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Deal Cannot be Combined With Any Other Offer
The Francis Home Environment Difference
Certified Technicians Providing Exceptional Service
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We guarantee all of our installations, for a peaceful home and mind.
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Francis Home Environment has been serving families in Ottawa and the surrounding area since 1933.
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We’ve been serving local families for over eighty-five years, which shows both our dedication and experience.
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We offer ‘round-the-clock service so that you’re always covered.
Home Plumbers Near You.
Toilet troubles, pipe problems or faucet frustrations?
Whatever’s plaguing your plumbing system, Francis Home Environment has fast and friendly solutions in your neighbourhood.
Recognize These Plumbing Problems at Home?
And have they been driving you nuts? Take a look and see a few of the things we can help with.
- Running toilet
- Blocked/clogged toilet
- Dripping faucets or showerheads
- Damp/stained walls and ceiling
- Indoor puddles
- Leaky pipes
- High water bills
- Lower water pressure
- Water heater leaks
- Water in toilet gurgles/’burps’ back up after running (i.e., shower)
Now Offering drain & Sewer Services
At Francis Home Environment we now offer a wide array of drain and sewer services to our residential homeowners. Call our team at (343) 453-5603 if you need assistance with:
- Backwater valves
- Drain clearing
- Drain repair
- Drain replacement
- Hydro-jetting
- Root intrusion
- Sewer camera inspection
Ask Us About Sump Pumps for Home Protection.
A sump pump helps protect your home from flooding at its lowest point (i.e., basement).
It safely removes excess water that builds up after an event such as an excess rainfall, which has many financial and health benefits for homeowners:
- Protect your home from water damage.
- Prevent basement floods.
- Sewage backup protection.
- Reduce health hazards such as mould and mildew.
- Decrease humidity in your home.
FAQs
How much does plumbing services cost in Ottawa?
The price for plumbing services in Ottawa will fluctuate depending on the circumstances of the problem you are experiencing. Therefore, before providing homeowners with an estimate on the services they require to fix their plumbing issues, they will first need to book a free at-home consultation with one of our professional plumbing technicians. During this time, an expert plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and provide you with a list of requirements needed to fix the problem quickly and safely.
Therefore, while we are unable to provide you with an estimate before visiting your property and seeing the problem ourselves, we are able to provide you with a list of factors that will contribute to the final cost of your plumbing service with Francis Home Environment. Here is a closer look at some of the elements:
- The type and complexity of the problem: The first factor that will affect the final cost of your plumbing service is the complexity of the project at hand, along with the type of plumbing service you need, as some plumbing services are easier to diagnose, perform, and fix than others.
- The number of materials needed: Not all plumbing services require replacement parts. However, when they do, homeowners will need to pay for the materials. This can include spare parts for toilets, new pipes, etc.
- The urgency of the service: Some plumbing services are more urgent than others. For example, if they are needed in the middle of the night, on weekends, or during holidays. While Francis Home Environment is more than happy to help homeowners with urgent plumbing services, an additional cost may factor into your final price for services.
Are you in need of plumbing services in Ottawa for your home? No matter what time of the day, week, or year, the team at Francis Home Environment is your #1 choice for solutions. No matter how small or large the problem may be, you can rest assured knowing that we have got you covered. Call us directly or book a free home consultation with the Francis Home Environment today!
How do I find a plumber in Ottawa?
Are you experiencing problems with your home’s plumbing system? If the answer is yes, then chances are you are looking to hire plumber services in Ottawa for your home. Whether it’s your first-time experiencing plumbing issues or in the past, you’ve had not-so-great experiences with the plumbers you previously worked with, finding a plumber who is reliable and experienced can be difficult.
Therefore, to ensure you experience a high-quality result for all your plumbing needs, it’s crucial that homeowners in Ottawa understand what it is they should look for when researching and hiring a plumber in their area. That way, you can rest assured knowing your best interests are in mind. Here is a closer look at what factors you should take note of when looking for a plumber:
- Years of Experience: Plumbing is a complex job that requires the expertise of a professional. Therefore, to ensure you are partnering with a reliable company, homeowners need to make sure they are choosing one that has years of proven experience. This will help you know for sure the company and plumber you are working with have the knowledge, skills, and equipment required to provide you with a high-quality experience.
