Summer is almost here, and with it, the heat. During these months, you will want your home to be cool and comfortable, isolated from the heat outside, especially during the afternoons. The last thing you want, then, is to flip the switch and find that your air conditioner is not working. Hence, to ensure your comfort, your air conditioner needs to be ready to serve you efficiently so that it doesn't let you down in the coming months. Here are some tips on checking your air conditioner to see if it's ready for the summer.

Clean or Replace the Air Filters

The easiest (and perhaps the most important) thing to do to prepare your air conditioner for summer is checking the air filters. They are usually located in the furnace or air-handler cabinet. You need to clean them and see if they are clogged in any way as clogs can restrict airflow. If you notice a significant clog, then you should replace the filters.

Clean the Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are located outdoors, in the big box with sides that look like grilles. The fan pushes the air through them, so if they are clogged due to dirt, leaves or debris, it can severely hamper the air conditioner's performance. To clean the coils, you first have to remove the panels using a screwdriver, then lift the top off. Then, you need to use a soft brush on a vacuum cleaner and gently clean the coils from the outside of the unit. The fins are delicate, so be careful while cleaning them. However, if there is any stubborn debris, then it is best to contact a professional air conditioning service provider, or you risk damaging the delicate coils.

Check the Coolant Lines

The coolant lines run from the evaporator on the air handler to the condenser system outside your home. These lines are typically covered with foam coolant insulation to prevent energy losses. You need to check if the insulation is frayed, missing, or broken. You should also check for any cracks in the lines if you can. 

Consider a Thermostat Upgrade

Lastly, if you have an older air conditioner, then you should check the thermostat and consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. They can be programmed to run the air conditioner at specific temperatures during specific hours of the day, and they can save a lot of energy in the long run that can save you a lot of money too. 

Have it Professionally Inspected

Inspecting your air conditioner yourself can be time-consuming and often tricky, especially when you have to check and clean the delicate or hard to reach parts of your air conditioner. Thus, it is best to contact a professional air conditioning service provider to have your air conditioner inspected. They are trained, and they can clear out any impending problems, ensuring that your air conditioner runs efficiently. This is particularly important if you have an old air conditioner that is susceptible to failure in the future.

Capital Plumbing is a leading air conditioning service provider in Edmonton, Alberta. Contact us to have your air conditioner inspected and serviced, and for any kind of upgrades including air filters and thermostat. Reach out to us at 780-451-5666 now to prepare your air conditioner for the summer!

If you have a septic tank in your home, then you must keep it maintained. A well-cared-for septic system functions as its very own sewage facility while being completely out of sight and odourless. And though they are reasonably maintenance-free, they do require some regular checks here, and you also need to take some steps to ensure that it functions properly. Here are some of the ways of doing that:

Inspect and Pump Regularly

Your septic system has a few components that may wear out over time and cause trouble. Hence, you need to keep a check on the system. Here, you should inspect the septic system at least once a year, especially if you have any alternative systems like pumps, electrical float, or other mechanical components. Additionally, you should pump the system every few years to ensure that the tank remains clean. It is also recommended that you have a professional plumber inspect your system every couple of years.

Keep Accurate Records

On the same lines, you must keep thorough records of your septic system. This record must include things like the diagram of the system and its location, service history, and the common niggles you face. This will help your plumber if the system ever breaks down, and it will just as well help the future owner of your house if you ever decide to move. Ensure that the records are kept securely and in an easily accessible place.

Use Water Efficiently

On average, an individual uses close to 70 gallons of water per day, so imagine how much water you and your family are dumping into the septic tank. By using water efficiently, you are not only helping the environment but also your septic system as the lesser the water entering it, the smoother it's functioning. This will reduce the risk of failure in the system. Additionally, if you have a leaky faucet or running toilet, then you should also get that fixed as such leaks can waste close to 200 gallons of water a day.

