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Baker Plumbing the John Wick of Plumbers
Hire the Best, Hire Baker
Baker Plumbing the John Wick of Plumbing
In a world full of pretenders with their stock photos, pressed uniforms and canned phrases Baker Plumbing stands apart with the experience, tools and the knowledge that makes the difference. Youtube feature Slaying Drains With 65 years of said experience, we much like John Wick who is highly confident in his abilities and carried a reputation of being greatly respected and feared by many within his field. Baker Plumbing enjoys many of the same associations. John Wick the Movie
Baker Plumbing continues its growth and development as a family owned plumbing service contractor. With the addition of Isaiah and Peter to the ranks, the 4th generation of plumbing in Calgary is well under way. Isaiah is months away from completing his journeyman’s ticket, only delayed by the COVID_19 shutdown. Pete’s freshly back from an LDS service mission the Philippines (and yes, he’s fully fluent in Tagalog) so test him if you’d like! We’re very pleased and excited that our scope of work and our ability to diversify is expanding!
With the ability to service both large and small commercial businesses and with a strong and vibrant residential client list. Baker serves not only Calgary and area but Lethbridge, Airdrie, High River, Okotoks, Bragg Creek, Springbank, Priddis and many others. From drain cleaning, emergency plumbing services, HVAC and furnace repairs to boiler maintenance, back flow or cross connection testing. If you need a 24 hour plumber in Calgary, we can tackle any project.
See what over 65 years of knowledge, experience and skills can bring to your project,
Baker Plumbing the John Wick of Plumbing
How Calgary winters can make you a better lover
Proof Baker brings the heat! 🔥
Is there anyone out there that really and we mean really loves being cold? It’s one thing to enjoy “the cold” and doing things outdoors but we mean actually being cold. If everyone is honest then the answer must be a solid, NO!
We can see from the above infographic provided by http://hikersbay.com/climate/canada/calgary?lang=en that it can get mighty cold here in Calgary. At Baker Plumbing, we take that type of cold seriously and are prepared if and when an emergency strikes. Whether is busted pipes, broken drain lines, boilers and furnaces that have failed you when the need is the greatest, we can fix it and do it in a hurry.
We take pride in being able to provide that kind of quick and effective service to all of Calgary and its surrounding locations. With over 60+ years in business, we have the knowledge, the experience, the skills and the tools to get you warmed up quickly. As discussed, no one likes to be cold and we can ensure that your home or business is warm and toasty. What better way is there to get in the mood than being a beautifully heated home while looking at the frost and ice outside. At Baker we can’t think of a single thing. Hence, its actually Baker that’ll help you be a better lover. You might just have to trust us on that last statement.
Call Baker Plumbing anytime, day or night! 403-800-3007
‘BEST IN CALGARY’ Plumber list again
AS GOOD AS ANY, BETTER THAN MOST
Looking for one of the Best Plumbers in Calgary then look no further. Baker Plumbing is proudly a multi-generational family business which has been serving Calgary and area since 1956! That’ s 64 years of experience under one roof! Read about our history here, BAKER HISTORY
Currently the family business is being directed by Bob Baker whose been practicing as a Master Plumber since 1996. Bob’s sons Isaiah and Peter are at present completing their apprenticeship programs at SAIT ensuring the 4th generation of Baker plumbers servicing the greater Calgary area which also Okotoks, Rocky View, Airdrie, Cochrane and Bragg Creek, for years to come.
Looking for a local plumbing company with experience in a wide ranging skill set from hot water tanks (Bradford White), water softeners, furnace installs/ tune ups and other guaranteed services? Baker ranks among the best plumbing and heating companies in Calgary.
Our services of course include plumbing, heating, gas fitting along with an impressive array of Plumbing and HVAC equipment. We repair, install and service what we sell.
