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Why Does My Shower Leak?

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 20:27:30 GMT

Quick answer

A shower that drips after you turn it off, jumps between hot and cold, or has a stiff handle usually has a worn cartridge inside the shower valve. Replacing the cartridge fixes most leaky showers without changing your trim or tile. Water stains on the ceiling below or loose tiles are a different story: that can mean a hidden leak inside the wall.

Why showers leak

Shower faucets come in a wide variety of shapes, styles and sizes. But no matter what type you have, any shower faucet can start to leak or struggle to hold a temperature over time.

Behind the handle and trim plate is the part that does the real work: the shower valve , and inside it, the cartridge . The cartridge controls how much water flows and mixes the hot and cold.

Over time, its rubber seals and moving parts wear out, and minerals from Edmonton's hard water build up. That's when the drips, temperature swings and stiff handles start. A dripping shower isn't just annoying: it can waste thousands of litres of water a year.

What you can safely check yourself

Where is it dripping? From the shower head after it's off usually means the cartridge. From the handle or trim plate can mean a worn seal.
Caulking and grout: look for gaps or cracks around the tub, tile and trim plate where water can get behind the wall.
Shower head: if water sprays from the connection, unscrew it and re-wrap the threads with plumber's tape.
The ceiling below: check for stains, bubbling paint or soft spots.
Water meter test: turn off every tap, note the meter reading, and check again in an hour. If it moved, water is leaking somewhere.

Water near anything electrical? Turn off the water first, stay out of it and don't touch switches or light fixtures. If water is coming through the ceiling below, turn off your main water shut-off and call right away.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed plumber if:

The shower keeps dripping after you've turned it off firmly
The temperature swings or the handle is stiff
You see water stains on the ceiling below the bathroom
Tiles are soft, loose or cracked, or paint is peeling near the shower
You notice a musty smell that won't go away

How SS Plumbing & Heating handles it

We find where the water is actually coming from before we open anything. Most of the time it's the cartridge or valve, and we can replace it the same visit while keeping your existing trim and tile right where they are. We'll give you a clear price before we start.

If the leak is hidden inside the wall, we'll track it down with as little damage as possible and explain your options.

A Few Questions We Get a Lot

Do I need a whole new shower to fix a leak? Usually not. In most cases, a new cartridge or valve fixes the problem and your trim and tile stay put.

Is a slow drip really worth fixing? Yes. It wastes water, adds to your bill, and the worn part usually gets worse. Hidden leaks can also lead to mould and costly damage. See Found a Leak? What to Do First .

 Why does my shower suddenly go cold? It can be a worn cartridge, or your hot water tank may not be keeping up. If every tap runs out of hot water fast, read Should I Repair or Replace My Hot Water Tank?

Got a dripping shower?

Call or text us, or send a photo of your shower handle and trim. We'll tell you what we're likely looking at before we come out.

Call or Text 780-995-4140 | Book Leak Repair | Learn more about our leak repair →

About Steve

Steve St. Louis is a Red Seal Journeyman Plumber and Gasfitter (Class B) and the owner of SS Plumbing & Heating Ltd. Based in Sturgeon County, Steve and his team have served Edmonton and area since 2020, with 24/7 emergency service and a 5.0 rating from 450+ Google reviews.

Sump Pumps 101

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 20:13:34 GMT

Quick answer

A sump pump sits in a pit at the lowest point of your basement and pumps groundwater away from your foundation before it can flood your home. Test yours every spring and fall by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. Have it inspected or replaced about every 5 years, or sooner if you're near a high water table.

How a sump pump works

Water from around your foundation drains through weeping tile into the sump pit. When the water rises, a float switch turns the pump on.

Most sump pumps are centrifugal pumps : a spinning part called an impeller throws the water outward, which pushes it up the discharge pipe and away from your house. When the water drops, the float switch turns the pump off again.

When Alberta gets a lot of rain or a fast spring melt, we get a lot of flooded basement calls. Your sump pump is the hard-working, often forgotten part of your home that keeps that water out.

What you can safely check yourself

Bucket test: slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should turn on, drain the water and shut off on its own.
Discharge pipe: outside, make sure the pipe is clear of ice, snow, leaves or debris, and that water drains away from the house.
The pit: look for gravel, dirt or debris that could jam the float or pump.
Power: the pump is plugged in, and the outlet and breaker are working.
Age: check the label or your records. More than 5 years old? Time for an inspection.

Safety first: Unplug the pump before you reach into the pit or clear debris. Never stand in water near a plugged-in pump or outlet.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed plumber if:

The pump doesn't start during the bucket test
It runs constantly, even when it hasn't rained
It turns on and off rapidly
You hear grinding, rattling or loud humming
You see rust, corrosion or a bad smell from the pit

How SS Plumbing & Heating handles it

We'll test your pump, float switch and check valve, check the discharge line, and tell you honestly whether it needs a repair or a replacement.

