Frequently asked questions

Yes, when a municipality is replacing its side, it is often best for homeowners to replace the private side at the same time to fully modernize the line and minimize disruption. Plumbing Nerds can work with the homeowner’s schedule and municipal requirements so the private work is done in step with city‑side upgrades where applicable.

Regular maintenance such as flushing the tank to remove sediment, checking the anode rod, and ensuring proper temperature settings can extend the life of your heater. Pairing the system with water treatment in hard‑water areas also helps reduce mineral buildup and wear.

Depending on site conditions, the plumber may use traditional excavation or trenchless methods to install a new line from the property line into your home. The old pipe is disconnected, the new approved material (often copper or plastic rated for potable water) is installed, and connections are pressure‑tested and inspected.

Mineral deposits can accumulate inside pipes, on heating elements, and in valves, which can reduce water flow, increase energy use, and cause premature wear or failure. Water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and fixtures like faucets and showerheads typically need more frequent repair or replacement in hard‑water homes.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds provides emergency plumbing services across Simcoe County and surrounding areas, with the focus on helping local homeowners protect their properties. Where it makes sense, nearby York Region communities can also be served, depending on scheduling and distance.

Many homes in and around Simcoe County and York Region deal with hard water, iron staining, mineral scale, and, in rural areas, private well concerns like iron, manganese, or bacteria. These issues can cause white scale on fixtures, rusty stains in sinks and toilets, dry skin and hair, and shorter lifespans for water heaters and dishwashers.

A clogged toilet becomes an emergency when it is overflowing, when sewage is coming up, or when it is the only working toilet in the home. In those situations, it is best to shut off the toilet’s water supply valve and call for same‑day help to prevent water damage and unsanitary conditions.

Yes, ongoing moisture from a leaky pipe can promote mould growth in hidden spaces and gradually weaken building materials like drywall, subfloors, and framing. Prompt repair and proper drying of the affected area greatly reduce these risks and protect your home’s structure and indoor air quality.

A sump pump sits in a pit (basin) below your basement floor and automatically pumps water out and away from your home when the water level rises. It is a key line of defence against basement flooding, water damage, and potential mould or structural issues.

Yes! We stand behind the quality of our workmanship and offer a warranty on all repairs and installations. Please inquire with our team for specific details about the warranty coverage.

In areas like Simcoe County, where heavy rain, snowmelt, and higher water tables are common, sump pumps are often recommended to reduce basement flooding risk. Many Ontario insurers and local preparedness guides specifically highlight sump pumps as an important flood‑prevention measure.

Typical issues include no hot water, not enough hot water, water that is too hot, strange noises, discoloured or rusty water, and tank leaks. Many of these problems are linked to thermostat faults, failed heating elements or burners, sediment buildup, or ageing tanks.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds provides sewer camera inspections to look inside your main line and identify issues such as clogs, roots, cracks, or low spots in the pipe. This helps confirm what is causing backups and allows more accurate decisions about cleaning, repair, or replacement.

Water typically needs to be shut off for several hours while the old line is disconnected, the new line is installed, and all connections are tested. Your plumber will give you a time window and coordinate the shut‑off so you can plan around the work as comfortably as possible.

Yes, temperature swings are often related to mixing valve problems, water heater issues, or sediment buildup affecting hot water delivery. A plumber can test the valve, check the system, and recommend repair or replacement so you get stable, comfortable shower temperatures again.

A licensed plumber combines experience with tools such as moisture meters, inspection ports, and, when needed, specialized leak‑detection methods to pinpoint the problem area. The goal is to locate the leak as accurately as possible so only the necessary section of wall, ceiling, or floor is opened for repair.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds repairs dripping showerheads and leaking shower valves that waste water and can stain or damage tubs and tile. A licensed plumber can replace worn cartridges, seals, or components to restore proper shut‑off and water control.

