FAQ

Below are a few of our most Frequently Asked Questions. If you've got one that is not answered here, please send it along.

• What kind of products and services does R&B Plumbing and Heating offer?

  We provide plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and gas fitting services that cover all applications.  We do new construction, retrofit, renovation, service, installation, maintenance, and emergency service for both commercial and residential clientele. We specialize in brands such as American Standard, Kohler, IBC, Carrier, & Viessman, but are completely capable and certified in all brands.

• Where does R&B Plumbing and Heating provide service?

  Although we are based on the North Shore and thus serve North and West Vancouver, we also service Lions Bay, Squamish, Burnaby, Bowen Island, and Vancouver.

• How much it is going to cost?

  Our standard hourly rate is $89.  Our travel charge is $25 applied to the first hour of service.  These rates are applicable to appointments scheduled during our regular service hours.  Overtime and Emergency service rates apply for calls outside our service hours.  For more extensive jobs we complete a free estimate and quote that is a contracted price.    Of course how much it costs is a combination between how long it takes and the cost of the parts involved.

• What is your warranty? Parts? Labour?

  R&B is proud to offer a rarely used 1 year labour warranty from date or work completed.  Original manufacturer warranties apply to all parts.

• How long is it going to take?

  Most calls are resolved in an hour or two but it really depends on the scope of the job involved.    Generally a one hour service call will diagnose the problem and either allow for the completion of a simple repair or advise as to the cost of a more extensive repair.  Our goal is to service the customer in the most efficient way possible.

• How much experience do your employees have?

  R&B plumbing uses only certified tradesman and apprentices.  All are overseen by supervisors with over 20 years experience in the trade.

• Why does my old water heater not work as well as it used to?

  This is usually due to a sediment buildup in your tank. As water heaters grow older, they accumulate sediment and lime deposits. If these deposits are not removed periodically, the sediment will create a barrier between the burner and the water, greatly reducing the water heater's performance level. The result is an increase in the amount of fuel required to deliver hot water.  This would be a good time to get someone to take a look at your unit and determine if a service can be beneficial or if  a replacement is necessary.

• 8. How often should my furnace, boiler, or air conditioning unit be serviced?

  We recommend your boiler, furnace, or air conditioning unit to be serviced once a year.  As awkward as it seems, a heating system should be serviced before you need to use it.  ie. In the late summer.  A pool heater and A/C systems should be serviced in the early spring.  A properly maintained system will lower energy and repair costs, prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your equipment. Neglecting maintenance leads to a steady decline in performance and an increase in energy use.

• Do you only install customer supplied products as well?

  Yes R&B will install products purchased by the customer, and often do.  The most common requests for this service included faucets and shower heads. Please be aware that if we don’t provide the part, we can’t provide the warranty for it or the labour to a defective product.

• Why should I choose R&B Plumbing and Heating?

  • R&B Plumbing and Heating is a second-generation local family-owned business which has been serving the lower mainland since 1972. 
  • Specializing in custom hydronics, we are experienced with design, installation, and maintenance of systems ranging from 50 MBH residential, to three million BTU commercial high rise systems. 
  • As TECA members we are fully trained and certified to perform forced air heating and ventilation installations in accordance with Quality First’s guidelines. 
  • We have access to some of the most efficient, quiet, and reliable forced air heating and cooling products available. 
  • We are currently partnered with quality builders such as Can-Swiss, Black Mountain, Modern Image, West Vancouver Contracting, and nine-time Georgie Award winner TQ construction.
  • Fully bonded and insured, R&B employs only journeyman plumbers and indentured apprentices who take great pride in the quality of their workmanship—quality that our customers appreciate.

• How much money can I expect to save with a replacement furnace or boiler?

  The standard furnace is only required to be 78% efficient and older ones may struggle to approach 50% efficiency. This is staggeringly low when compared to the high efficiency models like Carrier which provides 96.6% efficiency. The difference in efficiency levels is extreme and the cost between the two will be easily noticed when calculated on a per annum basis.  Any homeowner that does not own a high efficiency furnace should consider upgrading to one. This is especially true if the heating costs tend to increase dramatically every single year. The improvement in efficiency will provide long-term savings that and should pay itself off within the next three to five years as well as adding value to the house it’s installed in.

• High energy efficient furnaces & boiler systems cost more to buy. Why would I want to buy one?

  Age Matters
  If your furnace or boiler pre-dates the 1990’s, you should seriously consider upgrading. Today’s systems are built with much greater efficiency ratings and allow you to squeeze extra heat energy out of every heating dollar you spend.  Ask us for information about Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratings. A high efficiency furnace with a 97% AFUE indicates that the furnace is 97% efficient; giving you 97 cents worth of heat for every dollar you spend on natural gas.

