Guides
The Reading Room: Plumbing Guides
Plain-language plumbing guides for GTA homeowners: what to do in an emergency, how to look after your system, and what to check before you buy.
- One number for homes and businesses
- Drains, sewers, heaters, leaks and fixtures
- Diagnosis before demolition
- Repairs tested before we pack up
Call nowor dial (365) 387-8531
Diagnosis first, tested after
- Licensed & insured: ask us
- Camera before cutting
- Water-tested repairs
- Booked by phone
Why we write these
Most plumbing damage is made worse by the minutes after something goes wrong, or by a small warning sign that went unnoticed for months. These guides are meant to shorten both. They are written for the GTA specifically, with its hard water, cold winters and old sewers in mind.
A guide is no substitute for a plumber when water is moving where it should not. In that case, call (365) 387-8531.
All guides
All guides
- The First Ten Minutes After a Pipe Lets GoA split supply line can dump water faster than any mop can follow. Plain notes from GTA Plumbing Company, or call (365) 387-8531 to talk it over.
- How to Find and Test Your Main Water Shut-OffEveryone old enough to be home alone ought to be able to close the main water valve. Track it down today, on a dry afternoon.
- A Room-by-Room Checklist for Keeping a Basement DryMost basement floods in the GTA trace back to a short list of causes. Work through this checklist before spring melt and storm season.
- Understanding Municipal Basement Flooding SubsidiesA number of GTA councils have put money toward protecting basements from flooding. Plain notes from GTA Plumbing Company, or call (365) 387-8531 to talk it…
- Eight Signs Your Water Heater Is Near the EndWater heaters seldom fail without warning. They give signals for months. Recognizing them lets you replace on your schedule, not in a puddle.
- The Things That Cause Most Kitchen and Bathroom ClogsA drain is built to carry water, body waste and toilet tissue. Feed it anything else and sooner or later a cable machine is pulling it back out.
- How Tree Roots Get into Sewer Laterals and What to DoTree roots seek water and nutrients, and a sewer lateral is a steady source. Once inside, they grow until the line chokes.
- Testing and Maintaining a Sump Pump Year-RoundA sump pump sits idle for weeks, then has to work perfectly in the middle of the night during a storm. A few minutes of maintenance makes that more likely.
- What to Check in the Plumbing Before Buying a Resale HomeOlder GTA houses have character and good bones, and sometimes very old plumbing. Here is what to look at before you firm up an offer.
- Condo Owner vs Corporation: Plumbing ResponsibilitiesIn an Ontario condo, some plumbing is yours and some belongs to the corporation. Knowing the difference saves arguments and money.
- Plumbing Permits in Ontario: When You Need OneSome plumbing work in Ontario needs a permit from your municipality. Knowing which saves trouble with inspections, insurance and resale.