- Required Licensing: Another essential factor homeowners should take note of when choosing a plumber is making sure they have the proper licenses and certifications to legally work in the province. To work as a plumber in Ottawa, you must undergo years of training and schooling to ensure you are qualified to provide safe plumbing services without damaging the homeowner’s property. Therefore, asking the plumbing company to show you their valid licensing and certifications is an excellent way to ensure you and your home are protected.
- Warranty on Services: Speaking of protection, homeowners should never work with a plumber who doesn’t come with a warranty on all services offered. Without one, you could get stuck paying for damages on faulty repairs. As such, if a plumber is not able to provide you with a warranty, avoid working with them.
- Agreed Pricing and Free Estimate: Further, before any plumbing services in Ottawa are conducted, homeowners should be provided with a free consultation and estimate on services. Once you have agreed on a price, you can then allow the plumber to work in your home. If they do not provide you with a cost estimate beforehand, there is a chance they could charge you with unexpected costs that you are not prepared for.
- Positive Customer Reviews: The final aspect to finding a professional plumber in Ottawa that you can trust will get the job done right is by ensuring they have positive reviews from previous homeowners either on their website or social media pages. Happy customers are the key to any successful business. Therefore, if previous customers rave about them online, that’s a good sign. Working with a professional plumber that passes all of the above-noted can provide you with numerous benefits. Not only will they have the expertise and knowledge to diagnose and fix your plumbing problem efficiently, but you can also rest assured that you are unlikely to experience complications that could cause damage to your home and cost you more money in the long run. On the other hand, an experienced plumber will also have access to all the necessary tools and parts needed to fix your plumbing issues, so you can save yourself the hassle of purchasing everything on your own. Similarly, finding the correct plumber can help you save money in the long run and give you peace of mind knowing your home and plumbing is in good hands. Are you in need of a professional plumbing company you can know for sure has your best interests in mind? With the help of Francis Home Environment, you can have your plumbing issue fixed quickly and efficiently. Call us or book a free consultation online with us today!
Why Is My Hot Water Suddenly Too Hot?
Your water heater is responsible for ensuring your home is supplied with heated water throughout the day. Water heaters either have a tank connected to them or are tankless. If your water heater has a tank, it will draw in water from your home’s water line before heating it with either electricity or natural gas. Once the water has been heated to the appropriate temperature, your water heater will store the heated water in its tank before it is transported through your pipes to your faucets and showers when you turn it on. On the other hand, a tankless water heater will automatically heat your water as you turn your water on before it comes through your faucet or shower.
Hot water is a luxury to have in your home. However, while a hot shower at the end of the day is something we all enjoy when your water suddenly turns from hot to scolding, it can be uncomfortable and cause injuries. When this occurs, it can mean that there is something wrong with your home’s water heater that is causing it to overheat. Here is why your home may be experiencing sudden scalding water when you turn on your taps and showers.
Build-up of minerals
One of the most common reasons your water suddenly turns scolding is because your home has a hard water supply. Essentially hard water means that there is a high percentage of minerals in your water that can leave built-up deposits in your water line and water heater burner over time. When left unattended, the mineral build-up will cause your water heater to overheat, thus making the water too hot.
To fix this, a plumber can flush your hot water tank out to remove the build-up. A plumber can also drain and clean out your water tank to ensure it is clean and free of minerals.
Defective Heater Element
Another reason why the water may suddenly be too hot as you turn your taps on is that the water heating element is defective. Your water heater is preset to turn off automatically when the water has reached the allocated temperature you want. However, when this piece is damaged, it may have difficulties turning off. As a result, the heater element will continue to heat the water past the desired temperature until it is scolding.
There is a problem with your pressure relief valve.
Furthermore, your pressure relief valve is responsible for draining water out of your water heater when the pressure inside the tank is too high as the heat increases. However, should the pressure relief valve stop working, your heated water temperature can dangerously increase to produce scalding water that is then transported throughout your pipes and to your faucets.
