Why Is My Toilet Leaking At The Base?

Is water pooling around your toilet? If yes there is most likely a leak in your toilet which needs to be fixed. If the water is leaking out the base then it is most likely coming from the bowl. This can prove to be very dangerous especially if you have children and pets in the house. If the problem is left untreated the leak can cause damage to the flooring and other parts of your house. Hence, it is imperative that you get the water leak repaired as early as possible.

Toilets that leak at their base often indicate that there is a problem with the wax ring. A wax ring is a seal which acts like a wall between the toilets’ base and its drainpipe. You can replace the wax ring at home, however, it is always better to get professional help. This blog post provides you with a step-by-step procedure on how to replace the wax ring around your toilets’ base.

Replacing your wax ring is by far the most common fix for a leaky toilet base but before you attempt to fix it do the following two tests to make sure that the issue with your toilet is the broken wax ring.

The Water Could Be Just Mere Condensation On The Tank And Bowl

Before unscrewing the whole toilet and changing the wax ring, test the leaky toilet. The water may be just condensation on the toilet tank and bowl. Sometimes due to the humidity in the bathroom water accumulates on the tank and bowl and seeps from there. This might appear as a water leak. So first soak up all the water with a paper towel and then flush the toilet. If water still comes out then the issue is with the wax ring.

The Bolts Might Be Loose

If the toilet leaks whenever you flush it’s possible that the toilets’ bolts that hold the toilet to the floor may be loose. There are two tee bolts that hold it flush with the floor. They are usually covered with caps, if these bolts are loose they will break the seal formed by the wax ring causing the water to leak every time you flush. What you need to do is tighten the bolts slowly with a screwdriver. However, know that if you over-tighten the toilet base it may crack. If you are unable to remove the cap from the screws or don’t know how to access the screws, it is better to call for professional help. To check if the toilet has been fixed, flush the tank. If you don’t see any water leak out from the base, you don’t have to change the wax ring.

Change The Wax Ring

If after doing the aforementioned tests and water still pools around the base of your toilet you will need to replace your wax ring. To change the wax ring you’ll need to remove the whole toilet. This might require two people and may take up quite a few hours so it is advised that you hire a plumber to do the job for you but if you want to do it yourself, here are some steps you will need to follow.

  • First you will need to buy a wax ring from a sanitary store.
  • Turn off the water supply and flush the water tank.
  • With a cloth clean the water tank and bowl so there is no water left.
  • Then unscrew the tee bolt with the help of a screwdriver and move the toilet aside.
  • Now take out the old wax ring, remove the flange, and insert the new parts.
  • Reinstall the toilet into its position and tighten the tee bolts slowly from the left bolt to the right one.
  • Now turn on the water supply and flush to check for leaks.
  • Keep on testing the flush for a few days in order to ensure that there are no water leaks and that the leaking is repaired.

Contact Jack’d Up Plumbing

Hopefully your leaking base toilet is fixed, but if you are still facing issues with it you can contact us. We at Jack’d Up Plumbing provide numerous plumbing related services from experienced professionals and at affordable prices. We are a fully insured and licensed company. Contact us for more information.

Effective Tips For Plumbing Preparation Before Fall

Effective Tips For Plumbing Preparation Before Fall

Although it may seem a little premature, you should focus on the maintenance of your plumbing system nice and early so that you are ready with your plumbing fixtures when autumn comes. Fall is just around the corner, and with this, leaves will be falling off the trees that might end up clogging your gutters and pipes. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that your plumbing fixtures are in good shape and will perform the way they should.

If you are a homeowner and want to take care of the plumbing in your home, it is time to learn some new plumbing tips. This blog post will help you and introduce some of the most useful tips you can follow to prevent any plumbing issues during the fall and winter season.

Check Your Outdoor Faucets And Hoses

Outdoor faucets and hoses are more prone to weather freezing and bursting. Therefore, you should take special care of them to avoid any such situation. Disconnect all hoses and faucets and store them away before fall or winter, so they do not become clogged with autumn leaves or frozen due to the cold temperatures.