Our clients include industrial, commercial and residential locations of all types. We ensure their bathrooms, kitchens, furnace rooms, boiler rooms and so much more are working effectively and efficiently. With over 64 years of experience and with a dedicated team of actual plumbers and not technicians, our service is considered one of the best in the city of Calgary. We strive on time, on budget and we guarantee always our work. Our equipment is maintained to the highest standards while our knowledge, experience, and skills exceed industry expectations at all levels, to the benefit of all our clientele.
Call Baker Plumbing today!!
Why Handymen Should Be 1 of the 7 Deadly Sins
HANDYMEN ARE THE DEVIL
Have you ever had problems with a handyman you hired? I got a call from a lady the other day who had problems with a handyman she had hired. She needed me to finish a job that someone else had started and she had fired because he did not know how to do the job and he had made a mess.
There are many good people in the Handyman business today but anyone with a truck and a hammer can call himself a handyman. So, what can a homeowner do to reduce the risk when hiring someone? It’s not easy, but there are several obvious steps that can be taken.
1. Ask prospective handyman if they are licensed and carry liability insurance. If they have employees or do rental properties they need to have (workers comp) coverage. Don’t take their word for it, ask to see proof. Any legit handyman will be happy to show you this documentation. Any handyman that offer excuses why it can’t be produced walk away from.
2. You can ask for a list of references but how can you check them out? They could be giving you a list of their friends. Some online rating sites are unreliable as a reference due to the ability to post bogus reviews therefore you need to check reviews from more than one source. Just because someone has a bad review does not mean they are not good. There are always two sides to a story. How they respond to a negative negative reviews speaks volumes.
3. Do a search on the internet of their name and their company. Check their social media, what kind of person is he? Does he look like someone you can trust? How many places does his business show up on the internet? Has he invested the time and money to create a web page? Is there pictures of his work?
4. Be wary of requests for a large up-front deposit. If a job requires the purchase of custom materials and a large deposit it is probably a sign that the handyman is taking on a job that is bigger than he is capable of handling or you are trying to save money by hiring a handyman rather than a general contractor. Large jobs with longer durations will have payment milestones (including the deposit) clearly outlined in the contract. Small jobs that handymen do don’t require deposits because most handymen work on an hourly basis and charge you for the time it takes.
5. Be suspicious of really low pricing. We all love a deal and for some people price is the only criteria that matters. However, low-ball pricing is a classic scam that is irresistible to many of us. It is also a sure sign something may not be right. Choosing a handyman to do a full bathroom renovation asking for trouble. A handyman can not do any electrical work or any new plumbing and he can not hire an electrician and a plumber since he is not a general contractor.
Large renovation projects require a contract with milestones and payment schedules. If everything is not spelled out in the contract the homeowner can expect to be hit with numerous “extra” material and labour costs. If your handyman does by some miracle manage to complete the work, odds are substandard materials and workmanship are what kept the cost down.
6. Do not ask for cash only deals, that is asking for problems with a handyman. Cash only with no paper trail equals no recourse for you in the event a problem arises. You want to hire a honest handyman to work in your home. If he will work for cash and be dishonest with the government what makes you think he will be honest in his dealings with you?
7. Think it over. Take the time you need to make an informed decision and you won’t have problems with a handyman you hire. If you have to sign a contract you probably should be hiring a general contractor.
IF ONLY THEY HAD LISTENED!!
At Baker, we encounter the issues created by unqualified and uninsured work almost weekly. This past week’s experience was one for the books and hence the post. This do-gooder obviously had watched dozens of YouTube videos trying to understand the complicated design he was undertaking. Unfortunately, it appears he combined several different techniques and came up with a huge pile of crap that:
- Doesn’t adhere to any code.
- Doesn’t work
- Needs to replaced
- Actually causing physical damage to the home.
GOING FORWARD
When you hire a handyman near you to help you with various tasks around the house and yard — such as outdoor cleaning, light or fixture installation, or constructing a shed — you might think of asking them to take care of your kitchen and bathroom plumbing problems as well. However, consider the following crucial factors before you go ahead.
