How To Deal With Gas Leaks

How-To-Deal-With-Gas-Leaks

Millions of households in Canada and around the world use natural gas as it is a convenient source of energy for cooking and heating purposes. The safety of natural gas is another reason why it is preferred by a lot of people. A professional gas fitting company can ensure maximum safety by providing reliable and efficient services.

However, if you are not relying on the experts, there are certain things that can go wrong and can even make the usage of natural gas unsafe. It can cause serious issues for your health and overall property.

Therefore, it is important for you to be familiar with how to detect gas leaks and repair them. It will facilitate you in avoiding the different dangers associated with gas leaks.

What Is A Natural Gas Leak?

Natural gas is a source of fossil energy. It is composed of methane, non-hydrocarbon gasses, and various other natural gas liquids. There are many instances in which a natural gas leak can occur. For instance, if the gas line or appliance is not properly installed or has gotten damaged.

Generally, natural gas leaks are common with old gas lines that are suffering from corrosion and wear and tear.

Dangerous Effects Of A Gas Leak

Natural gas is non-toxic, but there are many different dangerous effects of a gas leak that you can face in certain conditions, such as:

  • Dizziness when a high concentration of natural gas is present in a limited space
  • If some flammable mixtures are exposed to open air with natural gas, they can explode
  • Damage trees and houseplants
  • Greater gas bills as the gas appliances will not be properly working when gas is leaking
  • Expensive property damage

If you want to avoid these effects of gas leakage, you should contact professional gas fitters in Calgary to let the experts take care of your gas pipes and appliances.

Detecting A Gas Leak

There are certain strategies that you can use to detect gas leaks quickly:

1. Check For The Smell Of Rotten Eggs

Most natural gasses are colourless and odourless in nature. However, natural gas companies add an additive called mercaptan to the gas to give it a special smell. This smell is similar to the smell of rotten eggs or sulphur.

Hence, it can be detected easily in your home. If you are smelling this kind of odour, you should immediately contact a professional gas fitter technician to help you out.

2. Hissing Noise

If you are hearing excessive hissing or whistling noises from a gas line, there is a high chance that there might be a significant leak in it. Focus on the part from where you hear the noise.

For instance, if you are hearing a hissing noise from near the AC unit, it might be a symptom of a damaged refrigerant line or a leaking valve. Whatever the reason might be, a professional gas fitter can easily identify the root cause of the leakage and resolve the issue.

Also Read: Simple Tips For Boiler Maintenance

3. Examine The Stove

A gas stove that is working with maximum efficiency and performance will give off a blue flame. However, if the stove is giving off orange or red flames, it means that the gas is leaking from the stove and there is a lack of oxygen in it.

4. Use A Gas Leak Detector

Using a gas leak detector is the quickest and most efficient method of detecting leaks. There are many gas leak detectors, but it is highly recommended that you call the professionals for a thorough inspection of your gas pipes and appliances to ensure you are completely safe from the dangers posed by gas leaks.

5. Perform A Soapy Water Test

Performing a simple soapy water test is another common method to detect gas leaks. It involves mixing a teaspoon of soap with a cup of water to create a concentrated solution and saturate the area in which you think that gas is leaking. If the bubbles show up in the solution, it shows that gas is leaking in the area.

What To Do If Gas Is Leaking

If you suspect that gas is leaking on your property, the best thing to do in such a situation is to call professional gas fitters and plumbers. Regular maintenance will also ultimately help you avoid such issues from happening in the first place.

Professional plumbers have a thorough insight into different types of gas pipes and appliances. As a result, they are able to detect and fix gas leaks quickly.

About Jack’d Up Plumbing

Jack’d Up Plumbing is a certified plumbing company in Calgary. We provide all types of plumbing services, including gas fitting and repair services. You can contact us anytime if you are in search of professional plumbers to deal with gas leaks.

4 Types Of Garburators For Your Garbage Disposal Needs

4-Types-Of-Garburators-For-Your-Garbage-Disposal-Needs

Having an efficient, reliable, and well-maintained garburator is essential for garbage disposal in both commercial and residential properties. Choosing the right garburator is not always an easy task, especially when you are not familiar with the different types of garburators available in the market.

If you choose to rely on a garburator installation company, you can easily discuss your requirements with the professionals and get the best garbage disposal solution.