Seal Any Gaps

Over time, gaps can develop between your walls and pipes. This is a common occurrence. These gaps serve as a centering point for the cold outside and thus reduces your home’s temperature to uncomfortable levels. This situation can significantly make your environment uncomfortable and may also increase your utility bills. Therefore, before fall approaches, it is better to seal up any such gaps. Call a professional plumber to come and inspect for any other gaps you might not have yet noticed or been ignoring.

Clean The Gutters

Precipitation and snowfall are common during the winter, and they can be problematic for your gutters. If you don’t clean your gutters on time, fallen leaves will flow into the gutters along with the rainwater. This can clog your gutters, and the dirty water will flow back into your house. Therefore, clean them before fall or winter so you can enjoy fall worry-free.

Inspect Your Water Heater

It should come as no surprise that your water heater will work harder during the winter to produce the same level of hot water. Drain your water heater to clean out any sediment buildup and rust. Shut off the power and water supply valve. Then, carefully drain the tank by connecting a hose to the drain valve. Run it to a nearby drain. This will not only keep the water nice and hot but also lengthen the life of your water heater.

Inspect Your Sump Pump

Your sump pump is an important part of your home that prevents your basement from flooding. Check your sump pump to ensure that the line is clear and free of any debris or leaves. If your sump pump is having some problems, it is time to contact a plumber.

Why Is Plumbing Inspection Important?

Plumbing inspection before fall holds utmost importance as it prevents blockages and other serious issues. A timely inspection can save you from the fatigue of prolonging inspection and repair. Similarly, maintaining your water heaters and other appliances can be helpful to ensure that you are delivered warm water whenever you need it.

About Jack’d Up Plumbing

Jack’d Up Plumbing aims to give you one of the best and most affordable plumbing services in Calgary. We are a plumbing company in Calgary offering residential and commercial plumbing services professionally. Call us for more information regarding our services.

Top Reasons Why You Should Hire A Professional Plumber

Top Reasons Why You Should Hire A Professional Plumber

The process of the repair, replacement, and maintenance of your plumbing system sounds problematic, time taking, often chronic, and repetitive. Every time you hire a plumbing professional’s service, you pray for a perfect, one-time, complete fix. As compared to other repairs, mistakes and imperfections in a plumbing job that can cause damage and inconvenience.

Damage To The Fixtures

When building your home, you select everything with love, after a lot of research and window shopping. You don’t want a minor issue with your plumbing system to ruin all your expensive plumbing fixtures.

To keep your fixtures and building structure intact, you need plumbing experts who have the skills and experience to make this possible. The more experience they have, the less damage will be done to the building during the plumbing repair or replacement.

The plumbing fixtures that you choose with love may not be available in the market when you need to replace them. In this scenario, you will be forced to change the entire color and theme of your kitchen or washroom. Matching the old and new fixtures can be an issue.

Time Required For The Process

Plumbing problems often call for a halt in domestic operations. The water or gas supply needs to be cut off temporarily. Usually, the process is quite time consuming.

Receiving unsatisfactory results after waiting for days and weeks for the job to be complete is extremely frustrating. You must hire the best plumbing contractors near you that can offer you the best quality of services in the first attempt. It’s not easy for people to take time out of their busy schedule to execute plumbing repairs and replacement. This is why you need a perfect plumbing job. You require a professional who can execute the plumbing job efficiently. He must start the process after carefully assessing the situation and precisely identifying the problem.

Noise, Debris, And Inconvenience

Apart from the time and cost of a plumbing process, the noise, debris, and inconvenience it causes are difficult to bear. Residential plumbing services offered by a professional company lets you have peace of mind.

Your home’s cleanliness and home-like feeling are disturbed when professional plumbers have to come fix your kitchen or bathroom’s faulty faucets and pipes. The inconvenience caused by the process can be tiresome and frustrating. Unless and until you hire the best and professional plumbing experts in your region, you can’t be assured that everything will go swiftly.

