Plumbing problems can be different. It can be a small but annoying issue or an emergency plumbing problem. It could be a low water pressure in your house or no water at all due to incoming water line bursting. It can be the creaking noises that come from the plumbing pipes within the walls of home. A properly functioning furnace with thermostat is necessary to heat homes during cold seasons. Not to mention, our kitchen or bathroom cannot function without cold and hot water and drainage.

The most common area of homes that suffers from plumbing problem is a kitchen sink which is mostly due to the fact that it is the most-used part of our home. Frequently clogged drain pipe can cause headaches. We all have some kitchen repair skills and we think that do-it-yourself plumbing repairs can save money. However, sometimes, it can worsen the situation. For example, liquid drain cleaners usually contain chemicals that may damage older types of pipes (not to mention, they are toxic).

How often we hear that a child accidentally flushes a toy down the toilet? Unfortunately, it happens. You may try different ways to get it out but in some cases it can be not easy. Eventually, you may discover that the best way to get the toy out of the toilet is to simply call a plumber.

Another example is a water heater. It is important part of our home that should have a periodic maintenance. Such basic requirement is ignored by owners very often. That is why heaters can stop working due to rust and corrosion. Replacing water heater is hard and it can be really risky to do it yourself. The quickest and easiest way to replace a water heater is to have it done by a plumbing professional.

Plumbing problems can be different. Some of them are simple to do it yourself. Some require a special expertise or immediate attention. In any situations it is better first to consider consulting with a local plumber.

What interesting weather we are having, a few days of rain and then in the middle will be this gorgeous sunny day. I was watching the weather report on Global BC the other morning, and our favorite Global TV senior Meteorologist Mark Madryga was saying that this summer will definitely be a HOT one. Though after visiting the Global website I see rain predicted for all of next week ! Well it is only May.. and we still have great sunny days in June, July and August.

Rainy Days in Vancouver

For us the heat in Vancouver means Air Conditioning !!

There are many types of air conditioning systems that you can have installed in your home. I will review some of these in future blog posts. There are  many factors will determine which type of system is best for you, and of course you want to make sure you get the most appropriate product.

Papa Plumbing and Heating will make the whole process a lot easier for you. Our Plumbing and cooling experts are always on hand to answer whatever questions you may have and we’ll keep you in the loop from start to finish. If you’re having problems with your current system, we’ll give you an accurate rundown of your repair and replacement options.

So give us a call if you have any air conditioning needs, whether you are in Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Surrey, Delta, White Rock.. I know I missed some cities but we travel from Hope to Horseshoe Bay !

So don’t be left in the Vancouver summer heat – Let Papa cool you down – ya I was just waiting to say that !!

Stay tuned as we go through some air conditioning options in your home with our air conditioning experts !

Here is a coupon for White Rock residents from Vancouver’s plumbing and heating company: Papa Plumbing

White Rock Coupon for Plumbing, Heating, Drainage

We are getting a lot of questions about what qualifies under the Home Renovation Tax Credit. Here is what I found out from the Government Website:

Examples of eligible expenses

• Renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or basement
• Windows and doors
• New flooring – carpet, linoleum, hardwood, floating laminate, etc.
• New furnace, woodstove, boiler, fireplace, water softener, water heater, or oil tank
• Permanent home ventilation systems
• Central air conditioner
• Permanent reverse osmosis systems
• Septic systems
• Wells
• Electrical wiring in the home (e.g., changing from 100 amp to 200 amp service)
• Home security system (monthly fees do not qualify)
• Solar panels and solar panel trackers
• Painting the interior or exterior of a house
• Building an addition, garage, deck, garden/storage shed, or fence
• Re-shingling a roof
• A new driveway or resurfacing a driveway
• Exterior shutters and awnings
• Permanent swimming pools (in ground and above ground)
• Permanent hot tub and installation costs
• Pool liners
• Solar heaters and heat pumps for pools (does not include solar blankets)
• Landscaping: new sod, perennial shrubs and flowers, trees, large rocks, permanent garden lighting, permanent water fountain, permanent ponds, large permanent garden ornaments
• Retaining wall
• Associated costs such as installation, building plans, permits, professional services, equipment rentals, and incidental expenses
• Fixtures – blinds, shades, shutters, lights, ceiling fans, etc.