Dispose of Waste Properly

All the plumbing pipes in your house lead to the septic tank, hence, you need to make sure that you don't dump the wrong kind of waste down the drains as it can cause damage to the septic system. Hence, to avoid using it as a trash use, avoid flushing or draining down things like cooking oil and grease, non-flushable wipes and diapers, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, paper towels, and cigarette butts. These things can also damage your drains and end up causing a clog in your plumbing system.

Care for the Ground

Mark the area where your septic tank is installed, and avoid planting any trees or plants near that area as it can cause root intrusion. Similarly, avoid paving it with concrete or asphalt as it can stop the flow of oxygen to the bacteria that help break down the sewage in the system. An excellent way to facilitate the system is by growing grass over it. Moreover, avoid parking your vehicles atop the system as it can pressurize the soil, causing damage to the septic system.

For more information on septic tank maintenance and repairs in Edmonton, contact us at 780-451-5666. Our skilled staff will provide you with the best solutions that suit your needs and budget!

We humans don’t look out for our plumbing system until there are some plumbing emergencies. The plumbing system will cause a problem eventually. But you cannot blame the system as the plumbing cannot take care of its own. We have to look after the system, and if a problem arises, humans are to be blamed. We tend to keep the maintenance on the back burner, and then they cause bigger problems that will make a significant hole in our pocket, dripping all of our money. So the best way is to take care of the plumbing problems in advance so that you avoid the emergencies and huge repair bills.

1) Flushing Solid Waste

The foremost thing you can do is go easy on your toilet and not flush everything down it. It is a toilet seat and not the official dustbin of your home. If you still treat it like a garbage bin, then be ready to loosen up your pockets. The human waste and toilet papers are the only things meant to flush down the toilet. But if you are flushing down things like solid waste, baby diapers, hair, plastic waste, or other bigger and fibrous things, then it can clog your toilet drains. So, keep a garbage bin in your toilet if you have the habit of tossing things in your toilet.

2) Cleaning of Drains

Drains are an essential part of your plumbing system. There are some solid wastes that can get trapped in your drainage pipes like hair or food debris. This could lead to clogged drains, and you may face water back-ups in your sink or toilet. The clog can lead to plumbing emergencies for which you will have to call professionals. So to avoid getting tangled in such a situation, you can always call professionals like us to clean your drainage frequently. By doing so, they will be able to identify any serious problem beforehand.

3) Draining Your Water Heater

Water heaters are a crucial part of your plumbing system as it provides you with warm water during the cold winter. You cannot afford a sudden breakdown of your water heater. So what you can do is drain your water heater tank once every year, it will remove any sediment that would have built up in it. Neither your water heater can break down anytime, and you will have to call our services for plumbing emergencies.

4) Locating Your Valves

Everyone in the home needs to know where the valves are. It is mostly located where the meter is located. In case of any pipe bursting or overflowing appliance, you can turn off the valve and prevent any plumbing emergencies.

Always keep these tips in your mind, and it will save you big time and money that you would invest in repairing your plumbing system. It is easy to create a ruckus but is much more difficult to clean it up. For any plumbing emergencies, you can contact us to get the best services.

Boilers are a great way to heat your home, especially in a place like Edmonton, where it snows heavily during winter. This makes it quite an essential component of your home, and hence, you need to take care of the boiler properly by doing regular maintenance and service. Over time, your boiler will start showing its age; the giveaway are some signs that you need to watch out for, like.

Increased Energy Bills

If you notice a sudden spike in your electricity bills, and can’t find a possible explanation for the same, then you should check your boiler. This is usually caused by a severe problem in the boiler system, and you should get it checked as soon as possible, to avoid any further damage.

Signs of Leaks

A boiler can leak three things, water, hydronic fluid, or oil. This can cause significant damage to the boiler itself, and if not taken care of properly, it can even lead to structural damage to your home. Hence, if you notice any rust coloured puddle or dark oily patches on or around the boiler, then you should contact a plumber to get it fixed.