Damage To The Entire Structure

If you have to get repetitive repairs done to your homes’ plumbing fixtures, it will affect the strength of your entire home. The adjacent walls and roof can also receive damage due to improper, non-professional, and repetitive repair work. Repairing the entire house will not be an easy task for you. You must do your best to choose the best residential plumbing service provider near you.

By choosing the best plumbing company near you, you can save your home’s structure from damage. If your home’s structure receives damage, it will cost you a hefty amount, and things will go out of control. It is always better to be very careful when hiring the services of a professional plumbing company. A careful approach, research, assessing the quality of their services, and other details will tell you which plumbing company you should opt for.

Jack’d Up Plumbing is your trusted plumbing partner in Calgary. Our trained and highly skilled workers ensure minimum damage and no fuss during the plumbing repairs and maintenance. To get in touch with us, click here.

How To Choose The Right Gas Fitters In Your Area

How To Choose The Right Gas Fitters In Your Area

Gas is a basic necessity now, and can be highly explosive if mishandled. It can cause terrible loss to your property and life. Therefore, proper fitting by experts is important to ensure the safety of your property and family.

Gas fitters are responsible for installing gas appliances as well as repairing and maintaining gas-related appliances. They can also further assist you in any kind of gas-related task you want. If you are considering hiring a gas fitter in your area but don’t know where to start, this blog post details the points you should factor in before choosing a gas fitter.

Check Their Experience

The foremost thing that you need to consider when looking to hire a gas fitter is to check their experience. To ensure that the safety of your house is in good hands, you must hire the right plumbing or gas fitting company that has enough experience in this field. Several guidelines need to be followed when fixing gas in both residential and commercial buildings.

You have to adhere to certain standards, as any failure to do so may attract serious legal consequences. A professional gas fitter has years of experience handling gas fitting and will seriously handle any task at hand. Therefore, research well and hire one who has relevant experience in gas fitting tasks. Leaving this task to an inexperienced and irresponsible company can lead to major issues in the future.

They Must Be Licensed

Gas fitting is a tedious task, and if not done properly, can lead to various hazards. If you are considering installing new gas lines in your residential or commercial building, make sure that the company you hire is licensed by the regulatory state and has all the necessary licenses issued for it. Such licenses are proof of safety for their services, and thus, you must check for them before beginning work with them. Moreover, if you need a different kind of gas installation, such as a fireplace, ask them if they have the relevant experience for it.

They Must Be Available All The Time

Gas leaks or splitting emergencies can occur at any time, the constant availability of your plumber is necessary to ensure that you are kept safe. They must provide 24/7 services so that you can contact them whenever you need them in case of an emergency. Choosing a company that can assist you in all situations can be helpful.

They Must Have Insurance

Having insurance is a way to make sure that you and your belongings are safe during any kind of process. If the company for hire for your gas fitting service provides insurance, it means they will be held liable if their workers do anything that could damage your belongings. The company will have to pay for the damage.

They Should Be Transparent About Their Prices

Having a company that is transparent about its prices and upfront costs can save you from the headache of over-paying. A company should mention the prices of their services before having you sign a contract. However, if they forget to mention the charges, it is imperative that you ask them before paying or signing any contract.

Read Their Reviews

Reviews can be quite helpful when it comes to deciding on a particular company for gas fitting. When researching different companies, read their online reviews. You will most likely find reviews from previous customers commenting on their services. This might give you an idea about the company.

About Jack’d Up Plumbing

At Jack’d Up Plumbing, you will find numerous plumbing-related services from experienced professionals and at affordable rates. We are a fully insured and licensed company. Contact us for more information.

4 Reasons Why Your Toilet Keeps Running

4 Reasons Why Your Toilet Keeps Running

A running toilet can be annoying, and repairing it, again and again, is a big inconvenience. It can become a nuisance if you want to use the toilet. Plus, a running toilet wastes water, increasing your water bills.

If you are having trouble with your toilet, there might be a few reasons why. This blog post highlights those reasons and suggests respective solutions.

Running Fill Tube

The fill tube is one of the most significant components in your toilet, and its function is to monitor the water level in your toilet’s tank. If there is a problem with your fill tube, your tank won’t fill with water after it has been flushed. Instead, the water will flow into the bowl.

