Local Own Comfort - Guelph Plumber

Professional Plumbing and Gas-Fitting Services in Guelph, Ontario and Surrounding Areas

Heating & Plumbing: 519.500.5353 localowncomfort@gmail.com

Gas Fitting Professionals - Benefits of Using a Professional for Water Heater Install

The Benefits of Using a Professional for Water Heater Installation

When it comes to water heater installation, many homeowners often try to tackle the task themselves or hire an inexperienced handyman to do the job. However, there are several benefits to using a professional for water heater installation, especially when it comes to ensuring the safety and longevity of your home’s plumbing system. As plumbing and gas fitting professionals with years of experience, we can confidently say that investing in a professional installation service is worth it.

First and foremost, a professional installation can ensure the safe and proper functioning of your water heater. Gas-powered water heaters, in particular, can be dangerous if not installed correctly. A professional installer will be knowledgeable in the proper ventilation, gas line connections, and other necessary safety precautions to ensure that your water heater is installed safely and efficiently.

In addition to safety, a professional installation can also save you money in the long run. A poorly installed water heater can lead to leaks, water damage, and other costly repairs. With a professional installation, you can trust that the job is done right the first time, saving you from costly repairs and replacements down the road.

A professional installation can also ensure that your water heater is properly sized and installed for your specific needs. A professional installer can assess your household’s hot water usage and recommend a water heater that is appropriately sized to meet your needs. This can help you avoid the frustration of running out of hot water during peak usage times, as well as prevent unnecessary energy waste from an oversized water heater.

Using a professional for water heater installation can save you time and stress. Installing a water heater can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially for those who are not familiar with the process. By hiring a professional, you can rest assured that the job will be done efficiently and correctly, allowing you to focus on other priorities.

When it comes to water heater installation, investing in a professional service can ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your plumbing system. As plumbing and gas fitting professionals, we highly recommend using a professional for water heater installation to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a properly functioning system. If you are in the Guelph area, consider using the Guelph water heating services of Local Own Comfort for your water heater installation needs. Our team of experienced professionals can provide you with the peace of mind and quality service you need for your home’s plumbing needs.

Guelph Plumbing Services - Tankless Water Heater Guide

Tankless Water Heater Buyer’s Guide

Tankless water heaters have quite a lot of benefits when it comes to heating your home. Over the past decade or so, manufacturers have made improvements with the technology used to run tankless water heaters, along with making developments with the features that they offer. Our expert Guelph plumbing services team has some tips to help guide you when buying a tankless water heater for water heater installation.

ENERGY STAR Certification

If you want to be sure that your tankless water heater is high-performance and highly efficient, make sure that it has ENERGY STAR certification. It means that the water heater has met high-efficiency standards. ENERGY STAR tankless water heaters use around 30% less energy than the traditional water storage heater, which will save you money over time. Look for a UEF rating of between 2.3 and 4 for an electric tankless heater. For a gas run heater, it should have an EF rating of at least 0.90 or 0.87 for the UEF rating.

Low and Ultra-Low NOx Emissions

You can find some tankless heaters that work to lower nitrogen oxide emissions, which is beneficial for the environment.

Condensing Technology

A condensing water heater has a secondary heat exchanger that can recover any energy and heat that may otherwise be lost through venting. This feature can be a bit more expensive but it is much more efficient.

Recirculation Pumps

While a tankless heater is known for giving you hot water on demand, you still have that bit of lag between turning your tap on and getting hot water, more so when the tap is furthest from the water heater. With a recirculation pump, you can significantly reduce your waiting time.

Wi-Fi Compatibility

While not everyone needs Wi-Fi compatibility in their tankless heater, it can be a helpful option. It allows you to use smart technology to control the settings of your heater remotely, like adjusting the temperature of the water, keeping track of fuel consumption, monitoring how much water is being used, and getting updates on maintenance.

