[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e2e2e2″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”33px||33px||true|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ background_enable_pattern_style=”on” background_pattern_style=”cubes”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”40px||||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ text_font=”Roboto||||||||” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”60px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px” header_line_height=”1.4em” header_2_font_size=”20px” max_width=”600px” hover_enabled=”0″ header_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_font_size_phone=”38px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_image=”https:\/\/richardsonwes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Richardson-Wes-Resources-BG-1.png” custom_padding=”30px|4px|0px||false|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” background_color_gradient_stops_tablet=”#d7dced 60%|rgba(249,249,249,0) 60%” background_color_gradient_stops_phone=”#d7dced 80%|rgba(249,249,249,0) 80%” background_color_gradient_start_position_tablet=”60%” background_color_gradient_start_position_phone=”80%” background_color_gradient_end_position_tablet=”60%” background_color_gradient_end_position_phone=”80%” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0vw” box_shadow_horizontal_phone=”” box_shadow_horizontal_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”13px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”10px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_phone=”30px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||||false|false”]<\/p>\n
Learn more about Richardson Wes and find answers:<\/span><\/p>\n About Us<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Clean Energy Solutions<\/a><\/p>\n FAQ<\/a><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The information is general in nature, and is easily found with supporting research on the subject online. i<\/span>t’s always a good idea<\/span> to get a free heating & plumbing systems check<\/a> by our professionals at Richardson Wes <\/strong>so you know if your home’s systems are properly maintained.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3px||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||0px||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Do you know if your home uses Poly B tubing? Polybutylene pipe (Poly B) is a flexible grey pipe used in residential plumbing and hot water heating systems. Poly B was manufactured from 1978 until 1998 when it was discontinued. Available for quite some time, Ploy B was used more heavily in BC and Canada when residential construction was strong during the 1980\u2019s and the early-to-mid 90\u2019s. Unconfirmed estimates cite that there are in excess of 200,000 homes in BC with Poly-B water systems and affecting some 700,000 homes across Canada. If you suspect that your home uses Poly B tubing you should have it checked out as it could lead to major water damages later.<\/p>\n Poly-B supply piping was the first generation plastic piping system designed as a substitute for copper supply piping. Escalating copper prices made Poly B pricing attractive, and because it was less labor intensive to install than copper. Here in Canada, Poly B was tested and certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) as an acceptable product for potable water systems. As of 2005, the NRC-CNRC National Plumbing Code does not list Poly B as an acceptable plumbing piping material. NRC-CNRC plumbing codes are not retroactive, so previously acceptable products that are not currently listed still remain acceptable as long as the product does not pose a health\/safety hazard.<\/p>\n There are two primary components to the Poly B plumbing system, the grey piping and the connection fittings used to join the pipes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All plumbing supply systems experience failure, but some fail prematurely and without warning. Contributing factors that cause premature Poly B failures center around connection failures, pipe failures, water quality, age, and faulty installation.<\/p>\n The factors that cause Poly B failures include:<\/p>\n The Canadian experience with the two primary Poly B components was much different than the United States consumers. Home owners in the southern United States have experienced problems due to installation related issues and product performance. Many U.S. failures occurred in southern areas where plumbing was run in attics where the piping was in areas with excess heat and using water with excessive chlorine or chemical content. Consumers in BC and Canada had their Poly-B piping installed correctly using copper or brass metal insert fittings and soft copper crimping rings. On the other hand, our counterpart in the States used mostly the plastic insert fittings with either aluminum or copper bands which were more susceptible to failure.<\/p>\n Hydronic heating systems using Poly B had instances of oxygen entering the system through the walls of the piping reported. The problem here is that oxygenated water circulated through the system because it rusts out the metal components expeditiously.<\/p>\n Contact Us<\/a> if you need an assistance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#3261a3″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When corrosion happens, rust builds and can leak into the water supply. This leads to discolored water coming out of the faucets. Before jumping to conclusions about the water heater, homeowners should run cold tap water for a few minutes. If that water is also rusty, it may mean the issue is within the pipes, not the heater. If it is not rusty, it may be time for a new water heater.<\/p>\n Sometimes water may be cloudy or sandy, caused by a buildup of sediment in the heater tank. Homeowners can rectify this issue by draining the contents of the tank and clearing out the sediment. However, if the water continues to run sandy or cloudy, the heater must be replaced.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The most obvious reason to get a new hot water heater is a lack of warm water getting to the house. This can mean the water isn\u2019t as hot, the periods of hot water don\u2019t last as long, or there is no hot water altogether. The issue worsens if the heating bill is going up at the same time.<\/p>\n There may be no or less hot water because there is an issue with the electrical thermostat. On average, a home should have the thermostat set between 120 and 140 degrees. If the thermostat is readjusted and the hot water returns, then there\u2019s no reason to replace the heater.<\/p>\n The lack of hot water could also result from a broken heating element within the water heater. A plumber can easily fix this issue, get the parts needed, and restore heating functions within a few hours. However, the components required for older water heaters may not be as readily available, and in some cases, it may be just better to replace the system overall.