boiler doesn’t maintain the correct pressure it’s usually a sign that something is wrong.

The culprit is usually a leak somewhere in the system, commonly the radiators. Occasionally, the fault may lie with a boiler component that’s developed an issue.

In both cases, diagnosis and treatment are as simple as noticing a pressure problem and calling in a technician.

2. Look for leaks or drips

Another obvious sign that something is wrong with your boiler is water or, more rarely, air leaking from some part of the system.

Performing a quick check for leaks around your boiler every so often is an important safety precaution and only takes seconds to do.

3. Get regular professional maintenance

Measures like checking the pressure and spotting leaks are sensible, yet they are no substitute for the regular professional preventative boiler maintenance that is often required by law.

A trained technician will know how to give your boiler a full service, including all the pipes and lines, pumps, valves, gauges, and other components and accessories. They can also handle combustion tests and any other activities you don’t have the time or equipment for.

Preventative maintenance is the best precaution

These days, the only domestic boiler safety precautions most people want or need to take is to set up regular annual safety checks.

After your technician’s visit, you’ll know your boiler is in perfect working order and safe for another year.

Need to be sure your boiler is in full working order?

Talk it over with a friendly and experienced professional today. Son-Rise Plumbing & Gasfitting has been family owned and operated, helping local people in Calgary since 1983.

How to prevent boiler tube corrosion

Boiler tube corrosion costs Canadian households thousands in boiler repairs every year. Even high-quality systems can suffer if not set up correctly or properly maintained.

As always, regular preventative care and maintenance of your boiler will pay off in the long-run, but it’s also helpful to understand common boiler problems if you want to keep your bills to a minimum.

Why do boiler tubes corrode?

1. Poor water quality

Heat exchangers and other key components of most modern boilers are made from stainless steel.

High-quality stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion; however, it is possible for poor water quality to overwhelm even resistant materials if it is bad enough.

High levels of chloride in the water–sometimes the result of using a water softener or of such a device malfunctioning–can be at fault too.

2. Poor material choice or quality

Not all modern boilers are created equal. Nor are the materials used in their construction. Take steel for example:

Material type – stainless steel is usually more resistant to corrosion than mild steel, making it a superior choice for many boiler components.
Material quality – there are several types of stainless steel. Austenitic stainless steel is not as corrosion-resistant as ferric stainless steel and even ferric stainless steel comes in different qualities, denoted by a number.

This makes choosing the right make and model of boiler a key decision before installation. If you’re in any doubt as to the correct choice, it’s always worth seeking professional advice.

3. Leaks caused by material expansion

Noticed a puddle of water beside your boiler? That most likely means your boiler is leaking water.

Different materials expand and contract at different rates when heated. If your boiler’s heat exchanger is made from stainless steel and the fittings are made from brass, water may seep out through the threads very slowly or intermittently.

Over time, this may lead to the build up of calcium and mineral deposits that can look a little like corrosion. This needs to be cleaned off and the system tested but is unlikely to impair its function.

How to prevent boiler tube corrosion

Boiler tube corrosion is a problem that affects thousands of people every year. The most common causes are excessively poor water or material quality, while a mismatch in material expansion rates can lead to leaks that look like corrosion.

Damage and problem prevention is also always more cost-effective and easier than an emergency repair.

This means choosing the right boiler for your home and getting regular preventative boiler maintenance from a qualified technician is the best way to minimize the chance of your boiler developing issues, including corrosion.

Think you might have a problem with boiler tube corrosion?

Have one of our experienced technicians service your boiler today.

Son-Rise Plumbing & Gasfitting has been meeting the needs of people in Calgary with honesty, professionalism, and integrity since 1983.

How to prevent garbage disposal problems

Garbage disposals can be a handy addition to your kitchen, but they can also be a serious issue for your plumbing system if used incorrectly.

The last thing you want is to repair or replace your garborator. Here’s how to prevent garbage disposal problems from ruining your day:

Garbage disposal problems and how to avoid them

1. Don’t put everything down the garbage disposal

There are some things you should never use your garbage disposal for:

Dense vegetables – anything that’s fibrous, such as celery, onion skins or corn husks.
Grease, fat, and cooking oils – will clog after they solidify. Try using paper towels to mop up oil from pans and disposing of them instead.
Egg shells – can stick to pipes, clogging them and potentially creating sulphurous smells.
Expandable foods – things like pasta or rice are starchy and can expand with prolonged water exposure.
Bones, pits and seeds – can jam your disposal as well as dull the blades.
Non-food items – things like metal, paper, plastic, or glass.

2. Don’t try to grind large chunks of food

Your waste disposal will struggle with large chunks of food, potentially even jamming or breaking entirely.

Instead, chop waste food into smaller pieces and put those pieces in a few at a time.

3. Don’t let your disposal sit idle

You’ll experience fewer garbage disposal problems if you run your disposal on a regular basis.

Even if you find you don’t have much or any food to dispose of, run your disposal every couple of days. This will help avoid sticking, corrosion, and smells or other issues caused by trapped food.

4. Don’t use hot water

Always use cold water when you run your garbage disposal. This will keep the food as solid as possible, maximizing your disposal’s ability to chop it up.

Hot water will tend to turn food into mush that sticks to the sides and pipes.

5. Don’t stop the moment the food is gone

Keep running your garbage disposal with cold water for at least an extra minute after it’s finished grinding the waste. This prevents food from ending up trapped in the pipe.

Another sensible approach is to feed small batches of food waste into your garbage disposal, making sure the waste is well ground before adding more.

6. Don’t neglect a quick, simple clean after use

Immediately after using your disposal, keep it running with cold water and add a little dish soap to wash away any food remains.

Another natural remedy is to add the occasional bit of citrus peel after cleaning. Lemon, lime, or orange peel will work a bit like a natural wipe around the pipe.

Every few months, boil up a few gallons of water and pour that down your sink to give the pipes a more serious clean.

Garbage disposal maintenance

The best way to maintain your garbage disposal is to use it sensibly and carry out simple, regular cleaning as described above.

The most important thing is to consider what you’re putting into your disposal. Many food waste items can easily be recycled or composted, leaving your disposal to handle that much less.

Finally, a safety tip–your waste disposal contains spinning metal blades; it’s always worth calling an expert rather than trying to deal with most garbage disposal problems yourself.

Problem with your garbage disposal?

Not for long. Call the fully equipped and experienced professionals at Son-Rise Plumbing and Gasfitting to book an appointment and ensure your disposal is in proper working order