The details on plumbing and heating specialists

Are you renovating your bathroom? Or are you having a home, multifamily dwelling or commercial building constructed and need to have a full plumbing and heating system installed? Then you’ll need to call on the services of a skilled, professional plumbing company. But which one? How can you make sure you’re calling the right expert? The plumbing profession encompasses several different specialties, so you need to clearly identify the nature of the work to be done and then choose the right technician to do it. For example, certain plumbers specialize in sanitary systems, while others specialize in heating systems or radiant floor heating. But what about a plumbing and heating specialist?

What’s a plumbing and heating specialist?

As the name suggests, this type of professional specializes in both areas at the same time. Plumbing and heating specialists can perform all of the tasks related to the installation, repair and maintenance of plumbing and heating systems. Therefore, they’re equally qualified to work on new constructions and renovations of existing homes, multifamily dwellings and commercial buildings. Furthermore, they’ve mastered all of the technical specifications related to sanitary, thermal and heating equipment, as well as those related to pipes, plumbing fixtures and sources of energy (for heating).

Here are some of the things they can do when it comes to plumbing:

• Install and repair hot and cold water supply lines in your home
• Install and repair wastewater drainage systems in accordance with best practices
• Install check valves
• Intervene in the event of plumbing malfunctions (clogged toilets, water leaks, water heater problems, etc.)
• Install and service bathroom and kitchen equipment
• Install and service toilets and water heaters

Here are some of the things they can do when it comes to heating:

• Install, repair and service all heating systems, whether hot water (hydronic) floor heating, electric heating or gas heating
• Intervene in the event of a problem with any of your heating equipment
• Perform annual maintenance on your boiler and all types of heating equipment, repairing any anomalies in order to prevent leaks and outages, verifying that the burners are working correctly, etc.
• Provide expert advice to guide you in choosing the best boiler or heating system to meet your needs

How to recognize a good professional

To guarantee the performance of your systems and benefit from professional services that offer substantial value for your money, you’ll need to choose a verified plumbing and heating expert.

To ensure that you’re making a wise choice, you should look for a plumber with the following qualifications:

• A license from the Quebec Building Authority (RBQ), as this is a guarantee of safety and quality
• Membership in the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (CMMTQ), as this ensures that the professional is in good standing and meets all required qualifications and specifications
• Certification from Énergir (formerly Gaz Métro) in the case of work involving gas systems, as this is proof of the professional’s quality and expertise

Are you looking for a skilled, experienced, reliable plumbing and heating specialist in the Montreal area? Contact the certified experts at Plomberie Roger Chayer Inc.

How to install a washing machine like a pro!

Installing a washing machine is much simpler that it may seem. If you’re thinking about doing it yourself, you can rest assured that you won’t need any advanced training in plumbing! All you have to do is read up on it and make sure to follow all of the required steps.

Washing-machine installation: a simple connection will do the trick

Are you considering renovations or a new layout for your laundry area? If your goal is to make simple modifications, you can probably make them yourself. If you’re relatively certain that you have the required skills, you can easily insert two T outlets into the visible copper pipes using compression fittings. No welding is necessary and there’s no need to contact a professional.

However, for more complex tasks (for example, if your hot and cold water supply lines aren’t nearby), it would be preferable to take advantage of the expertise of an experienced plumber.

You can replace your washer in five easy steps!

Do you simply need to replace your washing machine? As long as all of the necessary parts are already installed and there are no anomalies with the drainage or electricity, all you have to do is follow the directions below.

1. Connect the hoses to the spigots
The water for your washer is supplied by two short hoses (or a lever valve located on the back of the machine) that supply hot and cold water. The first thing you need to do is screw the ends of these hoses onto the hot and cold water supply valves. However, be careful not to over-tighten the plastic hoses.

2. Connect the drain hose
UOnce the water supply hoses are connected, put the new drain hose in the same place where the previous one was located.