There are many sump pumps on the market, from simple cost-effective units to models with a battery backup that keeps working if the power goes out in a storm. We'll help you choose the right one for your home, your water table and how much water your basement sees. And if your basement does take on water, we offer 24/7 emergency service.

A Few Questions We Get a Lot

How long does a sump pump last? Plan to have it inspected or replaced about every 5 years. Pumps near a high water table work harder and can wear out sooner.

Do I need a battery backup? If your pump runs a lot, or your basement is finished, a backup is cheap insurance. Storms that bring heavy rain often knock out the power too.

My basement has a slow leak or a backup, not flooding. Is that the sump pump? Not always. Leaks and drain backups have other causes. See Found a Leak? What to Do First and Why Does the Same Drain Keep Backing Up?

Ready for the next big rain?

If your sump pump is getting older, or you're not sure it's working, call or text us to have it checked.

Call or Text 780-995-4140 | Book a Sump Pump Inspection Learn more about our plumbing services →

About Steve

Be Holiday-Hosting Ready

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:46:34 GMT

Quick answer

Keep grease, coffee grounds, rice and peels out of the kitchen sink. Keep everything except toilet paper out of the toilet. Space out showers and dishwasher loads so your drains and hot water keep up. And find your main water shut-off before the guests arrive, just in case.

Why December is hard on your plumbing

December is a magical time: family dinners, overnight guests and busy kitchens. But it's also the month your plumbing takes the biggest beating. More cooking, more showers, more flushing and more dishes all add up, and drains that were "a little slow" in November can back up completely with a full house.

In the kitchen: keep things flowing

Never pour grease down the sink. Turkey drippings and cooking fat harden in your pipes. Let grease cool in a can or jar and put it in the garbage.
Keep tricky scraps out of the drain. Coffee grounds, rice, pasta and stringy peels (potato, celery) are the worst offenders.
Run cold water with the garburator for a few seconds before and after.
Use a sink strainer to catch food before it goes down.
Space out dishwasher loads so they don't run at the same time as showers or laundry.

In the bathroom: avoid a holiday "blockbuster"

Don't flush "flushable" wipes. They don't break down like toilet paper and snag in your pipes.
Put a garbage can where guests can see it , so they're not tempted to flush things that don't belong.
Make your hot water last. Space out showers, keep them a little shorter, and consider a low-flow showerhead.
Know your water heater. Most tanks are set around 60°C to keep bacteria out. If you have little ones or older guests, ask us about an anti-scald valve so the water at the tap stays at a safe temperature.

What you can safely check yourself

Slow drains: run each sink and tub for a minute. If water pools, get it cleared before guests arrive.
Toilets: listen for one that keeps running, and jiggle the handle. A running toilet can waste a lot of water.
Dripping taps: fix them now, before they become a bigger problem.
Plungers: keep one in every bathroom, so no one has to come and ask.
Main water shut-off: find it, and make sure it turns.

If something goes wrong: For a burst pipe or an overflowing toilet that won't stop, turn off the water at the fixture valve or the main shut-off first. Then call us. If water is near outlets or appliances, stay out of it and don't touch switches.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed plumber if:

A drain is still slow after plunging
More than one drain backs up at the same time
Water comes up in the floor drain when the dishwasher or washer empties
You find a leak under a sink or around a toilet
You run out of hot water much faster than usual

How SS Plumbing & Heating handles it

We clear the clog properly and, if it keeps coming back, find out why. Our drain camera lets us see inside the line, so you know whether it's grease, roots or a damaged pipe. We'll give you a clear price before we start.

Plumbing emergencies don't take holidays, and neither do we. We offer 24/7 emergency service, with any after-hours charge quoted upfront.

A Few Questions We Get a Lot

Is it OK to pour grease down the drain with hot water? No. Hot water only moves the grease further down the pipe, where it cools and hardens. More in Why Does the Same Drain Keep Backing Up?

Why do we keep running out of hot water when we have guests? A tank only holds so much. Space out showers, and if it's running out faster than it used to, your tank may need service. See Should I Repair or Replace My Hot Water Tank?

What should I do first if I find a leak? Shut off the water, then call. Our guide Found a Leak? What to Do First walks you through it.

Plumbing trouble with a full house?

If a drain backs up or a pipe starts leaking during the holidays, call or text us. We'll get things flowing again.

Call or Text 780-995-4140 | Book Drain Cleaning | Learn more about drain cleaning →

About Steve

The Truth About Furnace Filters

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:32:14 GMT

Quick answer

For most Edmonton homes, a pleated filter rated MERV 8 to 11 is the best balance of clean air and good airflow. Go up to MERV 11 to 13 if you have pets or allergies. Check a standard 1-inch filter every 1 to 3 months during heating season, and change it when it looks dirty.

