Before you pick up the phone
Most plumbing questions come down to three things: how urgent it is, what is causing it and what it will take to fix. The answers below cover the common ones. Missing from the list? Ring (365) 517-6529.
Where to read more
Longer explanations live in the Reading Room, including guides on basement flooding and tank or tankless water heaters.
What callers want to know
How quickly can a plumber get to me?
It depends on the day, the weather and where you are in the city. On the phone we will give you an honest estimate rather than a promise we cannot keep.
Which calls count as urgent?
A leak nobody can stop, waste water climbing through a drain, no water at all, a leaking water heater, or a frozen pipe that may split. If you are unsure, call and describe it.
Where would my main valve be?
Look low on the street-facing basement wall of a Mississauga house, beside the meter where the service pipe comes in. Condo suites tend to hide theirs by the tank or inside a mechanical cupboard.
Why does my floor drain back up when it rains hard?
Heavy storms can surcharge the sewer system, and partial blockages or roots in your lateral make it worse. A camera inspection shows which, and a backwater valve can protect the basement.
Are store-bought drain chemicals a good idea?
We would rather you did not. Caustic bottles eat at old pipe and burn whoever opens the trap next. Reach for a plunger or a hand snake on small clogs instead.
What lifespan should I expect from a water heater?
A conventional tank often lasts around 10 to 15 years, less with heavy sediment. Tankless units can last longer with yearly descaling.
How can I tell if the tank is a rental?
Rentals are common in this province. A monthly line on the gas bill, or a company label stuck to the tank, gives it away. Read the agreement before any swap.
Does Mississauga water need a softener?
The city's Lake Ontario supply is moderately hard. Plenty of households never bother with one. Owners of tankless heaters and glass showers more often do.
Do I need a permit for a backwater valve?
Generally yes. Installing a mainline backwater valve usually needs a plumbing permit and inspection. The city has offered subsidy programs for flood protection; check the current terms.
What is Poly-B and should I replace it?
Poly-B is grey polybutylene supply pipe installed in some Mississauga homes from roughly 1978 and the mid-1990s. Its fittings can fail, and some insurers ask about it. Replacing it is often recommended.
Can you work in my condo?
Yes. Some condo corporations require notice or proof of insurance before work, so check with your property manager when you book.
Do you give written quotes?
Yes, after we have seen the problem and before any work starts. The final job record matches what was agreed.