Winter Tips for your Vancouver Home.

Winter is upon us and Vancouver is quickly getting colder. Here are some quick tips on getting your Vancouver home ready for the season that will save you a bit of money and won't cost you an arm and a leg to implement.

• Probably the simplest thing you can do is bundle up and dress warmly. This is some old school advice you were probably told as a kid but it makes a lot of sense! You can save 2 percent on your heating bill for every 1°C you lower your thermostat. 
•  Make sure your Vancouver furnace filter is clean and replace it if necessary. Having a clean filter will help your furnace to heat your home more efficiently. 
• Plastic up windows and the entrance to your attic. It might look a little funny but its cheap and will help. Window kits are available at local retailers. 
• Turn your heat down at night while in bed. Lowering the thermostat setting before bedtime reduces your energy bills without affecting your comfort.
• Close heating vents going to rooms not often used. Have a guest bedroom no one ever uses, why heat the room if your not going to be spending time in it? 
• Put weather stripping around drafty doors and use silicone to seal up cracks around windows. The cost of improving the air-tightness of your Vancouver home with silicone is small compared with possible fuel savings and increased comfort.

Vancouver furnace service

The Importance of Air Circulation in your Vancouver Home

Cold air return grill

When it comes to a comfortable heating system good air circulation is essential. 

  

Unfortunately most Vancouver homes have been designed with inadequate cold air returns incorporated into their forced air heating systems. 

The cold air return is the plenum that carries air from large return grills in your home back to the furnace for reheating. If a home lacks sufficient cold air returns, air circulation will be decreased while comfort and air quality will be lessened.

A sure sign of poor air circulation is cold air pockets in the winter and hotter areas of the house in summer. As well as being important to your heating, good air circulation can help keep your home cool and comfortable in the summer when you have the furnace blower running.

The difficulty of adding more return air to your Vancouver house greatly depends on the structure of your home. That being said, if there is a will, there is a way and ducting can be added if it is truly needed.

Use Your Thermostat Wisely to Save. (Vancouver Heating)

You probably have a thermostat in your Vancouver home, but are you using it wisely?

Here are some easy facts about proper thermostat use:

Turn it down to save! When possible reduce the temperature so as not to waste energy & money. Every 1 degree Celsius you lower your thermostat you can save about 2% of the energy used to heat your house!  

Few people need to heat their home at the same temperature all day long. Most of us know to turn down our thermostat in the evening when we are in bed and during the day when at work. What's the point paying to keep our house toasty warm if no one is home to enjoy it.  

When you return home cranking your thermostat all the way up will not heat your home any faster. Pick the temperature you want and let your Vancouver furnace do its thing. 

If you are going to change your thermostat, a programmable one is the way to go!  

 A programmable thermostat makes life easy, because it can be set to reduce temperature automatically. You can have different settings for several times a day and on weekends.  When picking your thermostat try to find one that is energy star qualified. Proper use of a programmable thermostat can reduce your heating bills by 5 - 20%!

Vancouver plumbing and Heating.

Energy Saving Tips for Your Vancouver Home.

Saving energy can be easy! 
Here are a few quick Vancouver plumbing & heating tips to help you go green and save a bit of money:

Dishwasher: Fill it up before you turn it on. Avoid washing partial loads in the dishwasher. Also always make sure to air dry.  


Plumbing Fixtures: Install low flow fixtures in your home. Low flow shower heads and toilets greatly reduce amounts of wasted water. 


Clothes Washer: Use cold water to wash your cloths. You will save energy because your water heater won't have to heat the wasted water. Wash full loads of laundry and even better use an environmentally friendly front loading washer if possible.

Water Heater: Consider making the switch to a tank-less water heater. Unlike a conventional hot water tank it heats only the water you use. 

Furnace: Get annual maintenance done in the summer to keep your furnace working at peak efficiency all winter. Remember to change your filters during the heating season every couple of months. A blocked filter makes the furnace work harder. If you need a new furnace consider changing to a high efficiency furnace. Many older Vancouver Furnaces are only 60% efficient. A new 2 stage high efficiency furnace with variable speed motor is up to 95% efficient. This will turn into saving on your hydro bill and you may qualify for incentives. 