Smart Preheating Technology

Some smart technologies are able to keep track of the peak usage times, which allows them to make sure that your hot water is ready when you are.

Modulating Burners

A modulating burner saves energy by adjusting the water heaters burner to meet demand. For instance, when you are only using one tap to get hot water, the burner will reduce its output and vice versa.

Digital Displays

Having a digital display is another way of letting you monitor and operate your water heater. Depending on the technology used for the display, you may be able to view and adjust the temperature setting, track the heater’s flow rate, change between different modes, monitor your water pressure, and get alerts about required maintenance.

Considerations of Using a Tankless Water Heater

While there are many benefits to using a tankless water heater, there are a couple of downsides to consider as well:

  • Limited Flow Rates – may not be able to keep up with high demand. You can fix this issue by making sure that you have the right size heater for your home consumption use.
  • Cost more than a storage-tank water heater – however, the amount that you save over time can offset this cost.
  • Higher cost to install – tankless heaters often use a different diameter pipe and need special venting. While there isn’t really a way around the added cost, making sure you enlist the help of an expert, such as our Guelph plumbing services to install your water heater, will ensure that the installation has been done properly.

If you want more information regarding tankless water heater installation, give our expert Guelph plumbing services team a call today!

Water Heater - What to Do if Your Water Heater Breaks

What to Do if Your Water Heater Breaks

Having your water heater break down can be a real hassle, especially if it happens during colder weather. When I do a water heater installation for my customers, I make sure to give them tips on what to do if their water heater breaks down. Not all issues call for a water heater repair or replacement, and some temporary fixes can save you money by limiting further damage until a repair person can fix it for you.

How to Tell if a Water Heater is Broken

If your water heater is spewing water, you know it’s broken. However, there are a lot of little signs to watch for that can lead up to a rupture in the tank. The most common signs that you need to be aware of are:

  • Water pooling under the tank
  • Pipe connections that are leaking
  • Having rusty water running out of your hot water tap
  • Popping, banging, or rumbling sounds

In most cases, water heaters will start to run into trouble with age, usually within an 8 to 12-year period. Most of the issues are caused by a build-up of sediment which damages the unit’s interior. The tank, which is made of steel, will start to rust, become corroded, and then develop tiny holes that eventually become bigger holes and start to leak. This can also cause damage to the control systems which then malfunction. Something like a broken thermostat can cause a dangerously high level of heat within the unit, or a pressure valve that is faulty can lead to an explosion.

A Bit of Prevention

The best way to prevent problems is to be proactive. Make sure you have regular maintenance and inspections of your water heater. It’s recommended that you have a check-up twice a year, usually in the spring and autumn. Other things to check for:

  • Look for any fitting that has become loose and tighten them
  • Regularly check under the tank for any leaking
  • Check the walls and floors close to the unit for any dampness
  • Make sure to have your plumber inspect the unit, drain it and refill it at least once a year.

All of these steps will help you find potential problems before they turn into big expensive problems. Keeping your water heater healthy will also prolong the life and efficiency of it.

What to Do When Your Water Heater Breaks

Unfortunately, we may not catch those early signs soon enough, which leads to a total water heater breakdown. So, what do you do when this happens? This is when you need to call in a professional. There are also things you should do to help minimize the damage to your home, as well as making the cleanup process a bit easier. Having a plan in place helps you act fast in such a stressful situation.

If you have a gas water heater, you will need to unplug the water heater, turn off the gas valve, and give us a call. For an electric water heater, shut the power off to it from the circuit breaker and give us a call.

Next, you will want to turn the main water line to the tank off. You can find this around the top of the water heater, shut it off by turning the valve clockwise. If the valve is in an unreachable area, you will need to shut the valve off from the main water supply running into the home.

To minimize further flooding, you will need to empty your tank. You can do this by attaching a hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the tank. You can then run this hose outside or into a drain in the basement. If you are running the hose outside, make sure it’s to an area that is lower than the home to avoid water flowing back into the house. Next, switch on the pressure relief valve. This will help to keep a vacuum from occurring within the tank while you are emptying it.