Beware of Amateur Plumbing Work
Handymen in some states are prohibited by law from performing plumbing tasks — other than minor jobs such as installing a new faucet fixture. The main reason for this prohibition is that an amateur, incorrect, or shoddy plumbing job by someone who is not a professional plumber can be disastrous for your home. A handyman, no matter how competent he or she may be at performing other chores, probably does not have the necessary training in dealing with plumbing blockages and other problems.
This could set you up for further damage to drains, appliances, flooring, and other things in your home that need proper plumbing in order to function correctly. And to make matters worse, your insurance might not cover the damage, since it was caused by an unlicensed worker. For major jobs, such as a bathroom remodel, a good handyman should either subcontract the plumbing work to a licensed master plumber, or leave it to you to find a plumbing professional who will pull permits, successfully install the necessary components in compliance with code, and make sure that everything works.
Plumber Licensing Requirements
Licensing is another very important difference between a handyman and a plumber. Plumbers must be licensed in 46 out of the 50 states (the exceptions are Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming). Requirements for working as a handyman tend to be less rigorous, although a few states, such as California, do require that self-employed handymen obtain a contractor’s license.
If you want to find out more about your area’s licensing policies for handymen, enter the name of your state and an appropriate term, such as “handyman license requirements,” into an internet search engine. Doing so should bring up the website of your state government’s licensing board (the site address will end in .gov).
Training and Apprenticeship
Handymen and “real” plumbers also tend to differ a great deal in their level of professional training and education. Master plumbers must pass a rigorous examination, after completing two years of vocational school training and/or a lengthy apprenticeship, which usually lasts at least four years. Since their licensing requirements change very often, many professional plumbers also attend continuing professional education as part of their career.
While some homeowners will want to save a bit of cash by having a handyman install or fix plumbing, the plumbing job may well end up costing you more money if you need to pay a professional plumber to fix shoddy work. In most cases, it is worth investing the extra money in the first place, to hire a reliable licensed plumber for plumbing installations and repair of significant plumbing problems. This helps to ensure that you will not end up going over your budget for a costly mistake.
The Best Plumbers Calgary
Of course, Baker Plumbing is the best of the bunch! We’re here for 24/7/365. COVID-19 or not!!!
There’s nothing more inconvenient than losing your access to clean drinking and bathing water. A clogged sink or toilet will hinder your everyday tasks, so to minimise your suffering, here’s a list of the best emergency plumbers in Calgary!
Having faulty plumbing systems can cause electrocution, sanitary problems, and physical injury if left alone. Addressing these problems as quickly as possible is required to guarantee a safe household.
And we’d like for you to have an emergency contact you can count on whenever your pipes let you down. The best 24-hour plumbers in Calgary are here to take your call anytime!
Some of the Craziness – Graphic Content
I thought we would compile some pictures of some the crazy, weird, and frankly nastiness we have come across this year. So sit and enjoy, well maybe prepare yourself some of these pictures are not for the faint of heart.
I repeat, some of these pictures are not for the faint of heart.
#10 – The Rip Off
This one is awesome. This poor lady hired a licensed plumber to install this sink for her, she was charged $1700 and the plumber claimed that the inspector approved this installation. Of course she wasn’t home when the inspector supposedly showed up. There is so much wrong with this I can’t even begin to point it all out.
#9 – The Egg
Yes, that is an egg by the power feed! The request for service was that the roof top unit is making a funny sound. Well, somehow a family of pigeon made their way into the unit and built themselves a little home. All was well until the thermostat turned the unit on.
#8 – Squirrel Cage
This one is of the actual squirrel cage. No explanation needed!
#7 – Greasy Business
We’ve shown this one before but it’s a good one. This picture is of a 8′ deep man hole that is now full to the top with all sorts of nastiness.
#6 – The Bong
Its always amazes me the stuff you find in peoples storage room, mechanical rooms, etc.. All the places the public normally doesn’t go. If my wife would allow it I could take pictures of the thousands of ladies that are plastered all over the walls of these same rooms.