The primary function of all garburators is to grind up food that is tossed down the drain. Nevertheless, you can find four main types of garbage disposal equipment. In this blog post, you will get to know all about these different types of garburators so that you are able to make the best choice as per your requirements.

Importance Of Choosing The Right Garburator

The purpose of having different types of garburators is that it is not possible for only one type of garbage disposal system to support all types of requirements. For example, if you have limited space, you will need garbage disposal instead of a trash compactor as a garburator is placed under the sink and does not take up extra space.

Moreover, different types of garburators have their own advantages and disadvantages that help you in choosing the best garbage disposal method for your kitchen.

Types Of Garburators

The following are the four major types of garburators.

1. Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal

You can turn on the continuous feed garburator with a switch when you are running water down the sink’s drain. This type of garburator will keep grinding down the food waste as long as the switch is turned on.

Continuous feed garburators are typically used to deal with a large amount of waste as you have complete control over when you want to turn it on. You can simply keep it running when you are cleaning the sink.

Another reason why these garbage disposal systems are popular in both commercial and residential properties is that they are significantly less expensive batch feed disposals.

Generally, a continuous feed garburator is sufficient to fulfil your waste management needs. However, its major disadvantage is that the switch operating system can turn into a safety hazard because the garburator will be running as long as the switch is flipped. They can also result in higher utility bills.

Also Read: Learn About The Pros And Cons Of A Garburator

2. Batch Feed Garbage Disposal

The function of the batch feed garbage disposal system is to grind batches of food waste individually. This type of garburator comes with a specialized cover that covers the sink drain and on top of the disposal. The cover aligns with the disposal’s top to turn it on and shred any of the waste contained within the unit.

If you want to get a garburator that provides maximum safety, then choosing batch feed garbage disposal is certainly the best option for you. Since it operates only when the cover is placed, it is a safer option than a continuous feed garburator.

Furthermore, the disposal cover also eliminates the chances of different objects falling down the drain by mistake. Keep in mind that batch feed garburators are only suitable for dealing with a small amount of food waste. You cannot expect it to deal with a large amount of food waste.

Whether you use a continuous feed garburator or batch feed garburator, it is important to rely on professional garburator installation services to ensure the garbage disposal systems are installed in the best way possible.

3. Undercounter Garbage Disposal

As the name suggests, an under-counter garbage disposal is installed directly beneath the counter. On the other hand, most other types of garbage disposal systems are installed directly under the sink.

4. Manual Garburator

Manual garbage disposal means that you use a garburator to manually grind the food waste. However, this method of garbage disposal has become outdated to a great extent due to the modern innovations in the garbage disposal industry.

About Us

Jack’d Up Plumbing is a renowned plumbing company that provides professional garburator installation and maintenance services in Calgary. Our comprehensive services make sure that our clients can rely on us whenever they face any plumbing-related issue, such as managing food waste via garburator and choosing the best garbage disposal system. Contact us today for more information.

Common Do’s And Don’ts Of Using A Garburator

Common-Dos-And-Donts-Of-Using-A-Garburator

Garburators, commonly known as garbage disposals, are a vital kitchen component of every household. They are used to shred pieces of food into smaller pieces so that they do not clog the drain pipes.

If you live in an area where garbage pickups happen weekly or bi-monthly, then having a garbage disposal is a must for you.

Garburators are attached under a sink, and their job is to shred any leftover food into smaller pieces so that when they go down the pipes, they don’t clog your house’s plumbing system.

Since garburators are machines, they can also run into problems like any other kitchen appliance. Thus, if you ever face a problem with your garburator, you should call a certified plumbing contractor.

Also Read: Things You Should Not Put In A Garburator

There are some common garbage disposal mistakes that can be avoided by regular garburator maintenance and inspection.

Like every other machine, there are some common do’s and don’ts of using a garburator.

If you would like to learn about the do’s and don’ts of a garburator, then keep on reading. In this blog post, we will outline the common do’s and don’ts of using a garbage disposal.

Do’s Of Using A Garburator

Here are some common do’s of using garbage disposal that you should be aware of:

Keep It Clean

You should always keep your garbage disposal clean at all times. A common mistake most people make is that they don’t clean their garburator after using it, which ultimately leads to bigger problems.

When you don’t clean your garburator after shredding huge chunks of leftovers, the residue of leftover foods causes a bad odour and, in worst cases, even clogs the garburator.

Therefore, in order to avoid such problems, make a rule of always cleaning the garburator after using it, this way your garbage disposal will be spick and span at all times, and you will not face any problems with its efficiency.

