The Baker’s Dozen

What does the Baker’s Dozen mean? Well, in baking terms it means you get more than you asked. You some extra delicious treat. Instead of 12 you get 13 or 14 of the item you’ve purchased.

Baker Crew

At Baker Plumbing Inc we take that exact same philosophy and apply to our trade. Not only do you get experience, reliable service and years of knowledge and training when you call Baker. You also get dedication, a smile and an attitude towards you project even your Dad would be proud of.

At Baker Plumbing we strive every day to provide our clients with the best products, the best service and of course the best attitude.

We use nothing but the best tools and equipment to get the job done quickly. We take the best training from industry experts that make and distribute the best products.

Come follow us on our daily journey of Plumbing excellence and a little more spice to your day by following us on IG. 

Boiler Repair By Baker

Calgary’s Best Boiler Repair Techs, Bar none!

WINTER IS COMING

Proof positive, Baker knows its stuff

In Calgary they are few more qualified for Boiler repairs than Baker Plumbing! Since 1956 we have been among the best boiler repair professionals in Calgary.

With winter fast approaching the time is now to address any of those nagging or troublesome features about your boiler. In Calgary and area, Baker Plumbing has been servicing, repairing and replacing boilers since 1956. We know a thing or two about the severity that winter can bring us. That understanding of just how vital your boiler is during the harshest of all seasons is one of the best reasons to hire Baker.

The increase in technology and invention has brought a multitude of components to market. These marvels of tech allow for increased efficiency and function never before seen. That’s the upside, the downside is that each one of these wonders of engineering must be inspected, serviced, and calibrated. Failure to that can result in their failure to actually do their jobs and doing them well.

The time is now, don’t delay any longer. Call Baker Plumbing and ensure you and your family in Calgary remain toasty and warm with a boiler repair, service or replacement.

calgary boiler repair
Burners, burnt beyond repair

What is a boiler?

A boiler is a closed vessel in which fluid (generally water) is heated. The fluid does not necessarily boil. The heated or vaporized fluid exits the boiler for use in various processes or heating applications,[1][2] including water heating, central heating, boiler-based power generation, cooking, and sanitation.

Is a boiler safe?

To define and secure boilers safely, some professional specialized organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) develop standards and regulation codes. For instance, the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code is a standard providing a wide range of rules and directives to ensure compliance of the boilers and other pressure vessels with safety, security and design standards.[8]

Homer Simpson’s Guide to Grooving Copper Pipe

Homer Simpson was unavailable

Even better the young apprentices that have their fingers on the button as it were and ready to show the world how this important skill can be developed. With a whole 5 years of experience between them, what could possibly go wrong? Follow along as the steps needed to complete this important skill are discussed. If you’re looking for a commercial plumber near you then look no further than Baker Plumbing in Calgary.

Copper Pipe

Copper pipes are commonly used in the commercial construction industry for water supply lines and refrigerant lines in HVAC (heating, cooling, and air-conditioning) systems. Copper pipes can be manufactured as soft or rigid copper and offer excellent corrosion-resistance and reliable connections. The three most common types of copper pipe used in residential and commercial construction are Type K, Type L, and Type M. A fourth type, used for drain-waste-vent, or DWV, piping, can be found in some older homes.

For today we using 2.5″ copper K pipe which is the only type or quality that is approved for this type of joining method. Working on commercial boiler systems can be a hazardous undertaking. This work should only be completed by professional tradesmen or women that have extensive experience completing such work. Or as shown here under the direct supervision of a Master plumber.

  • Type K Copper Pipe: Type K copper pipe has the thickest wall of all the common types. It is used for water distribution, fire protection, oil, HVAC, and many other applications in the construction industry. Type K pipe is available in a rigid and flexible form and can be used with flared and compression fittings. Pictured below is that very thing, Type K copper pipe! It’s been cut, reamed and sanded in preparation for the application of a RIDGID grooving tool.

