From Burst Pipes to Basement Flooding: Toronto’s Most Common Plumbing Emergencies

Wherever there are large volumes of water involved, there can be problems. Whether you live and work in a large urban setting or on an acreage far from the nearest town, if your home contains plumbing, you can expect to have a plumbing emergency at some point.

In the sprawling metropolis of Toronto, all measures are taken with new builds and city expansions to ensure that the plumbing is of the highest quality, and with the best materials on the market.

However, even these measures can be subject to the occasional problem, especially when you take into consideration the weather. Winter can be harsh on everything, and plumbing is no different. While older homes can be more at risk, no residence can escape the deep cold and its problems.

Then, there are the common things we do in our daily lives that can cause these disastrous situations—and we may not even realize that we contributed to the problem! So, what are these common issues, and how can we avoid them?

Canada’s Long Winters

It’s a harsh reality that many parts of Canada experience excruciatingly cold and difficult winters. This leads to many problems, such as keeping our homes warm and trying to commute to work.

While things on the surface are hard enough, the effects that winter has on the ground and below the surface can be just as treacherous.

Frozen pipes are one of the most common issues faced by all Canadians. When the temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius, we start to see frost and condensation building up on the pipes. If there is no insulation to protect them, the colder it gets, the more likely these pipes will freeze and burst.

When you purchase a new house, check to see if you have adequate insulation. Even if you have been in your home for many years, checking that the insulation is still in good shape will help stave off disaster.

Leaks in the Home

If you notice discolouration on the wallpaper or small puddles under sinks, you may have a leak somewhere.

When discovered early, these leaks can be easily repaired and may not require an emergency plumber in Toronto. If ignored, however, they can lead to bigger issues.

Unsightly as these water stains can be, they can also affect the structure of the house, causing the wooden frames to rot and fall apart. This makes certain areas of the home unsafe, especially if the problem is not discovered until it is too late.

Leaks are the main contributor to the growth of mould and mildew hidden in walls, ceilings, and crawl spaces. This can then lead to health issues affecting everyone in the home.

At the first sign of a water leak, take a closer look. If you can, fix it quickly, or call an emergency plumber in Toronto for more serious problems.

Clogged Pipes and Drains

Clogged pipes are often an irritant. Usually, it’s as simple as pulling out clumps of hair or plunging the toilet. These can be done with tools around the house.

However, drain cleaners and snakes can be used for larger, more stubborn clogs. If the clog is out of reach of the snake, then it’s time to call the professionals.

While hair and waste are often easily dealt with, one of the major causes of clogs is grease poured down the kitchen sink. The grease will solidify and slowly reduce the space in the pipe for water to flow through.

Such clogs, and the ones discovered further down the pipes, can result in the pipes bursting and flooding to occur.

Sewage Issues

Sewage problems are commonly discovered in the basement. If your basement is unfinished, it can be less devastating, but it is still something that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible for the health and safety of your family.

Sewage problems are usually the result of a failed sump pump or overflow from another pipe issue in the same neighbourhood backing up into your basement. The most common reason for sewage backing up, though, is what is being flushed down toilets and drains.

Things like napkins, diapers, sanitary products, and other items that should go into the garbage or recycling, will clog the pipes and eventually cause them to back up. In regards to sump pump malfunctions, age and incorrect installation are the common reasons for failure.

We recommend that your sump pump be properly installed by experts, and that your underground external pipes are checked once yearly for preventative maintenance.

The Water Heater

Your water heater works extremely hard in the winter to produce hot water on demand. Therefore, we recommend routine maintenance to ensure that the heater will continue operating as intended.

If the heater is older and should be replaced, there are heater-less options you can consider that are better for your wallet and the environment.

If your water heater fails and ruptures, then the damage caused by the sudden rush and flooding of water can be a lot higher than the maintenance or replacement options.

Call the Experts to Avoid Plumbing Emergencies

Most plumbing emergencies can be easily avoided with routine maintenance and care. Having certain tools on hand, like a plunger and plumbing tape, can help you fix the small issues and provide a temporary fix for the bigger ones until the professionals arrive.

However, when a big emergency occurs that could not have been foreseen, you should contact Drain King Plumbers for the quickest response. We can take care of routine and extraordinary plumbing issues with our expert plumbers.

So, if you need to fix a leaking tap, maintain or replace your water heater, or handle a sudden flooded basement, you can reach out to our emergency plumbers in Toronto. Just call us at 1-833-983-5663 or visit us online for a free quote.