First, what does MERV mean?

Most furnace filters are rated on the MERV scale (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), from 1 to 16. The higher the number, the smaller the particles it catches.

MERV 1 to 4: catches larger dust and lint. Basic protection for the furnace.
MERV 5 to 8: catches pollen, dust mites and mould spores.
MERV 9 to 13: catches finer particles like pet dander and some smoke. Great for allergy sufferers.
MERV 14 to 16: very fine filtration, but it can restrict airflow on many home furnaces.

For scale: a human hair is about 80 to 100 microns, pollen about 30, dust about 10, pet dander about 5 and smoke about 1. Anything under about 40 microns is invisible to the eye.

The 7 common filter types

What you can safely check yourself

Find your size: it's printed on the edge of your current filter (for example, 16x25x1).
Check the arrow: the airflow arrow on the filter points toward the furnace.
Look at it: hold it up to a light. If you can't see through it, change it.
Date it: write the install date on the edge, so you always know when it was last changed.
Check more often if you have pets, allergies or renovation dust in the house.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed technician if:

You'd like a high-MERV, HEPA or media filter and aren't sure your furnace can handle it
You want a UV light or media filter cabinet installed
Your filter gets dirty unusually fast
Airflow is weak even with a clean filter
You can't find your filter slot, or the filter doesn't fit snugly

How SS Plumbing & Heating handles it

We'll look at your furnace, your home and your family's needs (allergies, pets, asthma) and recommend the right filter, not the most expensive one. Every 20-point tune-up includes a filter check.

Don't want to keep track? We offer furnace filter delivery every 3, 6 or 9 months , so the right filter shows up at your door when it's time.

A Few Questions We Get a Lot

Is a higher MERV rating always better? No. A very dense filter can choke airflow on some furnaces, which makes them work harder. For most homes, MERV 8 to 11 is the sweet spot.

Can a dirty filter really cause furnace problems? Yes. A clogged filter can make the furnace overheat and shut off, and it wears out the blower. See 5 Common Furnace Problems and Why Is My Furnace Running but Not Heating?

Should I run my furnace without a filter for a day? Please don't. Even a short time lets dust coat the blower and other parts inside.

Not sure which filter is right for you?

Every home is different. Call or text us for a free phone consultation, or set up filter delivery and never think about it again.

Call or Text 780-995-4140 | Set Up a Filter Delivery | Learn more about our furnace tune-ups →

About Steve

5 Common Furnace Problems (and the Parts Behind Them)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:16:10 GMT

Quick answer

The five furnace problems we see most are a worn blower motor, ignition failure, inducer motor or pressure switch trouble, a failed heat exchanger or burners, and a clogged filter. A well-kept furnace can last 15 to 35 years, but its parts wear out along the way. Most of these are repairs, not replacements.

Why furnaces act up

Your furnace runs through the same steps every time it heats: clear the old gases, light the burners, confirm the flame, then blow warm air through the house. If any part in that chain fails, the whole thing stops. Here's where it usually goes wrong.

A worn blower motor. The blower pushes warm air through your vents. When the furnace is dirty, or it's very cold and the furnace runs constantly, the motor and bearings wear out. Watch for a furnace that's getting louder, squealing or rattling when it starts and stops, or weak airflow from the vents.
Ignition failure. If the burners can't light, there's no heat at all. Older furnaces use a pilot light; newer ones use an electronic ignitor. A flame sensor then confirms the flame. If it's dirty, it can't "see" the flame and shuts the gas off after a few seconds.
Inducer motor or pressure switch problems. Before lighting, the inducer motor clears leftover combustion gases out through the flue. The pressure switch checks that it's working. If either fails, the furnace may hum or click but never light.
A failed heat exchanger or burners. The heat exchanger moves heat from the burners into your home's air. A cracked one is serious, because it can let carbon monoxide mix with your air. Burners have no moving parts but still wear out, and they stop working if the gas valve fails.
A clogged filter. The easiest one to prevent. A clogged filter makes your furnace work much harder, which stresses every other part on this list.

What you can safely check yourself

Filter: hold it up to a light. If you can't see through it, replace it. See The Truth About Furnace Filters for which type to buy.
Thermostat: set to Heat, fan on Auto, with fresh batteries.
Power: the furnace switch is on and the breaker isn't tripped.
Front panel: closed tight. Most furnaces won't run with it loose.
Vents: open and not blocked by furniture or rugs.