3. Connect the drainpipe
If the drain hose doesn’t empty directly to a sink or basin, you will have to connect it directly to the wastewater drainpipe. Make sure that it’s located at least 4 centimeters (1½ inches) away in order to receive the water that drains out of the machine.

4. Level the washing machine
AScrew the leveling feet in or out to ensure that the machine sits level. Of course, this step won’t be necessary if your washing machine has self-leveling feet.

5. Plug everything in!
VYou’re now ready to hook up your washing machine and put your system to the test. All you have to do is plug the machine into a properly grounded 120-volt outlet.

Abide by all building codes

Before proceeding with any renovations, it’s always important to make sure you’re in compliance with current building regulations. This can be even more complicated in the case of an older home. Complex plumbing that doesn’t conform to the usual standards can make your life more difficult.

However, if your home was built more recently, it’s easy to comply with all applicable regulations. The most important thing is to prevent the drained water from making its way back into the washing machine.

To do this, you’ll need to ensure the following:

• That the floor drain is equipped with a check valve
• That your laundry tub has sufficient volume
• That the vertical pipe is at the correct height

Do you need an experienced plumber to install your washing machine?

Certain more complex situations require the services of a professional. Do you need help repairing or installing your washing machine? At Plomberie Roger Chayer, you can count on expert advice and incomparable know-how. You’ll also have access to 24/7 emergency service. Contact one of our specialists for a free estimate!

The most unusual plumbing jobs we’ve ever had

As plumbers, we’ve been called to the homes and workplaces of numerous people who have found themselves in incredible situations. Like any contractor, we have a whole host of anecdotes and amusing tales to tell about some of the more unusual jobs we’ve performed.

With more than 70 years of experience in the plumbing industry and countless service calls at the homes of countless individuals, our technicians have seen and done a lot of things. We’re not going to talk about the various problems with toilets clogged by objects each more mysterious than the last, nor will we talk about the consequences of the particular methods people used to try to unclog them.

Instead, we’ve decided to tell you about three of our more unusual plumbing jobs, given either their nature or the satisfaction we gained from them.

Our three unusual plumbing jobs

A first in Quebec: installation of solar panels at the Ikea store in Montreal

A little over 15 years ago, we had the honor of participating in the first solar panel project in Quebec. We worked in collaboration with the engineer and the manufacturer of the panels before installing them on the roof of the Ikea store in Montreal and connecting them to generate hot water for the restaurant.

A job not for the squeamish: the installation of drains in the Alfred Dallaire funeral homes

While it may seem rather morbid, it’s fitting to mention that the plumbing systems in funeral homes must comply with certain special regulations. During the embalming procedure, various liquid chemicals like formaldehyde and natural fluids like blood have to be flushed down the drains.

We’re proud that we managed to overcome this plumbing challenge, thus facilitating the work of a team that does an out-of-the-ordinary job.

The story with a happy ending: Alain Chayer’s rescue of a dog whose paw was caught in the crosshairs of a bathtub drain

Here’s the story, as told by the owner of the dog, Jennifer Boucher: “I had washed my dachshund in the bathtub and his paw got stuck in the little cross inside the drain. And when I say stuck, I mean REALLY stuck! I didn’t know what to do. There we were, my mother, my father and I, trying to get it out! We finally decided to call a plumber to find out what to do since it was in a pipe, after all. They were exceptional! There weren’t any plumbers available, so Alain Chayer volunteered to come out. In less than 20 minutes, he was here. He carefully cut the crosshairs in the drain, paying special attention to my dog, trying to calm him down, as he was panic-stricken after having been stuck for a good hour. He finally succeeded in freeing him. The cherry on the sundae: he didn’t charge us anything! Wow! A company with a heart!”

Other unusual situations to come

We’re proud to have participated in such a diversity of plumbing jobs and to know that our company is recognized in the industry, especially for the conversion of gas or electric heating systems while maintaining the supply system, as was the case during the renovation of homes dating from the early twentieth century on Rue du Musée in Montreal.

