Frequently asked questions
Why You Should Hire a Plumber for Clogged Drain Repair?
Clogged drains are a nuisance. And considering how much debris and material go down the average drain, it’s no surprise that they’re one of the most common household plumbing problems. However, most people never consider calling a professional plumber, relying instead on drain cleaners or home remedies they see online.
As we’ll see, these methods aren’t always the appropriate solution, and hiring a pro is the way to go.
Home Remedies Don’t Always Work
Maybe you’ve seen home drain cleaning remedies online, or you have a parent or grandparent that’s passed them down. These drain cleaning solutions can work on minor clogs, but they’re ineffective against thick obstructions like tree roots, grease, and hair. More often than not, using home remedies is a waste of time. Hiring a professional gets the job done more quickly.
Drain Cleaners are Dangerous
The next time you’re thinking of using a drain cleaner to remove a clog, check the ingredients and warnings. These products use highly toxic chemicals that can burn your skin or damage your lungs if you inhale the fumes. And that’s not all. The chemicals used in drain cleaners, such as hydrochloric and sulfuric acid, can damage your pipes and fixtures, leading to pipe ruptures and water leaks. To ensure your personal safety and the safety of your plumbing system, hire a professional.
You May Need Professional Tools
Some clogs are so deep in your plumbing system they require specialized tools to remove. At best, the average homeowner has a plunger, and that’s it. Professional plumbers have advanced tools at their disposal like hydro-jets, augers, and drain snakes to remove obstructions.
While clogged drains are a fact of life, you don’t have to waste time and money or risk your plumbing system to fix them. Call the professional plumbers at PlumbLink Plumbing & Maintenance for safe, effective clogged drain repair.
Do you offer emergency plumbing services?
Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services. Give us a call anytime and we'll be there to help.
When to Get a Water Heater Replacement?
Your water heater works day and night for years to provide hot water whenever you need it. Eventually, though, all that hard work takes its toll and the system needs to be replaced. But how can you tell when the right time is to replace your water heater? Fortunately, most water heaters give off clues that they’re nearing the end of their lives. Here are some things to watch for:
Age
Water heater lifespans are determined by several factors, including water quality, the maintenance schedule, and usage habits. The typical lifespan is between 8 and 12 years, but some heaters can last as long as 15 years or more. To find out how old your water heater is, check the serial number on the tank or the manufacturer's sticker on the unit. If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, have it inspected by a qualified professional and consider replacing it before it fails.
Loud Noises
If you hear popping or crackling noises coming from the water tank, it's usually a sign that there's too much sediment buildup. Sediment comes from hard water and can cause serious problems for your water heater. Flushing the tank regularly can usually prevent this problem, but if the sediment layer is too embedded, you may need to replace the tank.
Lack of Hot Water
If you notice that your water heater isn't working as well as it used to, it could be that you're using more hot water than it can handle. Or it could be that sediment has built up inside the tank, reducing its capacity.
Discolored Water
When a water heater's sacrificial anode rod corrodes to the point where it can't protect the tank's interior lining, the tank will begin to rust. Once the tank starts rusting, you must replace it as soon as possible to avoid a flood.
One of the best ways to ensure your water heater lasts as long as possible and remains trouble-free is by calling PlumbLink.ca for annual tank flushing and tune-ups.
Water Heater Lowdown
When it comes to hot water heaters, there are a lot of options to choose from. We can help you find the right one for your needs and budget. Contact us today to learn more about our hot water heater services.
Energy Efficiency
Because your water heater is the second-largest expense in your home, accounting for approximately 14-18% of the average family’s utility bill, there are many effective ways to make your electric water heater more energy efficient apart from upgrading to a new model.
If your water heater is over 8 years old, it may be time to think about replacing it. A new water heater may save you money in the long run, and may last twice as long as a repaired one. Before you buy, be sure to compare the purchase price, installation, operating, and maintenance costs to determine if it's the right investment for you. In the long run, a new water heater may be a better value than a repair, even if it costs more upfront.
How much do your plumbing services cost?
