6 Common Plumbing Issues in North York Homes and How to Address Them

Located amongst some of the most beautiful green spaces, North York is a stunning place to live. With its rolling hills and historic areas, combined with modern elements, there really is no place like it.

Additionally, there is no shortage of things to do and varied cultures to experience. However, does living here come with extra plumbing issues? Fortunately, the plumbing problems experienced in North York are similar to those of other parts of Toronto.

While additional weather bursts, such as sudden heavy torrential downpours and extreme freezing conditions in the winter, make southern Ontario a unique weather system, there are common plumbing problems for many cities in the province, including the following.

1. Drain clogs

Organic matter is the main cause of clogs in most North York homes. Such blockages can occur in the kitchen, bathroom, and anywhere there is a sink and a drain.

This matter is made up of food waste, hair, oils, and grease, for example, and can result in costly repairs if the clogs are left untreated for too long.

For the smaller clogs, the most effective answer is to use a drain cleaner you can purchase from a store. Drain cleaners are designed to break down this organic matter and allow the water to flow freely again. 

If, however, the clog is further down the pipe or won’t dissolve easily with a store-bought product, then a professional North York plumber can come in and use a long snake to attempt to break it up and move it along.

2. Toilet blockages

Another common plumbing problem is a blocked toilet. Luckily, having a good plunger handy will fix such issues most of the time.

However, if you can still hear running water after attempting to fix the blockage, or the cistern seems to take forever to fill, it could be a mechanical issue inside the cistern itself.

The reason could be as simple as the chain being too long, or the flapper valve being worn and needing replacing. Such parts can be purchased from your local hardware store and come with easy-to-follow instructions. 

For any larger issues, you should call your local North York plumber to come and investigate.

3. Low water pressure

Enjoying a hot shower at the end of the day is a great feeling. Additionally, pressure washing the driveway or the external upstairs windows is often a necessary job and part of home ownership. 

If there is a leak or burst pipe somewhere in your home’s plumbing system, then you will be unable to accomplish such tasks.

Therefore, it is recommended to have all your plumbing inspected yearly to avoid issues like leaks or burst pipes. This is especially true if the house is older than 1980; in such a case, you can encounter lead pipes, which are another issue.

4. Water heater failure

Did you know your water heater needs maintenance just like any other appliance? Many people neglect such care, leading to the failure of this essential appliance. Fortunately, with regular maintenance, your water heater can keep going year after year.

The water heater should be inspected by a professional, both inside and out, to remove any debris and mineral deposits that can accumulate and block the attached pipes. This regular maintenance can make a world of difference.

5. Frozen pipes

Canadian winters are harsh. With the temperatures dropping well below freezing and lasting for days or weeks during the cold season, your plumbing system will undoubtedly be affected.

Proper insulation, combined with regular plumbing inspections, can prevent the pipes from freezing. This can also prevent your toilet from becoming blocked due to frozen water. 

When things begin to thaw in the winter or early spring, check your pipes to see if there is any condensation or slow dripping, as this can be the first sign of winter-related issues.

6. Sump pump issues

Located in the depths of the basement is the lowly sump pump—an unsung hero of the plumbing world. 

This pump works hard in the background, removing water from the basement level to the outside of the house. Its primary purpose is to remove water buildup from underneath the house.

So, you can imagine the destruction this can cause should the sump pump fail. Your basement can flood, leading to severe damage to your floor and furniture, as well as mould hazards.

With regular maintenance and additional checks after a heavy rain or snowfall, your sump pump can continue its essential work in the background without another thought.

Contact the Plumbing Professionals

When you purchase a home, you suddenly become responsible for more than just making sure the mortgage and utilities are paid on time. Regular maintenance needs to be performed to keep the home running the way it should. 

Most plumbing issues are small enough that, if dealt with the second they happen, you can get away with store-bought clog removers and hand tools, and then be done with it.

For the more complicated, deeper plumbing issues, working with the professional North York plumbers at Brothers Plumbing just makes sense. 

We have been looking after the plumbing of Toronto homes for over 50 years, so there is nothing that we cannot handle or haven’t seen before. With this wealth of experience, we can fix any plumbing issues quickly and efficiently, making sure they are repaired right the first time.

We have the tools to go deep into the pipes and make repairs on-site without having to constantly leave and come back. This way, we can fix any drips, leaks, and ruptures with minimal disturbance to you and your family.
Our emergency services and routine maintenance also allow you to schedule your home care with ease. You can call our North York plumbers at 1-800-741-8471 or go online for a free quote and see how Brothers Plumbing can help you today.