You’re standing in a puddle of water near your sink. The pipes underneath have leaked, and you’re ready to pull your hair out in frustration.

What do you do?

If your first thought says “call a plumber”, you’ re on the right track, but don’t get just anybody.

Plumbers come with a variety of titles including licensed plumbers, journeyman plumbers, and maintenance plumbers.

To ensure you get the best guy for the job, you need to call a master plumber.

Why? Well, that’s what this article’s all about.

They Are the Best of the Best

Master plumbers have been in the business for years. They’ve put in time and energy to get to the top of their field.

Just to be an apprentice plumber takes 4-5 years. After an apprenticeship, plumbers earn the rank of journeyman, train with a master plumber for another 5 years, then have the option of becoming masters themselves.

All told, that’s ten years of rigorous education and practical experience.

By the end of the mastery process, a skilled plumber will have faced nearly every type of situation imaginable.

What does that mean for you?

It means when you call a master plumber, you get the best of the best, someone who knows what they’re doing and can fix your plumbing problem fast.

You Get the Most for Your Money

That’s what counts the most, right? On average plumbers charge between $45 and $150 per hour, depending on the job and location.

It sounds like a lot, but it’s worth it when you call a master. They can repair your pipes the right way.

Even common issues require a plumber with expert knowledge to fix correctly. Don’t do it yourself just to save a buck. You could worsen a simple problem.

Without an expert-level plumber, you risk water damage to your home and the nasty friends that come with it: mold and poor air quality.

The cleanup alone would be a nightmare–the ruined carpets and furniture too–but you would take the biggest hit–right in the bank account.

Save yourself the aggravation and hire an expert.

Where to Find a Master Plumber

You know why you need to hire a master: they have the best training and firsthand experience; they’ve seen every plumbing situation you can imagine.

You know why your wallet will thank you: doing it yourself or paying for a cheap fix will cost you more money and frustration down the line.

But where can you find highly qualified professional plumbers near you?

We can help you there.

Check out our plumber locator to find expert plumbers in the Toronto area.

Got questions?

Head over to our blog for more tips and common problems. If you have some knowledge to share, leave a comment and get the conversation started.

We can’t wait to hear from you.

Buying a home is one of the most important and costly investment most people make in a lifetime. But home maintenance is an often overlooked cost that can add up to tens of thousands a year. This makes it important to know when you do and don’t need to call a plumber.

No homeowner wants to open up the checkbook when they don’t need to. Between taxes, repairs, and mortgage payments, the cost of homeownership can keep an owner underwater.

While it may be smart to be careful with spending, you also need to know when taking the time to call a plumber can save money. Rather than letting a problem get out of hand, get on the phone if you see any of these 5 signs that it’s time to seek professional help.

1. Low Water Pressure

Low pressure can be caused by a number of factors, some serious and some not so serious.

You could have obstructions in your water lines caused by rust or debris. It could start at the meter and collect throughout your line, all the way up to where your faucets are.

If you get your water from a well, you could have chronic pressure issues. There could also be issues with the design of your water supply. Your plumber will know the best way to assess and treat the problem so you get the ideal amount of water pressure.

2. No Hot Water

Running out of hot water when you’re all lathered up and running late for work is the worst feeling. Sometimes this problem is sort of obvious. Other times, it’s a little more complicated.

If you have an electric tank, your heating element could be faulty. Check your circuit breakers and make sure that you don’t need to simply flip a switch or change a fuse.

For people with a gas tank, things are a little trickier. You could have a leak in your line or in your tank. Call a plumber and don’t mess with something that feels out of your pay grade.

3. Sewer Line Stoppage

This is one of the most stressful and difficult issues for a new homeowner. If you’re having issues with your sewer line, you’re dealing with a disgusting and also toxic mess. You’re going to need a pro for this one.

A plug or blockage in your line could be caused by tree roots going through your line. A drain cleaning service will do a much better job than an amateur rooting around with a tool they’re learning to use as they’re digging into the ground.

Damaging your sewer will lead to even more headaches. Save yourself the aspirin and call a plumber.