Check your fill tube by removing the lid of the toilet. If it is broken or needs replacement, call a professional plumber to fix it for you. Check if the tube is above the water level in your tank.

Problem With The Filter

Another common problem and the main reason for problematic toilets is its filter. The filter of your toilet is a small knob located on the outside of your toilet and is responsible for the delivery of water from the pipe to the tank. If there are any problems with this filter, that is, it is broken, rusted, or just old, water will begin to leak from it and spread throughout your bathroom. The only way to deal with this problem is to get a new filter and replace the old one. For this, you might need to hire a professional plumber.

Fill Valve Problems

The function of the fill valve is also to monitor the water levels in your toilets’ tank. It helps to prevent the tank from overflowing. Some toilets also use cylinders that move up and down to activate the valve and allow water to refill the tank. Keeping the right setting of the fill valve is necessary for its long and proper functioning. If you want further guidance over this issue, hire a professional plumber.

The Toilet Flapper Issue

The toilet flapper is another important part of the toilet system responsible for checking the water levels in your toilets’ tank. It allows the water to fill the toilet tank, once it is filled, the flapper closes, and the filling stops. If there is any issue with your toilet’s flapper, it will not seal the tank properly. The flapper will need to be replaced in such cases.

Another issue with the flapper is its chain. If the chain is not long enough, it will not close all the way, causing your toilet to run continuously.

Get Expert Help

Toilet problems can be inconvenient and hard to handle. Therefore, only a professional plumber with the right expertise will know how to handle these issues. If you think that your toilet needs professional inspection and is causing serious issues for you, call a plumber right away to have it inspected and repaired.

About Jack’d Up Plumbing

Jack’d Up Plumbing is a fast and affordable plumbing service company in Calgary. We are a fully insured company protecting its workers and customers at the same time. If you want to solve your plumbing issues, connect with us here.

4 Common Signs Of Clogged Sewer Pipes

4 Common Signs Of Clogged Sewer Pipes

Clogged sewer pipes are one of the worst sewer residential and commercial building problems that owners face. They birth several other sewer related issues and might even result in bursting pipes. Clogging usually occurs when tree roots start to grow through the pipes or dirt accumulates in them over time. In addition to this, older steel and clay pipes can completely disintegrate with time and clog up. This can cause serious issues with water drainage, especially in pipes leading to underground sewage.

However, timely detection of potential sewer pipe clogging can help save you time, money, and the stress of calling a plumber at an inconvenient time. According to experts, building owners spend a significant amount of money on drain and pipe repair work every year. Having your pipes inspected regularly to identify backed-up drains from professional plumbing services can considerably reduce the risk of costly repairs.

Continue reading to learn about some of the common indicators that suggest you have clogged sewer pipes.

Slow Draining

Slow draining sinks can be problematic. In such situations, you might be tempted to simply pour a strong liquid such as bleach down your drain pipe to unclog it. However, this is not a viable solution especially when it comes to older sewer pipes as they are already worn out. Using reactive and strong chemical products can speed up the corrosion of these old pipes.

Many people don’t know that a slow drain or sewer pipe is often the first indication of a major plumbing issue. Instead of making futile attempts to unclog the pipes, it is best to contact a professional plumber who can understand the issue and fix it. A plumbing company can also perform an evaluation to find out the best way to fix your building’s sewer system to avoid the situation from recurring.

Also Read: 6 Common Plumbing Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Waterlogging In The Foundation

Additional moisture can seep through the foundation of your home or residential building as a result of damaged sewer pipes. Moisture in your home’s walls or basement and cracks around your building’s foundation is another indication that there are some issues with your sewage pipe system. Such situations require immediate attention to avoid further damage.

You must call a professional plumber to determine whether the moisture was caused by a pipe, a sewer leak, or something else.

Unpleasant Odors

Strong odors are also an initial sign of a sewer line problem. Blocked drains contain polluted wastewater that accumulates other debris inside them for a long time. However, this water is not enough for the debris to flow and so it starts to dry up. This dried-up debris starts to produce a foul smell. If a constant unpleasant odor resides in your home or building, it is a tell-tale indication that you have a clogging issue at hand.