Cut Down Large Chunks Of Food

Another important thing you should always keep in mind when using a garburator is to cut down the large pieces of food into smaller pieces before putting them in the garbage disposal.

Now you might think that this is the job of the garburator so why should you cut large pieces of food into smaller ones?

The truth is that it is the job of the garburator to shred the food chunks, but putting really large pieces of food in the garburator will increase the chances of clogs and can even damage the blades.

You don’t have to cut down the food into small, itty bitty pieces but you need to cut down really large pieces of food into small chunks so that the garburator can easily shred them into tiny pieces.

Don’ts Of Using A Garburator

Here are some common don’ts of using a garburator that will help you keep your garbage disposal in pristine condition:

Never Try To Sharpen The Blades

You should never try to sharpen the blades of your garburator. Many people think that by sharpening the blades of their garburator, they will be able to make it more efficient. But they don’t realize that by sharpening the blades, they are actually damaging the blades of their garbage disposal.

The blades of your garburator are blunt, so there’s no point in sharpening them with eggshells or ice; using these items will only damage your garburator and might lead to major problems.

If you ever face problems with the blades of your garburator, don’t try to sharpen them yourself. Instead, call a certified plumbing contractor and get professional garburator repair services.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

Another common mistake that most people make is that they use harsh chemicals to clean their garburators. What they don’t realize is that the chemical, instead of cleaning their garburators, is damaging its components. So make sure never to use harmful cleaning chemicals to clean your garburators.

The best way to maintain your garburator is by getting professional garburator maintenance services from a certified plumbing company.

About Jack’d Up Plumbing

Jack’d Up Plumbing is an accredited plumbing company in Calgary. We offer our clients professional residential and commercial plumbing services in Calgary and surrounding areas. We strive to provide the best plumbing services to our clients. So if you are facing any plumbing or garburator related issues, you should hire us. Contact us today for more information.

Common Reasons Your Faucet May Be Leaking

Common-Reasons-Your-Faucet-May-Be-Leaking

One of the most common and annoying household problems is a leaking faucet. Just like many others, to you, it might also seem like nothing more than a nuisance that keeps you awake at night. But in reality, a dripping faucet can lead to high water bills and even flood if left untreated.

So if you have a leaky faucet, call a certified residential plumber and get it fixed immediately because if left untreated, its consequences can range from annoying to catastrophic.

Also Read: Reasons Why You Should Not Fix Plumbing Fixtures On Your Own

A leaky faucet wastes a lot of water. For instance, if your faucet drips six drops a minute, it will lose 1200 liters of water annually, which makes it equivalent to seven bathtubs. So apart from drain clogs and water stains, a leaky faucet is also harmful to the environment.

Many homeowners will try to fix a leaky faucet themselves, but we advise that you hire certified residential plumbers as, without proper knowledge, you might escalate the problem rather than fix it.

Also, if you know what is behind a leaking faucet, you might be able to avoid this problem. In this blog post, we will outline the common reasons your faucets may be leaking.

Strong Water Pressure

Typically the water pressure is set by the municipality utility supplier. In most regions, an 80psi pressure reading is considered perfect, so if it gets close to 100 psi, you will start noticing issues with your plumbing system.

Though many of us enjoy high water pressure, it is still one of the most common causes of a leaky tap. If the water pressure is too strong, it can mess with the water flow in your pipes. Moreover, the water will not be able to flow smoothly from its destination and will create a backup, and ultimately all of the excess water will start leaking out of your faucets.

Issues with your plumbing, such as cracks in the fittings or pipes, will also alter your water pressure, so make sure to check the area under your sink periodically.

Also, excessive water pressure will create a water hammer, which is used to describe the loud thumping that occurs when excessive water hits a valve. Apart from just irritating sounds, this situation can be very disruptive to your plumbing system. Hence it is advisable to get it checked by professional residential plumbers to avoid future problems.

Some people will try to fix water pressure issues themselves. Still, it can be difficult to fix if you don’t have the expertise, so it’s best to call a certified plumber and get your water pressure issues fixed immediately.

Broken Parts

Sometimes people will try to stop the leak by turning the faucet knobs tighter, but this only causes more damage to the valve washer and set as you are not tightening the knobs but are grating them together.

Most faucet leaks can be fixed by just simply removing the faucet and installing a new washer at the end of the spindle.