Yes, frozen pipes often affect lines that run through unheated or poorly insulated areas such as exterior walls, crawl spaces, basements, or over garages. It is common for one bathroom, one line, or one section of the house to be affected while others still work normally.

Hydro jetting is ideal when you have recurring clogs, heavy grease buildup, or long sections of pipe that need a more thorough cleaning than a standard snake can provide. Snaking can punch a hole through a blockage, but hydro jetting cleans the full diameter of the pipe, which helps reduce the chance of the clog coming back quickly.

Yes, repeated overflows can damage flooring, baseboards, and ceilings below, and can introduce moisture that leads to mould or odours. If a clog is part of a deeper sewer issue, ignoring it can eventually lead to backups in other fixtures or lower‑level drains.

Softening adds a small amount of sodium proportional to the hardness removed; for many households this is still within commonly accepted ranges. Homeowners who are watching sodium intake often choose to soften the whole home but add a separate RO or filtered tap for drinking and cooking water.

Yes, properly chosen iron filtration and softening systems can reduce or remove iron and manganese that cause rusty‑brown or black staining and metallic taste. This helps protect fixtures, laundry, and appliances, and improves the overall look and taste of your water.

Hydro jetting is safe for most modern residential drain and sewer pipes when performed by a trained, licensed plumber who adjusts the pressure to match the pipe material and condition. Before jetting, the plumber will typically assess the line—and often recommend a camera inspection for older or questionable pipes—to avoid using high pressure on severely damaged or collapsed sections.

In some cases a hair dryer or small heater can help on an exposed pipe if used carefully, but there are real risks, including electrical hazards, overheating, and hidden sections of pipe that remain frozen. Because of those risks, it is often safer to shut off water and have a professional handle the thawing, especially if the pipe is inside a wall or ceiling.

A softener is designed to tackle hardness, not to disinfect or remove all possible contaminants, so it is about comfort and protection, not making unsafe water safe. Many homeowners pair a softener with filtration or reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink to improve taste and address specific drinking water concerns.

Plumbing Nerds offers residential sewer services, including inspection, cleaning, repair, and replacement, to homeowners in Simcoe County and nearby communities such as parts of York Region. The focus is on helping local households keep their main sewer lines flowing safely and reliably.

Plumbing Nerds charges a $96 service call to come to your home, inspect your drain issue, diagnose the cause, and provide a clear report with recommended solutions. This fee is fully waived when you choose Plumbing Nerds to complete the repair, so it goes toward fixing the problem instead of being an extra cost.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds installs new showerheads, controls, and valves, including replacements for older or faulty systems. A licensed plumber will ensure the new components are compatible, properly sealed, and meet current plumbing standards.

Filter and membrane replacement schedules depend on the system type, water quality, and household usage, but many pre‑filters are changed every 6–12 months and RO membranes every 2–3 years. Regular maintenance keeps the system effective and prevents pressure loss or bacterial growth in neglected cartridges.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds installs new water softeners and replaces older or undersized units in homes across Simcoe County and nearby York Region communities. A licensed, insured plumber will connect the softener correctly, set it up for local hardness levels, and ensure it regenerates and drains properly.

Low water pressure at a faucet is often caused by a clogged aerator, mineral buildup inside the faucet, partially closed shut‑off valves, or issues in the supply line. In some homes with hard water, scale buildup can restrict flow, and in other cases there may be a broader plumbing issue that needs professional diagnosis.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds can repair or replace sections of pipe that have cracked, split, or burst due to freezing. After the emergency is under control, a licensed plumber can recommend durable repair options that reduce the risk of the same issue happening again.

Yes, a failing sump pump during a storm or active basement flooding is treated as an emergency, with 24/7 support for homeowners. The priority is to protect your home by restoring pumping, managing water, and advising on next steps for cleanup and prevention.

Leaks under the sink commonly come from loose or worn drain connections, failing P‑traps, damaged supply lines, or leaking shut‑off valves. Left unchecked, these leaks can quietly damage cabinets, flooring, and stored items, and may lead to mould or wood rot.