4. Frozen Pipes

For people who live in rural areas or wintry cities, the concept of frozen pipes needs to be taken seriously. When ice freezes, it expands and the pressure caused by the ice could put undue stress on your pipes.

This could cause cracking or bursts that can cause damage to your home or property.

Hairdryers and heat guns are a quick solution but as most pipes sit against the wood frame of a home, you risk starting a fire. Some people will use propane torches, but you can imagine how much more dangerous this is.

Calling a professional for assistance is your best bet.

5. Water Line Damage

After the thaw of spring, you might see lots of damage to your water line. If you have an older home, you might see that kind of issues as well. Repairing it yourself could end up costing more than calling a pro if you make any mistakes.

Know When To Call A Plumber

Knowing when to search for a professional plumbing service is essential for any homeowner. Some small repairs can be made with a trip to the hardware store for a 50 cent part. But when the issue is bigger, it’s smart homeowning to call someone.

If you’re trying to figure out who to call in your area, contact us for tips on the best plumbers around.

A clogged drain is one of the most common household plumbing problems.

But what are the causes of blocked drains?

When it comes to clogged kitchen sink drains, grease is often to blame. In fact, 47% of sewer overflows in the US occur due to fat and oil buildups.

However, there are plenty of ways your shower drain can become clogged as well. And when it happens, it can cause problems for your entire household.

Let’s take a quick look at a few possible culprits of a clogged shower drain.

Hair

Though it’s unlikely you notice it, some of your hair makes it’s way down the drain every time you shower. In fact, it’s normal to lose up to 100 hairs per day.

Wet hair can easily stick to your pipes, and it will harden as it dries. Over time, this hair attaches itself to everything else that goes down the drain, including dead skin cells.

To avoid hair clogs in the future, buy a drain protector. This is a small filter that goes over your drain and prevents hair from building up in your pipes.

Soap Scum

Soap, shampoo, and conditioner help keep you clean and smelling good. However, they can eventually contribute to clogging your drain as well.

When you shower, soap residue gets washed down the drain, and some of it sticks to the sides of your pipes. If too much soap and shampoo residue build up, the opening becomes narrower. As a result, you’ll begin to notice your shower draining a lot slower than usual.

Hard Water

If your skin feels dry when you hop out of the shower, you may be dealing with hard water. Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Keep an eye out for other signs such as a pungent smell or bad taste.

Hard water has a bad habit of clogging up shower heads. But it can eventually clog your drain too. These mineral deposits build up gradually, similar to how plaque accumulates in an artery.

Consider getting a water softener to prevent this issue from occurring in the future. But don’t rely on over-the-counter drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes.

Trash and Debris

If you don’t have a drain protector, many items can fall down your shower drain. Anything from toothpaste caps to toys can get lodged in your pipes. Often times, this occurs when you don’t even notice it, especially if you have children.

Unclogging Your Shower Drain

You may feel tempted to try a DIY solution, such as pouring vinegar and baking soda down your drain. However, if there’s a serious clog or a broken pipe, the DIY approach won’t fix it. Neither will over-the-counter drain cleaners.

If you have a plunger lying around, give that a try. You can also use a pipe snake. But the most effective way to resolve the issue quickly and safely is to contact a professional.

Are you ready to hire a plumber for your home? If so, make sure to check out our list of essential questions to ask a plumber.

It’s 3 A.M. as you walk groggily into the bathroom. You shuffle in and lift the toilet lid. Everything is business as usual until a cold, wet sensation makes its way toward the base of the toilet.

Just like that, any feelings of exhaustion are gone, replaced by panic. Suddenly, water begins pooling around the toilet. Turns out the issue is a leaking toilet.

Fixing it can cost quite a bit of time and money, and professional plumbers will take some time to get out there.

How can a leaking toilet be avoided? Prevention. Here are a few ways to avoid disaster and keep toilets in top shape.

Research Your Home

Every homeowner should have at least a passing familiarity with the history of their home. While, yes, it certainly adds an element of charm, there’s a far smarter reason behind the research.

