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Of all our modern conveniences, indoor plumbing might be the one we most take for granted. Although we use our sinks and sewer system multiple times a day, they simply don’t require a ton of attention. And because plumbing lasts for decades, it’s rarely top of mind. When it is, it’s because there’s a problem: the nuisance of a clogged drain or a plugged-up toilet all the way to a disastrous sewer backup

Most homeowners can avoid a plumbing emergency with a little preventive care—most of which you can do yourself without involving a Calgary plumber.

Pipe and Drain Care Tip #1: Clean Every Drain Every Month

Pipes and sewers back up when water and waste can’t flow freely, which can happen when gunk builds up on the inside of your pipes. So, you should clean your drains monthly, using an enzyme-based cleaner—not a chemical-based one that can damage your pipes. If you prefer a homemade solution, send some baking soda and vinegar down the drain, let the combination work its magic for 15 minutes or so, and then rinse with boiling water.

Pipe and Drain Care Tip #2: Flush Correctly

As in… don’t flush anything but human waste and toilet paper. No diapers, no so-called “flushable” wipes (no matter what the package says!), no feminine hygiene products, no paper towels, no kitty litter (for crying out loud), and absolutely no leftovers. (Yes, really. Some people use their toilet as a secondary garbage disposal, and it wreaks havoc on their sewer system.)  

Pipe and Drain Care Tip #3: Never Pour Grease Down Your Kitchen Drain

All of your pipes eventually connect under your home at a main drain that carries everything to the sewer line. That means if you’re dumping grease down your kitchen sink, it’s going to coat not just that pipe, but also every pipe on its way to, and including, the main sewer line. 

That grease can also transform into what some people lovingly (ahem) call “fatbergs”—oil, grease, and other gunk that accumulates over months or years and causes sewer mayhem in individual homes and city systems. In 2018, for example, Metro Detroit public works officials removed a fatberg from a county sewer line that was 11 feet wide, 100 feet long, and 6 feet tall. “Gross,” is an understatement.

Do your sewer (and city) a favor, and use paper towels to soak up grease and then toss the towels in the trash. (Not the toilet! See Tip #2.)

Pipe and Drain Care Tip #4: Use Your Garbage Disposal Sparingly

Grease is one of many things you shouldn’t put down your kitchen sink. Pasta, rice, fibrous or starchy veggies like celery and potatoes, egg shells, and coffee grounds should also be off-limits. Think of your garbage disposal more like a “crumb dispenser” and your plumbing will be better for it. 

Pipe and Drain Care Tip #5: Keep Roots Away From Your Sewer Line

Sometimes, sewers back up because of what’s going on inside your home. But often, they back up because of what’s happening in your backyard. If you have trees or large bushes planted too close to the sewer line, their roots can push through the pipe and create a clog or cause damage. 

Pipe and Drain Care Tip #6: Use a Drain Guard

When we’re in a hurry or feeling a bit lazy, we make mistakes. Adding a simple, inexpensive drain guard to each of your sinks can keep you from sending things down the drain that don’t belong there. A drain guard in the tub can help prevent those nasty hair-plus-soap clogs.

Pipe and Drain Care Tip #7: Set Your Water Pressure No Higher Than 80 psi

Clogs are only one way to kill a plumbing system. The other way? Sending too much water through the pipes too quickly. Over time, water pressure that’s too high puts strain on valves, joints, and even the pipes themselves—setting you up for cracks and leaks. Pick up a water pressure gauge at the local hardware store, and if you discover your pressure is too high, call in a pro to install a regulator. 

Pipe and Drain Care Tip #8: Have Your Sewer Line Professionally Inspected and Cleaned Every Three Years (at least)

If you want to have total peace of mind that your sewer’s in good shape, have a Calgary residential plumber inspect and then snake or hydrojet it every three years or so. This is particularly important if you have lots of roots near your out-pipes (see Tip #5). 

Pipe and Drain Care Tip #9: Prevent Water from Freezing in Your Pipes

When water freezes, it expands—and if there’s enough of it in your pipes, they could burst. Check out the tips we shared last month to avoid this major plumbing disaster.

Pipe and Drain Care Tip #10: Replace Old Pipes

Yes, plumbing and sewer pipes last for decades—but houses typically last much longer. If your pipes are older, consider replacing them before you have a problem. Typical pipe lifespans are as follows:

  • Brass supply pipes: 40-70 years
  • Cast iron drain lines: 75-100 years
  • Copper supply pipes: 50 years
  • Galvanized steel supply pipes: 20-50 years
  • PEX supply lines: 25-40 years
  • PVC drain lines: Indefinite

If you still have lead pipes, you should have them replaced immediately.

Have questions about Calgary sewer maintenance?

Your home is likely the single biggest investment you have—and we’d love to help you take good care of it. If you have concerns or questions about your sewer lines or you need expert advice about any other plumbing issue—and we do mean any—we’re the Calgary plumber to call.