Because hydro jetting cleans the full inside diameter of the pipe, the results typically last longer than a basic snaking, especially in lines that had heavy grease or sludge buildup. How long the benefits last depends on household habits and the pipe condition, but many homeowners see a noticeable reduction in clogs and slow drains after a thorough jetting.

If you suspect a pipe is frozen, turn off the water supply to that section or to the whole house if you are unsure where the problem is. Avoid turning on fixtures repeatedly or applying open flames, and contact a licensed plumber promptly so the pipe can be thawed safely and checked for damage.

Any active leak, signs of tank failure, scorching hot water, or the smell of gas near a gas heater should be treated as urgent. In those cases, turn off water and, for gas units, the gas supply if it is safe to do so, then contact a licensed plumber for same‑day service.

Hard water contains higher levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium, which leave mineral scale on fixtures, inside pipes, and in water‑using appliances. Over time, this buildup can reduce water pressure, shorten appliance life, leave spots on dishes and glass, and make soaps and detergents less effective.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds stands behind its work with a 100% satisfaction commitment on residential drain services. If there are any concerns after the service, the team will work with you to address them and ensure the drain is functioning properly and that you feel confident in the result.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds handles emergency leaks and burst pipes, including damage caused by freezing, aging pipes, and sudden failures. A licensed plumber will locate the source of the leak, stop the water, and recommend a repair or replacement option to protect your home from further damage.

Yes, even a slow drip can cause long‑term damage to cabinet bases and nearby materials, and can attract pests or cause musty odours. Fixing it early is usually simple and far less expensive than repairing water‑damaged cabinetry and flooring later.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds installs new kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and utility faucets for homeowners. A licensed plumber can remove the old fixture, ensure the connections are secure and up to code, and test the faucet to make sure there are no leaks before leaving.

A rocking toilet or active leak around the base is not always an emergency, but it should be treated as urgent because it can quickly damage subflooring. If water is spreading beyond the bathroom or you cannot stop the flow, shut off the supply valve and call for same‑day help.

A clogged drain becomes an emergency when water or waste is backing up into sinks, tubs, showers, floor drains, or toilets, or if there is a risk of flooding or sewage overflow. In those situations, it is important to shut off affected fixtures if possible and call for same‑day service to protect your home from water damage and contamination.

If the pipe is otherwise in good condition, a localized repair or section replacement is often enough. In areas where the piping is old, corroded, or has multiple issues, it may be more cost‑effective and reliable to replace a longer run, and your plumber will explain the pros and cons of each option.

A camera inspection is often recommended before hydro jetting, particularly for older homes or when there have been frequent backups. Seeing inside the pipe allows the plumber to confirm the type of buildup or obstruction present and to check for major damage so the jetting can be done safely and effectively.

Municipal water generally meets safety standards, but it can still contain chlorine, minerals, and trace contaminants that affect taste, odour, and scale buildup on fixtures and appliances. A home filtration system helps improve taste and clarity, reduce unwanted substances, and protect your plumbing and water‑using appliances.

Depending on what the camera or diagnosis shows, a plumber may use heavy‑duty augers or hydro jetting to clear blockages and wash debris out of the line. If the sewer pipe is damaged or collapsed, cleaning alone is not enough, and repair or replacement options will be discussed.

Plumbing Nerds repairs a wide range of common residential toilets and also installs new standard, comfort‑height, and water‑efficient models. A licensed plumber will ensure the toilet is properly set, sealed, and tested so there are no leaks or rocking after installation.

Yes, emergency sewer backups are a priority because they pose health and property risks. The team can clear blockages, assess the condition of your sewer line, and recommend any additional steps needed to prevent future backups.

Running out of hot water can be caused by a tank that is too small for your household, a failing element or burner, or heavy sediment buildup reducing the effective tank volume. Over time, Ontario’s hard water can deposit minerals in the bottom of the tank, insulating the water from the heat source and lowering performance.