Broken Thermostat
The last reason why your water heater may produce scalding water without your clearance is that the thermostat on your water heater is broken. Your thermostat is in charge of controlling the temperature of water your water heater pushes out through your home’s pipes before it travels to your faucets. Therefore, when your thermostat is broken, it can cause your water heater to heat water beyond the desired temperature. Thus, producing scalding water in your home.
Are you experiencing scalding water throughout your home every time you turn on your faucets for heated water? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to hire a professional plumbing company to come to diagnose the root of the problem. Call us directly or book a free consultation with the team at Francis Home Environment today!
What Are the Possible Causes of Water Leaks in a Household?
Leaking water throughout your home is something no homeowner wants to experience. Not only can it waste significant amounts of water, but it can also cause extensive damage to your home, and it can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew if the source of the leak is not found and repaired quickly.
Therefore, if you are experiencing water leaks in your home, then it may be due to one of the following reasons listed below.
Broken Seals
Whenever a new home appliance is installed in your home, such as dishwashers and washing machines, an installation contractor will place a seal around the water connectors to prevent leaks from happening. However, over the years, when your appliances age, the seals may experience wear down or break completely, which can cause leaks. Therefore, if you witness condensation or puddling around your appliances connected to water, then you may have a broken seal that will need to be prepared.
Clogged Water Line
Clogged water lines are a result of non-dissolvable items and debris getting stuck in your pipes once they have flushed through your sinks, toilet, or shower. When this happens, it can cause water backup and leak or result in your pipes bursting. Therefore, if you are experiencing slow drainage from your sinks and showers, you may want to call a plumber to remove the blockage and prevent severe water damage from happening.
Loose Water Connectors
Water connectors are tubes that connect from your water line to your home’s appliances. When these become loose over the years, it can cause leaks to happen. For example, you may experience pooling at the bottom of your appliances to form puddles.
Corrosion of Pipes
Your plumbing systems pipes can become vulnerable to corrosion over the years as they age. As a result, they can crack and break, causing water leaks and bursting pipes that will need to be replaced. Discoloration and warping water lines assessed by a plumber can determine if water corrosion is happening and ensure it is fixed before further water damage occurs.
Excessive Water Pressure
Excessive water pressure can put tension on your pipes over time. When this happens, the pressure may cause your pipes to leak. The easiest way to determine if your water pressure is too high is to turn on your taps. If it comes shooting out more intensely than average, then calling a plumber can help you determine if the problem is something more severe and prevent water from damaging your home.
Temperature Changes
Extreme temperature changes below freezing can cause the pipes that run under your home to crack and burst. When this happens, you can experience water damage to your exterior property and inside your home.
Are you experiencing water leaks around your home? If the answer is yes, then it may be due to one of the above-noted damages. Therefore, to ensure your home is safe from any further water damage and have your plumbing system function optimally, then it is time to call a professional company for plumbing services in Ottawa. With the help of Francis Home Environment, we’ll make sure all water leaks and other plumbing problems are diagnosed and fixed efficiently so you can get back to living comfortably in your home.
Call us directly or book a free consultation with Francis Home Environment today!
Our FAQS
Providing You With Answers & Solutions
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What is the Difference Between HVAC and Furnace?
Again, this is another common question that we often receive from homeowners who are looking to install a new HVAC system into their homes. While an HVAC unit is responsible for heating, cooling, or ventilating your home, a furnace is simply a type of heating unit that comprises the home’s overall HVAC system. A furnace is either powered by electricity or natural gas. If you have natural gas in your home already, then chances are your furnace is also powered using this method compared to electricity.
Further, regardless of the type of power used, the energy will produce heat onto a burner. The produced heat is then moved through what is known as a heat exchanger. The warmed air is then transferred out of your furnace system using your home’s ductwork before diffusing into each room of your home through air vents. At the same time, as your furnace produces heat, the combustion gasses created to do so are safely vented outside of your home using a flue pipe to ensure you do not come in contact with any carbon monoxide.
