If you hear a gurgling sound from a drain in your house, there is a problem with your plumbing system. The sound is caused by air being forced through water in your drain. It is a problem you should bring in residential plumbers to take care of immediately.
Causes of Gurgling Sounds
When water is flushed, air displaces it in the pipes. The water has to be replaced to avoid creating a vacuum that will prevent water from flowing correctly. If not, there’s a gurgle. Several reasons including; can cause it
Blocked Drain
An entirely or partially blocked drain can cause that gurgling sound. In a shower, it could be a ball of hair, and in a toilet, it could be wipes or sanitary products. In a kitchen sink, it could be food particles. So, if the sound is heard in one fixture, the problem could be localized.
Obstructed Sewer Line
If a gurgle is heard more in than one place, it could mean a more significant problem with vents or sewer lines. Professional residential plumbers will quickly diagnose the problem.
Congested Plumbing Vents
Another possibility is that the plumbing vents are congested. They serve the purpose of allowing air to flow into a plumbing system, so the correct air pressure is maintained. This is necessary for wastewater to be drained out of the house after it has gone down a drain.
Why Gurgles Should Not Be Ignored
Handling gurgles immediately can prevent bigger problems like total blockage or wastewater backing up into the house. A small problem like one blocked drain in the house is likely to snowball into a larger one if the fixture is still used. As food particles, rust, hairballs and other waste accumulate, there will likely be a complete blockage in the drains. If it is in the main sewer line, you will, ineffective, be without drainage at all.
Westhills Plumbing & Heating to the Rescue
If you are Downtown, Westhills or surrounding hills in Calgary, Westhills Plumbing & Heating are the residential plumbers to call when you hear that first gurgle. Trained, licensed, and certified plumbers will soon be there to find out where it’s coming from. Even better, consider signing up for complete, periodic checks of your home plumbing system to prevent problems in the first place. Then, make the call, and you are covered.
Buying a new home is a considerable investment, so you want to be sure you are getting one with as few problems as possible. It would help if you did not overlook anything before signing the purchase, including the plumbing. The plumbing should be a significant factor, and professional plumbing services in Calgary can help perform the inspection.
Having a professional plumber perform the inspection before you sign off on the purchase could help you address problems with your realtor. Also, if the seller is reputable, they won’t mind this type of inspection, as they should not hide plumbing issues before selling.
A frustrating plumbing issue for homeowners can occur when the drain line becomes clogged. Certain consumer products are on the market to address these issues if they are not severe, but there are also times when the case requires plumbing services in Calgary.
If the issue is severe, it is more than likely it’s related to sewer problems. Sewer problems happen if the ground shifts or if the initial installation was poorly conceived. Water draining issues can also be related to pipes made of old cast iron or clay tile. Another factor that could result in poor draining water is roots that may have made their way into the lines and created a clog. These issues require professional plumbing services.
Sewer Inspection
Visually inspecting your pipes can tell you if any changes are needed before you move into your new home. A professional plumber can help determine if there are any problems with your septic tank or sewer. These professionals can also tell you if the sewer is located in a good location.
A broken sewer system is expensive and definitely one you want to avoid when buying a new home. It is important to learn about all areas that could cause potential problems before buying your new home, and plumbing issues are one of these.
Inspect the Water Heater
Having a professional plumber inspect a new home before you buy it can reveal any issues with the water heater. A plumber can also tell you the age of the unit and what it is still capable of concerning performance. If issues are discovered during the inspection, you could deal with the seller to replace the unit.
Check the Water Pressure
A plumber can check the pipes in a home and determine the water pressure. If the water pressure is good, the house will have at least a half-inch in diameter pipes. The lines in the place should be three-fourths to an inch from the water source for good water pressure. A plumber will also be able to determine if the house has lead pipes. Lead pipes are an environmental toxin, and you may not want to purchase a new home with these types of pipes.