Safety first: If you smell gas, leave the house right away and call ATCO's 24-hour emergency line or 911 from outside. If your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, get everyone outside and call 911.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed technician if:

The furnace starts, then shuts off after a few seconds
It hums or clicks but never lights
You hear squealing, rattling, banging or grinding
You see error lights blinking on the control board
You've changed the filter and it still isn't heating well

Please don't take apart gas components yourself. In Alberta, gas valves, burners and ignition parts should only be handled by a certified gasfitter.

How SS Plumbing & Heating handles it

We find the actual cause before we touch anything. We'll check the ignition sequence, flame sensor, inducer, pressure switch, blower and venting, then explain what we found and give you a clear price.

Most of these problems are repairs: a cleaned flame sensor, a new ignitor or a blower motor often gets the heat back on the same visit. If your heat exchanger is cracked or your furnace is near the end of its life, we'll tell you honestly. We don't install new furnaces ourselves, so our advice is unbiased, and we'll refer you to trusted installers if you need one.

A Few Questions We Get a Lot

Why does my furnace turn on, then shut off after a few seconds? This is often a dirty flame sensor or an ignition problem. It's a quick fix for a technician but involves gas parts. More on this in Why Is My Furnace Running but Not Heating?

Is a cracked heat exchanger dangerous? It can be, because it may let carbon monoxide into your air. Keep working CO alarms on every level of your home, and have your furnace inspected yearly.

How long should a furnace last? Anywhere from 15 to 35 years, depending on the model and how well it's maintained. A yearly tune-up is the best way to get the long end of that range.

Furnace acting up?

If your furnace is noisy, blowing cold air or not turning on, give us a call. No heat in the middle of the night? We offer 24/7 emergency service.

Call or Text 780-995-4140 | Book Furnace Repair | Learn more about our furnace repair →

About Steve

Fall 2026 Newsletter – Your Friendly Neighbourhood Plumber

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:42:40 GMT

In this issue

Furnace tune-up time, protecting your outdoor taps, furnace filters delivered to your door, a few holiday hosting tips, and a look at our new website. Prefer to read it on paper? Download the PDF at the bottom of this post.

Hello from Steve and the team!

You can always tell fall is here. That crisp smell in the morning, the windows you left open all summer suddenly letting in a chill, and the big question in every house: is it time to turn on the furnace yet?

Whenever you decide, fall is the best time to get your home ready for winter. A few minutes now can save you a cold night (and an emergency call) in January.

It's furnace tune-up time

Start with your filter. Hold it up to a light. If you can't see through it, replace it. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder and can even shut it off.
Test your heat on a mild day. Turn up the thermostat and make sure the burners light. A burning smell the first time is normal: it's summer dust burning off and should clear within a few hours.
Book your yearly tune-up. Our 20-point tune-up checks everything from the flame sensor and ignitor to gas pressure and venting, and you get a documented inspection report.

Smell gas? Leave the house right away and call ATCO's 24-hour emergency line or 911 from outside. Make sure your carbon monoxide alarms are working before the furnace runs full time.

Protect your outdoor taps

Older outdoor taps (hose bibs) aren't frost-free, so water can sit in the pipe, freeze and crack it inside your wall. You often don't find out until spring.

Disconnect your garden hose before the first freeze. A hose left on can freeze even a frost-free tap.
Watch for warning signs: dripping, weak flow, a knob that's hard to turn, or a tap that froze last year.

Not sure what kind of tap you have? Snap a photo and text it to us at 780-995-4140. We'll tell you if it's an older hose bib or a frost-free one, free of charge.

Filters, delivered to your door

Don't want to remember to change your furnace filter? We offer furnace filter delivery every 3, 6 or 9 months, so the right size and type shows up when it's time. Not sure which filter you need? Read The Truth About Furnace Filters .

Holiday hosting? Go easy on your pipes

Keep grease, coffee grounds, rice and peels out of the kitchen sink.
Only toilet paper goes down the toilet. Even "flushable" wipes don't belong there.
Space out showers and dishwasher loads so your hot water keeps up.
Find your main water shut-off before guests arrive, just in case.

Our new website

Check out our new website, with a Resources page full of homeowner guides:

Thank you!

Thank you for trusting us with your homes, and for more than 450 five-star Google reviews. We couldn't do it without you.

Download the newsletter

Prefer a copy to print or keep? Download the Fall 2026 newsletter as a PDF.

Call or Text 780-995-4140 | Book Furnace Tune-Up | Need us fast? We offer 24/7 emergency service, with any after-hours charge quoted upfront.

About Steve

Pre-Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:28:54 GMT

Quick answer

Before Edmonton's first real cold snap, do three things: change your furnace filter and make sure the heat comes on, protect your outdoor water taps from freezing, and clean the lint out of your dryer vent. Each takes a few minutes. A yearly furnace tune-up covers the rest.

Falling leaves, falling temperatures

You can always tell fall is on the way. You wake up to that crisp smell in the air, and the windows you left open because it was too hot to sleep now have you cold and shivery first thing in the morning.

