Here in Canada, one of our top priorities is to make the most of our too-short summer season.  Outdoor plumbing is a great way to do that, but after the warm season is over our legendary winters can wreak havoc on outdoor pipes, pools, and pumps. Unless you want to be calling Red Deer Plumb-Pro for emergency plumbing help, here are some tips to help you get your outdoor plumbing in order for winter.

• Close the Supply Valve

It only takes one night of freezing weather to damage your pipes, so the first thing you should do when the temperature starts dropping is close the supply valve that provides water to your outdoor fixture and drain all the water from the pipe.

• Disconnect the Hose

If your home does not have a separate supply valve for your outdoor plumbing, start by disconnecting hoses, splitters, or connections from your outdoor spigot. Forgetting to do this can cause trapped water and frozen fixtures that will need a professional plumber to come out and repair or replace.

• Turn off and Drain Sprinkler Systems

If you have a timer, unplug it rather than turning it off, because the timer can be damaged by power surges in winter. Drain the system and blow out any remaining water in the line by attaching an air compressor to the drain valve. Finally, make sure to remove the backflow preventer and valves, which can be easily damaged if left outside in the winter.

• Leak Detection and Repair

Dripping water can block up and freeze in the fixture, so it is important to search out these leaks and get them fixed by a Plumb-Pro plumber. Need some help detecting leaks? Check out our article on leak detection.

• Insulate Your Fixtures

The final step to winterizing your outdoor plumbing is to protect your fixtures with insulation. You can buy hose bib covers at any home improvement store to fit your faucets and keep them warm and dry all winter. As a bonus, these covers can be reused for many years to come so they are a cheap investment.

• Outdoor Kitchens 

As a final note, if you have an outdoor kitchen in your backyard, there are some special steps you need to take to winterize this plumbing. After the water is shut off, make sure to drain any water from the pipes to that they don’t freeze and crack. Turn off the gas if you have a gas line running to your outdoor kitchen, and don’t forget to pour a little antifreeze down the sink to take care of any water stuck in the drain.

So your bathroom is functional, but not exactly beautiful. You want an attractive spa-like bathroom where you can relax in the tub and steam away your stress. Not sure where to start? Check out Red Deer Plumb-Pro’s tips on bathroom renovation basics first, then check out our luxury renovation essentials that will take your bathroom to the next level.

• Open concept shower. Showers that don’t require curtains or doors are the latest trend! They are also less confining and can be more elegant and relaxing with the right tile and accessory choices.

• Showerhead. Consider a dual showerhead system for the ultimate in luxury. You can purchase a dual-function showerhead with overhead rainfall and handheld showerhead options or you can call Red Deer Plumb-Pro for help installing a dual showerhead plumbing system.

• Soaker bathtub. Bigger, deeper bathtubs for two people are the ultimate luxury. Make sure you sit in the bathtub before you buy it– make sure the angled back and the lip are comfortable.

• Dual sink. Another bathroom trend for master bathrooms is a dual his-and-hers sink area.

• Underfloor heating. Warm (not freezing) tile floors are an absolute must in our unpredictable climate.

• Found space. Consider using space between wall studs to maximize storage and save floor space. You can also install recessed cubbies in your shower to hold all your products.

• Bigger hot water heater. If you’re considering luxury options that might use more hot water, consider replacing your current hot water heater with a more energy efficient model that is better able to handle the hot water demands.

• Gas fireplace. Nothing beats a long soak in the tub next to a roaring fire in the middle of winter. Plumb-Pro can help install a natural gas line to your house and get you set up with a gas fireplace insert to suit your needs.

Plumb-Pro’s journeyman gasfitters and plumbers can help make your residential and commercial bathroom renovation dreams a reality, so give us a call today!

Your bathroom should be both beautiful and functional, no matter the size. If your bathroom isn’t addressing all your needs, it may be time for a renovation. Whatever the reason for your renovation, Red Deer Plumb-Pro can help with your residential or commercial plumbing renovations. Here are the top things to consider when contemplating a bathroom renovation.

• Bathtub. Always sit in a bathtub to assess comfort before purchasing. Check backrest angles and bathtub lips for neck comfort, and make sure the tub is deep enough for your needs.

