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Blog Posts (7)

  • Finding Your Perfect Fit: A Guide to Sizing Your Water Heater

    Are you in the market for a new water heater but unsure about the right size for your home? Selecting the correct size is crucial for ensuring that your household has a reliable supply of hot water without wasting energy or space. In this guide, we'll walk you through the factors to consider when choosing a water heater size, provide an overview of the available options, and offer tips for making the right decision. Factors to Consider When Choosing the Size: Household Size: The number of people in your household is a critical factor in determining the size of the water heater you need. Larger households will require a bigger tank or a higher capacity tankless water heater to meet the demand for hot water. Hot Water Usage Patterns: Consider your household's peak hot water usage times, such as mornings when everyone is getting ready for work or school. If multiple hot water outlets are used simultaneously, a larger tank or a higher flow rate for tankless water heaters may be necessary. Space Constraints: The physical space available for installing a water heater will impact your choice. Tankless water heaters are a great option for small spaces since they are compact and can be mounted on a wall. Energy Efficiency: While larger water heaters may provide more hot water, they also consume more energy. Consider the energy efficiency of the water heater you choose to minimize energy waste and lower utility bills. Overview of Available Options: When choosing a water heater size, it's important to understand the available options. Water heaters come in a variety of sizes, typically measured in gallons for tank-style heaters and litres per minute for tankless heaters. Here's a breakdown of the common sizes available for each type: Tank Water Heaters: • 30-40 Gallons: Suitable for apartments or small households with one to two people. • 50-60 Gallons: Ideal for households with two to four people. • Over 60 Gallons: Suitable for households with more than four people or higher hot water demands. Tankless Water Heaters: • 7-11 L/min: Suitable for point-of-use applications or single fixtures. • 12-25 L/min: Can serve multiple fixtures simultaneously in small to medium-sized households. • 26+ L/min: Suitable for larger households or homes with high hot water demands. Tips for Choosing the Right Size: Calculate Your Peak Hour Demand: Determine your household's peak hour demand for hot water by estimating the total gallons of hot water used during the busiest hour of the day. This will help you choose a water heater with the appropriate capacity. Consider Recovery Rate: The recovery rate of a water heater refers to how quickly it can heat a new supply of water. A higher recovery rate is important if you have a large household or high hot water demand. Consult a Professional: If you're unsure about the right size water heater for your home, consider consulting a professional plumber. They can assess your hot water needs and recommend the best option based on your specific requirements. Choosing the right size water heater is essential for meeting your household's hot water needs efficiently. By considering factors such as household size, hot water usage patterns, and available space, as well as understanding the different sizes and types of water heaters available, you can select a water heater that provides ample hot water without unnecessary energy waste.

