Drawer menu
When a plumbing issue crops up, it can be tempting to grab a wrench, fire up YouTube and give it a go. After all, homeowners often think they can save money by sidestepping a call to the plumber. But the truth is, some plumbing problems are just too nasty to DIY - especially the ones that involve hidden systems, pipes, fixtures and pressurized water lines.
Messing around with the wrong plumbing fix can lead to a world of trouble - flooding, electrical hazards, major structural issues and even insurance nightmares. And to make matters worse, DIY mishaps can actually make things worse, introducing new leaks, busted fittings or contaminated water lines into the mix. Next thing you know, you've got a pro plumber coming in to undo the damage, plus fix the original problem.
In this guide, you'll get the lowdown on the essential plumbing jobs that are best left to the professionals, why certain tasks require specialist skills, how to avoid water damage and when to contact the cavalry for reliable, safe and long-lasting results.
Modern plumbing might look simple at first glance but, trust us, it's a whole lot more complicated behind the scenes. When water, pressure and dodgy old pipes come into play, the risks go through the roof. And before you know it, you've got municipal regulations, pressure systems and sewage handling to worry about - that's when the stakes get really high.
Some repairs are harmless enough, like using baking soda and vinegar to de-gunk a drain. But others - like a plumbing leak, a leaking water heater or a burst pipe repair - can leave you with a ruined basement floor, a trashed sink or contaminated supply lines - the list goes on, including issues with a bathtub drain .
That's why plumbing safety is so crucial. And it's why pros spend years honing their skills, practicing extreme caution and arming themselves with the right gear for the job - whether it's for tight spaces, unpredictable leaks or high-pressure systems.
A burst pipe or a pinhole leak can unleash dozens of litres of water in no time - or even quicker than that. Often they happen behind walls or under floors, so you don't even know about it until water stains appear or a frosty snap causes the pipe to bust.
DIY repairs almost always involve some dodgy makeshift solution - like tape, sealants or unapproved clamps - but these are only temporary fixes at best. They don't replace the shoddy pipe with a proper new one, nor do they account for hidden damage in neighbouring pipes.
Track down the source of the leak
Switch off the valve
Rip out the damaged bit
Pop in a new pipe with proper soldering
Test the pressure
Double-check for any extra leaks
Give nearby fittings the once-over
Don't even think about trying to DIY this one - you'll be facing mould, structural damage and more water damage that can occur n you know what to do with.
A leaking water heater is a plumbing emergency the minute it happens. Whether it's the tank, connectors or pressure relief valve that's going haywire, you need to shut off the water supply pronto and call in a plumber.
Tank failure
Scalding hot water
Unpredictable pressure buildups
Flooding
Electrical hazards
And if the thermostat goes, heat levels go through the roof. If the pressure relief valve starts malfunctioning, the tank becomes a ticking time bomb. And if the leak makes it down to your basement floor, you're looking at long-term water damage, contamination, and faulty installation.
You shouldn't even think about trying to replace or service a water heater yourself - especially since especially since improper handling of toilets can void warranties or insurance claims.
A simple clogged toilet or drain is manageable when it's just hair, soap, or food particles in the way, making it easier to unclog. But when sewage gets involved, you're in way over your head.
Water backing up into your bathtub or sink drains
Gurgling toilets
Slow drain problems popping up all round the house
Unpleasant odours coming from your drain lines
Repeated clogs in your fixtures
Often the blockage is deep down the line - past the reach of your household drain snake - or caused by something that's not even part of the plumbing system - tree roots, say. DIY attempts almost always make things worse - either by pushing the clog further down the line or making it even harder to fix.
A pro, on the other hand, has the right gear - high-powered equipment, safe augers and inspection cameras - to fix the root problem without even damaging the system.
Your bathtub and showers rely on a series of complicated drainage and pressure systems working together in harmony. A blocked bathtub drain, broken fittings or malfunctioning valve can quickly turn into a disaster waiting to happen.
Hidden leaks behind cabinet doors
Cracked traps
Rusted fittings
Shaky pipes
Buildup in the drainlines
Incorrectly installed fixtures.
DIY fixes often fall flat because homeowners can't get to the space behind the tub wall. A plumber, on the other hand, can safely dismantle fixtures, remove dirt or debris, and repair internal systems without making things worse by causing another leak.