Do you have an out-of-the-ordinary plumbing project? An unusual situation that requires the assistance of a plumber? Call on the team of seasoned professionals at Plomberie Roger Chayer Inc.

Insurance and the age of your water heater: should you replace it?

Did you know that, in Quebec, water damage is the primary source of homeowners insurance claims? In fact, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, this type of damage represents 50 percent of the total amount of claims paid by homeowners insurance providers, and water heaters are often to blame. That’s why insurance companies have become increasingly demanding with regard to certain items in your homeowners insurance coverage, notably your water heater. However, each insurance company applies its regulations according to its own risk estimates.

You should also be aware that, in the event of a leak or rupture of your hot water tank, it will spill an average of 40 to 50 gallons of water, not counting the water coming from the supply valve. Consequently, you can quickly find yourself with several centimeters of water on the floor, which can quickly lead to disastrous and costly damage.

Take care of your water heater to guarantee its longevity and insurability!

Signs that your water heater is on its way out

A water heater won’t last forever: it has a lifecycle of somewhere between 10 and 15 years (around 12 years on average). Here are some signs that you’ll soon need to replace it:

• Your water isn’t as hot as usual
• The water exhibits a yellowish tinge (indicating the presence of rust)
• The hot water runs out quickly
• Your light-colored clothing comes out of the washing machine with stains or a brownish hue
• You notice traces of moisture on the tank
• You find traces of rust on the bottom of the tank (indicating a crack)

Can your insurer refuse to pay your claim if your water heater is too old?

Several years ago, insurance companies lowered the insurable lifetime of water heaters from 20 years to 10 or 12 years. This modification followed that of the manufacturers, which now only guarantee their tanks for a maximum of 15 years.

Furthermore, insurers must consider the increasingly steep financial consequences of water damage caused by a ruptured or leaky tank, as water heaters have become more common in condominiums, which have also become more common.

As a result, most insurance companies require their clients to replace their hot water tanks after 10 years; otherwise, they won’t be covered under their homeowners insurance in the event of water damage. Some companies may allow a water heater that’s up to 12 years old, but with an average deductible of $5,000 in the event of a claim.

Therefore, to meet the requirements of insurers and to continue benefiting from their protection, you must replace your water heater once it exceeds the covered age (10 or 12 years), even if it still works perfectly well.

In any case, you should talk to your insurer to find out the age limits and deductibles in the part of your homeowners insurance related to hot water heaters.

For your peace of mind, whether you want to replace your hot water tank or you just have some questions regarding its condition, call on the professionals at Plomberie Roger Chayer Inc., and they’ll be more than happy to assist you.

Choosing a plumber to perform work paid by your insurance

Are you dealing with water damage in your home or apartment? Whether it’s a matter of a simple leak stemming from the public water supply, a broken pipe in your bathroom or a water heater that has given up the ghost, your homeowners insurance will take care of the repair work. However, you’ll have to follow their procedures.

You should be aware that, in Quebec, homeowners insurance policies don’t include all types of water damage in their basic coverage. As a rule, basic coverage includes broken pipes, water heaters, heating and air conditioning systems and leaks originating from the public water system or from furnishings such as aquariums and waterbeds. You can also add coverage for things like backed-up sewers, a leaky roof, frozen pipes, floods and more to protect yourself from other possible sources of water damage.

But how do you go about getting a plumber to perform the work your insurance is paying for?

The procedure in the event of water damage

In the case of leaks resulting in water damage, you must first stop the leak as quickly as possible by shutting off the main water supply. Then, depending on the severity of the damage, or in the event that you’re unable to contain the leak, you need to call a plumber. (Make sure you keep all of your invoices and receipts for any emergency repairs the plumbing company performs. You’ll be able to send them to your insurance company for reimbursement once they have accepted your claim.)