Strange Sounds

Your boiler, if broken or damaged, can make a variety of sounds. Usually, a clunking, whirring or banging noise is caused by a worn-out pump or fan that needs to be replaced. On the other hand, whistling or gurgling is caused either by low water pressure. Whistling or gurgling noises can also be caused by kettling of your boiler, where debris gets stuck in the heat exchanger, and water begins to steam or boil within.

Yellow Flame

Your boiler flame should always be blue; if you notice a change in colour, especially yellow, then you should immediately call a plumber, and evacuate your house quickly. This is a sign that the fuel is not burning correctly, and this can lead to an emission of carbon monoxide, a colourless gas. Such carbon monoxide leaks are harmful, and should not be overlooked as they can lead to death. Another sign of uneven burning is a black soot deposit on the boiler casing.

Foul Smell

Just like the yellow flame, the uneven burning of the fuel can also cause a strong odour. This odour is caused by mercaptan that is added by the manufacturer to the otherwise odourless natural gas. If you are hit by a sharp smell, then you should evacuate your house and call a plumber as soon as possible, as even this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Once you notice any of these signs with your boiler, you must contact a reputable, experienced plumbing service provider to take a look at it. Overlooking such problems can be stressful and expensive, and in severe cases, it can lead to chronic health conditions and even death (in the case of carbon monoxide poisoning).

If you notice any signs, or if you believe your boiler is starting to fail, you should give us a call at 780-451-5666. Our experienced technicians will offer you the best solutions to your problems. Contact us now!

Drain problems are more common than you’d think; some are menial, but most of them are not. If ignored, these problems can severely affect the functioning of your home plumbing, and eventually, cost you a lot of money. Hence, you must look for them and fix them as soon as you notice them. Here are some of the most common drain issues that you should look out for.

1) Slow Drainage

Usually, you might overlook slow drainage, but this should not be ignored. It is one of the first signs of potential drain problems in your home plumbing system. This is usually caused by the initial buildup of clogs due to loose strands of hair, dried soap, minerals from water, etc. If you notice slow drainage in one or two of your drains, then it is not a big issue, and you can sometimes clean them yourself. However, slow drainage everywhere is a sign that the developing clog is in the main sewer line. To fix this, you should call a professional plumbing service provider.

2) Multiple Clogs

If you fail to notice the slow drains, they might lead to full-fledged clogs in the drains where the water cannot pass through easily. Just like a slow drain, these clogs can either occur in individual drains or in the main sewer line due to mineral buildup and soap scum. Although you can usually clean smaller clogs on your own, it is advised that you call a professional to do the job. Partially cleaned clogs can lead to recurring clogs that can be inconvenient and irritating over time.

3) Lasting Odour

If you notice a pungent odour coming from your drains, then you likely have something trapped in the drain. If you notice this, you should first see if you have recently flushed remains onion or garlic down the garbage disposal. The remains of these food items can sometimes cause a nasty smell that recedes within a day or two. If the smell persists, then probably there’s a clog. Another reason, though rare, could also be caused by a cracked pipe. To fix the odour, you should call our professional plumber who can clean the drain properly by removing all debris.

4) Flooding or Pooling

One of the nastiest drain issues you might face is flooding or pooling in the basement or on the ground. If this is accompanied by a pungent smell, or if you see the pooled water is dirty, it is a sign that your main sewer line is blocked or damaged. This can be due to a fracture in the pipe, root intrusion, or an open joint. If this is ignored, it will cause a foul smell in the area, and can also cause structural damage to your house. It would be best to have a professional plumber out to your home to fix this as soon as possible.

These drainage issues can often be prevented. If you find that your drain problem is too large to repair on your own, you should reach out to us. Our highly trained plumbers will solve these issues in no time.

Mold is a common issue prevailing in almost every household but is not often visible. More often, mold is found in damp and dark places such as bathrooms. However, most people choose to ignore mold growth because they think that it isn’t doing them any harm. Mold growth make your bathroom extremely unhealthy and can disrupt your health. So, are you still satisfied just because this mold is not visible to your naked eye? Would you continue to have hidden molds multiplying in the wet and damp corners of your bathroom? Absolutely not! We recommend having a professional plumber out to assess the situation, and recommend some effective ways to keep these mold growths out of your bathroom. Following are some ways to save yourself from the mold attack.

