Frequently Asked Questions

Drain cleaning in Ottawa typically costs $150-$400 depending on the type of drain and severity of the clog. Kitchen and bathroom drains are on the lower end, while main line cleaning costs more. Ask for the price in writing before work starts - a plumber should quote the job, not surprise you after.

Most drains benefit from professional cleaning every 1-2 years as preventive maintenance. If you experience slow drains, frequent clogs, or gurgling sounds, schedule a cleaning sooner. Regular maintenance prevents major blockages.

Common causes include: grease buildup in kitchen drains, hair and soap scum in bathroom drains, tree root intrusion in main lines, flushing inappropriate items, and old pipes with buildup. A camera inspection can identify the specific cause.

Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to thoroughly clean pipe walls and remove all debris, while snaking breaks through clogs. Hydro-jetting is more thorough but costs more ($300-$600 vs $150-$250). It is generally the better choice for recurring clogs and main lines.

Water heater replacement in Ottawa costs $1,500-$4,500 including installation. Standard 50-gallon tank heaters are $1,500-$2,500, while tankless units cost $3,000-$4,500. A quote should say whether the permit and TSSA inspection are included - ask if it is not spelled out.

Tank water heaters typically last 10-15 years, while tankless units can last 20+ years with proper maintenance. Signs of failure include: rusty water, rumbling noises, leaks, or insufficient hot water.

Tankless heaters provide endless hot water and last longer, but cost more upfront ($3,000-$4,500 vs $1,500-$2,500). They're ideal for larger families or high hot water usage. Standard tanks work well for most households.

Rumbling, popping, or banging noises usually indicate sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. Annual flushing prevents this. Loud noises in older heaters may indicate it's time for replacement.

Yes, water heater installation in Ontario requires a permit and TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) inspection for gas units or ESA inspection for electric units. Pulling the permit and booking the inspection is the plumber's job, not the homeowner's.

Pipe repairs in Ottawa range from $200-$800 for minor repairs to $3,000-$8,000 for full repiping. A single leak repair typically costs $200-$500. An exact quote needs the plumber to see the situation first.

Galvanized pipes were common before the 1970s and corrode internally over time, causing low water pressure and rusty water. If you have galvanized supply lines, replacement with copper or PEX is the usual recommendation for improved water quality and pressure.

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is modern flexible plastic piping that's resistant to freezing, corrosion, and scale buildup. It's quicker to install than copper, equally durable, and more affordable for repiping projects.

Prevent frozen pipes by: insulating exposed pipes in cold areas, keeping cabinet doors open during cold snaps, letting faucets drip during extreme cold, and maintaining heat in your home. Call immediately if you suspect frozen pipes.

Low water pressure can be caused by: corroded galvanized pipes, partially closed valves, municipal supply issues, mineral buildup in pipes, or a failing pressure regulator. A plumber can diagnose which of these it is before quoting a fix.

Sewer line repairs in Ottawa range from $500 for minor issues to $3,000-$10,000 for major repairs or replacement. Trenchless repair methods (pipe lining) cost $3,000-$6,000 and avoid excavation.

Common causes include: tree root intrusion, collapsed or cracked pipes (especially old clay pipes), grease buildup, ground shifting, and blockages from debris. A camera inspection reveals the specific issue.

A sewer camera inspection uses a waterproof camera on a flexible cable to visually inspect your sewer line. It identifies cracks, root intrusion, blockages, and pipe condition. Inspections cost $200-$400 and are included with major repairs.

A backwater valve prevents sewage from backing up into your basement during heavy rains or city sewer overload. Installation costs $2,500-$4,500. Ottawa offers rebates of up to $2,000 for backwater valve installation.

Warning signs include: multiple drains clogging at once, gurgling sounds from drains, sewage smells, wet spots in your yard, or sewage backup in the basement. Multiple symptoms indicate main line issues.

Toilet installation in Ottawa costs $300-$600 including the toilet and labor. High-efficiency or specialty toilets cost more. Removal of the old toilet and proper sealing should be included in the quoted price - confirm that it is.

A running toilet is usually caused by a worn flapper, faulty fill valve, or float adjustment issues. These repairs typically cost $100-$200. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons per day, so prompt repair saves money.

Faucet installation costs $150-$300 for the labor, plus the faucet itself. Plumbers matched here install bathroom and kitchen faucets of all types. Supply line replacement is often recommended with new faucets.

Water at the toilet base usually means a failed wax ring seal. This should be fixed promptly to prevent floor damage. Repair costs $150-$250 and involves removing the toilet to replace the seal.

Send the request and say it is urgent - it goes straight to Ottawa plumbers, and some take after-hours calls for burst pipes, major leaks, sewer backups and no hot water. Emergency rates usually apply. If a pipe has burst, shut off the main water valve first.

Immediately shut off the main water valve (usually near the water meter). Then call us for emergency service. If water is near electrical, also shut off power. Start removing water with towels or a wet vac while waiting.

Emergencies include: burst pipes, major leaks, sewer backup, no water to the home, gas smell, or overflowing fixtures that can't be stopped. Slow drains and minor leaks can usually wait for regular service.

Your main water shut-off is usually near the water meter in the basement, often at the front of the house. Turn the valve clockwise to close it. If your valve is stuck, don't force it - call us immediately.

In Ontario, permits are required for: water heater installation, new plumbing fixtures, drain line modifications, water line replacement, and backwater valve installation. Minor repairs like fixing leaks don't require permits.

The plumber does. Pulling the required permits and scheduling inspections is part of the job in Ontario, and it is normally included in the quoted price - you should not have to file permit applications yourself.

The plumber who did the work is responsible for correcting it and booking the re-inspection. Get that in writing before work starts, so there is no argument about who pays for a re-inspection.

Yes. This site is free for homeowners: you describe the job once and it goes to Ottawa plumbers, who quote at no cost and with no obligation. You pay the plumber you choose, never this site.

Most work is quoted by the job so you know the cost upfront. Small repairs are often hourly ($85-$125/hour). Ask whether the quote includes permits, materials and inspections.

You pay the plumber directly, on the terms the two of you agree - this site never handles payment. Large projects are often structured with a deposit and a final payment.

No. Ottawa Pro Plumbing is a free matching service, not a plumbing contractor, so it holds no licence or insurance of its own - the work is done by the plumber you hire. Ask any plumber who quotes you for their licence number and a WSIB clearance certificate.

Requests are matched with plumbers across Ottawa and the surrounding areas, including Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven, Nepean, Gloucester, Stittsville, Manotick, Riverside South, and more. Generally within 40km of downtown Ottawa.

Fill out the form on this site to request a quote. It goes to Ottawa plumbers, who contact you directly to arrange a time.

The plumber you hire is responsible for the workmanship. Get the warranty in writing before work starts, and make sure the job passes the required inspection.