However, sometimes a valve seat can be so worn out that even a new washer will not be able to form a tight seal. The valve seat can also become corroded due to mineral build-ups and other contaminated particles in your water. To fix this issue, you will need to hire a certified residential plumber for reliable water leak repair services.

If your home has a washerless faucet, the repair method will be a bit different and complex, so you will need the help of a certified plumber to fix your leaky washerless faucets.

About Jack’d Up Plumbing

Jack’d Up Plumbing is a trusted plumbing company in Calgary offering many plumbing-related services. If you are having issues with your pipes and want to get them fixed as soon as possible, call Jack’d Up Plumbing. We specialize in drain cleaning and other services such as water and gas leak repair, bathroom and kitchen plumbing repairs and installations, water heater and furnace repair/installs, and more.

We at Jack’d Up Plumbing provide prompt, professional, and affordable plumbing services to our residential and commercial customers in Calgary and surrounding areas. For more information about our services, talk to our professionals by contacting us here.

How Do Different Types Of Water Softeners Work?

How-Do-Different-Types-Of-Water-Softeners-Work

If you have faced issues with household water supply, you might have done a lot of research on it. If you have concluded from your research that the installation of a water softener may resolve the issue, then you must also know which one is most suitable for your condition. So, for water softener requirements and other plumbing issues, contact Calgary’s most reliable plumbing contractors plumbing contractors immediately.

In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the types of water softeners and their functionality. A water softener removes minerals from the water supply to decrease its hardness. Hard water has a high content of magnesium and calcium in it. The latter is not toxic but dangerous in other ways that may damage your skin, water appliances, clothes, and plumbing fixtures if washed with hard water.

Also Read: Reasons Why You Should Not Fix Plumbing Fixtures On Your Own

A Salt Tank

As the water supply passes through beads, minerals get replaced by salt through ion exchange. This results in the depletion of resin beads, so the system needs to be flushed regularly by a process known as regeneration.

Working

A strong water solution known as brine is created by the addition of salt to the softener. The brine solution flows through the mineral tank containing resins, exchanging the sodium for hard water minerals and rinsing the beads.

Dual Tank Water Softener

It is a very convenient water softener. It consists of two mineral tanks and a standard salt tank. As a result, one tank is always available even if the other is regenerating. Dual tank water softeners never pause the softening or cleaning process, so they offer to soften 24 hours a day seven days a week. Its two cylinders perform the water softening process independently.

Salt-Free Water Softener

A salt-free water softener is very suitable for decreasing your intake of salt for medical reasons. It substitutes the salt with potassium chloride. This system is also known as a descaler or a water conditioner. This system stops the accumulation of harmful deposits in your plumbing pipes and water appliances rather than removing minerals from hard water. This technology works very well on moving or flowing water rather than stationary.

However, salt-free water softeners are not able to remove hard minerals from the water. These softeners can only transform magnesium and calcium by chemical process to stop the precipitation from forming scale. Salt-free water softeners cannot soften the water. They can only condition it.

Reverse Osmosis Water Purification System

The water purification filtration system forces the water through the semipermeable membrane at a very high pressure. In the process, harmful minerals and other particles like nitrates and minerals get filtered out.

Working

A reverse osmosis purification system first removes chlorine and sediments from the water before forcing the water to a semipermeable membrane. This process is completed by using the pre-filters. After the pre-filtered, water passes through a semipermeable membrane to remove the dissolved salts. After passing through the membrane, water is passed through a post filter to polish the water. However, the working of reverse osmosis filters varies with the number of pre and post-filters it may have.

Magnetic Descaler

A full-size water softener cannot easily fit in a small home, as salt-based and salt-free softeners may take up the place. Magnetic water makes this situation easy as it is strapped onto water pipes. In some cases, you don’t have to cut the water line to get it installed. It can easily be plugged into the power supply, requiring electricity. But, some magnetic descalers need to be hardwired.

Like salt-free water softeners, magnetic descalers are not able to remove heavy minerals from the water. Magnetic water softeners only neutralize the heavy minerals. By using a magnetic softener, the heavy minerals are repelled from the water pipes by the resulting magnetic field. It is said that magnetic descalers reduce the effect of hard water by using magnetic fields instead of chemical processes. However, the usefulness of magnetic descalers is unscientific and unproven till now.

