Question 1

How do I know if my house has polybutylene pipes that need replacing?

Accepted Answer

Polybutylene pipes were commonly installed in homes from the 1970s to mid-1990s and are prone to failure, making identification and replacement important for preventing costly water damage.

Polybutylene pipes are typically gray or blue plastic pipes about 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter. You'll most commonly find them in your basement, crawl space, or utility areas where the main water lines run. Look for plastic pipes with "PB" stamped on them, often followed by numbers like "2110" or "2400." The pi

Question 2

How do I know if my main sewer line is clogged versus just one drain?

Accepted Answer

Multiple drains backing up simultaneously is the key indicator of a main sewer line clog, while a single slow or blocked drain typically indicates a localized blockage in that specific fixture's drain line.

When your main sewer line is clogged, you'll notice water backing up in multiple locations at once - especially lower-level drains like basement floor drains, laundry sinks, or the lowest bathroom. A telltale sign is when you flush an upstairs toilet and water appears in your basement shower

Question 3

How do I know if my toilet wax ring needs replacing?

Accepted Answer

A failing wax ring will typically show clear warning signs, with water pooling around the toilet base being the most obvious indicator. You'll want to address this quickly since a bad wax ring can cause serious water damage to your subfloor and create unsanitary conditions.

Water around the toilet base is the primary red flag - if you notice water appearing after flushing or find dampness that keeps returning even after cleaning, your wax ring is likely compromised. The water may be clear (from

Question 4

How do I winterize my outdoor faucets?

Accepted Answer

Shut off the water supply to your outdoor faucets from inside your home and drain all remaining water to prevent freeze damage. This simple process can save you hundreds of dollars in burst pipe repairs during Ottawa's harsh winters.

Start by locating the shut-off valve for each outdoor faucet inside your basement or crawl space. Turn these valves clockwise to close them completely. Next, go outside and open each outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water from the pipes. Leave the outdoor fauc

Question 5

How do I find the main water shut-off valve in my house?

Accepted Answer

The main water shut-off valve is typically located where the water line enters your home from the street, usually in the basement near the foundation wall facing the street.

In most Ottawa homes, you'll find the main shut-off valve in the basement along the front foundation wall, close to where the water meter is installed. Look for a wheel-style valve (gate valve) or a lever-style valve (ball valve) on the main water line coming through the foundation. The water line is usually a larger pipe,

Question 6

How can I tell how old my plumbing is?

Accepted Answer

You can determine your plumbing's age by examining the pipe materials, checking installation dates, and looking at your home's construction history.

The easiest way to assess your plumbing age is to look at exposed pipes in your basement, crawl space, or utility areas. Galvanized steel pipes (gray, magnetic metal) were common from the 1930s-1960s and typically last 40-70 years. Copper pipes dominated from the 1960s-2000s and can last 50-70 years, though they may show green corrosion or pinhole

How-To Guides

How do I know if my house has polybutylene pipes that need replacing?

How do I know if my main sewer line is clogged versus just one drain?

How do I know if my toilet wax ring needs replacing?

How do I winterize my outdoor faucets?

How do I find the main water shut-off valve in my house?

How can I tell how old my plumbing is?

Plumbing Problems?
We're Here to Help.

How-To Guides

How do I know if my house has polybutylene pipes that need replacing?

How do I know if my main sewer line is clogged versus just one drain?

How do I know if my toilet wax ring needs replacing?

How do I winterize my outdoor faucets?

How do I find the main water shut-off valve in my house?

How can I tell how old my plumbing is?

Plumbing Problems?We're Here to Help.

Plumbing Problems?
We're Here to Help.