Note
Window coverings, such as blinds, shutters and shades, that are directly attached to the window frame and whose removal would alter the nature of the dwelling are generally considered to be fixtures (i.e. have become part of the home) and therefore would qualify for the HRTC. In some circumstances, draperies and curtains may qualify for the HRTC, if they would not keep their value or usefulness if installed in another dwelling. If these qualifying criteria are not met, it is likely that draperies and curtains would not qualify for the HRTC.

Examples of ineligible expenses

• Furniture, household appliances, and electronic home-entertainment devices
• Purchasing of tools
• Carpet cleaning
• House cleaning
• Maintenance contracts (e.g., furnace cleaning, snow removal, lawn care, and pool cleaning)
• Financing costs
• Amount paid as part of the purchase of your new house, including “upgrades”
• Expenses to acquire goods that have been previously used or leased by you or an eligible family member (e.g., hot water tank)
• Expenses incurred to the rental and/or business part of an eligible dwelling

Do it yourself

If you do the work yourself, the eligible expenses include expenses for building materials, fixtures, equipment rentals, building plans and permits. However, eligible expenses would not include the value of your labour or tools.

Work performed by electricians, plumbers, carpenters, architects

Generally, work performed by electricians, plumbers, carpenters, architects, etc. in respect of an eligible expense qualifies for the HRTC.

Family member hired for renovations

Expenses are not eligible if the goods or services are provided by a person related to you, unless that person is registered for the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) under the Excise Tax Act. If your family member is registered for the GST/HST and if all other conditions are met, the expenses are eligible for the HRTC.

Here is a list of points that our plumbing and heating technicians will check when inspecting your fireplace:

Gas Fireplace Inspection

• Clean glass and unit according to the manufactures guidelines.
• Check the entire vent system and termination for condition and operation.
• An inspection of the explosion relief flappers and glass door gaskets to ensure a proper seal
• An inspection of the burner, vents, and air openings.
• An inspection of the gas valve, gas components, and pilot systems.
• Verify correct operation of all optional equipment: fans, thermostats, remote control, safety switches.
• Keep the fireplace area clear and free of combustible materials, flammables or items that could be damaged from high heat.
• Test for carbon monoxide leaks.

Here is a check list of a full boiler inspection that our plumbing and heating technicians perform:

• Check operation of safety limit control controls.
• Check pressure relief valve.
• Check water pressure and temperature set points.
• Check expansion tank.
• Check operation of thermostat.
• Lubricate circulating pump as required.
• Check radiant floor temperature control device (mixing valve or equipment).
• Check pressure switches and vent blower (if applicable).
• Inspect burners and clean if required.
• Examine vent connector and inspect venting system.
• Check the vent damper operation (if applicable).
• Check and adjust pilot light (if applicable).
• Check flame rectification.
• Measure the stack (flute) temperature.
• Check gas piping to boiler.
• Check and adjust manifold gas pressure.
• Clock appliance to verify correct input.
• Combustion / ventilation air adequate.
• Check for elevated carbon monoxide levels.
• Inspect heat exchanger.
• Check temperature difference between supply and return piping.
• Check for Carbon Monoxide.

This is a check list of a hot water tank inspection that our techs would go through:

• Check operation of safety limit controls
• Check water pressure and temperature relief valve
• Check expansion tank (if applicable)
• Check operation of thermostat
• Check pressure switches and vent blower (if applicable)
• Inspect burners and clean if required
• Examine vent connector and inspect venting system
• Check vent damper operation (if applicable)
• Check and adjust pilot light (if applicable)
• Check flame rectification
• Measure stack (flute) temperature
• Check gas piping
• Check and adjust manifold gas pressure
• Clock appliance to verify correct input
• Combustion / ventilation air adequate
• Inspect heat exchanger
• Clean equipment interior/exterior
• Carbon Monoxide Testing

We attended a home last week, and turns out a building inspector shut down the customers furnace because of a crack in the heat exchanger. Since colder times are ahead, would be a good idea to get your heating system by Vancouver plumbing and heating company serviced to make sure its in tip top condition. Here is a check list of what the technicians go through when they service a furnace:

Furnace Service Check List

Furnace Install