About Jack’d Up Plumbing

At Jack’d Up Plumbing , we provide plumbing services to our clients in Calgary & surrounding areas. We specialize in drain cleaning and other plumbing-related services such as water and gas leak repair, bathroom and kitchen plumbing repairs, and installations. We provide prompt, professional, and affordable plumbing services to our residential and commercial customers in Calgary and surrounding areas. Contact us for more information.

Common Plumbing Issues In Summer

Common-Plumbing-Issues-In-Summer

Plumbing problems are bound to happen, whether it is winter or summer. Many people might believe that winter leads to more plumbing problems. However, summer can also be equally challenging for plumbing problems that need immediate care and attention.

Toilet systems can experience problems that a simple plunger can’t fix. Hiring a professional plumbing company to fix plumbing issues that might arise in the summer becomes necessary in many cases.

As the seasons change, so does your plumbing system. Each season brings a unique set of plumbing problems that you have to deal with. Continue reading to find out some of the common plumbing issues you might face in the summer.

Clogged Disposal

Summer might be a good time for cook-outs, grilling, and enjoying fresh summer fruits and vegetables. However, throwing peels and leftovers down the disposal and garburator can lead to bigger problems. Fruit, stones, meat, grease, and melon rinds will block your disposal and force the dirty water back into the sink. This can give quite an untidy appearance. Therefore, working on your clogged drain and hiring a professional plumbing company to remove the blockages from the drain is necessary to make sure that the water drains down properly. You must also take care of garbage disposals and not throw any material in them that can cause blockages.

Also Read: Top 2 Signs Your Garburator May Be Clogged

Sprinkler Issues

As summer arrives, there is more traffic on lawns, and lawn mowers are used more frequently. Hence, sprinklers in the garden become more prone to damage. Therefore, you must be aware of your sprinklers and check if they’re in a good condition before using them to avoid any significant damage.

Flooding Basements

You might look forward to a mid-day thunderstorm in the summer. However, summer thunderstorms can come with short bursts of torrential downpour. You might have heard about sump pump repair if you have a cellar or a basement prone to flooding. Heavy rain in the summer can cause unexpected downpours, which can quickly turn into a flooding problem.

Therefore, you must ensure that your sump pump is working in good condition right after winter because you might not need a sump pump in the winter. However, after winter, you must conduct maintenance and proper inspection to avoid flooding in your basement.

Poor Draining Showers

During winter, people often do not pay attention to their plumbing issues and keep using them without maintenance. However, as summer arrives, these plumbing issues become more apparent as you use taps, showers, or similar items more.

Also, after taking a trip to the beach, you hit the shower. Sand and tiny bits of debris can become a common culprit of slow draining showers. If you think your shower is not working correctly and not providing you with sufficient water, it is time to do some plumbing repairs and replace the shower.

Conclusion

Apart from the problems mentioned above, backup disposal problems, washing machine problems, and other similar issues are quite common in the summer. Therefore, you need to conduct proper maintenance and inspections ahead of time to avoid any potential damages to your plumbing system.

We hope the above guide will help you look out for some of the common summer plumbing problems you may face and what you can do to fix them. If you are experiencing any kind of plumbing issue which you think you cannot handle on your own, it is better to hire a professional plumbing company that can assist you in resolving such issues then attempt to solve them on your own.

About Jack’d Up Plumbing

At Jack’d Up Plumbing, we provide our clients in Calgary & area plumbing services. We specialize in drain cleaning and other plumbing-related services such as water and gas leak repair, bathroom and kitchen plumbing repairs and installations, water heater and furnace repair/installs, and more. With plenty of experience and knowledge in the industry, we can take on even the most challenging plumbing jobs. No job is too big or too small for us. We perform all our jobs with complete honesty, dedication, and professionalism.

Our prompt response and exceptional customer service make us your best choice for plumbing. Contact us for more information.

The Most Common Kitchen Remodeling Plumbing Mistakes

The-Most-Common-Kitchen-Remodeling-Plumbing-Mistakes

The kitchen is the most critical area of a home when it comes to proper functioning and cleanliness. Any problems in the kitchen environment, fixtures, and other components can have a direct impact on the health of your family.

Hence, bringing any change in the structure and setting of your kitchen is crucial. Kitchen remodeling projects are stressful and can get even more stressful when mistakes are made.

However, the following blog is designed to provide a helpful guide for you to understand the most common kitchen remodeling problems to help you avoid them.

