Skip to content

Straight answers

Frequently asked plumbing questions

Oshawa homeowners ask us these again and again, so here they are, answered as briefly as we can manage.

  • Plain replies about clogs, tanks and laterals
  • First steps while you wait for us
  • How visits are booked and run
  • Still unsure? Call and ask a plumber
Call (365) 517-7959

Talk to a plumber now.
No forms, no waiting list.

  • Licensed & insured (details on request)
  • Phones answered 7 days a week
  • Oshawa & Durham Region
  • Upfront diagnosis before work
Black and white photo of a spanner lying on a dark workbench
A single spanner on the bench, sized for a fitting.

Booking and visits

Every visit is booked by telephone. We ask a few questions, explain what we expect to find, and arrange a time. You will hear about cost before any work begins.

Water and pipes

Most Oshawa houses have a main shut-off where the water service enters the basement, close to the meter. Test it twice a year so it turns freely when you need it. Pipes in outside walls, garages and crawlspaces are the usual freeze risks in January and February.

Water in Oshawa is supplied by the Region of Durham. Billing questions and water quality notices come from the Region, not from a plumber.

Drains and sewers

A single slow fixture usually means a local clog. A number of slow drains at once, or water rising from the basement floor drain, points to the main sewer line. Older streets with big trees are prone to root intrusion in clay laterals.

Heaters and appliances

Many Ontario houses rent their water heater. If yours is leased, the rental company is normally responsible for repairs, so read your agreement before calling anyone. Owned heaters we can repair or replace.

From our call log

How do I find my main shut-off valve?

Look where the water line comes through the basement wall or floor, usually near the meter. It is often a round handle or a lever.

What about drain chemicals from the hardware store?

Please skip them. They can harm older lines and makes the job risky for whoever opens the trap afterwards.

Is my water heater rented?

Check your utility statement or the tag on the tank. A rental company name or a monthly rental charge means it is rented.

What causes a basement floor drain to back up?

Usually a blockage in the main sewer, tree roots, or heavy storms overloading municipal sewers.

Do I require a permit for plumbing work?

Plenty of jobs that fit or move drains, such as a new bathroom, need a building permit from the Municipal of Oshawa. Check with the City for current requirements.

How can I stop pipes freezing?

Shut off and drain outdoor taps in autumn, keep heat on in every room, and open cabinet doors on outside walls during cold snaps.

Do you handle well and septic homes?

Yes, for plumbing inside the house on rural properties north of the city. Septic tank pumping is done by septic contractors.

How quickly can you come?

It depends on the day and the urgency. Call and we will give you an honest time.

Water on the floor right now?

Turn the main shut-off clockwise and ring (365) 517-7959.

Call (365) 517-7959
Call (365) 517-7959