Credit too

 

 

Next step grooving

According to many industry experts “grooved mechanical piping” reduces risk, cost and construction schedules.

Grooved mechanical pipe joining is a method of fabricating piping systems that eliminates the need for welding and flanging pipe. Grooved-end pipe, fittings, valves and accessories are joined with mechanical couplings that provide a secure, reliable union at every joint. These connections are designed to handle a variety of utility and process piping services. Grooved pipe solutions can be used on carbon steel, stainless steel and galvanized pipe, as well as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), fiberglass-reinforced pipe and American Water Works Association ductile iron pipe ranging in size from a half inch to 60 inches.

A grooved pipe joint is comprised of three core elements: the pipe groove; the gasket and coupling housings; and nuts and bolts. Grooves are cold-formed on the pipe ends with tooling specifically designed for this process (we are using the RIDGID 914). The coupling housing engages the grooved ends of each pipe, fitting or valve to be connected. A resilient, pressure-responsive elastomeric gasket provides a leak-tight seal, even under a vacuum. The coupling housing fully encloses the gasket, reinforcing the seal and securing its position. The coupling is fastened with two track head bolts and nuts.

Grooved mechanical piping has its roots in World War I, during which this innovation was used to deploy fuel and water to Allied forces on the front lines. The system proved beneficial over other joining methods, because as troops’ positions changed, the pipes needed to be disassembled, transported and reassembled quickly and efficiently.

Today, the grooved pipe system still proves advantageous in critical fluid handling applications. Grooved piping systems can be installed on a variety of piping applications, including alcohol; caustic; chilled, cooling, potable, wash and demineralized water; fire protection; glycerin; instrument and plant utility air; oil feed; reverse osmosis; and wastewater treatment.

Pictured below is Peter with Baker Plumbing using the RIDGID 914, a product no longer made by RIDGID but continues to be useful and effective in completing complex plumbing and heating work.

Credit too

The tools that actually make it work

The RIDGID® 915 Roll Groover is a manual roll groover for in-place field applications. The 915 requires only 3 1/2″ of clearance to travel around a pipe and a minimum of 2 3/4″ of exposed pipe for grooving. With the appropriate roll sets, the 915 can groove from 1 1/4″ to 12″ pipe, the widest range in its class! The 915’s cast-in handle allows for easy transport or chaining the groover down to prevent theft. The 915 is a must for service work crews. RIDGID TOOLS


Watch the Baker Boys in action

While a little raw the young apprentices did get the job done and the systems back online. If you’re looking for plumbing and heating services in Calgary then contact us today!!!

BAKER IN ACTION

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!

 

Boiler maintenance beyond essential!

Today’s high end and high efficiency boilers are marvels of technology. As such they require no less than an annual inspection and cleaning. Due to the myriad of sensors, safeties and limits these appliances incorporate maintenance of these devices are an absolute must to ensure longevity. Pictured here we can see the problems that arise from neglecting the required maintenance schedules. Think maintenance is due? Do it now! For Boilers and maintenance in Calgary and area, call Baker Plumbing for all your boiler maintenance needs!

The boiler must be inspected and started annually at the beginning of the heating season by a qualified service technician. In addition, the maintenance and care of the boiler designated on page 5 of this manual and explained on pages 6 through 8 must be performed to assure maximum boiler efficiency and reliability. Failure to service and maintain the boiler and system could result in equipment failure, causing possible severe personal injury, death, or substantial property damage.