#5 – Bath Time!
Anyone feel like taking a bath? Is there really anything nastier than a tub full of poo?? Anyway, look away if you can’t take it.
#4 – Enough Fittings
How many fittings does it take to go around a pipe? By this guy’s math-6-Awesome!
#3 – Explosive Expansion
The power of water and cold weather.This little expansion tank was blown to bits and caused quite a little stir when it flooded the restaurant.
#2 – The Classic
The list wouldn’t be complete without the classic plugged toilet. Although this one shows someone needs more fiber!
#1 – Meow
This one is both nasty and tragic. Poor cat went into the furnace to stay warm and I’m sure enjoying his new found until the furnace motor started. No doubt it ended quickly.
As you can see it was an eventful year! Check this blog often or follow us on Twitter to keep abreast of the wild and wacky world of Baker Plumbing.
Until next time!!
A Word on Water Softeners in Alberta
We have in the last month installed a dozen softeners! They seem to come in bunches so I thought it would be prudent to include a blog on softeners. So without further adieu.
Water softening systems can reduce the calcium and magnesium content in your household plumbing. These and other elements cause water to become hard. Hardness can lead to various problems when limescale build up in your pipes and plumbing fixtures. Hard ions also does not interact well with soap in your washer, dishwasher and when you shower.
Typical home water softening appliances depend on an ion exchange resin wherein hard ions are replaced with sodium ions which soften liquid. Hard water causes a lot of problems with your plumbing and home appliances but can also be beneficial to your health by providing your body with magnesium and calcium and by reducing the solubility of toxic metals such as copper and lead.
Water softening methods usually rely on removing calcium and magnesium with the use of a solution or by replacing hard ions with sodium. By removing the hard ions, the liquid that runs through your household plumbing are unable to form limescale deposits that block your pipes and build up in your coffee makers and shower heaters.
You can also remove hard ions by distilling your water, but this proves to be way too expensive for household use. Softening systems can do this for you the cheap way. Sodium, the main and most common softening ingredient is readily available everywhere. You can find sodium resin and beads at a hardware store or at the supermarket.
Once your water is softened, your soap and detergent will dissolve easily in your dishwasher or laundry washer. You will get cleaner glassware and clothing. Even your bath soap and shampoo will lather better and you can feel cleaner after each bath. Home appliances that use water like a coffee maker of shower heater will last longer and work efficiently.
Water is softened in a water softening system by letting it pass through a bed of resin beads made from sodium or salt. Negative charged resins absorb metal ions which are replaced with soft ions that are released into the water. The positive ions found in sodium beads are also found in other elements like hydrogen and potassium.
Potassium should be used in households where people are on a salt restricted diet. There are also other resins that can be used with your water softening system that also absorb carbonate, sulphate and bi-carbonate ions. These kinds of resins release hydroxyl ions. These resin beads can be used in conjunction with sodium softening beads.
Before purchasing a water softener for your home, find out what you need from your machine. If you have people at home who have heart or kidney problems, then you should stick to potassium softeners and avoid using sodium. If you have metals in your water, then add other resins that can also get rid of these harmful metals.
For any further questions on softeners give us a call at 403-279-7554 or book online.
Bragg Creek Water Conservation Tips
You have probably heard that it is good to conserve water all the time and not just in times of drought. Are you doing enough around the home? Read and follow these water conservation tips for the home to be sure.
Collect Water to Reuse
There are many times throughout the day that we are wasting and not aware of it. For example, when taking a shower we let the water run until it heats up. Did you know that you can collect this water and use it to feed outside plants or flush your toilet? Also, in the kitchen when you are washing fruits and vegetables you can use a tub to collect the overflow and also use it to nourish plants. If you have a pet you can use their old water to give to plants as well. Also, if you have an ice cold drink, don’t just throw the ice away, dump it on a plant instead. These techniques combined, could save you 200 to 300 gallons a month!
