Baker Brothers furnace upgrades, timelapse

Baker Boys in Action

Here at Baker plumbing we want to provide the best tech while using the best tech!

The choice of who works on your furnace, the heart of your HVAC system and the very appliance keeping Old Man Winter at bay, should be made carefully. There is alot of smoke and mirrors out there and you can trust Baker to clear the air!

Types of Furnaces 

While worldwide there are many different types of furnaces, in Alberta there are generally only 2 based on fuel source.

  • Natural gas
  • Propane

Once past the fuel the field becomes much more cluttered with such verbiage as first and second stages, PSC or ECM motors, exchanger metal types and on and on.

The government legislation mandating the efficiency ratings, the minimum allowable is 92% has left manufacturers and sellers to add new components at a furious rate to gain a percent here and one there!

Baker recommendations

While new technology is impressive and even amazing, our belief is still to keep things as simple as possible. We recommend the following

  • the basic 92% efficiency model
  • single stage gas valve
  • PSC motor
  • stainless steel exchanger

Those components will give you the 92% efficiency rating, low operating costs and the least potential for an expense repair bill in the future.

Still confused or have questions?

At Baker we can answer and solve any of your questions or problems.

 

Contact us at www.bakerplumbing.ca today 

 

Big changes in Gasfitting!!

MEGAPRESS ACTION!!!

Baker is always looking to do its job faster, cleaner and more effectively. Today we changed the way we do gasfitting forever. With the latest pressing tools, we can now complete gas work oil and fume free.

MegaPress

MEGAPRESS ACTION!!!

 

CREDIT TOO

 

Navien tankless installation via Timelapse

At Baker Plumbing we strive to bring our clients the latest technology. While at the same using the latest technology. NAVIEN, one of the premier tankless water heaters made, is pictures here. We’re installing it with the latest press tools and very cool lasers. If you have any questions about what the plumbing and heating has to offer, call Baker Plumbing today!!!

 

WATCH THE MAGIC

 

professional tankless installation and repairs

ecm motors

Calgary Furnace Repairs, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Calgary Furnace Repairs

https://www.bakerplumbing.ca/calgary/our-services/heating/furnaces/

ECM motor swap

ECM motors, the good, the bad and the ugly

There are, however, some serious downsides associated with improper application of these motors in new and existing HVAC systems. Let’s take a candid look at the good, bad, and ugly of good and bad application of these great gems of technology. Calgary furnace repairs.

The Good
When a furnace or air handler with an ECM is installed on a good duct, coil, and filtration system with static pressures within proper design parameters, it can perform flawlessly. These systems can deliver precise airflow to match two-speed condenser designs and multi-stage gas furnace firing rates to deliver quiet, draft-free comfort in virtually any configuration.

These issues can be avoided with good pressure and airflow testing, both before and after equipment is replaced, and on every system you service. When you measure, you know. When you don’t measure, you’re just guessing that it will turn out OK.

Additional benefits of these brushless DC motors include low electrical consumption when operating within design TESP (Total External Static Pressure). When installed properly, systems with ECMs can improve dehumidification, reduce register noise, save energy, and provide trouble-free operation.

The Bad
In marginal systems with higher-than-design static pressures — for example a .5–in. TESP rated furnace with ECM on a .8–in. TESP system — the motor still may be able to maintain airflow close to design. The tradeoff is higher velocities often cause a noisy system and some coil blow-off. The extra torque often required to overcome the higher statics results in higher electrical consumption. This reduces actual equipment EER, which means your customer won’t get the savings of the higher efficiency matchup.

The Ugly
Systems with TESPs of 1.0 and higher, which are more typical than many non-performance-based contractors are willing to admit, can eat up to eight times the power they should be using. When this happens, some ECMs will ramp down and drop airflow significantly. Some older ECM motors will overheat and even fail when constantly running in over-amped conditions. Newer models are designed to drop airflow but time will tell on how well they will hold up.

Other consequences of high static installations include noise at the registers from higher air velocities. In extreme cases, filter media can be sucked out of its rack causing filter bypass. In very extreme cases filter media can be pulled into the fan, chopped up and blown through the system causing all sorts of damage.

So, what do you measure? The first thing you should do is install test ports on either side of the blower. Once you’ve installed the test ports, use a digital or analog manometer with a static pressure tip to measure pressure at each location.

High velocities and pressures created by ECMs on systems with dirty evaporator coils can also blow moisture off the coil surfaces into the supply ductwork. This can reduce the system’s dehumidification capability and cause numerous moisture-related indoor air quality issues.

The Answer
These issues can be avoided with good pressure and airflow testing, both before and after equipment is replaced, and on every system you service. When you measure, you know. When you don’t measure, you’re just guessing that it will turn out OK. Calgary furnace repairs.

So, what do you measure? The first thing you should do is install test ports on either side of the blower.