If you think your water heater is having issues, give us a call today!

 

Guelph Water Heater - What Can Cause Water Heater Leaks

What Can Cause Water Heater Leaks

The last thing that you want to see as a homeowner is leaking around your water heater.  It brings to mind the worst-case scenario; the expense of fixing or buying a new one.  We have some advice from a Guelph water heater contractor that may help set your mind at ease.  Not all leaks mean the worst.  So the first step is to look at why the water heater is leaking and what may be causing it.  In many cases, a leak only requires a small repair that can be quick and inexpensive.

Precautions

Before you start diagnosing the leak, make sure you turn off the power source.  For electric water heaters, power needs to be shut off at the circuit breaker.  For gas water heaters, there should be an on/off switch on the heater that needs to be turned off.  If you have a pretty substantial leak that is obvious, you should also shut off the water supply found at the cold water shut off valve.  This will slow, if not stop the leak.  Also, keep in mind that your hot water tank can be very hot, so let the heater cool down a bit before you work on it.  The hot water that’s in your heater is hot enough to cause 1st-degree burns.

Possible Causes of a Water Heater Leak

Hot and Cold Water Connections

There are generally 2 main connections to a hot water heater; a connection for the hot water outlet, and a connection for the cold water inlet.  Check these for any leaking, as well as the elbow joints that connect the pipes to the heater.  It may be that they need some tightening or reconnecting at the joints.  You can easily get replacement parts for these areas and it may solve the issue.

Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

All hot water heaters have a T&P relief valve.  This valve is what regulates pressure and prevents your hot water tank from exploding.  The valve works by opening repeatedly when high temperatures create steam, which increases pressure to the valve.  The valve may be faulty or blocked, causing a continuous leak. You should first try flushing the valve to remove any debris. Should the valve continue to leak after flushing it out, you may need to replace it.  This is a job that a licensed Guelph water heater contractor can do.

Heater Drain Valve

Near the bottom of your water heater tank is a drain valve.  This valve can leak if it’s faulty or if there has been a buildup of sediment that affects the seal.  You can try flushing this valve, as you did the T&P valve, to help clear any debris.  If it continues to leak then you will need to replace the drain valve.

Gaskets

For electric water heaters, electric elements in the tank are what heat the water.  The base of these elements have rubber gaskets on them to protect them from water and, over time, they will erode, allowing water to seep put through the connections.   The base of the elements can be reached by a small hatch on the outside of the tank.  If the electrical connections are showing signs of water damage, it’s probably down to degraded gaskets, which can be replaced.

The Tank

Should you find that water is leaking from the tank itself, you will need to have the unit replaced.  Tanks can erode from the inside out when heaters are not maintained properly and not flushed out regularly.  Sediment builds up and causes erosion over time.  In this situation, it’s best to contact a Guelph water heater contractor to properly replace the unit.

Guelph Plumbing - Basic Tools to Have in Every Plumbing Kit

Basic Tools to Have in Every Plumbing Kit

Basic plumbing knowledge can be of great help, especially if you are a homeowner. There are many jobs that can easily be done by yourself. For those who like to tackle those bigger plumbing jobs, a career in plumbing could be the next step. You can join the growing pool of Guelph plumbers that offer solutions and fixes.

Whether you are looking to start a career in plumbing or are a major DIY enthusiast, there are some basic plumbing tools that are a must for every toolkit. After speaking with a Guelph plumber from Local Own Comfort, we’ve come up with a list of the necessary basics to have in your plumbing supply kit.

Basic Plumbing Tools

Tape Measure

It’s a simple tool but one that is necessary to have. During any plumbing job, you will more than likely need to measure up dimensions along with the plumbing system.

