Emergencies
Most plumbing emergencies get much smaller once the water is off. Learn where your main shut-off is, and keep a flashlight near it.
Costs
Price depends on access, materials, permits and how long the job takes. We explain all of that before work begins, and we do not quote blind.
Drains and sewers
Repeated backups usually mean a problem in the main line or lateral rather than a single fixture. A camera inspection settles it.
Water heaters
Many Toronto homes rent their tank. Look for a rental charge on your bill or a sticker on the tank first; the rental contract decides who handles repairs.
Not covered here? Call (365) 389-6437.
Calls we field, answered plainly
What should I do the moment a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve, usually on the basement front wall where the service enters. If water is near outlets or the panel and you cannot reach the panel safely, stay out and call for help.
Do you answer calls at night and on weekends?
Yes, the phone is answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Why no firm figure until someone has looked?
Because the same symptom can have very different causes. We explain the factors on the phone and confirm the cost in person before any work.
Could my house still have a lead service?
Homes built before about 1955 may have one. Look at the pipe entering your basement: lead is dull grey, soft, and shows a shiny silver scratch. The City of Toronto offers information and testing; check current programs.
What is a backwater valve?
A valve fitted in the main drain that closes if sewage flows backward, helping protect the basement during heavy storms. Toronto has run a flood protection subsidy program; confirm the present rules before you rely on it.
Why does my floor drain smell like sewer?
Usually the trap has dried out. Pouring a few litres of water into it restores the seal. If the smell persists, call.
Is a bottle of drain opener worth trying?
We advise against it. It can harm older pipes, rarely clears a serious clog, and makes the job hazardous for whoever opens the drain next.
Roughly when does a storage heater wear out?
Often around 8 to 12 years for a gas tank, depending on water quality and maintenance. Leaks at the base usually mean it is time to replace.
Do you work in condos?
Yes. We coordinate with property management for shut-offs, booking elevators and access to shared risers.
When does the City want a permit on file?
Many jobs that add or change plumbing, such as new fixtures or backwater valves, need a City of Toronto permit. Simple repairs usually do not. We will tell you which applies.
Can frozen pipes be thawed safely?
Yes, with gentle heat such as warm air. Never use an open flame. Open the tap so melting water can flow.
Do you work outside Toronto?
We also cover nearby communities like Mississauga, Vaughan and Markham. Call to check your address.