A New Home Should Have a Plumbing Inspection
While an inspection will not uncover all issues if there are some not disclosed by a seller, with the help of professional plumbing services in Calgary, you can be aware of what they are if they exist. This inspection could save you money, stress, and time in the purchase of a new home.
Where to Find Great Plumbing Services in Calgary
Call Westhills Plumbing & Heating if you are buying a new home and would like to schedule an inspection. We are the leading plumbing experts in the area and provide you with high-quality plumbing and heating services at competitive prices.
Have you ever wondered about the difference between your mainline and your drain line? Now is a great time to learn — that way, when something goes wrong, you’ll be able to identify the source and find a solution. Whether that’s a DIY fix or a call to a plumbing company in Calgary, quick action can prevent expensive damage down the line.
What Is a Mainline?
The mainline is the pipe that transports wastewater out of your house — it’s also called a sewer line or a sewer lateral. If you live in the city, the mainline runs from your house to the city’s sewer main under the street. In homes with a septic system, it connects to the septic tank.
The mainline is usually located underneath the lowest level of your home. It slopes down toward the septic tank or sewer main so waste can flow freely.
As a homeowner, you’re responsible for the mainline. When something happens — a clog, crack, or leak — it can affect the plumbing throughout the house. You might notice persistent problems, often with no apparent cause. Other signs of mainline damage include pests, odours, lawn problems, and cracks in the foundation. These issues almost always require the help of a professional plumber.
What are Drain Lines?
Drain lines are the pipes that connect your fixtures to the mainline. There are different drain lines for every toilet, sink, and shower in the house. In a single-story home, these pipes might run directly from the fixtures to the mainline. In a multi-story home, the fixture pipes usually connect to two or more primary drain lines, which in turn empty into the mainline.
A problem in an individual drain line usually impacts a single fixture. Hair clogs can cause water backup in the shower, but they probably won’t affect the kitchen sink. If a primary drain line is clogged, you’ll experience issues with every upstream fixture.
The drain lines and main lines are two of the most important components in your sewer system. If you know the difference, it’s easier to find and fix problems. When you’re dealing with stubborn clogs or a cracked mainline, our plumbing company in Calgary can help. Call our team at Westhills Plumbing and Heating to schedule an inspection and evaluation today.
If you are Canadian, you understand having hot water in your house during the winter months is a must. You know your fall plans have to include getting your heating system serviced, making sure a test run is performed, and programming your thermostat. It’s now time to get out the extra blankets and switch over your air conditioner to heating.
Taking a hot shower is essential for staying warm, and by running your water, you prevent your pipes from freezing. However, even performing all these preparations can still run out of hot water when you need it. Calling for water heater repair will become an emergency call.
Why You May Run Out of Hot Water in Canada
Most homes in Alberta have installed a hot water tank, and some have alternate water heating systems. However, there are four common reasons you may not have hot water.
What type of water heater do you have?
The first question in answering why you run out of hot water is knowing how your home is heating your water. Tank water heaters are a vessel that heats water internally. Typically, these units are installed in the basement and run-on natural gas. Tank water heaters are designed to keep a supply of hot water continuously.
A tankless water heater will instantly heat water as it is being used. The tankless water heater will run water through a heated coil and then comes out of your faucet or showerhead.
These are two common forms of hot water systems, and depending on how old the system is, there are different reasons you may struggle with getting hot water when needed.
1. You and Your Family are Using Too Much Water
A traditional tank heater could be the problem you are running out of hot water. You may be using so much water that the tank drains before it has a chance to replenish itself. There are a lot of places hot water is used in a home:
Baths
Showers
Dishwasher
Laundry
Taps
Faucets
If you have a larger family, you could simply be using too much water for your tank to replenish.
2. You May Have an Old Heating System
Sometimes the reason you are running out of hot water is as simple as your heating system has outlived its efficiency. An average water heating system lasts approximately eight to twelve years. If your unit is older than this, it is time to consider a replacement.
