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(365) 334-6254

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Markham plumbing questions, answered

These are the plumbing questions Markham homeowners ask us most: shut-off valves, frozen lines, water heater rentals, backflow, permits and drains. Not listed? Ring (365) 334-6254.

  • A plumber answers when you call
  • Clear price before any pipe is cut
  • Basements left as clean as we found them
Ring us at (365) 334-6254Call-only: a plumber picks up, no forms.
A hand wiping a bathroom mirror with a blue cloth
Tidying up before a tradesperson arrives

Before the questions

Plumbing problems feel urgent, and many of them are. Others can wait for morning. The answers below are general; every home is different, and when in doubt a quick phone call will help you decide.

Answers here are general guidance for Ontario homes. Rules, rebates and rental terms can change, so check current details with the City of Markham, your utility or your rental provider.

How the job runs, start to finish

  1. 1

    On the phone

    Explain what the water is doing and where. We ask the age of the house and which valve or breaker to shut while we drive over.

  2. 2

    Drop cloths down

    Floors and cabinets get covered, the water or gas is isolated and the work area is lit.

  3. 3

    Find the failed part

    We open the trap, cleanout, access panel or wall where the fault is, and show you what we found.

  4. 4

    Quote, then work

    We explain what failed and what the fix costs; no cutting starts until you say yes.

  5. 5

    Cut, fit, seal

    Old parts come out, new pipe, valves or fixtures go in, and joints are soldered, pressed, crimped or glued.

  6. 6

    Test and ticket

    We run water, pressure-test or fire the heater, check for drips, clean up and leave a written ticket of what was done.

The questions

Where is the main water shut-off in a Markham house?
Most often on the basement wall that faces the street, near the water meter. In some newer homes it is in a utility room or under the stairs.
A pipe just burst. What comes first?
Close the main valve first, kill the power to any soaked room if it's safe, and call us. Run a cold faucet at the lowest level to drain pressure.
Is my water heater rented or owned?
Scan your monthly gas or utility statement for a rental line item, or hunt for a rental company sticker on the tank. Rental terms vary, so read your contract before replacing a rented unit.
Roughly when will my storage tank heater quit?
Many tank heaters give roughly 10 to 15 years, with water hardness and maintenance. Rust at the base or rumbling noises are signs it is ageing.
Do I need a permit to add a basement bathroom in Markham?
Generally yes. Adding or altering drains usually requires a building permit and inspection from the City of Markham. Check with the city for current requirements.
Why does my sump pump run so frequently in spring?
Melting snow plus April showers push the water table up around your foundation. Frequent running is expected in that season, but nonstop cycling or a pump that never stops can mean a stuck float or undersized pump.
What is a backwater valve?
A valve on your main drain that snaps shut the moment sewage heads backward toward the home. It needs occasional cleaning and inspection to stay reliable.
Can I pour grease down the kitchen sink if I run hot water?
No. Grease cools and hardens further down the line. Wipe pans and put cooled fat in the garbage or green bin as your municipality directs.
Why is my water pressure suddenly low?
Common causes are a clogged aerator, a valve left half shut, a worn pressure-reducing valve or a leak. If only hot water is weak, the heater or its valves may be the cause.
What is poly-b and should I swap it out?
Poly-b is a grey plastic supply line found in some houses built from the late 1970s to the 1990s. It is known to fail at fittings, and some insurers ask about it, so many owners choose to replace it.
How do I stop outdoor taps from freezing?
Close the indoor shut-off for the hose bib in fall, let the outside tap drain open, then disconnect hoses.
Is there a fee for asking a question by phone?
No. Call and ask. Many questions are answered in a couple of minutes.
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