Serving Calgary, AB and surrounding areas

We take immense pride in providing Calgary, AB and surrounding areas with top-notch plumbing, heating, and cooling services, ensuring every home and business operates smoothly year-round. Our team’s expertise and dedication shine through in every project, earning the trust and satisfaction of our valued customers across the city. Serving you isn’t just a job for us; it’s a commitment to excellence and a testament to our passion for keeping our community comfortable and thriving.

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A job well done.

Can’t say enough about the great service I received from Heinz regarding some concerning alerts we got on our Ecobee Smart Thermostat yesterday. I felt cared for and trusted that he was focused on the necessary followup to assure our safety. Heinz is very good at his job.

Kim Koch

Our hot water tank blew and fortunately we noticed right away. We called Clearview Services late in the evening and we were answered right away. We were kept in the loop throughout the entire experience and Gabe Colpitts was the service technician who visited the next morning. He was very professional and spent the time to explain and educate the different options that were available. We were up and running with hot water the very next day.

Mike Mario

Had them update and install our infloor heating two zones, and add tank less hot water on demand and install a water softener. Our technician was very professional kept his work area tidy, cleaned up after himself. He also wiped down all the equipment used including piping and tubing. He was friendly, kept us informed on his progress. You could tell he enjoys what he does… great job Thank you so much.

Carol Hill

Barry did a great job in replacing a leaking Hot Water tank. Just a bit shocked at how much the cost of a new tank has increased over the years. We would certainly use ClearView for future jobs.

Ken Stowell

John came out to review our heating and AC set-up. He was very knowledgeable and patient as he walked us through the various units and proposed maintenance program. Would highly recommend.

Lucus Tomei

The appointment to come to check my boiler was prompt and early I’m the day so I didn’t have to wait the whole day. I received a call 15mins before the arrival. An email and a text was sent earlier. Gerry introduced himself and told me his purpose. He checked my boiler for a while then explained clear to me what the problem was, it was relief to know that it is nit necessarily a serious one. He made further checks and made some recommendations for change of some worn out parts, the re-glycol – 10yrs overdue and some leak that…

Roland B.

I felt the company is oriented on quality of customer service , they send me the track link when dispatch the plumber, and the plumber is super on time too . I really appreciate Richard , he is supper patient to help me find out what is the best solution, focus on customer’s interest . Thank you again , I will definitely use your service again when I having plumbing problems, which I hope it will never happen.

Jing Huang

Heinz was professional and honest. He gave me options and the price. The price was the price and there were no extra charges. He worked on a boiler system that was having issues. He flushed and cleaned system and everything is back up and running. When he was finished he asked if I had any question. I look forward to him coming back to service this system again.

Curtis W.

Clearview was excellent to deal with. Very professional in their approach and the picture sent of the plumber before hand is an excellent idea. Richard was great to deal with. He gave me different options to resolve the problem.

Rick Pultz

Barry was fantastic. Explained the steps that would be required to detect the leak and then proceeded with the work. He was professional and managed to fix our issue same day. He left our home clean and tidy before leaving. Overall very happy.

Jonathan Wilson

We could not do the water valve replacement because the city could not shut the water off. I was warned ahead of time that this might happen so was not worried. Yamil was courteous and professional and I look forward to his return when the city can fulfill there end of the job. Justin and Sean were great with the furnace install. It went smoothly and Justin explained the new thermostat fully. The walk through on the furnace was useful and timely. Justin and Sean were friendly and professional and great to work with. John who came out for the initial inspection…

Paul Palardy

Arrived on time and did a quick and efficient replacement of my kitchen sink faucet. Also took the time to further explain the operation of the water softener installed on the last visit.
Richard was friendly and knowledgeable. Great service!

Marybeth Marrow

Jon was on time and dispatch team did their best to get him to the property to do an inspection on leaking pipes and backup sewer system. Jon then immediately got another job into the system to have a deeper inspection of the entire system to determine where the blockage was.

David Crawford

Drake Ahern did an awesome job cleaning the ducts. Was very friendly and professional. Worked hard and paid attention to all the details. I’d definitely have him back next time.

David Dickinson

I had furnace venting replaced. This company is efficient and very professional. You know who is coming to do the work and given notice of when they’ll arrive. Heinz was very knowledgeable, professional, was not bothered by all my questions. He gave full explanations, reasons why, and great advice on maintenance care. He showed that he cared about what he was doing and was very efficient in getting the work done quickly. I highly recommend this company and Heinz.

Elsa Krienke

Thank you! Your service has always been reliable, professional,and friendly.
Rural folks can depend on you, as We have for more than 30 years, for both our property and others.
If you say you’re coming – you show up- or you promptly let us know of any delays! AND do a fantastic job. We’d asked for certain day & hours, as our neighbour has a B&B, didn’t want to cause issues with septic removal smells for them. YOU DELIVERED! Thank you. The Jackson’s.

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