Turbo
By Bob Baker Boiler • Plumbing • • • 0 Comments

When BC and Alberta plumbers collide

What happens when BC and Alberta Plumbers Collide?

When BC and Alberta plumber collide

When BC and Alberta plumbers collide. What could go wrong when two head strong and very experienced plumbers meet head to head. One from BC and one from Alberta? Interested in finding out the results? Watch the video above, spoiler alert the results are absolutely fabulous!!

The good and bad of social media can be debated for decades with the merits of each side validated and proven. Yet this week we understood and felt the powerful good that social media can provide with an amazing collaboration between to fantastic plumbers. When BC and Alberta plumber collide

Pete smiling as BC and Alberta plumbers collide

How it happened

We been in contact with Turbo Plumbing and Heating for several years and as he was passing through Calgary to visit some family. He decided to stop in for a visit. After asking if he had work clothes and steel toes, we immediately put him to work!! Watch the video above and watch in real time as Robbie puts Baker’s latest J-man and young apprentice through the paces of a pipe replacement. In the particular job we use 3 of 4 methods of joining pipe. First and my personal favorite, Victaulic, next is the latest tech and the use of Press tech.Finally we use the tired and true, mechanical threading. We could have used solder as well but considering the time we decided to skip it.

Commercial heating systems is one of the many fields that Baker Plumbing prides itself in being an expert in. As a 4th generation company you can watch the latest generation work with Rob. Completing some complex tasks in short order!!

Check Turbo on IG and on the web at TURBO PLUMBING and of course come check us out at BAKER PLUMBING

Have plumbing or heating needs in BC or Alberta these two companies have all the bases covered!!

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By Bob Baker Cross connection control • Gas Fitting • Plumbing • • 0 Comments

Why is Plumbing so expensive?

Why is Plumbing is Expensive?

Baker Plumbing at work
                                                                     The Bakers hard at work

Plumbers are expensive because it is a highly specialized trade requiring thousands of hours to master. Additionally, they make house calls meaning they spend time and money investing in vehicles, tools, equipment and gas to bring to you. They also carry insurance and have other overhead expenses. Labor shortages in the field also contribute to premium pricing.

How do I find inexpensive plumbers?

A Dirty White Boy doing Dirty Things

Finding inexpensive plumbers is often a mistake. If you have a cousin or friend in the trade, they may work cheaply for you. However, it’s a highly specialized skill developed over years of training and experience. Their fees are a reflection of their skill, overhead and demand.

Commercial vs. Residential Pros


Commercial plumbers average $100 per hour. Residential plumbers average $80 per hour. Commercial contractors rarely do residential work and vice versa. Building codes, equipment and skill sets vary between the two types.

Service call fees range from $100 to $350 and usually include the first hour of work. Service calls cover a wide range of common services including clogged drains, leaking pipes and fixture repair.

See our Website for details

Trip or Call Out Fees

Trip fees range anywhere from $50 to $300 depending on your location and the distance they need to travel. Unlike a service call, this fee is in addition to labor charges.

Minimum fees and trip charges help offset the time and materials of travelling to and from job sites. Plumbers spend much of their time travelling to a jobsite and a supply house to pick up materials for your project.

Most offer a flat fee within a certain radius of their shop with additional mileage pricing past that.
Alternately, some skip the trip charge and simply charge a 1- or 2-hour minimum. So, if they spend only 15 minutes working, you’ll pay the minimum amount of time.