The main components of your furnace system include:
- The control system, also known as the thermostat
- Gas valves
- Burners
- Heat exchangers
- A motor blower
- Ducts
- Ventilation system
- Flue pipe
Together, they work to heat your thermostat to your liking regardless of what time of year it is.
Are you thinking of installing a furnace in your home? Do you need repair or maintenance services for your furnace? Call us directly or book an appointment with Francis Home Environment today for more information on all HVAC.
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What is the Difference Between AC and HVAC?
This is a common question we receive from homeowners who are looking to install a new HVAC unit into their home, as there is some confusion about what each unit is. Therefore, to provide you with clarity, let’s take a look at what these differences are in more detail.
Simply put, an HVAC unit is a heating, cooling, and air ventilating unit that is installed in your home. It allows homeowners to control the temperature inside their home to their preferences using a thermostat. This thermostat works to either increase or decrease the temperature. It also allows you to monitor your indoor temperature and set schedules for your heating and cooling cycles.
On the other hand, an HVAC unit is in charge of circulating air inside your home. As a result, it helps homeowners keep their indoor air clean by removing any dust, hair, dirt, and other airborne contaminants that can affect your health. In addition, it also helps ensure your indoor air quality is not stagnant. Generally speaking, HVAC units will fall into these categories.
- Air conditioners
- Heat pumps
- Boilers
- UV air purifiers
- Humidifiers
- Water heaters
- Furnace
As you can see, an air conditioner is a type of HVAC unit responsible for heating your home. These can either be ductless or work using the ductwork of your home. The air conditioning unit will draw hot air into your home’s ductwork through a vent before it is drawn into your unit’s compartment. If you have a ductless system, it will draw air from the outside of your home before it is drawn into its compartment. The warm air is cooled using a refrigerant liquid that removes the heat from the air before it is blown back into your home using ductwork or through a vent on your air conditioning unit. The process of cooling the air is continued until the desired temperature set on your thermostat has been reached.
The main components of your home’s air conditioning unit include:
- Refrigerant
- Compressor
- Condenser coils
- Air ducts, if applicable to your home
- Expansion valve
- Evaporator coil
AS you can see, it is easy to get these two systems mixed as they are technically the same thing, yet they are different as well. Therefore, if you want to learn more about installing an air conditioning unit in your home or require repair or maintenance services for your home’s current air conditioning unit, the team at Francis Home Environment is here to help.
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How Much Does HVAC Installation Cost in Ottawa?
At Francis Home Environment, we recognize that every homeowner and home is different. And with over 85 years in the industry, we can confirm that when it comes to installing an HVAC into your home in Ottawa, there isn’t a one size fits all solution. Therefore, before we are able to provide you with an installation cost for a new HVAC in Ottawa, homeowners must first schedule a free at-home consultation with one of our technicians.
During your consultation, a professional HVAC technician will listen to your unique needs as a homeowner before conducting a thorough inspection of your property. Once this is complete, a Francis Home Environment professional will be able to provide you with suggestions and recommendations on how to maximize your home’s energy efficiency while staying within your budget.
Therefore, while we are unable to provide you with an installation cost online, we can provide you with a list of factors that will ultimately play a role in the final price so you can have a better understanding of what to inspect.
Here is a closer look at some of these essential factors unique to your home and lifestyle:
- The type of HVAC system you wish to install into your home.
- The type of HVAC system currently installed on your property.
- The scope of the project at hand.
- The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio of the HVAC unit you need for your home to operate as efficiently as possible.
- The cost of labor relative to the size of your project.
- The installation techniques needed to connect your new HVAC unit based on the size, layout, and other factors of your home.
Another important consideration that will help us determine the appropriate size of your HVAC unit is the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) required to heat and cool your home. This energy unit measures how much power it takes to heat one pound of water. Each HVAC unit has a different BTU number. This number is determined by:
- The age of your home.
- The quality of your home’s insulation, in addition to its heat gain and loss.
- The total square footage of your home.
- The layout of the rooms and floors throughout your home.
- The style and quality of ductwork you have installed in your home.
- The height of your ceilings.