Next, contact your insurance company to let them know about the damage. It’s a good idea to take plenty of photos and to prepare a list of damaged materials and furnishings.

Once your insurance company has opened your claim, they will evaluate the damage to your home and the cost of the necessary restoration work before offering you a settlement in accordance with the terms and conditions of your policy.

Choosing a plumber to perform work paid by your homeowners insurance

Restoring your property after water damage has occurred can be complicated. That’s one of the reasons it’s important to hire a qualified, experienced plumbing contractor to perform the work.

To estimate the amount of the payment for the cost of repairs, your homeowners insurance company will ask you to provide them with three estimates from different plumbing companies. Some insurers will even recommend contractors they’ve worked with in the past. In any case, the final decision is yours. You’re free to hire the contractor of your choosing to perform the post-disaster repair work.

But don’t just call whichever plumber has the lowest rates! Remember that your insurance company is paying for the repairs and will generally choose the lowest estimate. Make sure that your estimates are from professional plumbers that are members of the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (CMMTQ) licensed by the Quebec Building Authority (RBQ).

Most plumbers will charge a fee to give you an estimate for insurance purposes, but they will deduct this amount from the final bill if you end up giving them the contract.

After reviewing the estimates, your insurance company will immediately pay you the amount that they deem necessary to cover the repairs. It will then be up to you to make the appointment with the plumber you’ve chosen.

Water damage? Whether your insurance policy covers your plumbing repairs or not, contact the professionals at Plomberie Roger Chayer Inc. We’ll be happy to get back to you as soon as possible.

Solutions for a clogged toilet when a plunger isn’t sufficient

There’s almost nothing worse than having a clogged toilet. Most of the time, it’s easy to fix the problem without having to call a plumber. And no: a plunger isn’t the only solution!

Identifying the causes of a clogged toilet

You can solve just about any problem more effectively when you know the cause. This includes plumbing problems! When it comes to a clogged toilet, a number of different things could be responsible:

• Accumulated hard water deposits can reduce the water pressure
• An object that has fallen into the toilet bowl can block the drainpipe
• The flushing mechanism can become damaged
• Over time, the little chain that connects the handle arm to the flapper can wear out and break
• A low-flow toilet connected to a discharge pipe can run into problems if the angle of flow isn’t steep enough

If you’ve noticed a defect in the flushing mechanism, you can check to see if the flapper (the rubber valve at the bottom) closes completely, allowing the tank to refill. On the other hand, if the chain that lifts the flapper is broken, you can simply remove the broken link or buy a new chain at your local hardware store.

What solutions are available to unclog a toilet?

If the water level in your toilet is unusually high, hard water deposits that have accumulated over the years might be the cause. In that case, you’ll need to use what’s commonly known as a “toilet snake.”

Toilet snakes

A toilet snake (also called a plumbing snake) consists of a metal rod attached to a crank. Just corkscrew the end piece into the opening at the bottom of the toilet bowl to snag and dislodge the debris that’s clogging the drainpipe. A toilet snake is particularly effective at dislodging hard water deposits. Because it’s so flexible, a snake can zigzag around the curves of the drainpipe. As a result, it can travel a lot further than a simple wire. The best kind of toilet snake? A toilet auger is perfectly designed to unclog toilets without damaging the toilet bowl. It’s a tool that’s commonly used by plumbers.

Chemical drain openers

It’s recommended to avoid highly concentrated products, as they can damage the pipes. You’ll find a number of different products on the market to help dissolve the debris blocking your toilet. These include enzymes, vinegar, baking soda and degreasers like dish soap. However, you should be aware that these products are only effective in the event that the clog is of organic origin. Unfortunately, this method won’t work on solid objects or hair.

Pour a little dish soap into the toilet bowl
Add some very hot water to help dislodge the clog
Add a box of baking soda, followed by a bottle of white vinegar
Let the mixture sit for a while and then add four or five liters of hot water (for the chemical products to remain active)

Is the toilet still clogged? Call your plumber!