Is it time to turn on the furnace? Do you wait a couple more weeks to save on the energy bill, or give in to the warmth? Whatever you decide, fall is the best time to get your home ready for winter.

1. Get your furnace ready

Our first recommendation every fall is to change your furnace filter . A clean filter helps your furnace breathe, run more efficiently and keep your air cleaner. Not sure which one to buy? See The Truth About Furnace Filters .

Then turn up the thermostat and make sure the heat kicks in. Older furnaces have a pilot light that should be lit. Newer ones use an electronic ignitor, so you'll just hear the burners light after a short delay.

Don't be alarmed by a burning smell the first time it runs. That's dust that settled over the summer burning off, and it should clear within a few hours.

2. Protect your outdoor water taps

Outdoor taps (hose bibs) are handy all summer for the garden or the kids' sprinkler. But older hose bibs don't have a frost-free design, so water can sit in the pipe and freeze. That can crack the pipe inside your wall, and you may not notice until spring.

Newer frost-free hose bibs are built so the water shuts off inside the warm part of your house. Either way, disconnect your garden hose before the first freeze . A hose left attached traps water and can freeze even a frost-free tap.

Signs your outdoor tap is worn out: it drips, the water flow is weak, the knob is hard to turn, or it has frozen before.

3. Clean out your dryer vent

Clogged dryer vents are a real fire risk, and they make your laundry take longer to dry. Pull out the lint trap, vacuum out the dust and lint you can reach, and check that the vent flap outside opens freely when the dryer runs.

What you can safely check yourself

Furnace filter: hold it up to a light. If you can't see through it, replace it.
Thermostat: set to Heat, a few degrees above room temperature, with fresh batteries if it uses them.
Outside furnace pipes: high-efficiency furnaces have two white pipes on an outside wall. Keep them clear of leaves now, and snow later.
Garden hoses: disconnected and drained.
Dryer: lint trap clean and the outside vent flap moving freely.

Safety first: If you smell gas, leave the house right away and call ATCO's 24-hour emergency line or 911 from outside. Make sure you have working carbon monoxide alarms before the furnace starts running full time.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed technician if:

The burning smell hasn't cleared after a day
The furnace starts, then shuts off after a few seconds
You hear banging, squealing or rattling when it runs
An outdoor tap drips, won't shut off, or you see water inside near it
Your furnace hasn't had a tune-up in the last year

How SS Plumbing & Heating handles it

Our 20-point furnace tune-up checks everything from the flame sensor and ignitor to gas pressure and venting, and you get a documented inspection report. If something needs attention, we'll explain what we found and give you a clear price before we fix anything.

Worried about an outdoor tap? Snap a photo and text it to us. We'll tell you if it's an older hose bib or a frost-free one, free of charge, and we can replace worn taps before the deep freeze. We also clear minor dryer vent blockages, and we're happy to refer you to trusted contacts for full furnace and duct cleaning.

A Few Questions We Get a Lot

When should I turn my furnace on for the first time?

Whenever you're ready, but test it before the first cold night. That way, if something's wrong, you find out on a mild day instead of at -25°C.

Do I really need a furnace tune-up every year?

Yes. A yearly tune-up catches worn parts before they leave you without heat, keeps your furnace running efficiently, and is often required to keep your warranty valid.

Can a frost-free tap still freeze?

It can, usually when a hose is left attached. Disconnect hoses every fall. For more on common heating issues, see 5 Common Furnace Problems and Why Is My Furnace Running but Not Heating?

Ready for winter?

A little maintenance now saves a lot of stress when it's -30°C outside. Book your tune-up, or text us a photo of your outdoor tap.

Call or Text 780-995-4140 | Book Furnace Repair | Learn more about our furnace tune-ups →

About Steve

Why Does the Same Drain Keep Backing Up?

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:18:27 GMT

Quick answer

A drain that keeps clogging usually has build-up further down the pipe that plungers and store-bought cleaners only partly clear. Common causes are grease in kitchen lines, hair and soap in bathrooms, and objects that shouldn't be flushed. If several drains back up at once, or your basement floor drain backs up when the washer empties, the problem is likely in your main sewer line and needs a professional.

This is the most important clue:

One fixture keeps clogging (just the kitchen sink, or just the tub): the blockage is usually in that fixture's own drain line.
Several fixtures are slow or backing up , especially on the lowest floor: the problem is likely in the main line that carries everything out of your house.
Water comes up in the basement floor drain or tub when you flush or run the washer: that's a classic main line warning sign. Call a plumber soon.