A constantly running toilet is usually caused by a worn flapper, a faulty fill valve, or an improperly adjusted chain or float. This wastes a significant amount of water, so it is worth fixing quickly to reduce both water usage and utility costs.

Whole‑home (point‑of‑entry) systems treat all the water entering your house, typically targeting hardness, iron, or sediment. Drinking water (point‑of‑use) systems, such as under‑sink RO or carbon filters, focus on providing high‑quality water at one faucet for drinking and cooking.

Frequent toilet clogs are usually caused by too much toilet paper, wipes or hygiene products being flushed, or partial blockages stuck in the trap or drain line. In some homes, older or low‑quality toilets simply do not have enough flushing power, which makes clogs more likely even with normal use.

Simple habits go a long way: avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink, use drain strainers to catch hair and food particles, and never flush wipes, hygiene products, or other non‑flushable items. Regular professional maintenance and cleaning can also help keep lines clear, especially in homes that have had recurring issues in the past.

Common signs of frozen pipes include little or no water coming from a faucet, especially in colder areas of the home, or a toilet that will not refill after flushing. You might also notice frost on exposed pipes or unusually cold sections of wall or ceiling near plumbing runs.

Replacing an old, corroded, or undersized service pipe can significantly improve water flow and help stabilize pressure throughout the home. If the old line contained lead or other problematic materials, a new approved pipe also reduces the risk of those materials contributing to water quality issues.

If your faucet will not shut off, turn off the shut‑off valves under the sink or, if needed, the main water supply to the home. Once the water is safely off, call for service so a plumber can diagnose the cause, repair or replace the faucet, and restore normal operation.

For emergency calls, Plumbing Nerds aims to provide same‑day service and get a licensed plumber to your home as quickly as possible. Response time can vary with location and call volume, but the goal is always to limit water damage and restore your plumbing safely and promptly.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds installs and replaces water softeners, iron filters, reverse osmosis systems, and other residential water treatment equipment. A licensed plumber ensures the system is properly sized, correctly connected to your plumbing, and safely draining and operating as designed.

No problem! We offer 24/7 emergency services for commercial and residential plumbing. So, if you have a plumbing crisis in the middle of the night, on the weekend, or on a holiday, don’t hesitate to call us. All our plumbers are here for you whenever you need us.

A plumbing emergency is any issue that risks damaging your home or affecting your family’s safety, such as burst pipes, sewage backups, major leaks, overflowing toilets, or no water to the home. If water is spreading, sewage is present, or you cannot safely use your plumbing, it should be treated as an emergency.

Some sewer repairs require excavation, but in many cases options such as spot repairs, targeted digging, or modern methods can reduce how much of your yard is disturbed. A camera inspection and assessment allow the plumber to explain what is needed and how it will affect landscaping and hard surfaces.

Common signs include unexplained increases in your water bill, musty odours, damp spots on walls or ceilings, warm or cold patches on drywall, and the sound of water running when no fixtures are in use. In basements or crawl spaces, you may see pooled water, rust, or staining around pipe runs.

Signs you may benefit from a softener include white or chalky spots on fixtures and glassware, soap scum that is hard to clean, dry skin and hair, and appliances needing frequent descaling. If local hardness levels are in the hard or very hard range, a softener is often recommended to protect both plumbing and household investments.

Warning signs of a sewer problem include multiple fixtures draining slowly at once, gurgling sounds from toilets or drains, sewage smells in the home, or water backing up at a floor drain when you use plumbing elsewhere. If only one sink or shower is affected, it is often a local drain issue; if several are, the main sewer line may be involved.

Yes, a sewer backup is always an emergency because it involves wastewater, potential contamination, and a high risk of property damage. In these situations, homeowners should avoid using plumbing fixtures, keep people and pets away from affected areas, and call for same‑day professional help.