Fix Bathroom Leaks

Leakages in the bathroom not only lead to significant wastage of water but also results in breeding grounds for mold. Why do you think this happens? Bathroom leaks cause excess accumulation of water in one place, which leads to moisture accumulation. And, as we know that mold is caused due to dampness and moisture, it can cause mold to grow. Thus, it is vital to get such leaks repaired at the earliest by getting professional bathroom services done. Also, it would be best if you didn’t allow water to accumulate in your bathroom and get rid of excess water by using a squeegee or other cleaning supplies.

Install Exhaust Fans or Vents

Since damp and dark places are some of the significant reasons for mold growth, it is essential to get that accumulated moisture out of the bathroom. A proper ventilation system like exhaust fans can help you get rid of potential mold growth. Exhaust fans help circulate airflow which eradicates any chances or dangers of mold growth. Such ventilation like installing exhaust fans or vents suck the moisture out promoting airflow in the bathroom.

Wash Bathroom Rugs and Towels Regularly

Bathroom rugs or mats and towels are frequently used in and out of the bathroom. Hence, they are more prone to being damp, thus promoting mold growth. To avoid any such chances of mold growth, it is essential to wash bathroom rugs at least once or twice a week. Cleaning your bathroom rugs and mats should not just be practiced to keep mold away, but also because it promotes good hygiene.

Take Care of Cracked Grout

Cracked grout or spaces between tiles are more prone to mold growth. Why? Because the gaps and cracks have sufficient wetness and darkness required for mold to sprawl. If you don’t wish to have breeding mold in your bathroom, it is essential to get your bathroom services done in time. Additionally, a squeegee or washcloth are some elements that you can utilize to get rid of mold accumulated between the spaces.

Now that you are aware of how you can effectively get rid of the mold in your bathroom or prevent them from growing, you will be able to care for your bathroom better. However, if the mold growths are quite stubborn and continue to grow even after multiple precautions, contact professionals like Capital Plumbing for expert guidance.

During the winter months when we are braving the cold, we rush home at the end of the day and rely on our home furnace to give us the warmth. But, what if your home furnace breaks down suddenly? All of your warmth and comfort will be taken away, and no one ever wants that to happen. So you should always maintain your home furnace to ensure that there are no issues. Here are some of the potential problems that you should look for in your furnace:

1) Thermostat Problem

Problems with a home furnace thermostat is common. When you are turning on your home furnace, check the thermostat if it is set to heat and also the temperature of the thermostat is set right. Sometimes it can feel cold in the house and the thermostat shows the wrong temperature. Also check that the batteries of your thermostat are not dead if not hardwired into the wall.

2) Clogged Air Filter

A clogged air filter can cause a breakdown in your home furnace. When the air filter is clogged, the furnace has to use more power than usual as the airflow is blocked. The clog can also lead to a breakdown of the home furnace. To avoid any such incident, you should replace the furnace filter every one to three months.

3) Pilot Light and Ignition Issue

If your home furnace is not turning on, then it may be facing an issue with the pilot light or electric ignition. Check if the flame is still burning or not, if you are using an old pilot light kind of furnace. Relight if it is blown out, and if it still goes out, you can contact our experts to inspect the furnace. If you are using the new electric ignition type of home furnace, then check if the burner is igniting. If the burner is not light up, you can call our experts to inspect the problem with your electric furnace.

4) Poor Airflow

Your furnace might also face an issue like delivering poor airflow in the home. Some common problems that lead to poor airflow are clogged air filter, mechanical problems with the air handler, leak with the ductwork and closed air vents. Ensure that your filter is clean and all air registers are open. You can call Capital Plumbing, and our expert workers will determine the issue and resolve it.

If you are looking forward not to face any issue with your home furnace, you can call our experts and they will inspect your home furnace thoroughly. We are available 24 hours for an emergency in Edmonton for any home furnace and plumbing services.