Set of Adjustable Wrenches

You can get wrenches in a variety of sizes, shapes, and handle lengths. Adjustable wrenches play a very critical part of doing any type of plumbing work. They are used for turning, holding, fitting, and removing plumbing fixtures and pipes. It’s best to have a set with varying jaw heads.

Set of Screwdrivers

Having a set of varying size and head-shape screwdrivers is another necessity. When you search online for a Guelph plumbing fix, 9 times out of 10 a screwdriver will be part of the tools needed. They are used for tightening and loosening a number of plumbing connections and fixtures.

Hacksaws and Handsaws

Some plumbing jobs will require you to cut wood and plastic materials, such as floorboards and frames. So these are two necessities to get that part of the job done.

Teflon Tape

Teflon tape is used for pipes, plumbing components, and faucets. They ensure that each connection is leak proof and tight.

Tube and Pipe Cutters

Part of Guelph plumbing solutions is cutting metal and plastic pipes. Having cutters for both makes this part of the job a lot simpler. These cutters have adjustable heads that will fit any size pipe or tube used in plumbing fixes.

Safety Equipment

No plumbing tool kit is complete without some safety equipment. You’ll need earplugs, goggles, and gloves. Plumbers have to work in a variety of setting so need to lessen their risk of injury.

Those are the necessities for your plumbing tool kit. There are also some secondary tools that are good to have for taking on Guelph plumbing solutions.  These include both large and small flashlights, vise grip pliers, flat and round files, short and long shovels, a sledgehammer, ball-peen and claw hammers, a caulking gun, trowel, and some needle-nose pliers.

If you’re looking for a Guelph plumbing fix and need some advice, it’s always best to speak to the professionals, such as Local Own Comfort. They have the top Guelph plumbers that can help you plan for a plumbing project. If doing your own plumbing project seems to be a bit intimidating, you can get expert Guelph plumbers out to do the job for you.

Guelph Plumbing - How to Tell if Plumbing is Leaking or Needs to be Replaced

How to Tell if Plumbing is Leaking or Needs to be Replaced

I’ve been doing plumbing in Guelph for many years now. I always advise homeowners of how important it is to not only maintain their plumbing but to have a bit of knowledge around common plumbing issues and repairs that can be done easily. You see, not every plumbing issue requires a replacement. Sometimes a simple thing, like putting on a new rubber washer is all it takes to sort out the issue. So I’m going to share with you the top plumbing issues most homeowners face, and how to determine if its a repair or a replacement issue you can repair yourself.

Top Guelph Plumbing Issues

Hot Water Isn’t Working

You’re tired at the end of the day and all you are longing for is a nice hot shower. But when you step in and turn the water on, you’re greeted with nothing but cold water. If the issue is a lack of hot water, check these things first:

  • Is your water heater run on gas? Check to see if the pilot light has gone out.
  • Is your water heater big enough to meet the needs of your home? If not, you may need to upgrade.
  • Make sure your temperature settings are good enough to provide the right amount of hot water.

Leaking Water Heater 

This is another common issue that occurs for homeowners. There are some instances where you can fix the issue yourself, but in most cases, you will need a plumber for this job. Most leaks in water heaters are a signal that the floor of the tank is beginning to rust and degrade. This means it will need to be replaced.

Dripping Faucets

This is one that all homeowners face at one time or another. Dripping faucets can be annoying and wasteful. Dripping faucets are usually an easy fix and tend to be caused by rubber washers that have degraded over time. Washer replacements can be purchased at any DIY or plumbing supply store for very little.

Leaking Pipes

A simple leaking pipe can cause a 10,000-gallon loss of water per year if not fixed. It can become quite costly. In many cases, the issue is down to a degraded pipe connector that has become loose or the pipe itself. This is a repair that you can do yourself by simply replacing the pipe or connector in question.

In cases where the pipe issue is larger or not easy to get to, you will need a plumber to come out to inspect things. Doing this early on will save you on any costly repairs later.