Once you’ve installed the test ports, use a digital or analog manometer with a static pressure tip to measure pressure at each location. TESP is calculated by adding the pressures before and after the fan. Other pressure readings will help you diagnose the cause of high statics – but that’s for another article.

Once you know your TESP and your fan speed setting look up delivered fan airflow on the manufacturer’s fan table. If you’re replacing or servicing equipment with an ECM, and the TESP exceeds rated capacity, be sure to look up motor amp draw in the manufacturer’s specifications.

Armed with this information you should do two things: First, alert your customer that their system has a high “blood pressure” problem that needs to be addressed. Second, diagnose the cause of the high statics and recommend solutions to bring them down to acceptable levels.

Of course, there is more to this in terms of troubleshooting and solving these issues. The bottom line is that while the ECM is a great motor, as the servicing or installing contractor it’s your responsibility to make sure its application does not cause unintended consequences detrimental to the health and well-being of your customers’ homes and HVAC systems.

 

 

HIRE A PRO!

Gas is a very big deal and not something that should be addressed by the untrained. When you had a spark or flame to the mix things can becoem a disaster quickly. Here one of our competitors was called in and serviced this large boiler system. Please watch the video link and see for yourself that these bozos had no idea what they were doing and do mostly residential work. A quick glance proves to anyone that instead of making the boiler operations safer, they have in fact put everyone in the building at the risk of dying!! YES DYING!!! Message, HIRE A PROFESSIONAL!!

 

Watch and be HORRIFIED!

 

Baker Plumbing and Drain Cleaning – like PB&J

Ridgid products give us the ability to solve most any drain issue that may ever arise! Let Baker Plumbing be your first call when plumbing problems flood you out! Baker is ready, willing and able to address all manner of plumbing and drain issue, whether they be commercial or residential. Today we were able to serve a local neighbor what was experiencing poor drain performance, also known as a sluggish drain. With the COVID-19 lock down in full affect, this household used a little too much toilet paper which eventually plugged the entire upper floor. Watch our YouTube video linked here and see the entire drama unfold. If you’ve ever experienced an entire floor plumbing blockage then you know its drama. Don’t damage the system further by adding harmful chemicals, get it done properly. Call Baker Plumbing today!!

BAKER AND DRAIN = MAGIC!

Commercial Plumbing full of surprises!!

While we never really know what kind of issues we are going to run into. At Baker Plumbing, we prepare for the worse and hope for the best! Here we have a project completed by others yet us and the client are left dealing with the problems! This entire commercial property was installed with Pex pipe (no problem) and plastic fittings!! (Seriously why???) This is at least the 10th failure we’ve repaired since the building opened 2 years ago!! When installers try to save by cutting corners, the end result is always the same!! TROUBLE! We did fix this client up and all is well that ends well, until next time anyway!!

WATCH THE REPAIR UNFOLD!

 

apprentice learning the trade

Tankless heater maintenance and repairs

The world of technology and plumbing are forever mixed together now. Your search in finding company that can both install and service these high tech tankless units can be challenging!! At Baker Plumbing we are fully trained in both installation of tankless and the maintenance of these units. One visit provides you with years of knowledge and experience few companies have access too. In Calgary? Call Baker Plumbing and get the information and assistance you need today!!

WATCH BAKER MAKE THOSE REPAIRS

 

COVID-19 doesn’t mean service stops!

At Baker Plumbing we understand the importance of keeping both ourselves and our clients safe during these uncertain times. That means we take all the necessary precautions to ensure the latest levels of protection are part of our daily routine. Make no mistake we at Baker Plumbing STILL provide top level services while protecting both people and equipment. If you need service in Calgary, call Baker Plumbing today!! Stay safe, be safe!!

 

SEE BAKER IN ACTION!!

 

Drain cameras can make the Difference

Drain cameras can make the difference. Cameras have a long way over the last 20 plus years with HD images, amazing push distances, wireless connections, sonars, the ability to tell slope. The medium to transfer the information has moved from VHS to DVD and now we can transfer to to USB and now we can transfer directly to a mobile device.

 

Drains and plumbing can be tricky business. Here at Baker Plumbing we bring the tools and the skill to tell our clients exactly what the issues are and how to fix them, PERMANENTLY! Don’t settle for, you should be good!! In Calgary, call Baker Plumbing and know your problems are flowing down the drain. Drain cameras can make the difference!

 

SEE THE DIFFERENCE BAKER MAKES!!

 

Drain cameras can make the difference

At Baker Plumbing we understand the importance of knowing as much information as possible. That gives us the most options in determine what exactly is happening with your drain system. Those options ensure we can quickly diagnosis and solve your issues and prevent further issues.

A sewer camera is a valuable tool to help determine if there’s a problem with your home’s sewer system.

Maybe you noticed a nasty sewer gas odor. Or maybe your water isn’t draining as fast as it use to. Or worse, you’ve got an overflowing toilet.