Not Picking A Sink First

One of the easiest mistakes to commit as well as avoid is to think about your sink first. This may seem like a simple thing, but you would be surprised to know how many plumbing mistakes occur when the sink was not selected before the kitchen remodel started.

When it comes to fitting a sink, it may come out to be of the wrong size or may not fit the pipe locations. So, when you choose your sink first instead of focusing on the cabinets, it allows the plumbing contractor and plumber to work better and make sure the pipes are fixed in the right places.

Mismatching Pipes

When pipes are not rightly sized and they do not match they start corroding and leaking. This will in return start damaging the structure of your kitchen. Fortunately, different pipes can be fixed together but for that, you need a plumbing expert with immense knowledge and quality fixtures.

Also, you should make sure that the fixtures are compatible with the pipes to avoid low water pressure. If you are not familiar with fixtures and pipes no need to feel bad, professionals know their job and can guide you the best.

Also Read: Reasons Why You Should Not Fix Plumbing Fixtures On Your Own

The Sink Is Not Vented

Another common mistake that people make when remodeling their kitchens is that the plumbing vents are not fixed according to the new settings. There are chances that you may miss the installation of your plumbing vents completely when installing a new sink or other appliances. Plumbing vents allow for the safe escape of air and sewer gas from your home. Moreover, plumbing vents allow oxygen to enter the pipes and break down waste to maintain the right plumbing pressure.

If you don’t install plumbing vents during your kitchen’s remodeling, you will be exposing yourself to harmful fumes and gases. Almost all building codes now require the installation of plumbing vents.

Remembering The Flooring Late

Finally, the flooring is usually left behind for the last part of the project, which is nothing but just a recipe for a disaster. You will find that the flooring is placed around and over the fixtures instead of under them because the owner decided to have the flooring done when everything else was completed. You will find the plumbing renovation experts guiding you to first install the flooring and then get the fixtures placed.

Moreover, if you ever want your dishwasher to get fixed, your plumber will find it difficult to repair it because of the disrupting flooring. Therefore, always get your flooring installed as a first step in your kitchen remodeling project.

Request Professional Plumbing Renovation Services

Please note that the above-mentioned mistakes are all avoidable. If you already have a kitchen remodeling project started, the wisest decision would be to call a reputable plumbing contractor to help you out. While pipes and fixtures can be installed by novices as well, they will cause more problems than the new ease that you aim to get from your time-consuming remodeling project.

For years, Calgarians have depended on us for their plumbing needs, and our seasoned professionals have never failed them. Learn more about Jack’d Up Plumbing and our exquisite solutions for leaks, problematic garburators, drain cleaning, plumbing renovations, and other HVAC installation and maintenance tasks.

Have a clogged drain or a leaking pipe? Looking for a plumbing renovation expert, Contact us now.

Simple Tips For Boiler Maintenance

Simple-Tips-For-Boiler-Maintenance

Boiler maintenance is incredibly important as it is one of the most important investments one makes in a lifetime. So it is quite understandable that you are searching for tips for boiler maintenance. Boilers are not only costly to repair and replace, but if not working properly, can be a health hazard for you and your family.

Home units can last for 12 – 15 years on average. Regular maintenance is key to the long run and keeping your boiler efficient. Maintaining your unit requires professional expertise and care. It is recommended that you hire a professional plumbing company that provides boiler and heater maintenance.

Read Also: Risks Involved In Boiler Installation

Regular maintenance can increase the service life of a boiler by up to 20 years. With that in mind, here are a few important and simple tips that you can follow for your boiler maintenance. These tips will save you both money and future headaches.

Get Your Boiler Serviced Every Year

An easy and simple way to increase the lifetime of your unit is to arrange an annual boiler service. It prevents the unit from breakdowns and damage, and ensures smooth running.

Boilers need to be professionally serviced every year by an experienced technician who can check whether all the elements are in safe working order. This way you can save the unit from large inconvenient breakdowns.

Don’t delay this any further and make sure to arrange for yearly service before a broken down boiler leaves you with a cold house and expensive bills.

Check The Boilers’ Pressure

Water pressure is what enables the steam to flow through pipes and radiators. For optimum performance, the boiler needs to be set at the right pressure. Often, with time, the boiler loses its pressure due to various reasons.

You should check the pressure gauge to make sure the unit is running at the required pressure. Adjust carefully to avoid damages and costly repairs. If the pressure is too low or too high, adjust it according to the recommended pressure by the manufacturer.