Running Toilet

Like a faucet that keeps dripping, a running toilet can cost you money over time. Most issues with a running toilet are due to the tank fixtures, such as the fill valve or flapper. These are easy enough to replace and you can buy replacements at any DIY or plumbing supply store.

Clogged Drains

Another common household issue, this is one that can be avoided if your drains are properly maintained. You need to pay close attention to what you pour down your drains for a start. For example, never pour fats, cooking grease, or oils down a drain. Once they cool, they for, a blockage that will require a heavy-duty unclogger to get rid of. Over time, it can cause more issues that will require the assistance of a plumber to sort out.

If you have an issue with your plumbing that you can’t figure out or that is too big to tackle on your own, give our Guelph plumbing services a call today!

 

Guelph Water Heater - How to Know if Yours is Broken

How to Know if Your Water Heater is Broken

Most homeowners forget to make regular checks on their water heater, which can cause a huge problem down the road. Keeping up to date with your water heater and knowing if there is an issue is extremely important especially during the winter season. So to help prevent a problem from occurring, your local water heater contractor has listed three useful tips on how to know your water heater is going back and what you should do about it.

Tip #1: Check The Age Of Your Water Heater

If you cannot remember how old your water heater is, you can check this information by reviewing the serial number on the back. Most water heaters have a similar code that tells you how old the heater is. For instance, say the serial number is C071052638, this means that your water heater was made in March 2007 since C is the third letter of the alphabet, which means March and the next two numbers read 07, which means it was manufactured in 2007.

Once you when your water heater was made, you can figure out how old it is Most heaters last for approximately ten years, so if your heater is older than that, it may be time to replace it.

Tip #2: Rust In The Water

If your heater is producing rust in the water, it may mean that it’s time to change out your heater or the rust could be coming from the pipes. To see whether or not you need to replace your heater, drain the water using a five-pound bucket. Fill your bucket up three times and if rust is still appearing in the water by the third bucket, it might be a good idea to get a new Guelph water heater.

Tip #3: Is Your Water Heater Making Noise?

If your water heater is making noise then this could be an indication that it needs to be replaced. The older a water heater gets, the more likely sediment is able to build up and sit inside your tank. This deposit accumulation can cause your water heater to make noises, which can then cause your heater to stop working properly.

Contact Us

For more information on how to know if your Guelph water heater is going bad or if you are having current problems and need to talk to an expert, please contact the Local Own Comfort team at 519-760-5494.

Guelph Plumber - Tips for Avoiding Winter Plumbing Leaks

Tips for Avoiding Winter Plumbing Leaks

With the temperature outside well below freezing and snow covering the ground, it is important to be diligent about checking your water pipes to avoid any plumbing issues. Many problems can occur during harsh weather conditions, which is why you should alert any problems to a trusted professional before they get worse.

So, to help provide some insight, your local Guelph plumber with Local Own Comfort has listed some useful tips for avoiding winter water plumbing leaks.

Tip #1: Protect Your Water Pipes From Freezing

If you have uninsulated water pipes your home could risk major water damage if those pipes were to freeze. In conditions below 0 degrees Celsius, the water inside your pipes could freeze, which could cause the entire pipe to become frozen. This causes a problem because a frozen pipe could burst open easily, which could create flooding inside your home. If you have uninsulated pipes, be sure and purchase a foam tube and wrap your pipes in this foam to help insulate them better. If you do have a burst pipe, be sure to call your local Guelph plumber immediately to come fix your problem before it gets worse.

 Tip #2: Disconnect Your Outdoor Hose

With temperatures as cold as they are now, there is no need to have your lawn hose outside. If you keep your hose connected to your main water unit, these pipes could freeze and ultimately affect the water distribution throughout the house. So instead, disconnect your hose and put it away until the springtime.

Tip #3: Fix Any Current Leaks Now

Even if you have a minor leak, you will want to call a Guelph plumber immediately to prevent any more problems from occurring in the future. Having a small leak in the wintertime could largely affect your water supply, so thoroughly check your home of any leaks. You will also want to shut off any pipes that lead to the outdoors to prevent from freezing.