  • What You Need to Know About Your Bubbling Toilet and Your Plumbing System

    Have you ever noticed an unusual phenomenon in your bathroom? You flush the toilet, and suddenly, you see bubbles rising in the bowl as your bathtub drains. While it might seem like a mysterious and insignificant occurrence, this phenomenon can be indicative of underlying plumbing issues. In this post, we'll delve into the reasons behind the bubbling toilet and what it could mean for your plumbing system. Ventilation System Blockage: One of the common reasons for a bubbling toilet when the bathtub drains is a blockage in the ventilation system. The plumbing in your home is equipped with vent pipes that allow air to enter the drainage system, preventing airlock. When these vents are obstructed, it can lead to negative pressure, causing water to bubble in unexpected places, such as your toilet. Main Sewer Line Clog: A more serious issue that could be causing the bubbling phenomenon is a clog in the main sewer line. When the main sewer line is blocked, it can create a backup of water and air in the plumbing system. As the bathtub drains, the air has nowhere to go, resulting in bubbles in the toilet. This situation requires immediate attention, as a clogged main sewer line can lead to more severe problems if left unaddressed. Partial Blockage in the Drain Line: Another potential cause for toilet bubbling is a partial blockage in the drain line connecting the bathtub and the toilet. This blockage can create turbulence in the water flow, causing air to be displaced and manifesting as bubbles in the toilet. Identifying and clearing this blockage can often resolve the issue. Issues with the Toilet Trap: The toilet trap is a curved section of the toilet's drainpipe that holds water, preventing sewer gases from entering the home. If the trap is compromised or there is a lack of water in it, it can allow air to move freely through the plumbing system, resulting in bubbling when other fixtures, like the bathtub, are draining. Professional Inspection and Maintenance: While some homeowners may attempt to address plumbing issues on their own, it's crucial to recognize when professional intervention is necessary. Plumbing systems can be complex, and improper DIY attempts may exacerbate the problem. A licensed plumber can conduct a thorough inspection, identify the root cause of the bubbling issue, and implement the appropriate solutions to restore proper functionality. In Summary: Solving the Bubbling Toilet Understanding why your toilet bubbles when the bathtub drains is the first step in addressing potential plumbing issues. Whether it's a ventilation system blockage, a clogged main sewer line, a partial drain line blockage, or an issue with the toilet trap, timely intervention by a professional plumber is key to preventing further damage and ensuring the proper functioning of your plumbing system. Don't ignore these signs – take action to keep your plumbing in top condition and your home comfortable and problem-free.

  • Your Furnace is Not Working? Here Are 5 Common Problems and How to Fix Them

    October is finally here and as the crispness of fall fills the air, it serves as a timely reminder that the heating season is here. Amidst the excitement of all things pumpkin-spiced, it's crucial to ensure your home's heating system, particularly the furnace, is primed for the impending colder months. Just like any mechanical system, furnaces can occasionally encounter hiccups that leave you feeling less than cozy. But fret not! In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into typical furnace issues and provide practical solutions to guarantee your home remains a haven of warmth throughout fall and winter. #1: Furnace Problem: The Ignition System Problem: Pilot Light Outages A pilot light is a small flame responsible for igniting the fuel that heats your home. When the pilot light goes out, the furnace ceases to operate. Several factors can contribute to a pilot light outage. A common culprit is a dirty or clogged pilot orifice—the small hole where the pilot light burns. If this orifice becomes obstructed, the pilot light can't remain lit. Another potential issue is a malfunctioning thermocouple—a sensor that communicates the pilot light's status to the furnace. A faulty thermocouple can prevent the furnace from recognizing that the pilot light is lit, resulting in a failure to turn on. To rectify a pilot light outage, the pilot orifice and/or the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement. Although these tasks can often be carried out following the instructions in your furnace's owner's manual, if uncertainty or discomfort arises, seeking professional assistance is wise to ensure safety. #2: Poor or Uneven Airflow Problem: Clogged Filters Are you experiencing uneven heating, with one room feeling like an icebox while another exudes toasty warmth? This common issue often stems from airflow irregularities. Dirty or clogged filters can restrict the flow of air through the furnace, resulting in decreased efficiency and potential damage. Filters can become clogged for various reasons. A primary factor is neglecting regular filter changes—filters should ideally be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on their type. Another cause of clogged filters is using the wrong size or type for your furnace. Preventing filter-related problems involves consistent filter changes and ensuring the correct size and type are used. By doing so, you'll maintain optimal airflow, contributing to efficient and effective heating. Dirty or clogged filters can restrict the flow of air through the furnace, resulting in decreased efficiency and potential damage. #3: Unusual Noises, Weak Circulation, or Cycling On and Off Problem: Blower Motor Issues The blower motor is responsible for circulating air through your furnace and home. When the blower motor malfunctions, your furnace's ability to heat your living spaces effectively can be compromised. Numerous factors can contribute to blower motor issues. One common cause is a dirty or clogged blower wheel—the component that propels the air. If the wheel is obstructed, the blower motor can't circulate air efficiently. Another potential culprit is a faulty capacitor—a small device aiding in the blower motor's startup. If the capacitor is faulty, the blower motor might struggle to initiate or operate at the correct speed. Addressing blower motor problems may involve cleaning or replacing the blower wheel and/or capacitor. Given the intricacies involved, seeking the expertise of a qualified professional is often the best approach to ensure proper repair. #4: Unusual Odors, Flame Rollouts, and Flickering Yellow Pilot Lights Problem: Heat Exchanger Issues The heat exchanger plays a pivotal role in transferring heat from the combustion process to the circulated air within your home. A damaged heat exchanger can potentially release harmful gases into your living spaces, posing serious risks. Heat exchanger issues can arise due to various factors. Corrosion is a common cause—moisture or chemicals in the air can contribute to its development over time. Another potential issue is cracks in the heat exchanger, often stemming from manufacturing defects or physical damage. Should the heat exchanger become damaged, repairing or replacing it is imperative. However, this task should only be undertaken by a qualified technician to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your furnace. #5: Temperamental Thermostats Problem: Thermostat Issues The thermostat serves as the command center for your home's temperature control. When the thermostat malfunctions, your furnace might struggle to maintain the desired temperature, impacting your comfort. Several factors can lead to thermostat problems. One common cause is a dirty or corroded thermostat, which can affect accuracy and responsiveness. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent these issues. Another potential culprit is a faulty thermostat—replacement might be necessary if internal components are compromised. To ward off thermostat issues, regular cleaning and prompt replacement when necessary are recommended. By maintaining a well-functioning thermostat, you'll enjoy consistent and comfortable temperatures. Summary: As you prepare for the upcoming seasons, ensuring your furnace's optimal performance is paramount. Recognizing and addressing common furnace problems promptly empowers you to maintain a cozy and energy-efficient home environment. While some troubleshooting can be handled independently, remember that safety takes precedence, and complex repairs or replacements are best left to qualified professionals. By staying proactive, you'll ensure that your heating system operates seamlessly, offering warmth and comfort as you savor fall's delights in the welcoming embrace of your home. For professional assistance with any of these furnace problems or for furnace maintenance, repairs, or replacement, our dedicated team at Express Plumbing and Heating is here to support you. With our expertise, your comfort remains our top priority.

