Frequently asked questions

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Well owners are responsible for testing and treating their own water, and issues like bacteria, iron, hardness, and sulphur are common in Ontario groundwater. A combination of testing, proper well maintenance, and appropriate treatment (such as softeners, iron filters, RO, and UV) can make well water safer and more pleasant to use.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A plumber typically uses specialized tools such as hand or motorized drain snakes to break up and remove clogs, and in some cases uses stronger equipment or jetting for tougher buildup. If there are signs of a deeper issue or recurring clogs, a camera inspection may be suggested to see what is happening further down the line.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Reverse osmosis forces water through a semipermeable membrane, removing many dissolved solids, metals, and contaminants to produce very clean drinking water. RO systems are excellent for improving taste and reducing substances like dissolved salts, some metals, and many other impurities at a dedicated tap.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.