Tips when buying a new furnace (Vancouver)

Here are a few quick tips if you find yourself needing to replace the furnace in your Vancouver home. 

The heating technician installing your new furnace should do a heat loss calculation in order to properly size your furnace. An over-sized furnace will cycle on and off more and be less efficient. You will also probably end up paying more money than you need to for the larger furnace.

The higher the AFUE rating the more efficient the furnace is. Most new Vancouver furnaces are 92 - 95% efficient. Greater efficiency means bigger long term savings on your hydro bills. A two stage furnace with variable speed motor will also provide greater comfort as well as the best efficiency.

The new furnace should come with a reliable warranty. It should be a brand name with a good reputation that you can research, not some builders special discounted at the local supplier.

Make sure your furnace installer is qualified. They should have a valid gas ticket and the company should be registered with the BC Safety Authority as a licensed gas contractor. Don't hesitate to ask their credentials.

Obtain a few estimates, don't just go with the first one. There are many good Vancouver heating companies, so shop around and find the best price out there!

Vancouver plumbing & heating

High Efficiency Furnace Vancouver

Ask around Vancouver and you'll find high efficiency furnaces are very popular these days. This is chiefly because of green initiatives, government rebates, and the long-term savings you can experience.
High efficiency furnaces in Vancouver have become the only logical choice, especially with the continuing rise in gas prices. 

New high efficiency furnaces are 90 to 97 per cent efficient. Put simply, a furnace at the high end of this range converts around 97 percent of the combusted natural gas to usable energy. By comparison, many of the older homes in Vancouver have dated furnaces that are only about 60 percent efficient. This means that 40 percent of the gas you purchase from Fortis to heat our home is wasted. If your old furnace is also over sized the loses could be even greater.

A high efficiency furnace with a variable speed motor is even more efficient. It will run quieter and should make your home more cozy with its ability to maintain a more even constant temperature.
Although a high efficiency furnace is a sizable investment, the long term savings and increased comfort leave most people very satisfied in their decision to upgrade when the time comes. 

 

 

 

 

Vancouver Water Heater Trouble Shooting

Common Water Heater Problems

I install a lot of water heaters in Vancouver and for the most part, they are pretty reliable. Unfortunately, even the best tanks break down or need trouble shooting. Many Vancouver water heater service-calls I get are similar and fairly easily diagnosed. Even if you are going to call a plumber it is good to have an idea of what the problem might be.

Honeywell Thermocouple

The most common call I receive is "no hot water" due to a gas water heater's pilot light not staying lit. Although this could be indicative of a bigger issue such as a bad gas valve, usually the thermocouple is simply warn out and requires replacement. Thermocouples are cheap and readily available at home hardware stores like Home Depot for about $10. Many times, if there is a safety switch on the tank, like a temperature cut-off switch, it may need to be reset.   
Once the gas tank is lit, it is a good practice to inspect the flame. It should be bright blue with a yellow tip.

Thermostat & High Limit Switch

When an electric tank has no hot water, a good place to start is the high limit switch. The high limit is the red button found behind the cover for the upper element, it can be reset by simply pressing it. This may indicate something has gone wrong somewhere else on the tank. If the high limit has not been tripped but there is inadequate or no hot water the problem could be with one of the tank's thermostats or elements. 

Determining which of these needs replacement is a matter of testing for power at the thermostats and continuity of the elements. It is generally good practice to have a thermostat replaced along with an element.     

 Another scenario that may result in inadequate hot water is if the cold dip tube breaks inside the water heater. This results in cold water mixing with warm water near the top of the tank. The dip tube is a removable part which can be unthreaded and replaced.  

Although it is important to have an understanding of water heaters, most work should only be performed by certified technicians. Preforming repairs that are beyond one's comfort level can be potentially dangerous plus void the manufacturers warranty.  

Watermark Plumbing - Vancouver

Burnaby plumber Sewer Inspection

Working as a Burnaby plumber, I am often asked by Vancouver Plumbing clients, "should I have a sewer camera inspection?" The answer : if you are buying a home older than 20 years, or have experienced repeat sewer back ups is Yes You Should!

