Plumbing Faqs - Langley, BC

How long does a hot water tank last?

Typically 8 to 12 years, depending on water quality, maintenance and use. Some reach 15. More on what shortens or extends that in hot water tank lifespan.

What are the signs my hot water tank is failing?

Rumbling or popping noises, rust-coloured hot water, running out of hot water sooner than it used to, or any water pooling at the base of the tank. Pooling water means replace it now, before it fails.

Should I replace my tank or switch to tankless?

It depends on household demand, available gas supply and venting, and how long you plan to stay in the home. We'll set out both options for your situation - see hot water tanks and tankless.

Do you service tanks as well as replace them?

Yes. Annual flushing and tune-ups keep sediment down, which is the single biggest factor in how long a tank lasts.

What counts as a plumbing emergency?

Anything actively damaging the house or making it unsafe to live in - a burst pipe, no water at all, a gas smell, or sewage coming up indoors. If you're unsure, call and describe it. We'll tell you whether it can wait until morning.

What should I do while I wait for a plumber?

For a leak or burst pipe, shut off the water at the main valve. For a sewer backup, stop using water in the house entirely. For a suspected gas leak, leave the building first and call from outside. See emergency plumbing.

Do you charge more for after-hours work? Labour is billed at the rate for the work and the qualification required. There is no call-out fee at any hour.

Contacts

+1 (236) 233-9696
contact@plumblink.ca

plumblink.ca

Business Hours

24/7 Services

After hours text your name, address & pictures of emergency to +1 236-233-9696 and/or email the same details to emergency@plumblink.ca

Common questions we get from Langley homeowners. If yours isn't here, call (236) 233-9696 or get in touch.

Booking & Pricing (How We Work)

Emergencies

Drains & Sewers

How do I know if it's one drain or the main line?

One slow fixture is a local clog. Several fixtures backing up at once - or a toilet that gurgles when the washing machine drains - is the main line, which is the more serious of the two. More detail on our drain cleaning page.

Should I use a store-bought drain cleaner?

We'd rather you didn't. They often fail to clear the blockage, they sit in the pipe, and they can damage older lines. They also make it hazardous for whoever opens that drain next.

Why does the same drain keep clogging?

Because the clog usually isn't the problem. Tree roots, a bellied or cracked pipe, or heavy grease buildup will all cause a line to block repeatedly after clearing. A camera inspection finds the cause - more in why drains keep clogging.

Do you repair sewer lines?

Yes - sewer lateral repair and replacement, with camera diagnosis and locating first. Spot repairs where the damage is confined to one section, full replacement where the line has failed generally. See sewer line repair.

A sewer problem - is that mine or the municipality's?

The pipe from your house to the property line is yours; the main in the street belongs to the municipality. Quick check: if only your home is affected, it's almost always on the private side. If several neighbours back up at once, call the Township or the City first.

Should I get the sewer line inspected before buying a house?

On an older property, yes. A lateral replacement is a significant cost and a standard home inspection doesn't cover it. A camera inspection before you close tells you what you're taking on.

Hot Water

Do you charge a call-out fee?

No. There's no call-out fee, and that applies at any hour - evenings, weekends and holidays included. You're charged for the work, not for us turning up.

How do you charge for plumbing work?

Labour is billed hourly with a one-hour minimum. After the first hour, billing is in 30-minute increments. If a job needs a second tradesperson, that time is charged at the rate for the qualification required, with the same minimum applying. See our labour rates.

Do you offer a seniors discount?

Yes - 10% for customers aged 60 and over. Mention it when we attend the job.

Can I get a fixed quote instead of hourly billing?

On larger projects, yes. Estimates are available for bigger jobs, while smaller repairs are billed hourly. Request a quote with the details and we'll tell you which applies to your job.

Why won't you quote a price over the phone?

Because a price given before anyone has seen the job isn't a quote, it's a guess - and the correction always arrives later. For anything beyond a straightforward repair we'd rather look first and give you a real number.

What are your hours?

We're available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Urgent work is handled whenever it happens; scheduled work is booked in. See our business hours.

How do I reach you after hours?

Call (236) 233-9696 any time. You can also text your name, address and photos of the problem to the same number, or email those details to emergency@plumblink.ca.

Water Lines Repiping & Poly-B

Can a plumber do gas work?

Not in BC unless they're separately licensed for it. Plumbers work to the BC Plumbing Code; gas fitters work to CSA B149.1 and are licensed through Technical Safety BC. Plumblink holds both - more in plumber vs gas fitter.

Do I need a permit for gas work?

For permanent gas installations, yes. Only a TSBC-licensed gas fitter can carry out regulated gas work and pull the permit for it. See gas fitting.

What should I do if I smell gas?

Leave the building. Don't use light switches, appliances or phones inside. Once you're outside and clear, call us on (236) 233-9696 - or FortisBC's emergency line if the smell is strong or you're unsure of the source.

Gas Fitting

What's the difference between a water line and a sewer line?

Water lines bring water in under pressure. Sewer lines carry waste out by gravity. Different pipe, different failures, different repair - a pressurized leak is repiping or water line work, while water backing up is a sewer line problem.

Why is my water discoloured?

Reddish or brown water usually means rust, either from a corroding hot water tank or from old galvanized supply pipes. If it's only on the hot side, the tank is the likely source. If it's both, the pipes are.

Do I need to replace my Poly-B plumbing?

Many insurers now require it on older Langley homes, and Poly-B fails from the inside where you can't see it. Whether it's urgent depends on the age and condition of your system - see Poly-B replacement and Poly-B and home insurance.

Can a main water line be replaced without digging up the yard?

Often, yes. Trenchless methods replace the line using access pits rather than an open trench along its full length. See trenchless main water line replacement.

Backflow Testing

Do I need backflow testing?

It depends on the property and the devices installed. Certain premises and device types require testing on a set schedule in BC - the requirements are set out in backflow testing requirements.

Are you certified to test backflow devices?

Yes. We handle backflow testing, repairs and installation - see the backflow page.