Before anything else
- Shut the main valve for any active leak
- Leave the washer and shower idle if a floor drain is rising
- Do not pour chemical openers into a plugged line
- Call and describe the symptom in plain words
How this page works
The answers below are general guidance for homes in Pickering and the rest of Durham Region. Every house is different, so treat them as a starting point. For anything urgent, call (365) 334-6645.
Program details such as rebates, subsidies and water heater rental terms change over time. Where we mention them, check the current terms with the City of Pickering, the Region of Durham or your provider.
Questions callers ask
Where might my main water shut-off hide?
In most Pickering houses it is in the basement, mounted on the wall that faces the street, close to the water meter. In newer homes it may be inside a utility room or behind an access panel. Test it twice a year.
What should I do if a line bursts?
Close the main shut-off, turn off power to any wet area if the panel is safe to reach, drain the lines through the lowest tap in the house, and call a plumber.
Why do my pipes freeze when others on the street do not?
Usually because a supply line runs through an exterior wall, a garage, or a cold crawlspace, or because of a draft around the sill plate. Insulating and sealing the spot normally solves it.
When should a sump pump get tested?
At least once a year before spring thaw, and again before heavy fall rains. Fill the pit from a bucket until the float rises, then watch the pump kick on and drain it.
Is a backwater valve worth it?
For homes with a basement connected to a municipal sewer, a properly installed backwater valve can help stop sewage from flowing back in during heavy storms. It needs a permit and regular cleaning.
Should I rent or purchase my water heater?
Renting spreads the cost but can cost more over the life of the tank; buying costs more up front. Read the buyout and removal terms of any rental contract before deciding.
What service life does a tank water heater have?
Expect something like 8 to 12 years; water quality, upkeep and usage all move that number. The manufacture date is printed on the label or coded in the serial number.
Is Pickering's water hard?
Pickering's urban supply comes from Lake Ontario and is moderately hard. Scale builds up on fixtures and inside water heaters over time, and some households choose a softener.
Which plumbing jobs need a permit?
Jobs like adding a bathroom, rerouting drains or fitting a backwater valve call for a building permit from the City of Pickering. Simple fixture swaps usually do not. Ask before work starts.
Can you quote a price by phone?
We explain how a job is usually priced and what affects it, but we do not give firm prices for work we have not seen.
Do you work on wells and septic systems?
Well pumps, pressure tanks and the indoor plumbing of rural homes are all part of our work. Septic tank pumping and bed repairs are done by septic specialists.
What areas do you cover?
All of Pickering, its northern hamlets, and nearby communities such as Ajax, Whitby, Port Union and West Hill.