• Shower. Consider an open-concept shower or dual showerhead system. Red Deer Plumb-Pro can also help you update your plumbing and draining system.

• Fixtures. When selecting new fixtures, look for quality and durability wherever possible. Choose from finishes like chrome, brass, and copper, but keep the style of the bathroom consistent.

• Toilet. Today’s toilets are more efficient than ever, so consider upgrading yours with Red Deer Plumb-Pro’s journeyman plumbers to install a high-efficiency toilet to help you conserve water and save money. Another thing to consider is the shape of your toilet. Toilets with elongated bowls and seats are usually the most comfortable.

• Sinks. Pedestal sinks tend to visually enlarge a room, but vanities with storage can be boxy and unattractive.

• Floors. Look for durable flooring like ceramic, marble, and stone. Consider easy care and nonslip options like textured or matte surfaces and finishes, too.

• Radiant underfloor hydronic heating system. Tile floors get chilly in winter and can be a shock after a warm bath, but underfloor heating installed by a Plumb-Pro professional can help.

Plumbing should always be the first thing you think about when considering a bathroom renovation. Red Deer Plumb-Pro specializes in residential and commercial bathroom renovations, so give us a call today!

While regular plumbing maintenance can help find problems before they become bigger issues, some household leaks are more obvious than others, like dripping faucets and hot water heaters with water around them. Other household leaks are not obvious and can go undetected for a long time because they are not in plain sight. Household leaks will show up on your water bill though, and it will probably hurt. Finding the leaks before you call Red Deer Plumb-Pro will save time for us and that means more money in your pocket. Here’s how to check for leaks in your own home before you call for help repairing them.

Supply lines

The first thing to figure out is whether the leak is inside or outside your home. Because the supply line is usually buried a few feet underground, leaks can be difficult to find. Look for patches of grass in your yard that are greener than the rest, soft and muddy underfoot, or growing faster than other areas. If that doesn’t work, find the shut-off valve by the house and check the meter. If the meter is still moving, your leak is probably somewhere in the house.

If you find a evidence of a leak between the meter and the house, don’t try to repair it yourself. Call us at Plumb-Pro for professional plumbing repair. Any other kind of leaks related to the supply line is the responsibility of your utility provider.

Hot Water Tanks

If you notice any standing water around your hot water heater, it could be a sign of a leak in your pressure relief valve, which can be fixed. If not, you’ll need a new hot water heater. Don’t wait to call Plumb-Pro for help though, because tank leaks often start small and then burst several days or weeks later.

Toilets

Toilet leaks, while among the most common household leaks, often end up wasting hundreds of gallons of water as they go undetected. Most toilet leaks are easy and inexpensive to repair, once you find the leak.

Finding the leak is easy enough if you remove the tank lid and hear any kind of hissing, but if you can’t hear anything, grab some food colouring and put a few drops in the tank. Wait a few minutes and check the bowl. If there is any colouring in the bowl, you probably have a leak in the flapper. You can try to fix this yourself, or you can call Plumb-Pro for help, especially if you have leaks in more than one toilet.

Fixtures

Faucet leaks are another common household leak that you can probably repair yourself with the right know-how. You can also choose to leave it until it gets worse, but you’ll only be hurting your wallet, as dripping faucets waste thousands of gallons per year. Red Deer Plumb Pro can help.

Wastewater/Other

Your potable water source is constantly under pressure, so those kinds of leaks will be more noticeable than wastewater leaks, which rely on gravity to move. Look for wet spots and warped sections on your floors, ceilings, walls, and any wooden cabinets.

Condensation can also cause damage to your home if there is too much of it. Plumb-Pro can help insulate your pipes to stop or reduce the condensation, so give us a call!

If you can’t find the leak in your house, don’t despair. Call a professional plumber at Red Deer Plumb-Pro for help. Our journeyman plumbers will diagnose the problem and have it fixed in no time.

Plumbing plays a vital role in our daily lives–from running water and hot water on demand to properly functioning waste systems and heated homes, not to mention more recent developments that make our Canadian lives easier in winter, like hydronic heating systems, in-floor heating, radiant heating, and more.