Bleed Your Radiators

Over time, air gets trapped in the radiators, preventing the radiators from completely heating up. This reduces the efficiency of the radiator. The air can be released by bleeding the radiators regularly to make sure the system is running effectively and efficiently.

Your radiator should be heated up to the top. Also, after bleeding the radiator, check the boiler pressure. Sometimes the process lowers it.

Balance The Radiators

Balancing your radiators means adjusting their values such that there is an equal and even distribution of heater water. Usually, radiators which are farther away are cooler than other ones.

While balancing the radiator is not as straightforward as bleeding it, the process is worth it because it ensures the system is heating evenly.

Lag Your Pipes

One of the most common problems people face during the winter is frozen pipes. In extreme cold weather, your pipes might freeze up. This makes the heating of the boiler insufficient and even breaks down the boiler. One solution is to lag your pipes.

Lagging is the process of insulating your pipes to protect them from getting cold. It’s available in a ready-to-use form and is very easy to install. Lagging or insulating your pipes is much more affordable than fixing a burst pipe.

It’s Better To Hire A Professional

Boilers are very expensive and very complex. It’s better to avoid displacing the components if you don’t have the required knowledge. If you want to maintain your boiler, it is suggested that you call a professional boiler maintenance company.

To Sum Up

These were the most important tips for boiler maintenance. Keep in mind that regular boiler servicing and pipe maintenance are key to a safe and warm home.

About Us

Jack’d Up Plumbing is a leading plumbing company in Calgary, Alberta, we prevent system failures, install and repair residential and commercial plumbing, and perform inspections and maintenance on your plumbing and heating system. Learn more about Jack’d Up Plumbing and our exquisite solutions.

Looking for professionals for your boilers’ maintenance? Contact us now.

What Is A Sump Pump, And Why Do I Need One?

What Is A Sump Pump, And Why Do I Need One?Depending on where you live, a sump pump can be one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home, but there’s also a chance that you may never need one. There’s nothing more soothing than the sound of a delicate thunderstorm. The thunder rumbles and rain tumbles softly on your windows. But peaceful sounds can induce panic when water starts to leak into your basement.But what should you do if your basement begins to flood? Your basement will stay dry and your house will stay healthy if you have a sump pump that is installed properly.Due to Calgary’s unfortunate flat terrain, flooding is an issue; chances are, your home already has a sump pump. If you don’t have one, here are a few useful tips from expert plumbing contractors in Calgary to give you an idea of what you should do.Also Read: Why Should You Not Fix Your Plumbing Issues On Your Own?

What Is A Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a pump that is installed at the basement’s lowest point. Sometimes a pump will have a specialized area in the basement, such as a hole. It will be lower in elevation than the rest of the basement.A float connected to a switch will be mounted on the pump. When the sump pump hole fills with water, the float activates the switch, which starts pumping water out of the basement through a line connected to the pump.

The Benefits Of A Sump Pump

A sump pump is a small investment that has significant benefits. Adding a sump pump to your house has the following advantages:
  • Protects your basement from floods.
  • Protects your basement appliances like the washer, dryer, and extra freezer against corrosion
  • Protects the paint and other wall coverings from peeling.
  • Reduces the formation of fungus, mold, and mildew.
  • Keeps termites and other insect incursions at bay.
  • Boosts indoor air quality.
  • Maintains your foundation.
Additionally, having a sump pump shows that your house is prepared for flooding. It serves as protection similar to a home security system. In the end, installing a safety measure like a sump pump will raise your home’s value and you won’t have to worry about frequent plumbing maintenance and repair costs.

How Do I Know If I Need One?

To decide whether you need a sump pump or not, you must confirm whether your home is prone to water accumulation. You will undoubtedly need one if flooding is a problem in the region, but even if you live in a safe location, there’s potential that you may accumulate too much moisture.We recommend installing a sump pump if any of these conditions is true:
  • You live in an area that gets a lot of rain or snow.
  • Your house is situated in a flood-prone area.
  • You have a finished basement.
  • You’ve previously experienced water issues.

Sump Pump Installation

Several hardware stores sell sump pumps. You might be able to install it yourself if you do a lot of housework.In particular, if your home doesn’t already have a sump pump pit installed, hiring a professional to do the task is your best option if you’re not confident about installing a sump pump.