Knowing when a house was built and how often it’s maintained is a great way to determine whether or not the problem could be plumbing-related. Older homes, as one may expect, tend to experience more plumbing issues than newer homes.

Perhaps there’s nothing wrong with the toilet itself. It may be that the toilet is old and the pipes haven’t been replaced in decades.

Look For Water Stains From The Leaking Toilet

Sometimes a leak is easy to spot due to water stains. If stains are present, immediately turn off the water to prevent further damage to the home.

Should one hear that dreaded dripping noise, immediately search the area around the toilet for water stains. Aside from telling how recent and vast the damage is, stains can give a rough idea of where the leak is coming from.

Not all water damage comes from the pipes themselves. Sometimes, cracks in the toilet or an issue with the tank can result in leakage.

Replace The Wax Seal Surrounding Your Toilet

There’s a bit of good news and bad news when it comes to replacing a wax seal.

The good news is that replacing said seal is cost effective and should last between 20 to 30 years. The bad news is that replacing a wax seal without experience is extremely difficult.

It’s recommended that readers who need to replace their wax seal call a professional for assistance.

Perform Maintenance Regularly

The best way to prevent a leaking toilet is by performing maintenance on a regular basis. It doesn’t have to be too often, a few times a year should suffice.

Check and tighten any pipes that feel loose or wobbly. Ensure that the wax seal surrounding the toilet isn’t starting to break apart. Make sure any screws bolting the toilet down aren’t beginning to rust from water damage.

A little maintenance can prevent a whole lot of expenses in the long run.

Need Help Fixing A Leaking Toilet?

A leaky toilet is a nuisance, to say the least, and may even cause damage to the floorboards or tile around it. Be sure to keep a lookout for signs of leakage, and find a professional plumber should the toilet need repair.

It’s a position no one enjoys being in.

You come home from work and suddenly you find yourself standing in two inches of water in your bathroom. From leaking pipes to clogged drains, it’s time to call a plumber!

Keep reading for the top questions you should ask a plumber to ensure you have a great customer experience.

Questions to Ask A Plumber

Chances are you don’t know much about the inner workings of your plumbing, which is why you turn to a professional. You want the job done, but you want to make sure it’s done right.

How can you make sure you’re choosing the right plumber for the job? Let’s jump in.

1. “Are you licensed?”

Possibly one of the most important questions you should ask a plumber, this one should be the absolute first thing you inquire about.

There are plenty of plumbers who have no license whatsoever. If a plumber can’t provide their license information, steer clear.

Having a license means the plumber is properly vetted and trained. You wouldn’t want an untrained plumber installing equipment improperly which can pose a danger to you and your home.

Bonded and Insured

You should also ask whether they are bonded or insured. This is important as something could go wrong and it’s nice to know you are covered as much as possible.

Keep in mind, plumbers who are licensed may not be bonded or insured and vice versa. So be sure to ask!

2. “What Is Your Fee?”

Some plumbers work on a flat fee, while others may charge an hourly rate. Many times, it may seem cheaper to go for a plumber with an hourly rate, as it seems cheaper but take into account the job may take longer (read: Cost more) than expected.

You also need to ask what the total cost of the job will be, especially if new equipment needs to be installed. Does the quote given to you include materials and labor?

It’s best to ask a plumber about pricing up front so there are no surprises at the end. No one likes to be blindsided!

3. “Will You Be Doing The Work?”

When a plumber provides an estimate, that’s not a guarantee that same individual will be doing the work. Sometimes companies will subcontract the work out to another plumber and you, the customer are none the wiser.

To ensure you don’t end up with a stranger at your doorstep, ask a plumber this question before signing any contracts.

4. “Do You Clean Up Afterwards?”

It’s good practice to ask a plumber if they will clean up after the job is completed. Some plumbers may include this in their quote while others may not. A good plumber will leave your home in the best condition possible.

When you have a plumbing issue, the last thing you want is shoddy work or surprises. If you ask a plumber these four questions, you’re more likely to be satisfied with the results.

Let us help you find a reliable plumber today!