 

Service and maintenance schedules
• Address reported problems
• Inspect boiler area and boiler interior
• Clean condensate trap
• Check all piping for leaks
• Check air openings
• Flue vent system and air piping
• Check water system
• Check expansion tank
• Check boiler relief valve
• Inspect ignition electrode
• Check ignition ground wiring
• Check all boiler wiring
• Check control settings
• Perform start-up and checks
• Check burner flame
• Check flame signal
• Check flue gas temperature
• General maintenance
• Review with owner
• Cleaning boiler heat exchanger

Big boilers in Calgary

Boilers today are complex systems that require professional maintenance provided by skilled and trained tradesmen. Winter in Calgary can wreak havoc on these systems if that maintenance is neglected! Here is a perfect example of what can happen when a boiler system is left unchecked and neglected. Luckily, no one was hurt or any of the equipment damaged, we were able to repair this boiler by replacing the burners, cleaning the orifices, adjusting the gas manifold pressures and inspecting the combustion products via electronic analysis. We treat boiler maintenance, commercial or residential, like a patient. For any boiler service requirements in Calgary, call Baker Plumbing, we come to you!!! Watch a quick clip via hyperlink of how this job went down!!

See more information

 

Commercial Gas Fitting

Boiler maintenance in Calgary. Laars boiler and Watts PRV

BOILER MAINTENANCE IS KEY!

Replacing this PRV got a little complicated!

 

Client sent in a video of a pump screaming. Arrived to find the PRV plugged and inoperable. It’s the small things that can cause big problems.

In Calgary and own Commercial property, give us an opportunity to look after your equipment, you won’t be disappointed! If We Can’t Do It, It Can’t Be Done!

One of the biggest thieves of efficiency in boiler operations is the accumulation of soot and/or scale on heat exchanger surfaces. It does not take long for soot to start causing significant loss of energy efficiency.

In a matter of just a couple of weeks, there could be a potential of 1/8 in. of soot on equipment stemming from regular usage, which means lost efficiency and overspending in utility costs.
Scale can also accumulate quickly and add unnecessary operational expenses.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fuel consumption could increase as much as five per cent in firetube boilers as a result of scale.

Routine maintenance and cleaning is the most beneficial way to keep boilers healthy and running efficiently. Performing this maintenance at least once a year is an investment that will pay off.

 

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY BOILER

  • Stick to an Inspection and Maintenance Schedule – At least once a year qualified on-site personnel or a third party should inspect and clean all parts of the boiler. Contractors may create a maintenance plan to be done internally or do the work themselves. It is important to have a solid schedule in place to keep clients on track.
  • Review the Chemical and/or Mechanical Cleaning Solutions – You will notice a significant reduction in operating costs by removing the contaminants on both the waterside (scale formation) and the fireside (soot and scale formation) of boilers. While mechanical cleaning typically utilizes moving brushes to remove scale from the walls of tubes and pipes, the chemical process uses a chemical solution to flow through the tubes dissolving and flushing out the scale.
  • Maintain Daily Logs – Most problems develop slowly, therefore a log is the best way to detect significant changes. Have the facility manager keep daily logs on the following: type and amount of fuel used; flue gas temperature; makeup water volume; and steam pressure, temperature, and volume. Ongoing logs will help monitor for any potential issues that might develop or identify problems that could be fixed with proper cleaning.
  • Perform Visual Inspections – Look at the boiler tubes and conducting a visual inspection to check for scale accumulation on a more frequent basis to help ensure the boiler tubes are free of scale and buildup.

 

Replacing this PRV got a little complicated!

CREDIT TO

Boiler Service Calgary

Winter has Come Calgary

Now is the Time

Calgary Boiler ServiceWinter has come again to Calgary, it seems like we just thawed out from the last ice age, but here we are. Few components of your home or business are as critical to your well being as your furnace or boiler.

Freezing temperatures work your heating equipment hard and in order to keep them running smoothly an annual inspection and servicing is a must. This will ensure peace of mind and a problem free warm winter. We have been doing this important heating service work in Calgary for over 60 years and we have the knowledge, tools, and skills required to keep everything running as it should.

In the meantime, if you notice any of the following you should contact us right away for an appointment.

              • Odd odours such as gas or burning plastics
              • Strange sounds such as loud vibrations, humming or screeching
              • Visual clues such as chalky debris, soot or metal shavings
              • Flashing codes on control boards or gas valves

These indicators are telling you service is needed and soon! Call us today.