Plumbing Emergency
Professor of Plumbing
Have you ever caught a whiff of rotten eggs in your home and wondered what it could be? It might be more than just a smelly situation or it could be a sewer gas leak. Don’t worry, though! Because the Professor of Plumbing is here to take you through the steps to take when facing this stinky and potentially dangerous problem.
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Whether you’re an experienced DIY enthusiast or a beginner eager to save some money on home repairs, mastering a few basic plumbing skills can be incredibly fulfilling. We have created a DIY Plumbing guide to provide you with the important knowledge, tools, and safety tips to tackle common plumbing problems with confidence. Ready to get started?
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Just the other night, I was hanging out at a friend’s BBQ by the outdoor fireplace, enjoying the cool spring evening. A guest popped a question about the most common plumbing emergency calls we get. It made me think, as folks usually want the horror stories or the weirdest things I’ve come across. But then, it hit me: clogged drains.
You know, it’s pretty even between overflowing toilets and clogged kitchen sinks over the years. Sometimes, the causes for both overlap, which points to a bigger issue affecting the entire drainage system. Let me explain. When someone calls about all their toilets and their kitchen sink draining slow or not at all, it typically signals a major problem with the main sewer line, like tree roots intruding, a sag in the pipe, or a total collapse. Thankfully, these severe cases are rarer than the standard clogs.
Most clogged toilets and sinks become a plumbing emergency due to things that shouldn’t be flushed or washed down the drain getting stuck. For toilets, the usual suspects are items like feminine hygiene products, so-called “flushable” wipes, and cat litter. Despite what the packaging claims, these items don’t break down well. Most folks will deny these could be the culprit, but more often than not, they are. We’ve got various tools to tackle these clogs, including cameras to see how deep and what kind of blockage we’re dealing with, which really helps in choosing the right tool for the job.
Kids’ toys are another frequent cause of toilet clogs. Toddlers seem to find toilets fascinating and love testing whether their toys can handle a trip down the vortex. Some toys make it through, others don’t, and a few might even necessitate replacing the whole toilet!
Switching to kitchen sinks, the garbage disposal units, or garburators, are usually to blame. They often get jammed up with things like carrot peels or potato skins, which shouldn’t go down there in the first place. Grease is another major issue. Over time, it builds up inside the pipes, attracting bits of food and soap, which eventually form a blockage. More on blockages here.
Our BBQ chat eventually shifted to prevention. It’s simpler than you might think. For toilets, the rule of thumb is, if it doesn’t dissolve quickly in water, don’t flush it. Even if a product says “flushable,” it’s safer to toss it in the trash. Keeping counters clear of small objects and closing the bathroom door can prevent a lot of accidents. And for kitchens, avoid letting anything indigestible go down the drain. If you must dispose of grease in the sink, use cold water to help it solidify and move along the pipes more easily.
Overall, a bit of prevention and some common sense can save a lot of headaches with plumbing emergencies. Need help? We are available 24/7.
Read more on the history and journey of Ace Plumbing and the Professor of Plumbing.
My name is Jack DeVetten. I am the Professor of Plumbing, and I’ve been at the helm of Ace Plumbing, guiding it as the master plumber through all its phases. Especially after its 2001 merger with my other company, Simcor Plumbing Corp Trades run in my family. My grandfather was a welder, and my father was a skilled plumber. From a young age, I apprenticed under my dad, learning the plumbering craft firsthand.
By working alongside my dad during my school years, I developed essential skills, and became a junior plumber. This hands-on apprenticeship in the 1980s paved the way for me to become a Master Plumber by 1991.
Throughout my career as a plumber, I’ve worked on diverse projects, especially in Calgary and Southern Alberta. As a plumber, I worked on constructing the Olympic luge and bobsleigh runs freezing lines in 1988. I also worked as a plumber to major infrastructures like the Bearspaw and Sheerness plants and the Lethbridge regional hospital.
The year 1995 was pivotal for me. I became the owner of Double D Plumbing and started Simcor Plumbing Corp. Owning a business was new to me. I faced frustration initially. Many builders didn’t want me meeting with new homeowners. They opposed discussing the plumbing specs of the new homes.
Despite this, I found joy in working directly with homeowners when I was able. As a result it sparked a new idea in me. I decided to focus on residential service. That’s why I bought Ace Plumbing and Heating.
After acquiring Ace Plumbing, I, as the lead plumber, set a goal to employ only the most skilled, professional plumbing technicians. My plumber’s commitment ensured high standards of cleanliness, courtesy, and safety.
Being a plumber committed to excellence, I have always provided solid warranties and quality parts, ensuring durable and reliable plumbing services.
At Ace Plumbing, our team of plumbers maintain high service standards, offering 24-hour plumbing services to address urgent client needs, thus ensuring a plumber only a call away during a plumbing emergency.
My dedication as a plumber to client satisfaction birthed the Ace Plumbing promise: “Happy today or you don’t pay,” reflecting our service ethos.
Personally addressing client concerns, I uphold the high standards of the plumbing profession. With these innovations, and many others Ace Plumbing stands ready to deliver the exceptional service and reliability that only a seasoned plumbing company can provide.