The cost of our plumbing services varies depending on the type of service you need. Contact us for a quotation.
When should I call a residential plumbing contractor?
While many plumbing repairs are suitable DIY projects, some are best left to the professionals. How do you determine which repairs require a professional plumber?
Rapid Water Leaks
When a pipe bursts, it can cause significant water damage to your home. The resulting mold and mildew growth can create health issues for your family. If you experience a rapid water leak, shut off the water at the main valve and call a plumbing professional immediately.
No Water
If you have no water flow throughout your house, first call your water supplier to see if the problem is on their end. Then check the main water valve to make sure it hasn't been shut off accidentally. If all seems normal, call PlumbLink Plumbing & Maintenance.
Blocked Drains
Like having no water throughout the house, all of your drains will rarely stop emptying at the same time. When this happens, it usually means there’s a leak or clog in the main sewer line, which requires a professional to diagnose and repair.
Leaking Water Heater
If you notice water pooling around the base of your hot water heater, it's a sign that the tank has rusted and is at risk of failing. If the tank bursts, you'll have a flood on your hands and a big mess to clean up. Call PlumbLink.ca immediately to stop the leak and prevent water damage.
New Appliance Installation
When installing a new appliance, it's better to hire a professional than do it yourself. Plumbing installations are often more complex than you think, and watching tutorials on YouTube doesn't guarantee you'll do the job correctly. Hiring a professional ensures seamless service and a guarantee for the long haul.
Why is the Water from My Faucet a Strange Colour?
There are many reasons why your faucet water might be coming out in funny colors. Not all of these issues require a professional plumber to fix. Here are some of the most common causes of discoloured water.
Reddish Water from Rust and Minerals
Old pipes can cause your water to change colours. Minerals accumulate in the plumbing of older houses with pipes made from galvanized iron or steel. When the protective zinc layer on these pipes wears off over time, the underlying iron or steel becomes exposed to water and starts to rust.
Rust in your water heater can cause the water to turn a yellowish-red or brown colour. This discoloured water can stain your clothes and affect the taste and colour of food. If you see discoloured water, it's time to replace your water heater.
If your water is discoloured by rust from galvanized pipes, the pipes will need to be replaced with newer pipes made of a non-rusting metal. PEX and PVC pipes are more common these days, and are good choices for replacement pipes.
What Are the Signs of a Faulty Water Heater?
Indicators of a Water Heater in Need of Service
Water heaters are often overlooked until they fail, leaving homeowners with a cold shower and a mess to clean up. Early detection of problems can prevent inconvenient disruptions and potential damage. a Few key signs that a water heater needs a plumber's expertise.
The Water Heater Makes Strange Noises
A water heater shouldn’t make any loud noise. A homeowner should call PlumbLink Plumbing & Maintenance if they hear unusual sounds from a water heater like:
Rumbling or banging: If a homeowner hears rumbling or banging coming from their hot water tank, it could be a sign that there's too much sediment in the tank. Sediment buildup can cause serious problems for your water heater. Flushing the tank regularly can usually prevent this problem, but if the sediment layer is too embedded, you may need to replace the tank.
Hissing or dripping: If you see water pooling around the base of your hot water heater, it's a sign that the tank has rusted and is at risk of failing. If the tank bursts, you'll have a flood on your hands and a big mess to clean up. Call PlumbLink Plumbing & Maintenance immediately to stop the leak and prevent water damage.
Screeching: This could be the result of loose valves and air escaping. If you hear a hissing sound, it could be a sign of a leak. If you hear a loud banging sound, it could be a sign of a broken pipe.
If your water heater is making strange noises, it's more than an inconvenience; it could indicate a serious problem that needs immediate attention. These problems will not go away on their own and will only get worse without professional attention.
Discolored or Foul-Smelling Water Comes From the Tap
Discolored or foul-smelling water is not safe to drink or bathe in. It could be an indication of a problem with the local water supply. Contaminants can enter the water supply from many sources.
However, the issue could also lie with the water heater. Discolored or strange-smelling water can happen when:
If too much sediment builds up in your water heater tank and maintenance is neglected, the tank will corrode from the inside. This corrosion can flake off, changing the appearance and smell of the water.