Clogged pipes require immediate attention for an immediate fix. Prolonging the issue will only make it harder for you to live in your home and possibly result in further damage to your draining system.

Water Backs Up In Other Places

Any clogging will impact the lowest drains first because the sewer system in any home or building is gravity-based. For example, a clog in a bathroom sink will only affect the sink itself. If the main drainage line on the second floor of a building is clogged, it will cause the lowest drain on the first floor, usually, the toilet or bathtub to back up first.

This happens because water cannot be compressed in a small, enclosed space created by a clogged pipe. It has to go somewhere else which is often a shower or bath drain. This can happen with other fixtures as well. For example, a backed-up washing machine can cause a toilet to overflow.

Strange Sounds

If you hear unusual sounds when using a fixture, it means that you have a sewer line clog. Toilets that bubble, gurgle, or back up when you use another fixture are a good sign of a mainline clog.

About Us

At Jack’d Up Plumbing, we provide professional and affordable 24 hour plumbing services to our Calgary residential and commercial customers. We guarantee quality services and assure customer satisfaction.

For more information regarding our services and personalized care, contact us today.

4 Common Furnace Problems & Their Solutions

4 Common Furnace Problems & Their SolutionsCanada has some of the harshest winter conditions in the world, so people here have to gear up accordingly to avoid getting sick. The temperatures can drop as low as -30 degrees Celsius, especially in Calgary and surrounding areas. Thus, heating systems like heaters and furnaces are a necessity to keep homes warm throughout the winter months.If you have not turned on your heating system for a few months, there is a chance its maintenance is due. There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night and finding that the cold air in your room isn’t because your blanket fell off but rather your furnace is not working properly. At this point, it is advised that you contact a residential plumbing company for Furnace installation services.However, the best practice is to schedule a furnace maintenance check before winter arrives to avoid frustrating situations. Read on to find out the most common furnace issues and how to solve them.

Furnace Won’t Turn On

There are several reasons why your furnace may not turn on:IMPROPER THERMOSTAT SETTINGS Ensure that the thermostat is switched on and set to ‘heat’.TRIPPED CIRCUIT BREAKER Check if the furnace’s circuit is on. If the switch has tripped, turn it back on to get it working again.ACTIVATED SAFETY SWITCH The furnace door has a safety switch that prevents the system from running if the door is open or removed. Check that the door is in place and the switch hasn’t tripped.If the problem persists, it might be time to replace your thermostat or schedule professional furnace repair service Furnace repair.

How Preventive Furnace Maintenance Helps Avoid Breakdowns

Preventive furnace maintenance plays a critical role in keeping your furnace running reliably throughout the winter. During a professional service visit, technicians inspect electrical connections, clean air filters, lubricate moving parts, and test safety controls to ensure everything is functioning correctly.Annual furnace servicing in Calgary not only reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns but also improves overall system performance. Well-maintained furnaces heat homes more evenly, consume less energy, and experience fewer mechanical issues over time. Homeowners who invest in preventive care often avoid costly emergency Furnace repair and extend the lifespan of their heating systems.

Cool or Insufficient Airflow

If cool or slightly warm air is coming out of your vents, your furnace isn’t producing or transmitting enough heat. Check your air filter first—dust and dirt can block airflow.A clogged filter forces your furnace to work harder, reducing efficiency. Schedule a maintenance check with your local Calgary plumbers to have your air filters cleaned at least once a month.Additionally, if the area around your furnace is cluttered, airflow may be insufficient. Clear the surrounding space to allow your HVAC system to breathe and operate efficiently.

Strange Noises from Your Furnace

Squealing or squeaking sounds from your furnace usually indicate issues with the blower or belts. Routine Furnace maintenance includes oiling the blower at least once a year and inspecting belts for wear.Banging noises typically come from a damaged or imbalanced blower. If you hear unusual sounds, immediately turn off your furnace and call a professional plumbing expert for Furnace repair or Furnace installation. They can determine if the problem requires a simple repair or a full replacement.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Furnace?