Data from local utilities and Ontario hardness charts show that many communities around Lake Simcoe and York Region fall into the “hard” or “very hard” category. That level of hardness is not a health concern, but it does significantly increase scale buildup in plumbing systems and on fixtures.

Typical sink issues include slow or clogged drains, leaky faucets, dripping or corroded drain assemblies, loose or leaking shut‑off valves, and low water pressure at the tap. In kitchens, grease and food buildup are major culprits, while in bathrooms hair, soap scum, and product residue often cause trouble.

A battery backup is strongly recommended because power outages often occur during the same storms that cause flooding. A backup system can keep your pump running for a period of time when the main power is out, reducing the risk of a flooded basement.

You likely need professional drain cleaning if you notice slow draining sinks or tubs, frequent clogs, gurgling sounds, or bad odours coming from your drains. These are signs that buildup, grease, hair, food waste, or even more serious issues like partial blockages in the main line are starting to develop and should be handled before they turn into a backup.

Banging or knocking noises when you turn the faucet on or off can be a sign of water hammer, loose pipes, or pressure issues in your plumbing system. This is something a licensed plumber should assess, because correcting it early can protect your pipes, valves, and fixtures from long‑term damage.

High‑efficiency toilets use less water per flush while still providing strong performance, helping to lower water bills and meet modern efficiency standards. Ontario’s building rules and local conservation programs generally encourage toilets that use 4.8 litres or less per flush in newer installations.

In kitchen drains, the most common causes are grease, oils, food scraps, and soap scum building up over time. In bathroom drains, hair, soap residue, and products like wipes or hygiene items often cause blockages, and in some homes tree roots or older piping can contribute to recurring clogs in the main line.

A licensed plumber uses safe, controlled methods such as specialized thawing equipment, gentle heat, and strategic opening of fixtures to relieve pressure. The focus is on warming the pipe gradually, avoiding fire hazards, and checking for cracks or leaks as the water starts flowing again.

Prevention usually includes improving insulation around vulnerable pipes, sealing drafts, keeping heat on in cold weather, and occasionally letting faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to keep water moving. In some cases rerouting lines, adding heat tape, or addressing problem areas in exterior walls can provide longer‑term protection.

A licensed plumber typically uses professional tools such as drain augers (snakes) or specialized equipment to break up and remove the blockage. If there is concern about deeper or recurring issues, a camera inspection can be used to see inside the line and identify whether there are root intrusions, pipe damage, or heavy buildup that needs more thorough cleaning.

Odours from a sink often come from decomposing food particles, grease, soap scum, or bacteria in the drain or trap. Persistent smells can also indicate partial blockages or venting issues, which a plumber can diagnose and clean professionally.

Many leaky faucets can be repaired by replacing internal components such as cartridges, O‑rings, or seals, especially if the faucet is in good overall condition. If the faucet is very old, corroded, or has multiple issues, your plumber may recommend replacement as a more reliable and cost‑effective option.

Routine maintenance typically involves keeping the brine tank filled with the right type of salt, checking settings, and occasionally inspecting the valves and resin for proper operation. Depending on water quality and usage, periodic professional check‑ups help ensure long‑term performance and can catch issues before they affect your plumbing.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds treats active leaks as a priority and aims to provide same‑day service for Simcoe County homeowners whenever possible. Addressing leaks quickly helps protect your home from water damage and reduces the risk of a small issue turning into a burst pipe or major repair.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds focuses exclusively on residential plumbing and can work on kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, tubs, showers, floor drains, laundry drains, and main house drains. Whether the problem is a single slow drain or a blockage affecting multiple fixtures, a licensed and insured plumber can diagnose where the issue is and recommend the best solution.

Transparency is a big thing for us here at Plumbing Nerds. We don’t want any surprises on your bill, so we’ll always provide you with an upfront quote before we provide any plumbing services. That way, you know exactly what to expect.