If you’re like most people, you’ll call a plumber for help. And when that plumber comes to your house, more than likely, he’ll perform a sewer camera inspection.

But it’s important for you, the homeowner, to know what a sewer camera inspection can find and what it can’t. Armed with this information, you will know if the plumbing company you hire to come out and inspect your pipes is ripping you off or not.

What is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

First, let’s cover what a sewer camera inspection is. Typically sewer lines are installed under the foundation of your house. There’s the concrete slab which is about 4 or 5 five inches thick and then about 2 feet or so of dirt above the pipe.

To inspect the pipes and find possible problems, a special sewer video camera head connected to a flexible cable is inserted into the main sewer line cleanout, or in some cases, the vent stack and snaked through the pipes. Then the plumber watches on a monitor at ground level to see what’s going on in your pipes.

Here at In-House Plumbing, we use a sewer camera to help us determine what your problem is. However, unlike our competition, we know there are some problems a camera alone can’t find.

What a Sewer Camera Inspection Can’t Do

Despite what many in the plumbing industry think, there are limitations to what a sewer camera sees inside your sewer lines. But there is one thing a sewer camera absolutely cannot see.

Locate Leaks

A sewer camera alone cannot determine if you have a leak or to locate a leak or leaks in your sewer lines. In fact, this is so important, it bears repeating.

While it’s a useful as a secondary tool in a leak location test, a sewer camera by itself cannot be used to to determine if you have a leak or to find a leak.

 

4 Reasons Why a Sewer Camera Can’t Locate a Leak

  1. A leak is water escaping the pipe through a hole, break, or crack. Since the camera is inside the pipe, it cannot see the outside of the pipe. Meaning, it can’t see if something is leaking OUT of the pipe. It can only show what is going on INSIDE the pipe.
  2. The plumber is looking at a monitor displaying what the camera “sees.” So the plumber has to interpret, or guess, what he’s seeing. He might think he see something that looks like a hole, break, or crack in the pipe. But keep in mind, this is your sewer system we’re talking about. This is where your waste flushes and runs through. Trust us when we say it does not look good. And all that gunk and waste makes it hard to tell if something is a leak based solely on what can be seen on the monitor.
  3. Sewer pipes are usually one of two types: cast iron or PVC, both thick-walled pipes. So something very possibly might look like a hole or a crack or a break. But because the walls of the pipe are so thick, it’s possible what the plumber is seeing does not go all the way through the pipe so no water is leaking out at all. The result: no leak.
  4. Particularly with cast iron, but this could also be true for PVC, there are years of buildup on the walls of the pipe. Calcium, soap scum, grease, debris… you name it, builds up on the walls of your sewer pipes. So any cracks or holes the plumber sees could very well be in the buildup and not the actual pipe.

We estimate about 95% of plumbing companies in the Dallas area are using a camera as their primary tool to locate a leak. They come in, run an inspection with just a sewer camera and then tell you you have a leak.

But keep in mind, what may look like a leak on camera may not actually be a leak. And vice versa.

Look at this image taken by another plumbing company and shown to a homeowner.

no leaks

This is cast iron pipe with a PVC repair. The plumber told the homeowner he had two leaks based on the image alone. But when In-House Plumbing came out to perform our Free Second Opinion leak isolation test, we found there zero leaks.

Everything was working and draining properly, and in our under slab leak test we found zero leaks.

What a Sewer Camera Inspection Can Do

While a sewer camera cannot find leaks, there are certain situations where the camera alone is effective.

Locate Lines

Sewer cameras have location devices that send out a signal. Using a special signal receiver above ground, our plumbers pinpoint where the camera is underground.

locate sewer lines

Drainage or Stoppage Issues

We call this your “sewer is not working as it is designed to work.”

Sewer pipes work using the power of gravity. The pipes flow downhill so when something goes into the pipe—waste, debris, water—it flows or drains down through your piping system and ultimately ends up at your city’s waste treatment center or septic tank, depending on your particular situation.

However, if something is causing your system to not work properly, in most cases we can use a sewer camera to determine what is causing it. Often in cases like these we find stoppages, blockages, roots, mud, broken pipe, etc.

PVC or Cast Iron Pipe

We determine what type of system you have by running a sewer camera inside the pipes.

Sewer System Connections

With a sewer camera, we can see fittings, tee’s, and other types of connection. We can also use it at the connections to run water. We’re able to see where the water flows to or from and/or comes from one line to another.

Unnecessary Plumbing Repairs

Depending on your situation, a sewer camera inspection alone may not be adequate in finding potential problems. And it is not at all adequate if it’s leaks they are looking for.

The most important thing to know is if a plumbing company does a leak location test with a camera as the only or primary tool, it’s very possible you’re being told there are leaks when there are none. If that’s the case, you could end up paying for repairs you don’t need.