Frequently asked questions

If it is safe to do so, shut off the main water supply or the valve to the affected fixture, avoid using plumbing connected to the problem area, and keep people and pets away from any standing water or sewage. If there is a risk to electrical systems, avoid the area and wait for professional help.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

If you see water pooling around the tank, shut off the cold‑water supply to the heater and, if possible, turn off power or gas to the unit. Even small leaks can quickly worsen, so a prompt professional inspection is important to decide whether repair or replacement is needed.

Yes, if odours are caused by organic buildup, grease, and debris coating the inside of the pipes, hydro jetting can often help by washing that material away. If the smell is related to venting issues or damaged pipes, the plumber will identify that during diagnosis and suggest the appropriate repairs.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services for homeowners across Simcoe County and nearby areas. Help is available any time of day or night when you are dealing with urgent leaks, backups, or other serious plumbing issues.

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.

We know a plumbing emergency can turn your day upside down, so we treat them like the heroes we are! Our goal is same-day service whenever possible. We’ll get on the phone with you right away to assess the situation and get a licensed Toronto plumber to your door as quickly as we can.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds repairs and replaces outdoor faucets and hose bibs, including frost‑free models. Outdoor taps that drip, leak inside the wall, or freeze and burst can lead to water damage, so it is important to have them checked and repaired properly.

Hydro jetting is a method of cleaning drains and sewer lines using a specialized hose and nozzle that sprays high‑pressure water to scrub the inside of the pipe. The pressurized water cuts through grease, sludge, scale, and minor tree root intrusions, flushing the debris out of the line to restore proper flow.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The right system depends on whether you want to improve taste and odour, reduce hardness, or address specific contaminants like iron, manganese, or bacteria. Testing your water and reviewing the results with a professional helps determine whether you need a softener, iron filter, reverse osmosis, carbon filter, UV system, or a combination.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

If you can safely access it, turn off the shut‑off valve to the affected fixture or the main water supply to the home to stop the leak from getting worse. Then call a licensed plumber so the leak can be located, assessed, and properly repaired before more damage occurs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A standard residential softener uses ion exchange to remove hardness minerals, swapping calcium and magnesium for a small amount of sodium or potassium. The result is “soft” water that greatly reduces scale buildup, improves soap and detergent performance, and is gentler on skin, hair, and laundry.

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.

Common residential sewer problems include main line clogs, tree root intrusion, damaged or sagging pipes, and backups caused by grease, wipes, and other debris building up over time. Heavy rain or overworked municipal systems can also contribute to occasional backups in some neighbourhoods.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds installs new sump pumps and pits to help protect basements from flooding. A licensed plumber will size the pump properly, set up the pit and discharge line, and test the system so it moves water away from your home effectively.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If only one sink or shower is slow or backing up, it is usually a local drain issue. When multiple fixtures in the home drain slowly at once, or when flushing a toilet causes water to back up in a tub or floor drain, it often points to a main sewer line problem.

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.

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.

Yes, a pipe can crack or burst because of the pressure created when water freezes and expands inside. Sometimes the damage only becomes obvious as the pipe thaws and water starts to leak, which is why it is important to have frozen pipes inspected and tested by a professional.

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.

The discharge line should send water safely outside and away from your foundation, not into a septic bed or sanitary sewer where it is restricted in many areas. Proper routing and freeze‑protection on the discharge line help prevent water from backing up or freezing in the pipe.

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.

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.

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.

Homeowners often run into low water pressure, fluctuating water temperature, clogged shower drains, dripping showerheads, and leaky shower valves. These issues usually get worse over time, so early repair helps avoid bigger problems like water damage or mould.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

In most Ontario municipalities, the property owner is responsible for the private‑side water service pipe from the property line into the building. The municipality owns and maintains the city‑side portion from the watermain to the property line and may have its own replacement programs or schedules.

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.

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.

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, if a leak suddenly becomes a burst pipe or major water flow, it is treated as a plumbing emergency with 24/7 availability. In those cases, the priority is to shut down the water, control the damage, and then complete a safe, lasting repair.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

Homeowners can help by avoiding flushing wipes and hygiene products, limiting grease and food waste down sinks, and scheduling periodic professional cleaning and inspections if backups have occurred before. Keeping an eye on slow drains, odours, or wet spots on the lawn near the sewer path can also catch issues earlier.

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.

A slow‑draining sink is usually caused by debris, hair, grease, soap scum, or food particles accumulating in the drain, trap, or further down the line. If more than one sink or nearby fixture is slow, it could signal a deeper drain or sewer issue that needs professional attention.

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, 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.

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

Water pooling at the base can indicate a failing wax ring, loose bolts, or a crack in the toilet base, and it should be addressed promptly. If left alone, this kind of leak can damage flooring, cause odours, and lead to mould or rot around the toilet area.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds repairs existing sinks and can also replace damaged or outdated kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and utility sinks. A licensed plumber ensures the new sink, drain assembly, and faucet are properly installed, sealed, and tested for leaks.

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.

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.

By reducing scale, a softener helps appliances run more efficiently, extends their lifespan, and can lower energy usage for water heating. You also tend to use less soap, shampoo, and detergent, and you spend less time and money dealing with stained fixtures and clogged showerheads or aerators.

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.