In colder climates, water inside the pipes can freeze. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause the pipe to crack or burst. This is especially common if the pipes are not properly insulated or if there are sudden drops in temperature.
It can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500 to repair a furnace, depending on the issue. If you’re in the Edmonton area, the average cost to repair a furnace will be around $700.
Make sure the furnace company you choose to do your repairs is upfront with their pricing. They should be able to provide you with the price ahead of time so that you know exactly what to expect before moving ahead!
Want to save some money? Often professional heating and plumbing companies will offer a Service Partner Plan – we call ours the ProComfort Plan. This type of plan will help you keep on top of the regular maintenance your furnace needs for a fraction of the price. Regular furnace tune-ups and maintenance will help prevent any major issues, saving you from repairs and replacements that could cost you thousands of dollars! With plans like this, there is often a discount for members, meaning you’ll save money with every visit.
In Edmonton, most hot water tanks last 8–12 years. If yours is:
Taking too long to reheat
Making rumbling or popping sounds
Running out of hot water faster
Leaking
Over 10 years old
It may be time to upgrade before it fails!
Want to learn more? Book your free home estimate with our Home Comfort Advisor to talk about replacing your tank. They’ll walk you through your options as well as ways you can increase the longevity of your hot water tank for the future.
ProSolutions Inc. stands out due to our commitment to fast and reliable service, especially in emergencies like burst pipes. With over 30 years of experience in Edmonton, our trained residential plumbers are equipped with advanced tools and technology to handle burst pipe repairs efficiently. Plus, our upfront pricing ensures no hidden costs, and our no overtime fee policy guarantees affordability even in emergencies.
Changing your water softener salt is simple: just lift the lid on the brine tank and pour new salt directly into the tank—no need to remove old salt unless it’s hardened or formed a crust (called bridging). Use a high-quality softener salt and avoid overfilling; aim to keep it about half to three-quarters full.
Not a fan of hauling heavy bags? Our ProWater Softener Membership takes care of everything—we pick up, deliver, and even fill your tank for you. You’ll never have to worry about doing it yourself again.
Installing a water softener doesn’t take too long when a professional technician is completing the installation. As long as no unforeseen setbacks or problems are encountered, a professional plumber should be able to install a water softener in about two to three hours. Choosing to have your water softener installed by an expert is a good idea, as this will ensure that it is installed and working properly, helping to prevent problems down the road. In addition, water softeners are available in various makes and models and an experienced technician can help you find the best system for your home and your family.
Tankless water heaters are the most energy-efficient hot water systems on the market. In fact, tankless water heaters can be approximately 35% – 80% more efficient than traditional hot water tanks.
Tankless hot water heaters can be powered by electricity or gas. However, gas-powered tankless heaters are more efficient. In addition to being more energy-efficient, tankless water heaters cost less to operate (up to 50% less than traditional hot water tanks) and last longer (up to double the lifetime).
The plumbing professionals at ProSolutions PHAC recommend the following high-efficiency tankless water heater:
Please note: Although tankless water heaters are the most energy-efficient hot water system, they are not for everyone. Our guide to tankless water heaters can help you decide if a tankless heater is the best option for your home.
Water softeners last about 10 to 20 years. The lifetime of your water softener will depend on several factors including the type of water softener and brand you buy, as well as the installation. Proper installation is important to ensure maximum effectiveness and lifetime. One of the many benefits of having a water softener installed in your home is that it will extend the lifetime of your other plumbing appliances. Hard water is tough on appliances like water heaters and laundry machines, as the minerals in the water wear away pipe sealants over time causing leaks and clogs. However, a water softener will remove excessive mineral content from all of the water, helping to protect your plumbing and appliances from unnecessary damage.
The difference between a boiler and a hot water tank has to do with the way in which each uses the hot water that it produces.
Both boilers and hot water tanks take cool water, heat this water and then distribute it throughout a home via pipes. However, the water that is heated by a boiler is distributed throughout the home via pipes, radiators and radiant in-floor systems in order to heat it – to keep the rooms, floors, garage, etc. comfortable and warm.
On the other hand, a hot water tank heats water that is used for cooking and cleaning purposes – for showers, dishwashing, laundry, etc.
If your drain is clogged with hair, baking soda can dissolve hair in a drain.
To try this safe and easy method at home – first, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour a cup of vinegar (white vinegar) down. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes. Keep an eye out for bubbling in the drain (this is caused by the reaction between the baking soda and vinegar). Once the bubbling stops, wait a few more minutes then pour some hot water down the drain. Repeat until the clog is cleared. Keep at it, it can take a long time.
With a heavy-duty clog, you might need something more powerful. In this case, try snaking the drain, plunging it or calling a local Edmonton drain cleaning company to get the job done.
ProSolutions no longer provides drain cleaning services, however we are happy to help if you decide to replace your fixtures!
Tankless water heaters have many benefits over traditional hot water tanks however, the truth is, a tankless water heater is not worth it for everyone. Any professional plumbing company can tell you that a tankless hot water system is best for homes that don’t often use large amounts of hot water. For example, if you often take baths in a large tub, or you have numerous high-volume shower heads in your shower, then an on-demand hot water system may not be worth it. On the other hand, a tankless hot water heater will save you money over time, you won’t run out of hot water and it will last much longer than a traditional hot water tank. Consult your local tankless water heater plumber and they can help you decide whether a tankless water heater is right for you.
Most standard hot water tanks take 30 to 60 minutes to fully reheat after being drained.
Here’s what affects that timing:
Tank size (40 vs 50 gallon)
Gas vs electric
Age of the unit
Sediment buildup
Incoming water temperature (hello, Alberta winters 👋)
If it’s taking longer than an hour to reheat, that’s often a sign something isn’t working properly. If you’re trying to decide on whether you need maintenance, repairs, or a whole new tank, reach out to our friendly customer care team! They can send one of our Technical Home Advisors out to help you make the best decision for your home.