If your toilet is completely clogged, don’t panic! Avoid flushing the toilet, as you’ll just make things worse by causing it to overflow. If you’ve exhausted all your resources and you’re still having trouble unclogging your toilet, there may be problems with the plumbing. This would be the ideal time to call for reinforcements!

Contact Plomberie Roger Chayer for repairs and maintenance on your plumbing system, to get rid of clogs or to defrost your pipes. Available at all times for emergency service, our team of specialists is genuinely attentive to your needs!

Five reasons to opt for natural gas heating!

When it comes to heating, electric systems are currently popular, especially in Quebec, where nearly 92 percent of all homes use this type of equipment. On the other hand, in the West, where natural gas is produced, it’s only logical that gas heating is favored. Used in residential furnaces, dryers, stoves and ovens, gas is certainly a viable option for your home.

Recognized for its affordability, natural gas offers a number of other advantages that could very well convince you to opt for it.

Advantages of natural gas as an energy source

1. Affordability

If you think that natural gas is less expensive than its cousin electricity, you’re right. It’s also far more affordable than heating oil or fuel oil. And once you discover the incomparable value it offers you for your money, you’ll understand why it’s so popular.

2. Reliability

Natural gas can produce non-stop energy, day and night. No more need to panic at the slightest power outage in the middle of winter: the supply of natural gas won’t be interrupted so neither will your comfort.

3. Performance

Gas heating provides gentle, pleasant warmth without drying the air. Why is it definitely the appropriate system for a house? Because appliances that run on natural gas heat up more quickly than their electric equivalents. This efficiency is combined with the possibility of a more precise temperature setting. In other words, everything it takes to ensure optimal, uniform comfort in every room of your home!

4. Safety

Many people mistakenly think that using natural gas isn’t safe. In fact, natural gas is non-toxic, it’s easy to detect if there’s a leak, and it won’t catch fire right away. Did you know that it’s also recognized for its safe production? For the most part, it’s transported via gas pipelines. As a result, it doesn’t generate unpleasant noise, traffic or exhaust fumes. For the regions that aren’t connected to the network of gas pipelines, including Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec, the solution is to refrigerate it at -162° C. The resulting liquefied gas can then be hauled over long distances by truck, train or ship. With this cooling method, the volume of the gas shrinks by 600 times, enabling economy of transport, while still putting safety first.

5.Environmental friendliness

Natural gas burns cleaner than all other fossil fuels. In fact, it produces approximately 30 percent less CO2 than petroleum and approximately 50 percent less than coal. Opponents like to point out that it’s non-renewable, which is a valid criticism. In other words, it could become scarcer in years to come, leading to an increase in its price. Furthermore, its smaller ecological footprint is debatable because of its composition—chiefly methane—which has more of an effect on climate change than CO2 does.

Fortunately, the Government of Quebec is aware of this fact and is making efforts to favor renewable natural gas (RNG), a biogas that is captured from decomposing organic matter (primarily food scraps) and then refined. Another government goal is to continue reducing the carbon footprint of natural gas heating, chiefly through a regulation implemented in 2019 in relation to the quantity of RNG that must be delivered by natural gas distributors.

Are you thinking about converting to natural gas heating?

If you’d like to get further information on natural gas so you can be sure that you’re making an informed decision, you can count on the professionals at Plomberie Roger Chayer. They’re genuine heating experts who can guide you toward a choice that’s efficient, affordable and responsible.

Sources:
Canada Energy Regulator. What is in a Canadian residential natural gas bill? 2021.
Quebec Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. Gaz naturel (Natural Gas). 2021.

How to repair a faucet that drips after it’s turned off

Is there anything more annoying than a faucet that drips constantly? Besides the incessant noise this little leak makes, it can end up wasting between 140 and 680 liters of water every day! Suffice it to say that the ecological and financial consequences—especially in the case of hot water—can be significant.