A dripping faucet may seem pretty straightforward, but these days modern faucets have all sorts of delicate bits and bobs in them - cartridges, o-rings, washers, and internal fittings that require some special tools and a bit of know-how.
Internal leaks
Damaged valves
Broken handles
Misaligned seals
Sinks are even riskier because they're hooked up to supply hoses and valves, as well as a sensitive trap. You can easily damage the surrounding pipes by cross-threading a connection or over-tightening a fitting.
When you replace a faucet or valve, a professional plumber will ensure proper sealing, alignment, pressure-balancing, and plumbing safety.
Anything done to sewage is totally unsuitable for DIY, because contaminated water can spread all sorts of nasty bacteria, parasites, toxic gases, and other debris. Do one thing wrong, and you can end up pushing sewage into living spaces - creating some pretty extreme health hazards and structural problems.
Locate the blockage
Evaluate broken pipes
Handle backups safely
Prevent cross-contamination
Follow regulations and building codes
Don't even think about trying to access or clear out sewage lines yourself, no matter how simple it might seem.
Ontario winters see their fair share of freezing-in exposed pipes, outdoor hose bibs, crawlspaces, and basements. Once your pipes have frozen, they're at high risk of bursting.
DIY thawing methods - like using a space heater or blowtorch - can end up causing fires or melting fittings.
A pro plumber will safely warm up, repair, or replace damaged pipes, and ensure the system stays in good working order.
Your shower relies on a delicate balance of hot water, heat control, and pressure management. The internal cartridge is a pretty complex bit of kit and varies from one brand to the next.
Broken wall tiles
Misaligned valve stems
Cross-threaded connections
Hidden leaks
Unbalanced pressure
A licensed plumber will use the right tools to remove stuck cartridges, fit the correct components, and prevent long-term issues.
Installing new fixtures seems pretty easy, but actually connecting them to the existing system requires knowledge of :
Trap configurations
Venting
Proper valve alignment
Local regulations
Safe water supply connections
Get it wrong, and you could end up with ongoing leaks, mould, structural deterioration, and expensive future repairs down the line.
If there's plumbing hidden behind walls, under flooring, or in tight area,s you're best leaving it to the pros because:
Its harder to figure out where the source of plumbing leak problems are coming from
You might end up cutting into electrical lines
Misaligned pipes can lead to long-term water damage
Removing drywall exposes insulation, wiring and structural framing and can create a right old mess
A plumber has the know-how to locate the problem and make sure all hidden systems remain intact.
Leaks around your water heater
A clogged toilet that just won't clear
Several drains that clog at once
Your basement smells like sewage
The bathtub takes an age to drain
A fixture stops producing hot water
A pipe is hissing, dripping or spraying away
There is noticeable water damage on walls or ceilings
These issues can pop up out of the blue, but some start quietly and get progressively worse over time.
A plumber isn't just about fixing the issue - they protect your home and keep it safe and functional.
You get to avoid water damage
Compliance with Canadian regulations
Safe installation
Properly soldered joints
Accurate diagnostics
The right replacement parts
Correct pressure settings
Efficient service
Verified maintenance
A certified plumber also ensures your system is safe in the long run, prevents future problems, and keeps your home protected under your insurance policy.
Keep cabinet doors open during winter so warm air can get to pipes
Use baking soda now and then to reduce minor sink buildup
Do seasonal checks around water heater fittings
Watch out for early signs of leaks
Don't flush wipes or too much paper down the loo
Clean your drains now and then to prevent hair from building up
Avoid using chemical drain cleaners - they can damage old pipes
These little habits will help reduce emergencies and leave you with cleaner, safer fixtures.
Whether you're trying to unclog a toilet, deal with a leaking water heater, replace it, or clear a backed-up bath drain, there's just some plumbing work that should only be left to a trained pro. DIY Plumbing Fiascos Can Make A Mess - literally - much worse, resulting in even more leaks, broken fittings, sewage spills, and costly water damage. A pro plumber brings an entirely different level of expertise, that's honed through years of practice & safety know-how, the right tools for the job, & years of getting things just right, which ensures the job is done correctly, without delay, and without putting your home at risk, for example .
When in doubt, it's usually best to steer clear of the DIY option. By calling in a trusted local plumber as soon as you spot a problem, you can safeguard your home & make sure the plumbing system is kept in good nick, so you don't end up dealing with any more major headaches.