A water heater's anode rod attracts sediment to prevent tank corrosion. Over time, this piece can wear out and stop working, allowing for corrosion inside the water heater if it's not replaced during maintenance. If the anode rod has corroded, the water heater may need to be replaced.
Corrosion in the water heater can cause the water to change color and smell. However, corrosion in the pipes that carry the water to and from the water heater can have the same effect. A plumber can determine whether the problem is in the water heater or in the pipes and suggest the best solution.
There Is a Leak
A water heater leak requires immediate attention from a professional. The severity of the leak and its location will determine whether the leak can be repaired or requires replacement of the water heater. For example, if the leak is coming from a valve or pipe connection, tightening that joint may fix the issue without needing to replace any components.
If your water heater is over 8 years old, it may be time to think about replacing it. A new water heater may save you money in the long run, and may last twice as long as a repaired one. Before you buy, be sure to compare the purchase price, installation, operating, and maintenance costs to determine if it's the right investment for you. In the long run, a new water heater may be a better value than a repair, even if it costs more upfront.
What is a Water Softener, and How Does it Work?
A water softener is a device that is installed into a plumbing system to combat the effects of hard water. Hard water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, that can cause issues for a household and its inhabitants. Water softeners generally rely on a resin bed made of small beads. These beads are charged with sodium ions that draw magnesium, calcium, and other chemicals from the water to soften it. The following will discuss the benefits of installing a water softener.
More Effective Cleaning
Hard water contains dissolved minerals that can interfere with cleaning. It makes it difficult for soap to lather and for detergents to dissolve, and can leave scale deposits on plumbing fixtures and pipes. Hard water is not necessarily harmful, but it can cause cleaning problems. Common signs of hard water include spotted glasses after washing dishes, stains and deposits on bathroom fixtures, and faded clothes after washing.
Water softeners are an effective solution for dealing with hard water. They use ion exchange technology to remove the minerals that make water hard. This makes it easier to clean dishes, bathrooms, and clothes. Soft water also makes clothes brighter and last longer, and dishes come out of the dishwasher spot-free. If you're tired of dealing with the effects of hard water, a water softener is a great solution.
Protection for Their Plumbing System
A water softener is a device that is installed into a plumbing system to remove hard water minerals. These minerals can build up in pipes, fixtures, and water heaters, reducing water flow and causing pipes to clog. The buildup can also lead to corrosion of pipes and water heaters, which can cause leaks and even burst pipes. Water softeners help prevent damage caused by hard water, extending the life of plumbing systems, fixtures, and water heaters. This can save you money in the long run, as you won't have to replace these items as often.
Hard water can cause problems for water heaters. Minerals in hard water stick to the tank walls and other components, which makes heat transfer harder. This causes the system to work harder and use more energy, impairing the water heater's energy efficiency. Water softeners remove these minerals, allowing water heaters to operate more efficiently. This can improve the water heater's lifespan and decrease energy bills. In addition, water softeners can help to prevent scale buildup, which can reduce the efficiency of water heaters.
Better Skin and Hair Health
If you have hard water in your home, you may have noticed its harsh effects on your skin and hair. Hard water can strip away natural oils, leaving you with dry, brittle hair and tight, irritated skin. Fortunately, there is a solution. Water softeners help reduce hard water's harsh effects on hair and skin by removing calcium and magnesium minerals from the home's water supply. Softened water helps maintain the natural oils in hair and skin, leaving you with softer, smoother, healthier-looking, and more hydrated skin and hair. If you are concerned about hard water in your home, a water softener can help you enjoy softer, healthier skin and hair.
Some Places We Work
Langley, Walnut Grove, White Rock, Surrey, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Port Coquitlam, and many more
BC, Canada, V2Z 2B1
Business Hours
Mon - Fri 8am to 4pm
Sat - Sun by appointment
After hours text your name, address & pictures of emergency to +1 236-233-9696 and/or email the same details to emergency@plumblink.ca