Sump Pump Maintenance

A sump pump needs to be maintained after installation to function properly when you need it. The most important thing is to test your pump frequently. You may check your pump to see whether it’s functioning properly by slowly draining a five-gallon bucket of water into the sump basin. Make sure your pressure or float switch is activated by water. The sump pit should be drained by the pump.If the pump does not start, it is time to replace it.Additionally, verify where the sump pump drains. The practice of discharging sump pumps into the public water supply is often prohibited by cities. When there is a lot of rain, doing so might overload the sewer system.

About Jack’d Up Plumbing

At Jack’d Up Plumbing , we provide our clients in Calgary & area plumbing services. We specialize in drain cleaning and other plumbing-related services such as water and gas leak repair, bathroom and kitchen plumbing repairs and installations, water heater and furnace repair/installs, and more. With plenty of experience and knowledge in the industry, we can take on even the most challenging plumbing jobs.Our prompt response and exceptional customer service make us your best choice for plumbing. Contact us for more information.

Learn About The Pros And Cons Of A Garburator

Learn About The Pros And Cons Of A Garburator

Many people worry about food disposal. They are worried about what to do with the leftovers and the food crumbs left after eating. To minimise such wastes, garburators were manufactured. It lets you put your dirty dishes straight into the sink without worrying about the dirty particles getting stuck in the plumbing system.

Garburators have become quite common, especially in Calgary, many plumbing companies often find themselves installing and repairing them. However, many people and homeowners are still unaware of this product and think about whether it is useful or not.

If you want to know more about garburators and don’t know how to install one, this blog post might help you. Continue reading to discover some pros and cons of garburators and how Jack’d Up Plumbing can help you if you want to install one.

Pros Of Garburators

Many homeowners find it hard to live without their garburators now. Many claim that they have experienced tremendous benefits after installing their garburator. Some of the benefits of getting a Garburator are:

They Help Prevent Your Pipes From Clogging

Clogged pipes are one of the worst plumbing problems that can happen to any homeowner. A clogged pipe with water flowing back into the kitchen sink is one of the most worrisome sights to see. Therefore, there is a need to install a device that can break down these particles but doesn’t affect the pipes.

Garburators break down food scraps into small particles using impellers. Such small particles can easily pass through the drain. Therefore, the drain pipes remain unaffected when the food particles pass through them.

It Reduces Land Waste

Food is also one of the biggest contributors to land waste. Food buried in landfills are not decomposed properly and thus, become a source of methane. Garburators can minimise this problem, reducing the amount of trash sent to the land.

It Gives You Convenience

Another benefit of using garburators is the convenience it offers. You don’t have to worry about food scraps any longer as it shreds them completely. This makes it easier for you to clean up your kitchen after dinner or lunch.

It Is Inexpensive

Installing a garburator is inexpensive. Instead of throwing all the food particles down the drain and clogging your pipes, which require a lot of money to get repaired, installing a Garburator can help you avoid such problems. Moreover, on average, a Garburator can last for around ten years. Garburators have strong horsepower with high torque and a strong motor that can deal with almost every kind of household food waste. However, there still are certain things you should not put in a Garburator.

Cons of Garburators

Like everything else, on top of so many benefits, a Garburator also has certain drawbacks. These are:

Requires Correct Installation

You can benefit from a garburator only when it is installed correctly. When your garburator is not installed correctly, it will not shred the food particles; thus, the pipes will become clogged. Therefore it is necessary to hire a professional plumbing company that can assist you in installing the garburator correctly and efficiently.

There Might Be Some Odour

Garburators usually do not produce any kind of smell or odour. However, if you do not properly maintain them and rinse them periodically, they can emit smells from rotting food that might build up inside. Therefore it is important to maintain your garburators in good condition so that it does not produce any kind of smell or inconvenience for you in the kitchen.

Final Words

We can see that the pros outweigh the cons in the details mentioned above. Installing a garburator in your kitchen can significantly reduce waste and help you conveniently maintain your kitchen. It protects your kitchen drains and reduces the stress you feel when cleaning your kitchen. However, you need to hire a professional plumbing company that can correctly install the garburator.

About Jack’d Up Plumbing

At Jack’d Up Plumbing, we provide plumbing services to our clients in Calgary & surrounding areas. We specialise in drain cleaning and other plumbing-related services such as water and gas leak repair, bathroom and kitchen plumbing repairs, and installations. We provide prompt, professional, and affordable plumbing services to our residential and commercial customers in Calgary and surrounding areas. Contact us for more information.