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As water heaters get older, the rumbling noises they make to heat up water might get louder. This can be due to various reasons, which may be more significant signs the heater needs to be replaced.<\/p>\n As mentioned above, sediment can build up over time at the bottom of the tank. The noise caused by sediment buildup is the sound of the hardened sediment banging against the tank. If not flushed out, the sediment will grow harder and thicker along the floor and start to wear the water heater down. This will make the heater more inefficient and accelerate the damage to the tank.<\/p>\n Homeowners should check for this problem as soon as they hear any unusual noise from their water heater. Taking early action can prevent long-term damage and extend the heater\u2019s life if it\u2019s not yet time for a water heater replacement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the end of their life span, hot water heaters tend to leak around the floor of the tank. This could potentially lead to minor to significant property damage for the homeowner. A leak in a water heater tank could mean it\u2019s time to replace it.<\/p>\n Leaks are usually caused as the result of expansions to metal in the tank. These expansions occur over the multiple heating cycles of the tank\u2019s life. Fractures may occur because of this expansion, leaking water at the height of each heating cycle. Sometimes, the leak may be minor enough to fix, but this is only delaying the inevitable replacement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Water heaters can be sensitive and may need to be repaired frequently. If a homeowner finds themselves calling in a plumber on multiple occasions for a hot water heater repair, it may be worth it to replace it altogether.<\/p>\n Water heaters are getting more sophisticated every year. Depending on which heater is purchased, it could last longer and even provide some efficiency for electricity bills.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Often, when a person buys a house, the water heater was installed years ago. If the previous homeowner doesn\u2019t have any documentation, it can be challenging to gauge how old the water heater is and when it needs to be replaced.<\/p>\n Luckily, the\u00a0<\/span>serial number<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>on the water heater typically includes a manufacturing date. In most cases, the first letter of the serial number will indicate the month it was manufactured, starting with \u201cA\u201d for January, leading all the way to \u201cL\u201d for December. The next two numbers will indicate the year it was made. For example, if a serial number starts with \u201cC19\u201d the water heater was manufactured in March 2019.<\/p>\n Even if none of the above problems are occurring, if a water heater is over 10 years old, the homeowner should have it maintenanced. It\u2019s best to hire a professional plumber who can let you know if there are any issues with the heater and give their professional opinion about when they should replace it.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ background_color=”#ffffff” transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|tablet” transform_translate=”-4%|0px” transform_translate_tablet=”0%|0px” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|tablet” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|tablet” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|tablet” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|tablet” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|tablet” width=”100%” custom_margin=”-2px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|48px|30px|48px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|30px||30px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px||20px|true|true” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” border_color_all=”#d7dced” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ box_shadow_vertical=”80px” box_shadow_blur=”59px” box_shadow_spread=”-32px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,41,99,0.4)” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb icon_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”26px” header_line_height=”1.6em” body_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_line_height=”1.8em” custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|true” header_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_font_size_phone=”18px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Regular annual check up and maintenance of your heating devices ensure long lasting and trouble free performance. Richardson Wes is happy to provide a system performance check for you because we aim to be your trusted service provider. Schedule a check-up<\/a> today.<\/p>\n Forced Air Systems Maintenance:<\/p>\n Hot Water Heating Systems:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Signs you may need new furnace” icon_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”26px” header_line_height=”1.6em” body_font=”Roboto||||||||” body_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” body_line_height=”1.8em” custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|true” header_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_font_size_phone=”18px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Typical units lasts about 15 to 20 years. Some have lasted longer and some failed earlier. Because there is no sure way to know before hand, homeowners need to be more mindful as their units get older.<\/p>\n As the furnace is one of the most energy consuming item in modern homes, its efficiency directly affects your bill. So, as winter gets under way, keep an eye on your monthly energy use. If the bills are much more than previous year and the rates have not changed, then it may be that your furnace needs servicing or if not economical, to be replaced.<\/p>\nThings To Consider<\/span><\/h2>\n
Poly-B<\/h2>\n
Information on Polybutylene Piping<\/h3>\n
Poly-B plumbing problems<\/h2>\n
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<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Signs you may need to replace hot water heater<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The water looks cloudy, sandy, or rusty.<\/h3>\n
You\u2019re not getting enough (or any) hot water, but your heating bill has gone up.<\/h3>\n
The water heater is making strange noises.<\/h3>\n
You\u2019ve noticed the water heater is leaking.<\/h3>\n
You\u2019ve called in multiple repairs in recent years.<\/h3>\n
Your water heater is old, or you\u2019re not sure when it was last replaced.<\/h3>\n
Furnace Maintenance<\/h4>\n
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<\/span>1. Furnace is more than 15 years old<\/h2>\n
2. Your gas bills have gone up<\/h2>\n