Clogged condensate traps
Sludge builds up in the trap and blocks drainage, triggering a shutdown.
Newer high-efficiency furnaces on Burke Mountain and older units in Maillardville both need yearly care. We make it simple to stay on schedule.
No heat, no hot water or a gas smell? Call any time, day or night.
A lot of Coquitlam homes, especially on Burke Mountain and the upper Westwood Plateau, have high-efficiency condensing furnaces. These are excellent at saving gas, but they have parts older furnaces never had: secondary heat exchangers, condensate traps, drain lines and plastic vent pipes. When a trap clogs with sludge or a drain line sags, the furnace shuts off, often on the first cold night of the season.
Regular furnace maintenance in Coquitlam prevents that. Our technicians flush the condensate system, check the vent pipes for proper slope and secure joints, clean the flame sensor and test the inducer and pressure switches. Many manufacturers expect annual service as part of their warranty terms, so we leave a dated record of every visit. For older homes in Austin Heights and Ranch Park, we also focus on venting and heat exchanger checks.
Here is what we see most often during tune-ups across the city.
Sludge builds up in the trap and blocks drainage, triggering a shutdown.
Plastic venting must slope back to the furnace so condensate does not pool.
Blocked hoses or weak inducers cause pressure faults that stop the furnace.
Hot surface igniters weaken over time and can crack without warning.
New builds and renovations load filters and blower wheels with fine dust.
Incorrect staging or fan settings reduce comfort and efficiency.
Burke Mountain and the newer parts of Westwood Plateau are full of modern high-efficiency equipment, where condensate and venting care is key. Eagle Ridge and older sections of Westwood Plateau have furnaces that are now well into their second decade and need closer watching for wear.
In Maillardville, Austin Heights, Ranch Park and Burquitlam, we service older houses with basement furnaces and a growing number of townhomes near the Evergreen Line. Every home gets the same thorough checklist.
Choose a time online or call (236) 222-2222, ideally before mid-October.
We start by asking about any noises, odours or comfort issues you have noticed.
Cleaning, testing and adjustments, with special attention to condensate and venting.
You receive a written summary for your files and warranty requirements.
Care plan members get a reminder and booking each year.
Helpful for warranty requirements and when you sell your home.
Condensing furnaces are a big part of our daily work.
If your furnace fails between visits, we are on call.
Still unsure? Call (236) 222-2222 and talk it through with us.
Yes. Condensate traps and drains can clog early, and new homes often have construction dust in the system. Annual maintenance also supports the manufacturer's warranty requirements.
On high-efficiency furnaces, a blocked condensate trap or drain is a frequent cause. The furnace senses water backing up and shuts off. A tune-up before the season usually prevents this.
Horizontal runs of plastic vent should slope slightly back toward the furnace. If you hear gurgling or see water dripping at joints, have it checked.
Absolutely. Older mid-efficiency furnaces in Coquitlam's established neighbourhoods get a careful heat exchanger and venting inspection.
Book your tune-up online or call (236) 222-2222 to make sure your furnace is ready when the first frost hits.
Call or text, 24/7 for emergencies(236) 222-2222We only use your details to arrange your visit.
Thanks! We will call you to confirm a time. Need us sooner? Call (236) 222-2222.