3. Your Water Supply Could Contain Too Much Sediment
Water supplies carry natural mineral sediments. The sediment will settle in your hot water tank as it heats your water. Calgary lies at the bottom of the Rocky Mountains, which are full of magnesium and calcium. Hard water can affect plumbing and water tanks. To avoid this problem, you have to flush your water system regularly.
4. Your System May Have a Broken Dip Tube
Hot water tanks have an internal dip tube. The tube is designed to transfer cool water from your external water supply to the bottom of the tank, where it will heat. Once the water is hot, it rises to the top of the tank, and cooler water will enter, and the cycle repeats.
If the dip tube fails, it will not carry water to the bottom of the tank. When this happens, you will experience lukewarm water instead of hot. After years of use, the dip tube will become brittle and require replacement.
Stay Ahead of Hot Water Issues
You need hot water in your home to fight the cold winters of Alberta. While problems with any household appliance can occur unexpectedly, the problem is typically fixed by a professional plumber. Many issues, such as water heater repair, can be avoided by having regular maintenance of your system. In addition, expert plumbers can identify potential problems before you run out of hot water in the dead of winter.
Where to Find Expert Plumbing Services
Westhills Plumbing & Heating provides expert plumbing services in Calgary. Call us today if you need high-quality plumbing and heating services. Schedule an appointment to inspect your system today and avoid needing water heater repair when the cold hits.
Leaky pipes are a huge problem. They may wreak havoc on your home, destroying ceilings, floors, walls, carpets, and furniture, among other things. In addition, mold and mildew can thrive in damp environments. All of these issues can add up to a lot of money in repair bills. Not only that but leaking pipes wastewater, meaning you’re spending a lot more on your water bill for the water you’re not utilizing. Luckily for you, Westhills plumbing and heating, your trusted Calgary plumber will tell you dome of the cause for leaky pipes.
Aged pipes
Pipes can last for a long time, but they’re not meant to do so. Older pipes are composed of materials like iron, which are far more prone to corrosion. In addition, the pipe weakens and begins to break down due to pollution, which can lead to a leak in the future. It may be necessary to replace older pipes with modern ones if you have older ones. The majority of newer pipes are composed of corrosion-resistant copper or plastic. While copper pipes will not survive indefinitely, you will not have to worry about corrosion causing them to rust.
A Root from a Tree Has Intruded
Leaks can start from the outside of the house as well as the interior. An entering tree root is one of the most typical reasons for a leak that begins outside. While the origins of the tree in your yard may not have been a concern when the pipes were first installed, as the tree grows, they may eventually make their way across. If the root gets inside the tube and destroys it, the water will flow out into the earth. A drop in water pressure is one of the most common signs of a leak. If you observe a dip in your yard combined with a wet area (and there’s a tree nearby), the tree’s root may have damaged the pipe.
Seals that have been broken or damaged
Seals are found in a variety of locations throughout your plumbing system. Rubber seals should have been installed around your pipes where they link to faucets or other fixtures. The purpose of these seals is to keep the connection dry. The issue is that rubber seals aren’t designed to last indefinitely. They can wear out over time or broken if they are damaged. As a result, water can escape. The presence of moisture or condensation near a fixture could indicate a faulty, damaged, or broken seal.
Corrosion
Corrosion, such as rust, can occur in pipes over time. Corrosion is a chemical reaction that occurs when metal reacts with the environment’s chemicals. Corrosion can be caused by what is contained in your water in the case of your pipes. Corrosion weakens your metal pipes by eating away at them. Corrosion can also lead to the formation of holes, allowing water to escape. If your pipes were installed several years ago, they might be more prone to corrosion than newer lines. Corrosion can also occur when the pH of the water or the mineral content of the water is off. 0
There’s a Blockage
Clogs are an annoyance. However, they can also be the source of a leaking pipe. Pressure might build up behind a clog if when not addressed. This pressure can cause a line to crack or break if it is too high. In addition, corrosive compounds, such as cleansers, can be found in some forms of clogs, speeding up pipe damage and eating through the metal. If you have a clog in any of your home’s pipes, you should clear it out as quickly as possible.