As you can see, choosing the correct HVAC unit for your home, along with the process of installation, are pretty complicated. As such, it’s common for homeowners to feel overwhelmed, especially when they do not have professional guidance to rely on. For example, without the professional advice of an HVAC company, you risk installing a unit into your home that is either too small or too large for your home. When this occurs, you will inevitably use more power to cool and heat your home than is required. In the end, it will end up costing you more money on your monthly energy bill. In addition, with a system that is the wrong size, you risk causing damage to your home that can end up costing you money over time as well.
However, with the help of Francis Home Environment and our licensed, expert HVAC technicians, we’ll work with you closely from start to finish to ensure you feel well-informed and confident in the decisions made for your home from start to finish. Regardless of the type of project at hand, Francis Home Environment has your best interests in mind, so you can rest assured knowing your home is in good hands.
At Francis Home Environment, we’re happy to offer all Ottawa homeowners financing when purchasing a new HVAC system!
For more information on installation costs and choosing an HVAC in Ottawa that will optimize your home’s energy efficiency based on the unique features of your home, call us directly or book a free consultation with Francis Home Environment today so we can get you back to enjoying your home in no time.
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What to Look for in an HVAC Servicing Company?
When it comes to choosing a company to partner with for your HVAC services, sometimes, it can be not easy to select one that is reliable enough to get the job done right the first time. Therefore, it is essential that homeowners do their due diligence and research before signing a contract with any HVAC servicing company, as it can end up costing them more money in the long run if something is not repaired or installed correctly.
Therefore, to ensure that homeowners feel well-informed when making their decision, here are some of the most critical factors that you should look for in an HVAC servicing company that prove they are trustworthy and suitable for the job:
Years of Experience
One of the first and most important factors in choosing the right company for your HVAC services is choosing a business that has years of experience. While newer companies may provide quality work, it can lead to a hit or miss scenario. On the other hand, a company with years of experience has the knowledge and skills to keep a business up and running for an extended period of time.
Positive Customer Reviews
The most telling sign that a business is reliable with its ability to offer you quality results is positive customer reviews. Customers are what make any business successful. Therefore, if the company has positive testimonials on its website and other social media pages from previous clients, then you can feel confident that what they are saying is true.
Proper Licensing
All HVAC technicians and companies in Ottawa are required to have all the proper licenses and certifications to operate legally. Therefore, if you are looking for more confirmation that a company you’re thinking of working with is legitimate, ask them for proof of documentation to ensure that it is accurate and valid.
Insurance/Warranty on Services
Further, the company you choose to partner with should also come with insurance and/or warranty on all services they offer. That way, if something should go wrong, you can rest assured knowing that you will not be reliable to pay for any repairs or modifications once a technician has finished servicing your home.
Get a Free Quote
Companies that are unwilling to give homeowners free quotes should not be trusted. A professional company should provide you with a free estimate on the services you need, and all costs should be confirmed before any work is conducted in your home.
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Hear From Our Happy Customers
At Francis Home Environment, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our customers have to say about working with us.
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“Professional, friendly and efficient. He diagnosed the issue within seconds and had it fixed within minutes. He gave our system a thorough checkover after completion and had lots of useful advice for cheap maintenance and care.”- David C.
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“We have been dealing with them for years and always have a good experience. I highly recommend Francis.”- Laura P.
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“I own a home that was built in the 1960s and this team was able to find a solution for every problem that came up.”- J.W.
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“The technician worked extremely hard to troubleshoot the issue in our extremely warm house. He utilized another team member via video call to assist him with the technology.”- Marshall M.
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“A team that works well together, pleasure to have them in our home. This is the second big job done by Francis Fuels here, not one complaint. Good products, great reliable service and to top it off, friendly, kind and respectful.”- Catherine L.
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“Service has always been top-notch for the many years we have been with them. Highly recommended for both service and installation of equipment and add-ons.”- Arthur W.
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“I appreciated their time, care and expertise to inform me about the best practices for good ventilation and air flow. They also reiterated how Francis Homes is always available...”- Shuaib S.
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“Damin was very professional and helpful and ever so kind. He patiently and knowledgeably walked me through all of the diagnostic tests he was performing.”- Carol H.