  Cut costs, not comfort
  A high-efficiency natural gas furnace or boiler reduces the amount of heat escaping up your chimney, leaving more warmth to heat your home. This efficient use of energy translates into savings for you. For example, take an older standard furnace operating at 60 per cent efficiency. It burns about 80 gigajoules* of energy a year to heat a typical home in BC. A high-efficiency furnace running at 97 per cent efficiency only burns 50 gigajoules of energy a year. For a mid-sized home with average heating requirements, a high-efficiency system could use around 25 per cent less natural gas than a standard system. This difference translates into substantial savings, year after year.  Most brands we carry offer a 10 year limited lifetime warranty on parts and labour
  *In general terms, one gigajoule (GJ) is about enough energy to heat a 2,000 square foot home on a very cold day.

  Safety with efficiency
  High-efficiency furnaces and boilers feature a sealed combustion venting design which prevents combustion byproducts from entering the living space. The system maintains indoor air quality and prevents range hoods and exhaust fans from affecting the combustion process. This venting technology also improves energy efficiency because combustion air is drawn directly from outside your home, without any loss of heated air indoors.

  Easier on the environment
  Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel, producing fewer greenhouse gases than other fuels. Efficient use of natural gas in your heating system is a wise and responsible choice because it helps minimize your carbon footprint.

  Home renovation help
  Before you renovate your home, consider having a heat loss calculation performed by a qualified professional. It will determine the size of system you’ll need to adequately heat your living space. Correct sizing is critical. Over- sizing results in excessive cycling and inefficiency. If your existing furnace or boiler doesn’t fit the bill, a high-efficiency appliance may be the solution.

  For information on the Efficiency Incentive Program for BC please visit www.livesmartbc.ca/rebates

• Why do I hear a rattling noise in my pipes?

  The problem of rattling water pipes is also called "Water Hammer". There are two typical reasons why you hear your pipes rattle when water is run in your house: 1) One or more pipes are loose, and are vibrating against a wall or other part of the structure. And 2) there’s a lack of air inside the pipes which prohibits the water from running smoothly. Both problems can easily be remedied. To fix loose pipes, you'll need to have access to them. To correct the lack of air problem, you don't need to reach the pipes

• What can I do to prevent clogged drains?

  If you have not already done so, you should place a strainer over the drain. This will catch most materials before they can get sucked down and possibly caught. They are much easier to clean and remove than dealing with a clog.  You should never pour anything into your drains that may harden. Avoid things such as glue, wax, or paints. You should also avoid using chemical drain cleaners whenever possible. It's better to clear a clog mechanically than to use harsh chemicals that may corrode metal pipes. If you feel the need to use a drain cleaner there are more natural versions available now that can clear the clog without causing unnecessary damage. Running a few gallons of boiling water down the drains once a month can help clear any grease or hair. As an alternative, you can add a bit of baking soda to the boiling water. If you have pop-up stoppers, you should remove them and rinse them off every few weeks to keep them clear of any materials that may slow down draining water. Hair is a common culprit when it comes to tub and shower clogs. Every few months it's also a good idea to remove your overflow plate, pull up the pop-up assembly to reach the spring/rocker arm, and clear any accumulated materials.

• Why aren't you a member of BBB?

  We are members of some excellent organizations.  Foremost is Thermal Environmental Comfort Association (TECA). They provide British Columbia's residential heating, ventilating and cooling industry with superior training programs and a collective voice in local and provincial issues affecting our trade.  We are also members of the Chamber of Commerce.  This is an association that is extremely active in the community in a positive and influential way.  We found that with the BBB, we were simply buying a rating (they rate members higher than non-members) without having any access to the best practices of the trade and industry.    Although we are not a member of the BBB, we are in good standing with them.

• Are you a member of BC Gas Authority?

  Yes. When choosing a natural gas contractor it is important that you use a company who is.   As recommended by Fortis BC, we comply with all recommended checks and cautions.  Please visit their website link for all the details.

  http://www.fortisbc.com/NaturalGas/Homes/AccountsAndBilling/ManageYourAccount/PlanForNewConstruction/Pages/Choosing-a-natural-gas-contractor.aspx

• How do I know if I have a problem with my water line?

  There are a couple of key indicators that let you know that you have a problem with you water line. The first is if you have noticed a sudden increase in your water bill. A variety of environmental factors beyond your control can lead to a problems with your water main. What most people don't realize is that routine maintenance of the water line, which runs from your house to the street, is the your responsibility.

  The second indicator, and the easiest to spot, are puddles forming in your yard.

  Another indicator is water seeping from cracks in the house or foundation, or old water damage spots. 

  Weather is another factor that can cause problems with water lines. If the temperature suddenly dips, cracks can form in the pipes, especially if homeowners are away and have not shut off the main water valve in their house.  If you notice any of the above after a dip in temperature, then it is likely you have a problem with your water line.