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Other Pages (29)

  • Express Plumbing and Heating | Red Deer | Tankless Water Heaters

    BROWSE HEATING SERVICES Next Furnace Repair Next Garage Heaters Next In-Floor Heating Next Conventional Water Heaters Next Tankless Water Heaters Next Gas Fitting Services Next Emergency Services Tankless Water Heaters Have A Heating Emergency? We have 24/7 on-call technicians that are ready to help you CALL NOW Delivering the highest quality of water heater services Tankless water heaters are an alternative to conventional water heaters. They are an on-demand or instantaneous system of water heating meaning that they provide hot water as needed but do not hold extra water in storage. One of the main advantages of a tankless system is that they are very energy efficient and can save you money over time. These systems provide continuous hot water, up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Tankless heaters offer a space-saving wall-hung cabinet, as compared to a bulky tank. They are a good option for combined heating. We offer a variety of brand names and models, for new installations or retrofits. We also service all makes and models. Contact Us Today For A Job Estimate For Your Water Heater Services Call us at 403-356-1111 to chat with a customer service representative and let's discuss what type of water heater system is best for your home. ​ GET A QUOTE I have used Express Plumbing and Heating many times over the years for all sorts of work from replacing furnaces and hot water heater . They have always been good to me and I will keep giving them work. Every time call them after hours always have someone there right away to get thing fixed and working weather it is heating problem or burst pipe. If anyone asks I always recommend Express to anyone that needs a plumber to do work. Look forward to doing more work with the company and all the awesome employees that work there Clinton Russell WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING ABOUT US Our Commitment To You Honest Pricing We promise to provide you with fair, open and accurate pricing with no hidden fees. Integrity Adhering to the highest standards of quality, professionalism and promptitude of a job from start to finish. Satisfaction Guaranteed Partnering with the best in the business with brands you can trust. Our services are completely backed with a full year, limited warranty on material and labour. Got Questions? Send Us A Message! Contact Us Our experts are waiting to hear from you!