In Vancouver it seems like very few home buyers ask for a sewer inspection before the purchase of their house. It simply does not occur to them although it is one of the most important inspections you could get for a home. Older houses may have deteriorating or clay pipes, that with ground movement may separate at the joints. This can allow debris and roots to infiltrate the sewer line causing a blockage. If there are trees on or near the property they can cause serious damage over the years.

In order to get a house's main sewer line scoped call your local Vancouver /  Burnaby plumber and ask if they can do a video inspection. The plumbing contractor will insert a camera attached to a snake into a clean-out or toilet flange. You can view the live feed back on a monitor as the snake passes through the system. If a problem is found the issue can clearly be diagnosed and pin pointed with a locator.

When considering the cost of replacing a sewer line in Vancouver, the small fee for a camera inspection is money well spent and is an investment in peace of mind.

Watermark Plumbing - Vancouver

Vancouver Bathroom Renovation

As a Vancouver plumbing professional I do a lot of bathroom renovations in the Lower Mainland.
One thing that always surprises me is where home owners and contractors will try to save money during a renovation.

Too many times I have seen Vancouver contractors
swap out a tub and tiles but neglect to replace old corroded pipes!  Many times, emphasis is put on aesthetics but little concern is shown for what is behind the walls. Unfortunately, when it comes to plumbing, out of sight should not be out of mind.

The most opportune time to upgrade plumbing is during a renovation when plumbing fixtures, tiles and drywall are being removed. Replacing the old shower valve, deteriorated pipe fittings and drainage will ensure that you've got reliable plumbing that is maintenance free.

While renovating, if you find that your current system is rather worn, you should demand of your Vancouver contractor that it be replaced.  Don't leave old plumbing in place that you will have to service later as problems arise. Cutting corners on the plumbing in your bathroom will cost you a lot down the road.

Watermark Plumbing - Vancouver

Environmentally Friendly Vancouver Plumbing

Nowadays people in Vancouver are becoming increasingly concerned about the way their lifestyles impact the environment. Fortunately there are many earth-conscious decisions we can make at home to help protect the Lower Mainland. One area we can focus on, in order to create an healthy environment, is residential plumbing.

Here are some tips you can implement around your Vancouver home that will help protect and conserve water.

1. Get a rain barrel to capturing rain from your roof top to water your lawn and garden. Use rain as a resource! Vancouver City will subsidize the rain barrel cost by 50%
   
2. Install low flow plumbing fixtures. Low flow toilets and shower heads have been available for years and can reduce water waste by 50%!
   
3. Install a water filter or drink tap water to eliminate wasted plastic bottles. It will reduce your carbon footprint and save you money.
4. If you have a leaky faucet call your Vancouver plumber and get it fixed right away. Drips can add up to liters of unnecessary water-waste.
   
5. Think about investing in an on-demand water heater. Tank-less water heaters only heat water as you need it there by saving  energy.
6. Look under your kitchen sink and remove all toxic chemical drain cleaners. There are plenty of green products which are both powerful at clearing clogs as well as preventing them from forming.

With Earth Day just around the corner on April 22nd, we should all make an effort to do our part.

Watermark Plumbing - Vancouver

Vancouver Drain Cleaning, How to Unclog a Bathroom Drain.

If you have a clogged sink you may have discovered there is a lot of online advice. Unfortunately I would say most of it isn't worth the time and other than lucking out with a plunger, you will probably have to get in there and manually remove the clog.

I have tried a couple of the more popular methods with varying success. Here is a review of them followed by my recommendation to use the right tool for the job.

• Method #1 - Pour 1/4 cup of vinegar and let stand for 20 min: This failed me horribly. I would be shocked if it cleared the easiest blockage.

•  Method #2 - Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda, then chase it with 1/2 cup of vinegar and let stand: This failed as well. I tried this on a blocked sink and it seemed to actually make the problem worse.
  
  
• Method #3 - Pour boiling water into the sink: I didn't risk trying this one. Bathroom sinks and toilets are usually made of vitreous china which may crack under extreme temperature change. This has the potential to cause a lot of damage. 

• Method #4 - Use a coat hanger to remove the blockage: This honestly does work if the blockage is hair stuck on the drain lever of a pop up drain. If the blockage is any deeper your probably going to have to spring for the $10 dollars to buy a sink auger from Home Depot. 