Nevertheless, whether for fear of the difficulty of taking care of the problem ourselves or for fear of the bill for having someone else do it, many of us just let it go. While we can easily correct certain problems, there are others that may require a professional service call. In either case, resolving them will no doubt be beneficial not only for your state of mind but also for your wallet!

What factors are most often at the root of a leaky faucet? And how can it be repaired?

The principal causes: cartridges, washers and scale buildup

Every kind of faucet has its own kind of problem. Mixer taps (with two knobs, one for cold water and one for hot water) and single-lever taps (in which one lever controls both the temperature and the flow) are the two most popular types of faucets in the majority of homes in Quebec.

Mixer taps frequently fall victim to a worn cartridge, which is the part located underneath the mechanism that turns on the water. To replace it, all you have to do is dismantle the faucet. Simple, right? And to make sure that you replace the cartridge with the correct model, just take the old one with you to the hardware store and you’re good to go!

As for single-lever taps, it’s often the washers that give up the ghost. Just like with the cartridge, a simple replacement will do the trick. In some cases, you may have to remove the mineral deposits from the aerator. To do this, unscrew the head of the faucet, remove the screen and submerge it in white vinegar. As far as that goes, there’s nothing preventing you from regularly descaling the head, as the buildup of hard water deposits can be the source of many leaks.

Quality and professionals: your guarantee for reliable faucets

Whenever you purchase a faucet assembly, you should always keep the installation instructions. Yet they’re often the first thing that gets thrown away once the faucet’s assembled! Without the tips and precautions they contain, how can you prevent a leaky faucet? And how can you avoid having to worry about it all the time? By opting for quality. The price may make you think twice before buying a more expensive faucet, but it will prove to be more cost effective in the long run.

For example, in the case of mixer taps, did you know that the cartridges in most high-end models come with a lifetime guarantee? What’s more, if you go directly to a plumber or a plumbing store to get your parts, they’ll most likely have them in stock. The investment makes much more sense when you consider that you won’t have to pay shipping or other surcharges.

Quality, ease and peace of mind: that’s what the team at Plomberie Roger Chayer Inc. has been offering clients in Montreal and the surrounding areas for more than 70 years. Their full range of services, along with their partnership with Énergir and their CMMTQ (Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec) membership, are your guarantee of reliability and trustworthiness. That’s enough to encourage you to contact them to repair your leaky faucet, don’t you think?

Sources :
Canal Vie. Quand le robinet fuit (When the faucet leaks). 2020.
Le Monde. Robinet qui goutte : causes, conséquences, réparation (Leaky faucet: causes, consequences, repairs).

Do outdoor faucets require frost protection?

Like it or not, fall is here, and with it, a certain number of precautions to think about in preparation for the cold days ahead. Among these precautions is protecting your outdoor faucets.

The pipes and spigots are particularly vulnerable to damage caused by freezing. However, whether because winter comes early or our lives are too hectic, we often forget to check them and winterize them. The consequences? The water contained in the pipes and spigots can freeze and expand, causing them to burst. Now, if there’s one thing we don’t want, it’s repairing a frozen pipe or dealing with a flood in twenty-below-zero temperatures! Especially since anything that’s subjected to this ordeal can quickly end up damaged, as well.

So should you frost-proof your outdoor faucets?
The answer is obvious!

Winterizing your outdoor faucets

While a frost-proof faucet is a very appropriate solution for winter, don’t underestimate the value of the following good practices when it comes to helping you avoid unpleasant surprises.

First of all, purge the lines. The process couldn’t be easier. Start by closing the drain valve if you have one. Next, turn on the outdoor faucet and let all of the water drain out of the pipes. Last, turn it off and leave it off until the weather warms up again. As for the hoses, put them away in a dry place that’s sheltered from the freezing cold.

Certain materials such as glass wool and polyethylene foam can be used as an affordable means of insulating your pipes. However, you’ll need to check them every so often to make sure everything stays in place.

