How Do Plumbing Services Vary Across Different Areas in Calgary?

Homes in Calgary’s inner city, including areas like the Beltline, Bridgeland, and Inglewood, were often built between the 1920s and 1950s. These older homes typically have older plumbing systems, including cast iron or clay sewer lines, which are prone to sewer backups and root intrusion. Common services for these homes include:

• Sewer Line Replacement or Lining: Older sewer lines often need to be replaced or relined to prevent frequent backups.

• Pipe Upgrades: Many inner-city homes still have galvanized steel pipes, which can corrode over time and require replacement with modern materials like copper or PEX.

Homes built in the late 1970s to mid-1990s, found in areas like the Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast Calgary, often have polybutylene (poly B) plumbing. This gray plastic piping was widely used during this era but is prone to brittleness and leaks due to chemical reactions with water. Key services for these homes include:

• Poly B Replacement: Homeowners are advised to proactively replace poly B pipes, especially during renovations, to avoid sudden failures.

• Drainage Maintenance: While these homes typically have fewer sewer issues than older homes, regular drain cleaning and inspections are still essential.

Newer communities, such as those in the far Northwest and Southeast Calgary, feature homes built in the 2000s and 2010s. These homes often have high-efficiency plumbing and HVAC systems, but they come with their own set of challenges:

• Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repairs: Newer furnaces and hot water tanks have more components, making them more efficient but also more prone to failures. Once out of warranty, repairs can be costly, and replacement is often recommended.

• Water Softener Installation: Many newer homes in Calgary benefit from water softeners to combat the city’s hard water, which can damage pipes and appliances.

Regardless of the neighborhood, some plumbing issues are universal in Calgary:

• Hot Water Tank Failures: Most hot water tanks last 7–10 years. Homeowners should budget for replacements, which typically cost between 1,500 and 4,000.

• Sewer Backups: While more common in older homes, sewer backups can occur in any area due to clogs, tree roots, or pipe damage.

• Hard Water Problems: Calgary’s hard water affects homes across the city, leading to mineral buildup in pipes and appliances. Installing a water softener is a common solution.

Plumbing services in Calgary are tailored to the specific needs of each area:

• Inner City: Focus on sewer line replacements, pipe upgrades, and addressing aging infrastructure.

• Older Suburbs: Emphasis on poly B replacements and drainage maintenance.

• Newer Suburbs: Services often include maintaining high-efficiency systems and addressing hard water issues.