When plumbing systems stop working, people struggle to cope, and it can take an emergency like this to make us stop taking our indoor plumbing for granted. Back in the day, people had to carry water to their homes from rivers, and the streets of cities were often foul and unsanitary, causing disease and illnesses.

Modern plumbing has done wonders for civilization and sanitation but plumbing is also hard work that requires expertise and certification. Red Deer Plumb-Pro has over 25 years experience in the industry and that’s a lot of toilets! Of course, Red Deer Plumb-Pro is much more than just a plumbing company; we also do gasfitting and hydronics. Specialty contracting like this often goes unmentioned under the general banner of “plumber” but we are no less indebted for these services than we are plumbing, that’s for sure.

“Hug a Plumber Day” encourages all of us to be more appreciative of the modern conveniences of plumbing, and the skills and ingenuity required to keep them going. So if you have an emergency plumbing situation today, give us a call and don’t forget to give us a hug!

As it gets warmer, thoughts are turned to spending time out of doors and maximizing the use of your backyard to get the most out of Canada’s short summer season. Outdoor plumbing is a great way to do this, and it can be as decorative and useful as you need. Red Deer Plumb-Pro’s journeyman plumbers can run lines and dig trenches so you don’t have to! To get you started, here are 9 ideas for outdoor plumbing:

1. Outdoor Shower 
   Installing an outdoor shower can help keep things more clean indoors, such as with tracking water from the pool or cleaning up after outdoor activities that leave you especially dirty. Showering outside cuts back on humidity and steam during the summer, too, which can be damaging to your bathroom. At Red Deer Plumb-Pro, we can install hot and cold water lines out to your shower for convenience and comfort, with shutoff valves inside to prevent freezing pipes in the winter. We can also help with designing and installing a drainage system that works for your residential plumbing needs.
2. Outdoor Taps
   Tired of dragging your hose around your yard to water your garden or lawn? Plumb-Pro can help! Our journeyman plumbers will run a permanent plumbing pipe underground to a more convenient location for you and mount the faucet on any type of post you like.
3. Sprinkler System
   You could simply hook together a few garden hoses, but if you want a more permanent sprinkler system or if you have need a bigger system, call Plumb-Pro to get help with buried water lines. If you want to fertilize your lawn at the same time, our journeyman plumbers are experts at back-flow prevention and cross connection control and testing.
4. Outdoor Kitchen
   If you have an outdoor gas grill, an outdoor kitchen can simplify things and prevent you from having to run inside for water every time you need it. Plumb-Pro can help you install a whole outdoor kitchen or a standalone barbecue sink– whatever your plumbing needs are!
5. Garden Sink
   A different type of outdoor sink is the garden sink, which can be as simplistic or as complex as you need it to be. Maybe just a tap in the middle of your yard is sufficient to collect water for your plants or maybe you want a proper sink you can use to clean your gardening equipment and wash your hands. Whatever the case, give Plumb-Pro a call for plumbing installation help.
6. Garden Fountain
   Is there anything more relaxing than the sounds of flowing water? Having a fountain in your backyard will be the best decision you ever made. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the summer sun while you de-stress from work.
7. Fish pond
   How about a fish pond to go with your fountain? Fish provide endless hours of entertainment, and as a bonus, they can help you save money and conserve water! Ponds can be re-filled with rainwater, help to lower utility costs, create a more manageable temperature in your yard, and maintain a beautiful garden through the pond’s cycle of hydration.
8. Pool
   While pools are definitely not as common in Alberta, having one for the summer months might be the perfect luxury you are looking for! This one is a major investment, but depending on how you use your backyard, it might be worth it. Think of the pool parties and barbecues you could host!
9. Bird Bath
   Bird baths can be great additions to your garden, and they tend to attract more kinds of birds than simple bird-feeders. Plus, they are fairly easy to install yourself, and come in lots of different styles to match the decor of your yard.
10. Drinking fountain
    If you’ve got kids, having an outdoor fountain can help prevent them from tracking mud and dirt into the house when they need a drink. They don’t have to be expensive, either.

Your hot water heater is probably the most important appliance in your home, especially in winter, so when it starts to go, it’s a big deal. Hot water heaters
should last between 10-15 years, which is good, because they’re not cheap.

