Frequently asked questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! 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.

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.

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.

Replacement is often recommended if the tank is leaking, the unit is near or past its expected lifespan, repairs would be costly, or performance problems keep returning. A plumber will compare the repair cost and likely remaining life of the unit against the benefits of installing a new, more efficient heater.

The water service pipe is the underground line that carries municipal water from the street or property line into your home. Typically, the city is responsible for the portion from the watermain to the property line, and the homeowner is responsible from the property line into the house.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Even a small, slow leak can cause hidden damage to drywall, insulation, flooring, and framing over time, and can lead to mould and higher water bills. Treating a leak early is almost always cheaper and safer than waiting until it turns into visible damage or a full pipe failure.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, Plumbing Nerds offers 24/7 emergency service for frozen and burst pipes in Simcoe County and nearby areas. Same‑day response is the goal so that water can be shut down, the affected lines can be secured, and further damage to walls, floors, and belongings can be minimized.

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.

Kitchen drains are often clogged by grease, oils, food scraps, and soap residue, while bathroom drains usually plug with hair, soap scum, and products. Laundry, floor, and utility drains can also clog from lint, debris, and sediment that gradually build up over time.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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, 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.

Common reasons include old or undersized piping, leaks, corrosion, low water pressure, or the presence of lead or other outdated materials. In older homes, replacing the private service line can improve flow, protect water quality, and prevent future breaks or costly emergency repairs.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hard water minerals can leave white or chalky scale on faucets, drains, and around sink bowls, and they can build up inside aerators and pipes, reducing flow. Over time, this buildup can contribute to clogs, staining, and more frequent maintenance for fixtures and appliances.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Low shower pressure is often caused by a clogged showerhead, mineral buildup from hard water, partially closed valves, or issues with the pressure regulator or supply lines. In some Ontario homes, hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium gradually narrow the openings in the showerhead and pipes, reducing flow.

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.

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.

Warning signs include unusual noises, constant running, failure to turn on, visible rust, vibration, or water rising in the pit without being pumped out. If your pump is more than 7–8 years old, has not been serviced, or struggles during heavy rain, it may be nearing the end of its life.

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.

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.

Replacement is usually considered when the pipe is severely cracked, collapsed, repeatedly invaded by roots, or has extensive sagging or corrosion that keeps causing problems. In those cases, installing new piping provides a longer‑term fix and helps prevent ongoing backups and property damage.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.