Common causes of repeat clogs

Grease and food in kitchen drains. Fats go down as liquid, then cool and harden on the pipe walls. Each clog catches more.
Hair and soap scum in bathroom drains. Hair binds with soap residue and forms stubborn clumps.
"Flushable" wipes and other items. Most don't break down like toilet paper and snag in pipes and the main line.
The clog was only partly cleared. A plunger or chemical cleaner can punch a small hole through a blockage, leaving most of it in place to catch the next one.
Pipe problems. Sagging sections, old cast iron with rough interiors, or poor slope let waste settle.
Tree roots. In older neighbourhoods, roots can grow into the main sewer line through small cracks and joints.
Venting issues. If drains gurgle or drain slowly, a blocked plumbing vent on the roof may be part of the problem.

What you can safely try

Plunger: use a cup plunger for sinks and tubs and a flange plunger for toilets. Cover the overflow hole on sinks and tubs for better suction.
Clean the stopper and trap: pull out and clean bathroom sink and tub stoppers, where hair collects. If you're comfortable, place a bucket under the sink and clean out the U-shaped trap.
Hot water for kitchen drains: running hot water after washing dishes helps move grease along (never pour grease itself down the drain).
Skip the chemical drain cleaners. They can damage pipes, especially older ones, rarely clear the whole blockage, and make the job more dangerous for whoever works on the drain next.

Prevent the next clog

Wipe greasy pans with paper towel before washing, and put fats in the garbage
Use hair catchers in showers and tubs
Only flush toilet paper
Use a sink strainer in the kitchen

How SS Plumbing & Heating handles it

We clear the blockage fully, not just enough to get water moving. More importantly, we look for why it keeps happening, whether that's grease build-up, a problem in the main line or a pipe issue, so you're not calling us back next month. Our augers reach up to 75 feet, and our drain camera lets us see inside the pipe to pinpoint the problem. You'll get a clear price before we start.

A Few Questions We Get a Lot

 Why does my basement floor drain back up when I do laundry?

The washer sends a lot of water down at once. If the main line is partly blocked, that water has nowhere to go and comes back up the lowest drain, usually the floor drain. This needs a plumber.

Are chemical drain cleaners safe for my pipes?

We don't recommend them. They can damage older pipes and fittings and usually don't clear the full blockage.

How often should drains be professionally cleaned?

Most homes don't need routine cleaning. If a drain clogs more than once or twice a year, have it checked to find the underlying cause.

Related reading: Be Holiday-Hosting Ready · Sump Pumps 101

Drain acting up again?

Tell us which drains are affected and what you're noticing, and we'll help you figure out the next step. Sewage backing up after hours? We offer 24/7 emergency service, with any after-hours charge quoted upfront.

Call or Text 780-995-4140 | Book Furnace Repair | Learn more about our drain cleaning →

About Steve

What to Tell Your Plumber About a Leak (and What to Do First)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:12:36 GMT

Quick answer

First, stop the water: close the shut-off valve under the fixture, or turn off your home's main water shut-off. Keep people away from water near electrical outlets or panels. Then take photos and note where the water is coming from, whether it drips all the time or only when a fixture is used, and when you first noticed it. Those details help your plumber find and fix the leak faster.

Step 1: Stop the water

Fixture shut-off: most sinks and toilets have small valves on the supply lines underneath. Turn them clockwise to close.
Main shut-off: if you can't isolate the leak, or it's coming from a pipe, turn off the main water valve. In most Edmonton homes it's in the basement where the water line comes in, near the water meter.

Tip: find your main shut-off now, before you need it. Tag it so everyone in the house knows where it is.

Step 2: Stay safe and limit the damage

If water is near outlets, cords or your electrical panel, stay out of the water and don't touch anything electrical. If you can't safely reach the breaker, call an electrician or your utility.
If a ceiling is sagging or bulging with water, keep everyone out from under it and call a plumber right away.
Move valuables, rugs and electronics out of the area.
Mop up standing water and use towels or a bucket to catch drips.
Take photos for your records and for insurance.

Step 3: Gather the details your plumber needs

The more you can tell us, the faster we can find the problem:

Where is the water showing up? Under a sink, around a toilet base, on a ceiling, in the basement, inside a wall?
Does it leak all the time, or only when something is used? A constant leak usually means a supply line (pressurized water). A leak that only happens when you run a sink, shower or washer usually points to a drain.
When did you first notice it? Is it getting worse?
Did turning off the fixture valve or main shut-off stop it?
What kind of pipe is it? Copper, PEX (plastic, often red, blue or white) or grey plastic. Grey pipe is often Poly-B , common in Edmonton homes built from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s and known for failing at the fittings.
Roughly how old is your home?
Photos or a short video of the leak and the area around it.

Hidden leak? How to check your water meter

If your water bill has jumped or you hear water running when nothing is on:

Turn off every tap, and make sure the dishwasher and washer aren't running.
Look at your water meter. Many meters have a small dial or triangle that spins when water is flowing.
If it's moving with everything off, water is going somewhere. Common culprits are a running toilet or a hidden leak in a wall or under the floor.