Deciding whether to repair or replace your furnace depends on factors like age, efficiency, and frequency of breakdowns. If your furnace is under ten years old and the issue is minor, professional Furnace repair may be sufficient.However, furnaces that require frequent repairs, heat unevenly, or cause rising energy bills may need a new Furnace installation. Upgrading provides better energy efficiency, improved comfort, and long-term cost savings.

Furnace Safety Issues Homeowners Should Never Ignore

Certain furnace problems pose serious safety risks. Cracked heat exchangers, gas leaks, or blocked vents can lead to carbon monoxide exposure. Warning signs include unusual odors, frequent headaches, or unexpected furnace shutdowns.If you suspect a safety issue, turn off your furnace immediately and contact a licensed professional. Regular furnace inspections help detect hazards early, ensuring safe operation throughout Calgary’s winter.

Professional Furnace Services in Calgary

While minor issues can be spotted early, most furnace problems require professional expertise. Licensed technicians can accurately diagnose issues, perform safe Furnace repair, and provide guidance on Furnace installation.Whether you need routine maintenance, urgent repairs, or a complete Furnace installation, working with trusted professionals ensures reliable heat, improved efficiency, and peace of mind throughout the winter months.

About Us

At Jack’d Up Plumbing, we provide professional and affordable 24-hour plumbing services to Calgary residential and commercial customers. We guarantee quality services and ensure customer satisfaction, including expert Furnace repair and Furnace installation.For more information about our services and personalized care, contact us today.

FAQs

  1. How often should furnace maintenance be done in Calgary? Furnace maintenance should be scheduled once a year, ideally before winter begins. Annual servicing improves efficiency, prevents breakdowns, and ensures safe operation during Calgary’s extreme cold.
  2. What are the signs that my furnace needs maintenance? Uneven heating, strange noises, higher energy bills, frequent cycling, and weak airflow are common signs.
  3. Can furnace problems increase energy bills? Yes. Dirty filters, airflow restrictions, and worn components force your furnace to work harder, increasing energy consumption. Regular maintenance reduces heating costs.
  4. When should I replace my furnace instead of repairing it? If your furnace is over 15 years old, needs frequent repairs, or no longer heats efficiently, Furnace installation may be more cost-effective.
  5. Is professional furnace maintenance really necessary? Yes. It ensures proper calibration, identifies hidden safety risks, and extends the life of your furnace. It also protects warranties and improves system performance.
  6. Can a plumbing company handle furnace maintenance? Yes. Many licensed plumbing companies in Calgary provide furnace services, including Furnace repair and Furnace installation. Always ensure technicians are certified and experienced with residential heating systems.

4 Common Water Heater Problems & Their Solutions

4 Common Water Heater Problems & Their Solutions

If you live in a place like Calgary where temperatures in winter can go as low as – 22 degrees Celsius, keeping your home warm at all times, especially during the night, becomes necessary. This is why water heaters are an important piece of equipment for people living in extremely cold conditions. To ensure proper functionality of the heating system, it is important that you schedule a maintenance check for your HVAC system with a residential plumbing company before using it after a long summer season. This also holds true for water heater systems.

There are a multitude of reasons why your water heater might not be working properly after sitting idle throughout the summer. If you have a relatively older water heater system, then you are advised to not skip maintenance checks no matter what. Older water heaters tend to take longer to heat up water to a usable temperature which is why they require more maintenance.

Read on to find out more about some common water heater problems and their solutions.

No Or An Inadequate Amount Of Hot Water

The most common water heater issue many homeowners in Calgary face is related to temperature. When hot water stops coming from the faucet, it is either due to broken or malfunctioning heating elements or some other fixtures.

If you are facing a similar problem, resetting the system might fix the issue. To reset your water heater system, follow these steps:

  • Turn off the power supply to the water heater unit.
  • Remove the cover from the element port.
  • Remove the insulation.
  • Press the red button to reset.