  • Express Plumbing and Heating | Red Deer | Polybutylene Replacements

    BROWSE PLUMBING SERVICES Next Plumbing Repair Next Drain Cleaning Next Water Treatment Next Boilers Next Sewer Line Replacements Next Poly-B Replacements Next Bathroom Renovations Next Kitchen Renovations Next Emergency Services Polybutylene Piping Replacements Delivering the highest quality in Poly-B replacement services Have A Plumbing Emergency? We have 24/7 on-call technicians that are ready to help you CALL NOW In the spring of 1998, manufacturers ceased production of the Poly-B piping after their suppliers stopped production of the resin. One of the issues with Poly-B piping is that it may look fine from the outside, but over time the interior may begin to deteriorate after prolonged exposure to hot and/or chemically (chlorinated) treated water. This could lead to a fitting failure or a rupture of the piping. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell if there is existing damage to the interior of the piping or the possible remaining life expectancy. ​ Since the damages to the piping typically originate from the inside, and with an average life expectancy of 10-15 years from the date of install, we generally recommend the replacement of all the Poly-B lines with Pex. Since Pex piping has a higher pressure limit, tolerance to heat and resistance to corrosion, makes it more superior then Poly-B. ​ Do you know what type of plumbing is in your home? Was your home built between 1975 and 1998, and hasn’t undergone any substantial renovations? Then you may have Polybutylene (Poly-B) piping. With main characteristics of Poly-B piping being grey in colour with either plastic fittings of the same colour or copper/brass fittings, it is very easy to distinguish Payment Plans Available. Apply Now After the imperfections of Poly-B piping became more common knowledge, home insurance for properties containing Poly-B became more difficult to obtain due to the high risk of failure that this piping was susceptible to. Since obtaining home insurance when you have Poly-B is an issue, it may also deter potential home buyers, as Poly-B is no longer a CSA-approved building material. ​ As a result of Poly-B piping being used to supply all fixtures within a home, a complete replacement may be an extensive project. But, not only are you investing in your homes resale value, you are providing yourself with peace of mind with reducing the risks of potential leaks and ruptures causing potentially significant damage. Contact Us Today For A Job Estimate On Inspecting For Poly-B In Your Home Call us at 403-356-1111 to chat with a customer service representative to work out a solution to ensure that your home is Poly-B free. ​ ​ I was so sick and tired of repairing the Poly B piping in our house. I asked Express Plumbing for a quote to replace all the pipe work in the house plus add a back flow preventer and a new water heater. Very prompt reply and great quote followed. We booked them in. They arrived as scheduled and did an excellent job. We were very impressed with their service. If ever I need a plumber again I will call them for sure. I highly recommend them for all your plumbing needs. Bill Woods WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING ABOUT US GET A QUOTE Our Commitment To You Honest Pricing We promise to provide you with fair, open and accurate pricing with no hidden fees. Integrity Adhering to the highest standards of quality, professionalism and promptitude of a job from start to finish. Satisfaction Guaranteed Partnering with the best in the business with brands you can trust. Our services are completely backed with a full year, limited warranty on material and labour. Got Questions? Send Us A Message! Contact Us Our experts are waiting to hear from you!

