Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest questions from Ottawa homeowners.
Does my insurer require water off in a vacant Ottawa house?
Your insurer almost certainly requires water shutoff in a vacant home — but the exact requirements depend on your specif...
What's the difference between a plumber and pipefitter?
Both plumbers and pipefitters work with pipe systems, but they serve very different industries and purposes. Plumbers f...
What toilet flange height suits an Ottawa tile floor?
The toilet flange should sit at or slightly above the finished floor surface — ideally between ¼ inch and ½ inch above t...
Does Ottawa require a backwater valve by code?
Backwater valves in Ottawa exist in an interesting regulatory space — there's no blanket Ontario Building Code requireme...
Is Ottawa tap water hard enough to need a softener?
Ottawa tap water is moderately hard, sitting in the range of 120–180 mg/L (parts per million), which is generally classi...
Should an old Ottawa cast iron stack be replaced?
Cast iron stacks in older Ottawa homes are a common concern, and the answer depends on the condition of your specific st...
Is an AAV allowed under the Ontario plumbing code?
AAVs (Air Admittance Valves) are permitted under the Ontario Building Code, but with specific conditions and limitations...
What flow rate do Ottawa fixtures need to work properly?
Most household fixtures in Ottawa work well with a flow rate (water pressure) of 40–80 PSI at the meter, with individual...
What is a dual flush toilet?
A dual flush toilet is a water-efficient toilet design that gives you two flushing options: a lower-volume flush for liq...
How do I test my water quality at home?
Testing your home water quality is a smart move, especially in Ottawa where older homes may have lead pipes or where wel...
Is a dripping faucet an emergency?
A dripping faucet is generally not a plumbing emergency, but it's also not something you should ignore indefinitely. It...
Why is my water heater making popping noises?
Popping noises from your water heater are almost always caused by sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank. Over time,...
Should I shut off water before going on vacation?
Yes, absolutely — shutting off your main water supply before leaving on vacation is one of the smartest things you can d...
How do I thaw frozen pipes safely?
Frozen pipes are a serious winter emergency in Ottawa, and acting quickly — but carefully — can prevent a burst pipe and...
How do I fix a leaky faucet?
A leaky faucet is one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face, and in many cases it's a manageable DIY repair...
What should I do if a radiator pipe bursts?
A burst radiator pipe is a plumbing emergency that requires immediate action to prevent serious water damage to your hom...
What causes white flakes in my hot water?
White flakes in your hot water are almost always caused by mineral scale breaking loose from the inside of your water he...
How do I stop a pipe from leaking temporarily?
A leaking pipe needs immediate attention to prevent water damage, but there are several temporary fixes that can buy you...
Should I have an air gap for my dishwasher?
Yes, an air gap is an important backflow prevention device that protects your drinking water supply from contaminated di...
Why is my basement floor drain gurgling?
A gurgling basement floor drain almost always means there's a venting or blockage issue somewhere in your drain system —...
Why do my pipes rattle when I flush the toilet?
Rattling pipes after flushing are almost always caused by a phenomenon called water hammer — the sudden pressure surge t...
What counts as a plumbing emergency in Ottawa?
A plumbing emergency is any situation where water, sewage, or gas poses an immediate risk to your home's structure, your...
Why does my bathtub faucet drip after I turn it off?
A dripping bathtub faucet is almost always caused by worn internal components that no longer create a watertight seal wh...
Why is my faucet dripping?
A dripping faucet is almost always caused by a worn or damaged internal component that's no longer creating a proper sea...
Is it safe to use SharkBite fittings for repairs?
SharkBite fittings are generally safe and code-compliant for most residential plumbing repairs in Ontario when installed...
Why does my toilet rock back and forth?
A rocking toilet is almost always caused by a loose or failed wax ring seal at the base, or loose floor bolts (called cl...
What's the most energy efficient water heater?
Tankless (on-demand) water heaters are generally the most energy-efficient option available today, using 20-40% less ene...
Are plumbing permits public record in Ottawa?
Yes, plumbing permits in Ottawa are generally public record. Building permits, including plumbing permits, are part of t...
Is reverse osmosis worth it for drinking water?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is genuinely one of the most effective home water filtration methods available, and for many Ottawa...
Is a hot water recirculating pump worth it?
A hot water recirculating pump is absolutely worth it for many Ottawa homeowners — it eliminates the wait for hot water...
Is it legal to do my own plumbing in Ontario?
In Ontario, homeowners are legally permitted to do some plumbing work on their own property, but there are important res...
How long does a water heater install take?
Most water heater installations take 2 to 4 hours for a straightforward tank replacement. If you're switching from a tan...
Is pipe relining a good option for old homes?
Pipe relining is an excellent option for many older Ottawa homes, and it's often the most cost-effective way to restore...
Is Ottawa tap water safe to drink?
Ottawa tap water is safe to drink. Ottawa's municipal water supply consistently meets or exceeds Health Canada's Guideli...
What plumbing work requires a permit in Ottawa?
Most plumbing work in Ottawa requires a permit, and this is one of the most important things homeowners need to understa...
What causes hard water and how do I fix it?
Hard water is caused by dissolved minerals — primarily calcium and magnesium — that accumulate as water passes through l...
What is the best toilet brand?
The "best" toilet brand depends on your priorities, but a few manufacturers consistently stand out for quality, reliabil...
Who pays for emergency plumbing in a rental?
In Ontario, who pays for emergency plumbing in a rental depends on the cause of the problem — not just whether you're a...
Can a clogged drain cause water damage?
Yes, a clogged drain can absolutely cause water damage — and it's one of the most common sources of home water damage th...
Should I get a plumbing inspection before buying?
Yes, absolutely — a plumbing inspection before buying a home is one of the smartest investments you can make. A standard...
What Ontario code applies to basement bathrooms?
Basement bathrooms in Ontario must comply with the Ontario Building Code (OBC) Part 7 (Plumbing) and Part 9 (Housing and...
How deep are sewer lines buried in Ottawa?
Sewer lines in Ottawa are typically buried between 8 to 12 feet deep, with the exact depth depending on your property's...
What questions should I ask before hiring a plumber?
Before hiring a plumber, focus on verifying their credentials, understanding the scope of work, and protecting yourself...
What is the white buildup on my fixtures?
The white buildup on your fixtures is mineral deposits, primarily calcium and magnesium from hard water. This chalky, cr...
Can a slow leak cause mold in my walls?
Yes, even a small, slow leak can absolutely cause mold growth in your walls. Mold only needs moisture and organic materi...
How much does a backwater valve cost in Ottawa?
A backwater valve installation in Ottawa typically costs $2,500 to $4,500, with most homeowners paying around $3,200 for...
What temperature should my water heater be set to?
Your water heater should be set to 60°C (140°F) for optimal safety and efficiency. This temperature kills harmful bacter...
Can a plumber fix a pipe inside a wall?
Yes, licensed plumbers can absolutely fix pipes inside walls, and they have several methods depending on the location an...
What is water hammer and how do I fix it?
Water hammer is that loud banging or knocking sound you hear in your pipes when you quickly shut off a faucet or when ap...
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off your main water valve immediately - this is located where the water line enters your home, typically in the bas...
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