To keep your hot water heater working longer, regular maintenance should be performed on it at least once a year by a Plumb-Pro journeyman plumber. You can also try flushing your hot water heater yourself on a regular basis, every six months or so, but sometimes you just need a new one. Here are some signs that will help you decide when your hot water heater needs replacing.

• The tank leaks. If you notice any standing water around your tank, call Red Deer Plumb-Pro right away to avoid flooding or other damage to your home. The hot water heater will need to be turned off, cooled, and drained before it can be repaired or replaced.

• Temperature issues. This could mean any number of things, from needing to replace the elements or the entire heater, to the pilot light being out or having a tripped circuit breaker.  If your hot water heater no longer produces hot water, or if the hot water doesn’t last as long as it used to, Plumb-Pro’s journeyman plumbers will be able to diagnose your unit and help you replace it or get it fixed.

• Water is brown or tastes metallic. This can be an indicator that your hot water heater is on its last legs and will probably fail soon. Trying to fix this yourself can cause injury and damage. Give Plumb-Pro a call instead as soon as you notice a change in your water quality so you’re not left hanging.

• Funny noises. Cracks and pops are normal if annoying, and flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup can fix the problem. If you’ve tried flushing your hot water heater, or the cracks and pops have escalated to banging and knocking, call a Plumb-Pro plumber to replace the heating element.

• Pieces of white plastic coming out of your faucets. The plastic is likely from a deteriorating tube in your tank, and can indicate other deteriorating components in your hot water heater. This problem is often accompanied by a shorter duration of hot water, but our journeyman plumbers can assess your hot water heater and get you a new one if needed.

• Gas pilot won’t stay lit or you smell gas near the unit. We have licensed gas fitters to help replace your gas valve, but keep in mind that if your hot water heater is getting on in years, it’s probably better to replace it.

• You’ve tried draining your tank, but nothing comes out. This means there is a buildup of sediment, and will probably mean you need to replace your hot water heater. Call Red Deer Plumb-Pro at 403.588.2619.

If any of the above issues occur within 2 years of expiration of warranty, call Red Deer Plumb-Pro to have your hot water heater replaced rather than repaired.

Water is considered a renewable resource, but pressures are growing and places like California are forced to cut back by around 35 percent every year due to drought. We in Canada are a nation of water-wasters, flooding our backyards every winter for hockey rinks and indulging frequently in long, hot showers, but at what cost? Conserving water just makes sense, and to help you get started, here are 20 ways to conserve water, drought or not.

1. Install an energy efficient dishwasher and save 3-8 gallons of water per load. Unsure about the installation process? Call Red Deer Plumb-Pro.
2. Run the dishwasher/washing machine only when full.
3. Scrape your plate instead of rinsing it off.
4. Call us at Plumb-Pro to retrofit or adapt older water fixtures and appliances.
5. Trade in your showerhead for a low-flow showerhead that is more economical. Call our residential journeyman plumbers for more information.
6. Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while soaping up.
7. Review your water bill monthly to check for unusually high use.
8. Call Red Deer Plumb-Pro to fix leaky or running toilets and test for leaks at least once per year. Regular plumbing maintenance never hurts.
9. Pour leftover water on plants rather than dumping it down the drain.
10. Install a high-efficiency toilet and save 19 gallons per person per day with Gravity-Fed, Pressure Assist and Dual-Flush models. Red Deer Plumb-Pro specializes in home plumbing construction and plumbing modifications, so give us a call!
11. If it’s yellow, let it mellow, especially if you live alone.
12. Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket.
13. Fix dripping faucets and leaky pipes right away.
14. Don’t let the water run – use bowls of water to rinse fruits and vegetables, and rinse your toothbrush in a cup. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth too.
15. Use a rain barrel.
16. Shut off the hose between washing and rinsing your car. Better yet, fill a bucket when soaping it up!
17. Thaw frozen food overnight instead of running it under hot water.
18. Keep your drinking water in the fridge to keep it cold rather than running the tap.
19. Turn sprinklers off during the day and water your lawn in the early morning or later in the day when temperatures are cooler and there is less chance of evaporation.
20. Avoid over watering – a typical lawn only requires one water every 4-5 days.