Water Pressure Is Too High
Intense water pressure may feel wonderful in the shower, but it can be harmful to your pipes if you have too much. The greater the power with which water passes through your pipes, the greater the chance of damage. High water pressure can cause a line to explode in extreme instances. On the other hand, when the water pressure is slightly off, you may only notice things like the occasional leak at the fixture shortly before the water is off.
Joints that have been damaged
The weakest parts of your pipes are usually the joints. They are the curved sections of the pipes that cause the water to change direction to reach its destination. In some circumstances, the joints can deteriorate over time, allowing a leak to emerge. Strange noises while the water, notably hot water, is running are the first indicator that anything is wrong with the joints. For example, there may be a clacking or slamming sound coming from the pipes.
A leaking pipe is the last thing anyone wants to deal with. Taking care of it as soon as you see it, on the other hand, can help you save both your property and your money. If you notice any indicators of a leak, such as a leaky faucet, increases in your water bill, or a musty odour, it’s time to contact a Calgary plumber as soon as possible. Westhills Plumbing and Heating is here to help you!
There are situations where a plumbing problem is obvious, such as a dripping faucet or a toilet that continues to run, but often, you are not aware of a leaking pipe. According to the EPA, approximately one trillion gallons of water are wasted every year because of leaking pipes. The EPA’s research showed about ten percent of homeowners make up most of this loss.
A leaking pipe does not show signs right away, and in most situations, this problem can take a long time to be noticed. However, the good news is there are signs to look for to learn if your pipes are leaking. These three common signs of leaking pipes will help you determine if you should contact an emergency plumber near me.
Odors
Plumbing drains need a trap, and all those traps need a vent. Drains and traps were designed to prevent sewer gas from escaping into your home. The vents are supposed to channel the sewer odour up to the roof, and the drain is to be a water plug and act as a barrier to prevent sewer odors from coming up through your sink.
If you begin to smell sewer odors or gas inside your home, you either have a trap that has gone dry or a vent line cracked. If your trap goes dry, it is an easy fix by refilling it with water. If this doesn’t eliminate the odor, you may need to look for signs of a leak. Finding a cracked sewer vent can be challenging as they are often inside your walls. If this is your concern, you should contact an emergency plumber near me so a professional can learn what the problem is and has the experience to fix it.
Damaged or Stained Floors, Walls, or Ceiling
Damage from a leaking pipe to your floors, walls, or ceiling may be subtle at first. You may notice a dingy-looking area or spot on your white ceiling. Sometimes a leaking pipe will show a sign with a watermark on a wall. These marks indicate there is a bigger problem behind the wall or up in the ceiling. These marks are good signs you have a leaking pipe.
If you don’t repair the leaking pipe, it can cause significant damage. For example, the ceiling could begin to sag and eventually collapse. The wall could become bendable, or a floorboard could become incredibly creaky. If you notice these signs, it’s time to call an emergency plumber near me to locate the problem and fix the leak before it becomes a costly and significant repair.
Spike in Water Bill
If you notice your water bill has gone up significantly, and there are no changes in your household to explain the increase, it may be a sign of a leaking pipe. The change may start small and creep up each month. Whether it is a sudden spike or a gradual increase, it is a sign of a leaking pipe. Contact an emergency plumber near me to find the leak before it damages the structure of your home and costs you more money.
When to Call an Emergency Plumber Near Me
Westhills Plumbing & Heating is your answer to solving plumbing problems. If you have leaking pipes, call us today, and our experienced plumbers will locate and fix your problem twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We have vast experience in the plumbing and heating industry, you can count on us for quality work with all your plumbing needs.
