Plumbing issues do not come at a convenient time. They appear in the middle of the night, when there is a cold snap or when you have guests over. When it occurs, you might be tempted to call a handyman. However, in Calgary, you cannot hire just anyone. You need a licensed emergency plumber. Here is why:

Emergencies require actual competence

When a pipe explodes or your basement begins to flood, there is no time to experiment. Emergency plumbers in Calgary are licensed and trained to conduct a quick diagnosis of the issues. They know how the plumbing system works, the construction of homes in Calgary, and how to prevent damage in the shortest time possible.

A handyman can perform wonders on small jobs. But an emergency plumbing job needs technical expertise. A single mistake is risky. It can worsen the situation and cost you more.

The climate of Calgary needs specialized knowledge

The weather around our city is not easy on plumbing.

• Rapid freeze-thaw cycles
• Sudden Chinooks
• Extreme cold snaps, etc.

These are some of the stressors that Calgary houses experience that handymen are not necessarily trained to manage.

A certified plumber knows:

• The impact of low temperatures on the water line.
• Why some materials wear out more quickly here.
• Proper winterization of pipes.
• How to protect vulnerable pipes.
• What to check when there is a sudden change in temperature.

In case of an emergency plumbing problem in a climate like ours, you must have somebody who knows these conditions both indoors and out.

Plumbing work should comply with the Alberta Building Code

Any plumbing repair must comply with the building codes. Licensed plumbers keep up with these regulations. Handymen do not.

Failure to make a repair according to the code may cause:

• The denial of insurance claims.
• Failed home inspections.
• Undetected leaks that develop into significant havoc.
• Liability in case you sell your house.

A licensed plumber fixes the job and does so in a legitimate and professional manner.

Warranty protection and insurance are important

The majority of Calgary home insurance policies only insure water damage when the work is performed by a qualified professional. That is to say that when a handyman commits an error, you will be left to pay for all the damage on your own.

Licensed plumbers carry:

• Liability insurance
• Worker’s compensation
• Guarantees on their work.

This not only safeguards them, but also you.

Safety first for you and your home

Plumbing emergencies are not necessarily limited to water. They could involve:

• Gas lines
• Sewer overflow
• Contamination
• Mold hazards
• Electrical hazards.

Licensed plumbers are trained to deal with these safely. But a handyman might not realize the hazardous conditions until it is too late.

The bottom line

A handyman will install shelves or mend a fence very well. However, when you are dealing with water leaks, you must have a licensed emergency plumber. This will keep your home safe and give you the much-needed peace of mind.