Ideally, you should have a ready list of contractors before you need them so you don’t have to worry about it during a crisis but there are tons of plumbing companies out there, and wading through reviews and website About Us pages takes time that you don’t have. So what should you look for and how do you choose a plumber? Here are the top four things you should look at when choosing a plumber.

How long have they been in business?

This is a good indicator of expertise and reliability. Red Deer Plumb-Pro has over 25 years of experience ranging from repairing washers on a forty-year-old faucet to installations on modulating condenser boilers, and gas and water lines, so you can call us and have peace of mind.

What is the scope of their expertise?

It’s much easier to call one company for all your hydronics, gas fitting, and plumbing needs than to mess around with a lot of different companies. Red Deer Plumb-Pro is a full service company, and we can help with any commercial or residential project, large or small.

Are their plumbers, gas fitters, and technicians certified or trained properly?

Red Deer Plumb-Pro’s hydronics installation professionals are certified in the maintenance and installation of boilers and boiler systems as well as hydronic heating systems, and our journeyman gasfitters and plumbers can take care of everything from gas lines, renovations, and furnace repair, to water lines, and leaky pipes.

Do they offer emergency response plumbing?

Plumbing emergencies don’t quit at 5, and neither does Red Deer Plumb-Pro. We’re available to help after hours during the week and on weekends as well.

Call us for all your plumbing, gasfitting, and hydronic heating needs!

One of the major challenges in life is wading through the hoards of information at your disposal and figuring out what is fact and what is fiction.

Here are the top five myths associated with plumbing related issues.

MYTH: Joint fillers and fitting compounds are a good way to fix leaky pipes.

These are actually only useful for temporary fixes. For permanent repairs, call Plumb-Pro to replace the pipe sections or fittings.

MYTH: Doing your dishes by hand is better for the environment.

Actually, doing your dishes by hand wastes water and energy that could have been saved using an energy efficient dishwasher.

MYTH: I don’t need to fix tiny leaks.

In reality, a small drip can rack up your utility bill, damage your fixtures, and waste gallons of water per year. Red Deer Plumb-Pro can fix it and save you money!

MYTH: Water flushes counter-clockwise in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere.

The direction water drains actually has to do with the design and shape of the fixture rather than where you live.

MYTH: All plumbers are the same.

True, anyone can offer a plumbing service, but that doesn’t equal expertise. Plumb-Pro has over 25 years of experience and provides reliable and straightforward service that can be hard to find.

You may be a handy dandy do-it-yourselfer, but there are times when you will need a professional plumber to come out to your house for emergencies or situations you’re not equipped to handle. Here are ten situations you shouldn’t try to handle yourself.

1. Moving existing plumbing or adding a new gas line during plumbing renovations and bathroom remodels
2. Plumbing modifications such as extending water lines or re-routing sewer pipes. This usually requires the use of a blow torch and welding expertise and can quickly escalate into a disaster.
3. No hot water? Unless your hot water tank is leaking, it may take some reconnaissance to figure out the problem. Plumb-Pro will be able to tell if you need a new heater or if the old one can be fixed.
4. Plumbing issues can sneak up on you but a residential plumber will be able to catch small problems before they become big ones.
5. Don’t use joint fillers and fitting compounds on leaky pipes and expect it to last forever. Joint fillers and fitting compounds are a temporary fix; for a permanent repair, you’ll want to get one of our plumbers to replace the pipe sections or fittings.
6. Low water pressure? This could be caused by rust in the water lines, low water pressure from the city supply, or even poorly designed supply lines. Plumb-Pro’s journeyman plumbers will be able to analyze the problem and fix it in no time.
7. Running toilet? You might be able to fix the problem yourself by replacing the flapper, float apparatus, and fill tube, but if your toilet is still running, you might have a bigger problem that needs a professional plumber.
8. Shower valve replacement take practice. There are many options to choose from and many of those can be tricky. Call Plumb-Pro for help when you don’t want to risk damaging your walls.
9. Tub replacement. This is a big job and harder than it looks!
10. Your kids flushed something down the toilet they shouldn’t have. Your first instinct might be the plunger, but plunging can make the problem worse by pushing the object into the waste line. Stop flushing the toilet and call Plumb-Pro. We will do what we can to help.