 My Suggestion: A more reliable method to unclog a bathroom sink is to actually remove the plug and auger the drain, because the clog is probably hair which will need to be removed manually.

1. Firstly please put on some gloves; drains are unsanitary.
   
   
2. Remove the standing water from the sink (you could use a sponge).
   
   
3. Place a bucket under the trap in case it needs to be removed later.
   
   
4. Remove the plug. If it is a pop-up plug, reach under the sink and undo the nut on the back of the drain assemble. (If there is hair stuck on the pop-up lever, remove it)
   
   
5. Feed the auger down the drain by pulling out a short length of cable, tightening the thumb screw then turning the auger handle clockwise while gently pushing the cable downward. You may need to wiggle the auger back and forth to get it past the trap.
   
   
6. Keep working the auger into the drainage until you feel you have reached the clog and the handle resists turning. Then retract the snake while turning the handle counter clockwise trapping hair. (Sometimes it is hard to work the auger past the P-trap and you may need to remove it. Remove the trap, making sure the bucket is below to catch debris. Then work the auger into the open drainage as previously described.)

This method, admittedly, is more involved than pouring vinegar down your drain but also a lot more likely to work. It's hard to achieve effective, lasting results if using gimmicky fixes in lieu of doing the job properly. Spend the extra time to get the best results.

Watermark Plumbing - Vancouver

How to Hire a Vancouver or Burnaby Plumber.

Do you need a Vancouver or Burnaby plumber but aren't sure who to call? I suggest you spend a little time looking into it, you will probably save yourself a fair bit of money and a huge headache. It's possible the wrong contractor could do more harm than good. Asking a couple informed questions might help you find the Vancouver plumber that is the best fit for you.

• Ask a family member, friend or neighbor for a referral. If they had a good experience with a contractor chances are you will too. What's better than a testimonial from someone you know.

• Determine what type of plumbing contractor you need. Many plumbers focus on either construction, service, and or heating. A construction contractor may not be the best choice if you require someone to make a service call. 

• Inquire about their rates and compare their prices to equally qualified competitors. Ask them if there are additional charges besides their hourly or flat rate. Many companies charge travel time, miscellaneous, and gas charges. Some companies won't mention hidden costs until they give you the bill.
  

• Make sure the plumber is licensed and insured. If they don't have a business license and coverage but are operating as a professional contractor that should be a red flag. 

•  Establish what qualifies the plumber as a professional. Vancouver and Burnaby plumbers should be Red Seal Ticketed Journeymen and their helpers should be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Sometimes companies will send an apprentice with little experience to do work that is beyond their knowledge but still charge you the same price.

Don't pick your plumber randomly out of the yellow pages based on the biggest ad or the best price. Your plumber should be qualified and willing to discuss reasonable questions and concerns you have about the job. If they are not, you should probably continue your search until you find a plumber that is.

Watermark Plumbing - Vancouver

Vancouver Water Heater - Does anybody really flush their hot water tank?

     If you live in a Vancouver or Burnaby home then chances are you have a hot water tank. Have you ever drained and flushed your water heater? I don't think so, but if you have my hats off to you. Dollars to doughnuts most people wouldn't think twice about their tank unless it interfered with their morning shower.

None the less you really are recommended to drain and flush your tank as part of regular scheduled maintenance suggested by the manufacturer. The reason for this size-able request is to keep your tank running swimmingly by removing foreign sediment. This debris can cause unruly noise, inefficiency and may reduce the overall lifespan of the water heater. Since replacing a water heater is a financial burden most of us would like to avoid, maintenance is not a bad idea but there are a few considerations.

You want to bear in mind the age of your water heater and if it has been sitting undisturbed collecting a substantial layer of sediment on the bottom of the tank. This could make draining it problematic. Too much sediment could clog the hose bib and make re-closing it difficult. Trying to unclog a tank full of scalding water by putting a wire up through the hose bib has the potential to be dangerous. If the hose bib needs to replaced and is made of plastic may it could snap leaving the threads behind.

Choosing to drain and flush your tank is a good idea if you have assessed your fixture and feel comfortable doing it. It would be best to start the scheduled maintenance if your water heater is new, but if it is an older tank that has never been maintained it might be better left alone.

Watermark Plumbing - Vancouver