Quick toilet test: add a few drops of food colouring to the toilet tank. If colour shows up in the bowl within 15 minutes (without flushing), the flapper is leaking.

How SS Plumbing & Heating handles it

We'll find where the water is really coming from, which isn't always where it shows up. Then we'll explain the fix and give you a clear price before we start. We repair supply lines, drains, fittings, shut-off valves, faucets and toilets, and we'll let you know if we see anything else worth keeping an eye on, like aging Poly-B.

A Few Questions We Get a Lot

Should I turn off my water heater if I shut off the main? For a short shut-off, it's usually fine to leave it. If the water will be off for a long time, or the leak is at the water heater itself, turn off the gas or power to the tank as well.

Is a slow drip really worth fixing right away? Yes. Slow leaks inside walls and under floors can cause mould, rot and much bigger repair bills over time.

Will my insurance cover water damage? It depends on your policy and the cause. Take photos, stop the water, and contact your insurer as soon as possible.

Related reading: Why Does My Shower Leak? · Sump Pumps 101

Found a leak?

Call or text us a photo, and we'll help you figure out your next step. Leak that can't wait? We offer 24/7 emergency service, with any after-hours charge quoted upfront.

Call or Text 780-995-4140 | Book Furnace Repair | Learn more about our leak repair →

About Steve

Should I Repair or Replace My Hot Water Tank?

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:05:45 GMT

Quick answer

If the tank itself is leaking, it needs to be replaced; a leaking tank body can't be repaired. If the problem is a part (a pilot, thermocouple, gas valve, heating element or thermostat) and the tank is under about 8–10 years old, a repair usually makes sense. Most tank-style water heaters last around 8–12 years, and Edmonton's hard water can shorten that.

First: how old is your tank?

Age is the biggest factor in the repair-or-replace decision. Look for the label on the side of the tank. The manufacture date is usually printed there or built into the serial number. If you can't figure it out, snap a photo of the label and send it to us; we'll tell you.

Is your tank a rental? Many Edmonton homes have rented water heaters. If yours is, call your rental company first, since repairs and replacements may be covered under your agreement.

Signs a repair will probably do the job

No hot water at all on a gas tank. Often the pilot light or thermocouple, both usually repairable.
Not enough hot water on an electric tank. A failed heating element or thermostat is a common, fixable problem.
Water dripping from the pipe on the side (the relief valve). The valve may need replacing, or the pressure or temperature may be too high. It's worth having checked.
A leak from a fitting or the drain valve, not the tank itself.
Smelly (rotten egg) hot water. Often a reaction with the anode rod, which can be replaced.

Signs it's time to replace

 Water leaking from the tank body or pooling underneath it. Once the inside of the tank rusts through, it can't be fixed, and it can fail suddenly.
Rusty or discoloured hot water (but not cold), which suggests the tank is corroding inside.
Loud rumbling or popping from years of sediment build-up, especially in an older tank.
The tank is 10+ years old and needing repeated repairs. At that point, money spent on repairs is often better put toward a new tank.
Your household has outgrown it. If your family is regularly running out of hot water, a larger or different type of water heater may be the real fix.

What you can safely check yourself

Gas tank: look through the small window near the bottom. Is the pilot flame lit? Follow the lighting instructions on the tank label only if you're comfortable doing so.
Electric tank: check whether the breaker has tripped.
Temperature setting: make sure no one has turned the dial down.
Look for water: check around the base, the fittings on top and the relief valve pipe.

Safety first: If you smell gas near your water heater, leave the house and call ATCO's emergency line or 911 from outside. If the tank is actively leaking, turn off the cold water valve on the pipe going into the top of the tank, and turn off the gas or power to it.

How SS Plumbing & Heating handles it

We'll check the tank, the parts and the venting, and tell you honestly whether it's worth repairing. If a repair makes sense, we'll recommend the repair. If replacement is the better value, we'll show you why, recommend the right size for your household, and give you a clear price before any work starts. New tanks come with the manufacturer's warranty, and we'll explain what it covers when we install. Have a tankless water heater? We repair and replace existing tankless units too.

A Few Questions We Get a Lot

How long does a hot water tank last in Edmonton?

Typically 8–12 years. Hard water speeds up sediment build-up and corrosion, so tanks in Edmonton can wear out sooner without maintenance such as flushing and anode rod checks.

Is a leaking hot water tank an emergency?

It can be. A small leak can turn into a flood without warning. Shut off the water and the gas or power to the tank, and call a plumber as soon as possible.

Can I just turn up the temperature if I'm running out of hot water?