  • Express Plumbing and Heating | Red Deer | Sewer Line Replacements

    BROWSE PLUMBING SERVICES Next Plumbing Repair Next Drain Cleaning Next Water Treatment Next Boilers Next Sewer Line Replacements Next Poly-B Replacements Next Bathroom Renovations Next Kitchen Renovations Next Emergency Services Have A Plumbing Emergency? We have 24/7 on-call technicians that are ready to help you CALL NOW Payment Plans Available. Apply Now Main Sewer Line Replacement Delivering the highest quality in sewer line services All the plumbing fixtures within your home connect to one critical element, which is the main sewer line. This sewer line is what connects your home to the municipal sewer, so that all the waste from your toilet and drains get properly transported out to the main sewer system. Between improper usage of the plumbing fixtures within the home, and environmental factors, your main sewer line can take a real beating. Often the cost of maintenance falls on the homeowner, so it is important to know the warning signs of an ailing system. ​ Warning Signs Frequent sewage back-ups Multiple fixtures within the home unable to drain Unusual reactions after using a plumbing fixture (Flushing the toilet results in sewage backing up into the tub/shower) Changes to your lawn (Indentations or puddles/soggy areas, even though there has been no rain) ​ ​ Causes for a Clogged Sewer Line ​ Damaged piping may result in the sewage being unable to properly drain. This may cause immediate and/or frequent sewage back-ups. Anything from the shifting or settling of the surrounding soil, to heavy machinery above or even improperly sealed joints during the initial installation could result in a damaged or weakened pipe. PIPE DAMAGE ​​ ​ Even though this is completely out of your control, it will happen overtime. The “sagging” of a sewer line occurs after a section of the piping has sunk due to surrounding soil conditions. These dips in the line cause a nice little nest for paper and waste to collect overtime, eventually leading to an obstruction in the drainage, which may result in a sewage back up within your home. ​ "SAGGING" OF THE SEWER LINE ​ Mature neighborhoods typically have the beautiful, picturesque, tree lined streets that often attract buyers on this aesthetic alone. However, these properties are notorious for hiding a dirty little secret, tree roots. Older sewer lines were constructed using generally clay, no-corrode or cast-iron materials. In addition, the connections between the pipe sections weren’t as tight as PVC, which is the standard we use today. As trees and shrubs grow, their roots extend beneath the surface in search of a water source. Over time, roots may adhere themselves or even penetrate the sewer piping which in turn may cause debris to become entangled and restrict the flow of the drainage, potentially leading to sewer back-ups. Expansion of the roots may also result in cracks in the pipe, leading to possible leaks and/or ruptures. ROOTS ​ What Should You Do If You Suspect A Clogged Sewer Line: If you frequently experience any of the warning signs mentioned above and suspect there is some form of pipe damage then a video inspection is highly recommended. First and foremost, our technicians will go in and remove the clog that is obstructing the main sewer line. Secondly, through the use of a video inspection, they can locate where the exact issue resides. Using a radio transmitter, located within the camera, they will be able to trace the exact physical location as well as depth. This provides a more efficient repair or replacement of the damaged piping. In doing so will allow us to conduct the appropriate course of action and ensure that there are no added factors to why the sewer backed up. When the job is complete, we want you to have peace of mind that the root cause has been resolved. Contact Us Today For A Job Estimate If You Are Concerned About Your Main Sewer Line Call us at 403-356-1111 to chat with a customer service representative and let's get your plumbing problem fixed. ​ ...I contacted Express P&H to come do a scope and quote for me. I spoke with Jason and he came the next day. Luckily, he went above and beyond the basic scope I asked for as he found an almost 100% blockage in the line. I would have had a sewer backup incident sooner than later. Given the severity of the situation, Jason and Bella fit me in to have the preventer installed and the line augered out as soon as they possibly could. He also took the time to answer approximately one million questions, give or take 3 or 4, so I knew exactly what to expect moving forward. Charity Carleton WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING ABOUT US GET A QUOTE Our Commitment To You Honest Pricing We promise to provide you with fair, open and accurate pricing with no hidden fees. Integrity Adhering to the highest standards of quality, professionalism and promptitude of a job from start to finish. Satisfaction Guaranteed Partnering with the best in the business with brands you can trust. Our services are completely backed with a full year, limited warranty on material and labour. Got Questions? Send Us A Message! Contact Us Our experts are waiting to hear from you!

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