If resetting doesn’t solve the problem, then there might be a fault in the electrical supply line. A power interruption to the appliance such as a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker will prevent the water from being properly heated. If your thermostat setting is incorrect or you have a faulty thermostat, seek help from a professional to replace the thermostat.

If the space inside the upper element port is wet, you will have to replace your water heater.

Leaking Or Pooling Water

Another common water heater issue faced by many households is leaking or pooling water around the heating unit. This is usually caused by excessive corrosion in the storage tank. It can cause the water tank to rupture as well. An overheated or faulty T&P valve (Temperature Pressure Relief Valve) can also cause leaking due to the build-up of water pressure inside.

Faulty plumbing connections and heating element gasket issues due to under or over-tightening can also lead to leakage. If you see water pooling around your heating unit, immediately call a plumber for water heater repair.

Water Is Colored

Water heaters, especially old ones, can undergo severe corrosion with time and become rusty. In this case, the water coming from your bathroom and kitchen faucets will be rusty-colored. This can also be caused by the anode rod of your heater not working properly. An anode rod prevents rust from accumulating in your water heater storage tank. This issue typically requires a complete water heater replacement.

Glass-lined storage tanks of some water heaters may also experience excessive corrosion, leading to unexpected leaks or ruptures.

Pilot Light Blows Out Frequently

A thermocouple’s function is to shut off the gas supply when the pilot goes out. However, a faulty thermocouple or a bad gas valve might frequently shut off the pilot without any cause. Install a downdraft hood on the top of the water heater unit and a baffle to stop the flame from blowing out.

However, if you are unable to understand why your pilot light is blowing out frequently, you must call an experienced plumber for help. A professional plumber can correctly determine whether your water heater’s thermocouple is faulty or not.

About Us

At Jack’d Up Plumbing, we provide professional and affordable 24-hour plumbing services to our Calgary residential and commercial customers. We guarantee quality services and assure customer satisfaction.

For more information regarding our services and personalized care, contact us today.

Dangers Of Hidden Water Leaks In Your House

Dangers Of Hidden Water Leaks In Your House

Water leaks are a common issue that most homeowners face. They are rather prevalent in older buildings. However, unfortunately, water leaks are one of the most ignored plumbing issues even though they can have grave implications to your and your family members’ health.

From causing short-circuiting to providing an adequate growing environment for mold, water leaks can lead to several hazards. Hence, it is advised that you seek professional water leak detection if you see signs of water leaks around your house. There is a chance that what looks like a small ignorable water leak might just be the tip of the iceberg.

Some of the dangers of hidden water leaks in your house are:

Household Water Contamination

If there is a leak in your pipes that carry the drinking water for your household, there is a chance that the water might be contaminated. The leak can make way for several contaminants to enter the water stream.

These leaks cause a sudden drop in the velocity and the pressure in the pipe. This means the water can suck in external water and particles of dirt or other potential contaminants. Even if the water being contaminated is going to the toilet, it is dangerous since the water is used for rinsing your mouth, washing your face, bathing your children, and more. The same water is used to wash your dishes as well.

Mold and Mildew Issues

Mold and Mildew is a serious problem that can develop in areas around a water leak. A damp and humid environment is everything mold and mildew require to thrive. Even a few drops of water can create enough dampness for fungus to grow.

The worst part is, mold grows at a phenomenal rate and can spread to other areas including your HVAC system, internal walls, pipes, furniture, and even clothing. The fungus is extremely damaging to your health as well. It can cause several issues including:

  • Stuffy Nose
  • Red or Itchy Eyes
  • Chronic Cough
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Asthma Symptoms
  • Development of Asthma
  • Chest Tightness
  • Fever
  • Headaches

If you are exposed to mold for longer periods, you might face severe asthmatic issues and other breathing problems. Kids are more prone to these health hazards.

Fire hazard

One of the most common reasons for a fire hazard is an undetected water leak. Leaks have the potential to grow over time. Hence, when it reaches the areas with electrical wiring it can cause short circuits and shorted wires. This almost always results in electrical fires incurring great damage to your property and in worst-case scenarios, human lives.