Stop Running Water When Not Necessary
Turning off the water while brushing your teeth, washing your hands, washing your hair, or shaving can save up to three gallons a day. Using the garbage disposal less can also save, use the garbage or compost instead. Defrost food in the refrigerator instead of with the faucet. Soaking pots and pans instead of letting the faucet run while scrubbing them clean. Also, instead of running water while washing the dishes fill up two tubs instead, one with soapy water and one with fresh clean water. Using a small amount of soap will reduce the amount you need to rinse. This simple technique can save 200-500 gallons a month!
Make Sure You Use Water Saving Fixtures, Faucets, and Toilets
Faucet aerators break water flow into fine droplets while using less and they can also reduce splashing while washing hands and dishes. Low flow shower heads also sometimes called energy-efficient shower heads or water saving shower heads use less energy and water. A typical showerhead uses about 5 to 8 gallons per minute, but most low flow showerheads can reduce this amount to around 2.5 gallons per minute cutting your usage by about 30%. Low-flush toilets also known as low-flow toilets, water-saving toilets, or water efficient toilets only use, on average, about 1.6 gallons per flush instead of the traditional 5 gallons a flush. Switching to a low flush toilet can cut your water usage by 70% per year!
If you need a plumber, give us a call at 403-279-7554 or book online.
The Ten Suggestions of Plumbing
Forewarned is forearmed, notably in terms of plumbing. Repairs may be fairly pricey so it will be significant for you and everyone in your house to know a couple of plumbing fundamentals which can save you money and time down the road. Even children as young as five can study a couple of plumbing ideas! Here are the highest ten plumbing checks each house owner needs to know:
1. Plumbing emergencies could require fast pondering and movement on your part or that of a household member. Everybody in your home should know where the principle cutoff for the water is, just in case.
2. Discover ways to learn your water meter. When no one else is home and you already know there isn’t a water operating, verify your meter to make sure not one of the dials are moving. If they are, then you might probably have a water leak somewhere. Toilets and faucets are the most probably culprits and may add a number of a whole lot dollars a year to your water bill.
3. Examine for toilet leaks by inserting just a few drops of food colouring within the tank. About 20 minutes later, test the toilet bowl for any presence of colour. In case you do see one thing, there may be seepage around the flapper valve. It’s a simple fix so long as you know there is a problem.
4. Try to drain a number of gallons of water from your scorching water heater tank twice a year. This ensures the valve works and likewise allows sediment accumulating on the backside of the tank to filter, maximizing heating efficiency. Higher yet, if in case you have the funds invest in a tankless water heater and watch your utility bills decrease because no power is spent protecting gallons and gallons of water hot in a storage tank. A tankless water heater heats water on demand, while you need it. Certain conditions apply.
5 Once you rest room looks like it would possibly overflow, remove the tank lid and press down on the flush valve, effectively plugging the opening at the backside of the tank. This prevents the bathroom from overflowing whilst you decide the source of the clog causing the problem.
6. Check all water and drain valves operational by opening and shutting them a minimum of twice a year. If you don’t do that, a valve could freeze up over time. So if you’re caught in a plumbing dilemma and can’t flip the valve off, you would be dealing with critical problems and expense.
7. Find the place the stop valves are for the taps and bathrooms in your home. This allows you to turn off water on the problem supply fairly than inconvenience an entire household by turning off the primary valve to the house.
8. Preserve a plunger around for clogged sinks and bathrooms as they are efficient tools for plumbing issues.
9. Put money into just a few substitute parts equivalent to a ball cock and some washers and o-rings for those simple plumbing fixes around the home.
10. Avoid chemical drain cleaners for eradicating clogs. Instead use a plunger or invest in a roto-rooter device referred to as an auger, nickname “snake,” for these powerful obstructions in plumbing pipes.
For all your plumbing needs, give us a call at 403-279-7554 or book online.