Frost protection: an indispensable precaution for your outdoor faucets

Most recently constructed homes are equipped with frost-proof outdoor faucets. If you don’t have them, they’re well worth the expense!

These faucets have an internal mechanism that automatically purges the line after each use. This helps keep your pipes safe from frost and damage. If you want to, you can even use your frost-proof outdoor faucet during the cold weather at no risk. However, remember that your garden hoses will still need to be disconnected and put away during the cold season.

For optimum performance, a frost-proof faucet should be connected to a pipe that’s buried between 50 and 60 centimeters (19 to 23 inches) under the ground and it should be gently inclined toward the outside to ensure that the automatic purge system works correctly and to prevent rainwater from seeping in.

If you need help or advice to frost-proof your outdoor faucets or winterize your systems, you’ll be happy to know that the team of experts at Plomberie Roger Chayer Inc. is at your service. Whether you need to insulate your indoor or outdoor pipes or you need any other kind of plumbing work done, they’ll meet—if not exceed—your expectations.

Should you choose hot water or electricity for your underfloor heating?

Are you renovating or building a home and wondering which type of heating system to choose? Are you tired of having cold feet (literally) during the winter? If you’d like your heating system to provide you with the continuous comfort of gentle, uniform warmth throughout your home, you should opt for underfloor heating. This floor heating system is cost effective, efficient and quiet. And it doesn’t blow any air (or dust) around your home. What’s more, it allows your floor to dry in minutes.

There are two main types of radiant floor heating systems currently on the market: electric and hot water (also known as hydronic). Each system offers its own unique advantages.

To help you decide which type of underfloor heating is best for you, here are the main characteristics of each one.

Electric underfloor heating

Electric underfloor heating is the most popular choice. This system works through a network of heating wire (installed on fiberglass mesh) or heating cables (for emitting infrared radiation), which are connected directly to a thermostat.

Even though it can be installed throughout the home, you should be aware that electric underfloor heating is ideal for small rooms, such as bathrooms, entryways and bedrooms.

Advantages

• This type of underfloor heating system offers a lot of value for the price.
• Installation is quick and simple; however, the electrical connections must be done by a professional.
• If your concrete slab is already in place, you can simply install the system directly on top of the concrete and then install the flooring on top of the system.
• It is directly powered through the electrical connection.
• Heating systems of this kind don’t require a mechanical room.
• This type of flooring is maintenance-free.
• The room-by-room thermostat system is less expensive than the one used for hot water underfloor heating.

Hot water underfloor heating

The hydronic or hot water underfloor heating system consists of a series of pipes and pumps installed underneath the concrete slab. The hot water, which has been heated either by a heat pump or a boiler, circulates through the pipes under the floorboards, heating the floor and the room. Therefore, this type of heating system requires a mechanical room, as well as rigorous maintenance.

Hydronic radiant floor heating can’t be installed in a single room. In fact, it wouldn’t really be advantageous to do so. It must cover at least a full storey or the entire basement of the residence. It’s the ideal heating solution for homes under construction.

Advantages

• This type of underfloor heating can be used in the summer and winter as a central heating system, regardless of the type of flooring.
• This type of heating offers over 95 percent energy efficiency.
• It’s an eco-friendly solution that has existed for many years, but has recently enjoyed renewed popularity.
• This system enables greater cost savings on large surface areas than its electric counterpart does.
• The cost is particularly advantageous when the system is installed in a residence under construction or during major renovations.
• The heat it gives off makes your space truly comfortable with a consistent temperature from room to room.

Hot water or electric underfloor heating—conclusion

In the end, the best option will depend on your needs and the project. If you want to install radiant floor heating in just one room, opt for the electric system. On the other hand, if you want to install this type of heating in a large area (the whole house or the basement and a full storey), the ideal solution is hot water underfloor heating.

For the purchase and installation of an underfloor heating system in the Montreal area, you can count on the team of experts at Plomberie Roger Chayer.