High Utility Bills

In addition to health and safety hazards, hidden water leaks can also lead to financial strain. There might be a sudden rise in your water bills. You will be charged for the water that you don’t use. In addition to this, your electricity bills might rise as well since your HVAC system will have to work harder to fight the humid environment of your house.

Structural Damage

Plumbing leak issues greatly undermine the structural integrity of your house. If the pipes that pass through your attic start to leak, they will damage your ceiling. Your house will not be able to endure storms, rains, and heavy wind situations.

Apart from this, the leaks also end up damaging your rafters, wall framing, ceiling joints, wood structures, walls, and more. Ignoring either of these issues can lead to further damage to the structure of your home.

Hence, detecting and dealing with water leaks when they have not yet matured is the best way to save yourself from health hazards as well as from the hassle of getting expensive repairs done around the house.

What Can You Do About These Plumbing Issues?

The best way to deal with most plumbing issues in your house is to call a professional plumbing company. Jack’d Up Plumbing is one of the best plumbers in Calgary. Get in touch with us today.

Common Plumbing Issues In Apartment Buildings

Common Plumbing Issues In Apartment Buildings

As compared to a townhome or a detached house, apartment buildings have a very intricate plumbing system. According to statistics, an average household of 3 people consumes 630 liters of water per day.

Considering the huge volume of water that flows through the pipes of any given apartment building will give you an idea about the magnitude of the plumbing problems that typically arise in most apartment buildings.

The pipes, fixtures, and fittings have to endure heavy use of water. Moreover, at times, the water pressure can also fluctuate, negatively affecting the plumbing system. Some of the most common plumbing issues that you might face while living in an apartment include:

Clogged Toilets

Clogged toilets are one of the most common plumbing problems that you might face. Drain pipes and sewer lines are designed to handle a certain type of waste. However, sometimes people end up flushing objects that are not water-soluble. Since all the drainage pipes in an apartment are connected, the object can end up in your apartment’s drainage system, leading to clogging.

In addition to this, the accumulation of toilet paper or other sanitary materials in broken sewer lines can cause toilet clogging. If it is a minor clog, you can resolve it by plunging the drain repeatedly or flushing the system four to five times back to back.

However, if this does not fix the issue, you might have to call for professional residential plumbing services.

Clogged Drains

Like clogged toilets, clogged drains are also very common in apartment buildings. This is usually caused by grease build-up or the accumulation of debris such as hair in the drains’ pipes. If the residue is large, it can lead to clogging several sinks in the building. Moreover, if the issue is not fixed in time, it can even lead to flooding in apartments on lower levels.

If you are facing a clogged drain, you can try and use commercial drain opening solutions to fix it. However, there is a high chance that the issue will recur. To fix it once and for all, it is advised that you call a professional for help.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are something that you might have to deal with every year in Calgary. Weather changes greatly affect the health of your plumbing fixtures. In cold weather, the water that runs through the pipes can freeze. When this happens, the pipes around your apartment might crack, or burst in a worst-case scenario.

A cracked water pipe is a ticking time bomb that can burst anytime, which is why you should tend to it immediately. Burst pipes can lead to major damage to the walls and the electrical system of your apartment.

Dripping Faucet

Although dripping faucets are not a hazard, they are quite frustrating and end up wasting a lot of water. If you leave a dripping faucet unfixed, you will end up wasting gallons of water in a matter of a few days. This will not only affect your water bill but is also not healthy for the environment.

Dripping faucets are very common in apartment buildings with older plumbing fixtures. There is no way you can fix this issue at home, so it is best you call a professional plumber for help.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be frustrating especially when you are washing your dishes or taking a shower. It is mostly caused by clogged aerators. If this issue is affecting both your hot and cold water, you might have to get your aerators replaced.

However, if it is only affecting the hot or cold water, there might be some issue with your building’s plumbing. In either case, it is best to ask a professional plumber for help.

What Can You Do About These Plumbing Issues?

The best way to deal with most plumbing issues in your apartment is to call a professional plumbing company. Jack’d Up Plumbing is one of the best plumbers in Calgary. Get in touch with us today.