Plumbing repairs show up at the most inconvenient times! However, knowing what to look out for will give you the advantage. What’s the most common plumbing repair in Calgary? The answer might surprise you since it’s not a flooded basement or a burst pipe. Let us give you a hint. It slowly drives you crazy and drains your wallet.
At Mr. Mike’s Plumbing, we see all sorts of problems, but some repairs are more common than others. Let’s talk about the one that tops the list.
The Answer: Leaky Faucets and Running Toilets
Leaky faucets and running toilets take the cake when it comes to the most common plumbing repairs in Calgary. They are the problems we fix more than anything else.
Leaky Faucets
That drip you’re meaning to fix is something everyone has. Faucets leak when internal parts like washers, O-rings, cartridges and valve seats start to wear out. Every faucet gets leaking problem eventually.
While it might seem like a small problem, a dripping faucet can eventually waste over 11,000 litres of water per year. That money will quickly burn a hole in your water bill and your wallet over time.
Running Toilets
A running toilet can sneak up on you. If you aren’t looking closely, you might not notice it. That faint sound of water trickling into the bowl is your money disappearing. A running toilet can waste up to 750 litres per day.
Usually it’s the result of a worn flapper, faulty fill valve or a float that needs adjusting. Every single one of those things is fixable and affordable, but can add up fast if you let it.
Why These Problems Are Common in Calgary
Calgary is tough on plumbing fixtures. Why? The two biggest reasons are:
Hard Water
We have some of the hardest water in Canada. Why? Minerals like calcium, magnesium and lime quickly build up inside your fixtures and wear them out sooner rather than later. Faucets in Calgary don’t tend to last as long because we don’t have soft water.
Constant Use
We use our faucets and toilets dozens of times a day. More use means more wear. Because of this, parts that may last 10 years somewhere else could be done within 5-7 years.
Signs You Have a Leak
When you hear the drip or see water pooling, you know you have a leak. Other times, this isn’t the case. Common signs include:
- Dripping sounds, even faint ones
- Toilet that runs randomly or won’t stop filling
- Higher water bills without explanation
- Water stains or moisture around fixtures
- Faucet handles that are hard to turn or won’t shut off completely
If you think there’s an issue, assume you have one. It’s as simple as calling Mr. Mike’s Plumbing.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix?
Some plumbing repairs are more expensive than others. If you address these problems right away, they won’t be. Expect to pay:
- Leaky Faucet Repair: $100-$150
- Running Toilet Repair: $100-$200
When the fixture is old and beyond repair, that’s when the costs start adding up. However, in most cases, it’s a matter of replacing a few small parts.
You can pay a couple hundred dollars upfront and waste even more water by ignoring it. Fixing it now is much more affordable.
Other Common Repairs Worth Mentioning
Leaky faucets and running toilets are the most common plumbing problems in Calgary, but they aren’t the only ones. These plumbing issues aren’t far behind:
- Clogged Drains: Most homeowners deal with hair, grease or soap buildup at some point.
- Water Heater Issues: Common in older units, Calgary’s hard water shows no mercy when it comes to hot water tanks.
- Pipe Leaks: As pipes age, they are more likely to leak or burst.
These repairs happen all the time. Despite this, they aren’t as common as faucet and toilet issues that happen every week.
Get It Fixed Before It Gets Expensive
What is the most common plumbing repair in Calgary? Leaky faucets and running toilets happen more than you think. At Mr. Mike’s Plumbing, we see it all the time—people wait until the water bill shows up to fix it. However, you shouldn’t wait. If your faucet drips or your toilet runs, get it fixed before a small repair adds up.
Have a leak that needs fixing? Contact us for reliable plumbing solutions in Calgary today!