Some disturbance is usually necessary because the water service runs underground, often under lawns, gardens, or driveways. Plumbing Nerds will explain the proposed route, excavation points, and restoration expectations beforehand so you know what to expect.

Chemical cleaners rely on harsh formulations that can be tough on pipes, fixtures, and the environment, and they often only clear a small tunnel through the blockage. Hydro jetting uses only water under controlled pressure to remove buildup along the entire pipe interior, offering a more thorough and environmentally friendly solution without adding chemicals to your plumbing.

Despite the label, “flushable” wipes break down much more slowly than toilet paper and can easily snag in pipes and cause stubborn clogs. For the health of your drains and sewer line, it is safest to put wipes and similar products in the trash instead of flushing them.

Many standard tank‑style water heaters last about 8–12 years, depending on water quality, usage, and maintenance. In hard‑water areas, sediment buildup can shorten that lifespan if the tank is not flushed and maintained properly.

Prevention starts with habits: flush only human waste and toilet paper, keep wipes and hygiene products out of toilets, and avoid pouring grease or oil down sinks. Using strainers in sinks and tubs to catch hair and food, and scheduling professional cleaning if you have a history of clogs, can also greatly reduce problems.

Yes, water that is unexpectedly very hot can be a scalding hazard and may signal a thermostat or temperature‑pressure (T&P) relief valve issue. The thermostat should be checked and set around 49 °C (120 °F), and any safety valve concerns should be addressed by a professional.

Plumbing Nerds services and installs standard tank‑style water heaters and, where applicable, tankless units in residential homes. A licensed plumber can help you decide whether gas or electric, tank or tankless, is the best fit for your home’s hot water needs.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds provides same‑day service for drain emergencies, including completely blocked sinks, tubs, showers, or main drains backing up into the home. When a drain issue is urgent or causing water to back up, the goal is to get a licensed plumber to your Simcoe County home as quickly as possible to prevent damage.

Pipes can start leaking due to age, corrosion, shifting or movement in the home, high water pressure, freezing and thawing, or loose fittings and connections. Small pinhole leaks often begin inside the pipe wall and gradually worsen, which is why early detection and repair are so important.

Booking an appointment with our top-notch plumbers is simple! Just give us a call or request an appointment online. Our friendly customer service representatives are here to answer your questions and get you scheduled for a convenient appointment time.

Typical toilet issues include frequent clogs, constantly running toilets, weak or incomplete flushes, water leaking at the base, and tanks that refill very slowly or not at all. These problems often get worse over time, wasting water and increasing the risk of leaks or damage to flooring.

A dripping faucet is usually caused by worn internal parts like cartridges, washers, or seals, and over time that small drip can waste a lot of water and increase your utility bill. It is worth fixing promptly to stop the waste, prevent further wear on the faucet, and avoid possible staining or damage around the sink.

Low pressure at a sink often comes from a clogged aerator, mineral buildup inside the faucet, partially closed shut‑off valves, or issues in the supply line. Ontario’s hard water can leave mineral scale that gradually narrows small openings, reducing flow over time.

Slow‑draining showers are usually caused by hair, soap scum, and product buildup collecting in the drain over time. If several fixtures in the bathroom are draining slowly, the issue may be further down the line and not just at the shower drain itself.

A plunger is fine for an occasional, simple clog, but if plunging does not clear the blockage quickly or the toilet keeps clogging, it is time to call a professional. Repeated plunging can sometimes make a hidden blockage worse or push it deeper into the line, so persistent issues should be properly diagnosed.

Gas heaters generally recover faster and often have lower operating costs where natural gas is available, while electric units can be simpler to install and have no on‑site combustion. The best choice depends on utility rates, existing gas lines and venting, space, and your household’s hot water demand.

Yes, when clogs keep coming back or there are signs of a deeper problem, a camera inspection can be used to look inside the drain and sewer lines. This helps pinpoint issues like root intrusion, pipe sagging, cracks, or heavy buildup so that the solution addresses the actual cause, not just the symptom.