It's not a good fix. Higher settings raise the risk of scalding and can hide a real problem like a failing element or a tank that's too small. Have it checked instead.

Related reading: Be Holiday-Hosting Ready · Why Does My Shower Leak?

Not sure what your tank needs?

Send us a photo of the tank and its label, and we'll help you figure out your options. Simple jobs can often be priced right over the phone.

Call or Text 780-995-4140 | Book Furnace Repair | Learn more about our hot water tank service →

About Steve

Why Is My Furnace Running but Not Heating the House?

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:54:22 GMT

Quick answer

When a furnace runs but the house stays cold, the most common causes are a clogged filter, a thermostat set to "fan on," a dirty flame sensor that keeps shutting the burners off, or blocked intake and exhaust pipes (very common in Edmonton after a snowfall). Some of these you can check yourself in a few minutes. Others need a licensed technician.

Why it happens

Your furnace has two jobs: make heat (the burners) and move it through the house (the blower fan). If you can hear the furnace running but the air coming out of the vents feels cool, one of those two jobs isn't getting done. Here are the usual suspects:

The thermostat fan is set to "On" instead of "Auto." The fan runs nonstop, even when the burners are off, so it blows room-temperature air between heating cycles.
The filter is clogged. A dirty filter chokes airflow. The furnace can overheat and shut its burners off as a safety measure while the fan keeps running.
The flame sensor is dirty. This small metal rod confirms the burners have lit. When it's coated with residue, it can't "see" the flame and shuts the gas off after a few seconds. This is one of the most common furnace calls we get.
The ignitor is failing. If the burners can't light, there's no heat.
The intake or exhaust pipes are blocked. High-efficiency furnaces use white plastic pipes that run outside. Snow drifts, ice and frost can block them, and the furnace shuts down to protect you.
The condensate drain is clogged. High-efficiency furnaces produce water. If the drain line or trap backs up, a safety switch stops the furnace.
Airflow problems in the house. Closed or blocked vents, leaky ductwork, or a failing blower motor can all leave some rooms cold.

What you can safely check yourself

Thermostat: set to Heat, fan set to Auto, temperature a few degrees above room temperature, and fresh batteries if it uses them.
Filter: pull it out and hold it up to a light. If you can't see light through it, replace it.
Power: the furnace switch (it looks like a light switch, usually on or near the furnace) should be on, and the breaker shouldn't be tripped.
Furnace door: make sure the front panel is firmly closed. Most furnaces won't run with it loose.
Outside pipes: find the two white pipes on the outside wall and gently clear any snow or ice from around them.
Vents: make sure supply vents are open and not blocked by furniture or rugs.

Safety first: If you smell gas, leave the house right away and call ATCO's 24-hour emergency line or 911 from outside. Don't flip switches or use your phone inside. If your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, get everyone outside and call 911.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed technician if:

You've done the checks above and it's still blowing cool air
The furnace starts, runs for a few seconds, then shuts off (often a flame sensor or ignition problem)
You hear banging, squealing or grinding
You see error lights blinking on the control board
The furnace keeps shutting down in cold weather

Please don't take apart gas components yourself. Furnace repairs involve gas and electrical parts, and in Alberta that work should be done by a certified gasfitter.

How SS Plumbing & Heating handles it

We start by finding the actual cause, not guessing. We'll check the ignition sequence, flame sensor, ignitor, safety switches, venting, airflow and filter. Then we'll explain what we found and give you a clear price before we fix anything.

Most "running but not heating" problems are repairs, not replacements. A cleaned flame sensor or a new ignitor often gets the heat back on the same visit. If your furnace is unsafe or near the end of its life, we'll tell you honestly. We don't install new furnaces ourselves, so our advice is unbiased, and we'll refer you to trusted installers if you need one. No heat in the middle of the night? We offer 24/7 emergency service, with any after-hours charge quoted upfront.

A Few Questions We Get a Lot

Can a dirty filter really stop my furnace from heating?

Yes. A badly clogged filter can make the furnace overheat, which trips a safety switch that turns the burners off. Replace standard filters every 1–3 months during heating season. Don't want to keep track? We offer furnace filter delivery every 3, 6 or 9 months.

Why does my furnace turn on, then shut off after a few seconds?

This is often a dirty flame sensor or an ignition problem. It's a quick fix for a technician, but it involves gas components, so it's best not to DIY it.

How often should my furnace be serviced?

Once a year, ideally in late summer or fall before Edmonton's heating season starts. Our 20-point tune-up checks everything from the flame sensor and ignitor to gas pressure and venting, and you get a documented inspection report.

Still cold?

If you've checked the basics and your house still isn't warming up, we can help. Call or text us, or send a photo of your furnace and any error lights.

Call or Text 780-995-4140 | Book Furnace Repair | Learn more about our furnace repair →