Contact Us

For more details on tips for avoiding winter water plumbing leaks or if you have questions about your water heater in Guelph, please contact Local Own Comfort at 519-760-5494.

Water Heater in Guelph - Common Winter Water Heater Issues

Common Water Heater Issues in Winter

Now that we are well into winter, the consistent cold weather can be causing major problems with your water heater. This is why it is important to be aware of these issues so you can call a Guelph plumber immediately.

So, to help you get started, your local plumbers at Local Own Comfort have listed some of the most common water heater issues that occur in winter and how a professional can help.

Issue #1: Broken Parts

Faulty parts can occur over time due to misuse and aging. It is especially important to be aware of these parts so you are not going a day without hot water. Some issues to keep an eye out for depends on the type of heater you have. If you have an electric heater, a common issue to have during the winter is a faulty thermostat or if you have a gas heater, you should be aware of the pilot control valve.

If you think you are having a problem with these parts, your local Guelph plumber can come in and either adjust these parts or replace them altogether.

Issue #2: Insulation

If you own an electric heater and fear you are having insulation issues, your local plumber can protect your heater with a layer of neoprene foam. If you have a gas heater, the best insulation to use is a layer of fiberglass wrap. Insulating this area can help save money on your utility bill because it will help heat up the water faster and therefore use less energy.

Issue #3: Sediment Buildup

Now that it has started to snow, there is going to be large amounts of salt particles on the ground. Tracking this salt into your home and near your water heater can cause a buildup of sediment particles which can cause the parts of your water heater in Guelph to corrode. Have a professional inspect your heater and remove these particles to prevent this problem from occurring.

Issue #4: Overheating

It is very common for your water heater to overheat in the winter due to the higher demand for warmer water. Keep an eye on the water heater thermostat and make sure temperatures don’t exceed 50 degrees C or your heater could burn out or parts of it could degrade.

Contact Us

If you are starting to have problems with your water heater in Guelph, have Local Own Comfort take a look and fix the issue before you are completely out of hot water!

For questions or inquiries, please contact us at 519-760-5494.

Guelph Plumber - What Makes a Water Heater Effective?

What Makes A Water Heater Effective?

Owning a water heater is very useful when you are wanting to wash your hands with warm water or take a nice hot shower. But, unfortunately, a water heater is easily neglected. If you are not using hot water than you are not thinking about this unit, which means by the time you realize there is an issue with your water heater, you may be left without warm water for a long period of time.

A water heater is especially becoming important now because of the cold weather that is coming through. We have officially left summer and are well into fall, which means we are starting to see snow flurries and are needing to heat up our homes now.

So, to help you get started before you are left without warm water for a long period of time, your local Guelph plumber with Local Own Comfort has listed what makes a water heater effective.

 

Water Heaters

Using your water heater is a major household expense, which is why it is important to buy a good quality heater so you are not having to spend a lot on repairs. This starts by looking for a heater that is energy efficient. If you buy a heater just because it is cheap and it is not energy efficient, this will really hike up your utility bill, which means you will be spending more money in the long run.

If you are looking for an effective, energy efficient water heater in Guelph, you may want to look into a tankless water heater. This upfront cost runs a little more expensive than a generic water heater, however, it will heat up your water instantly and it will save you money on your utility bill in the long run.

If you are set on owning a tank water heater than an important feature to look for is the first-hour rating (FHR). This states how much water can be delivered in a full tank in one hour. Assess how much water you and your family use per day and choose the size of the tank accordingly. If you need help figuring out what size would work best for your home, you can read this useful sizing guide HERE.

 

Contact Us

For more useful information on what makes a water heater effective or if you would like to speak with a Guelph plumber please contact Local Own Comfort at 519-760-5494.

Are you looking for a quote? Get in touch with a plumbing and gas-fitting expert today