What Are The Most Common Plumbing Issues In Toronto?
Toronto is one of the fastest-growing cities in North America, with a population of over 2.5
million. As urban sprawl continues with new property developments and renovations of
older buildings, plumbing issues are an everyday occurrence throughout the city.
Whether due to aging infrastructure, bad fixtures, or harsh winters, plumbers in Toronto
have a variety of problems to tackle each day. So what are the top plumbing issues in
Toronto? Here’s our top 10:
1) Old Piping Material
The older the property, the more chances it has undesirable piping materials, such as lead
and galvanized pipes. These materials are not only prone to leaks and breaks but are now
considered a health hazard due to corrosion. The Toronto Public Health recommends
replacing lead piping to avoid lead exposure.
Other materials, like Kitec pipes, were used in Toronto homes between 1995 and 2007 and
were considered durable and resilient. However, they’re no longer recommended after
being the subject of many leaks and breaks.
Replacing your piping is costly, but if you choose a licensed and experienced plumber,
they’ll likely use more robust and reliable materials, requiring less maintenance.
2) Burst Pipes
Winters in Toronto cause numerous plumbing issues, with burst pipes being the most
common. As temperatures drop, pipes freeze, causing them to burst. If a pipe bursts in
your water line or sewer line, it’s a critical issue requiring an emergency call-out.
Fortunately, Near Me Plumber provides access to expert plumbers available at short
notice, so you can save valuable time and avoid further problems such as flooding.
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3) Leaky Pipes
It’s the most typical and relatively straightforward plumbing problem. But never
underestimate the consequences of a leaking pipe. Not only will you waste vast amounts
of water, but further structural damage can ensue as water causes metal to rust and wood
to rot. Furthermore, pools of water allow bacteria to grow and attract pests that potentially
spread diseases. If you notice water stains or cracks on the ceilings or walls, then it’s an
indication that you may have a plumbing leak.
4) Dripping Faucets
Similarly to leaking pipes, a dripping faucet may not be an emergency, but if left untreated,
you’ll be wasting gallons of water in no time. Furthermore, excess water will cause rusty
pipes, possibly leading to more leaks. Fixing a dripping faucet is often as easy as putting in
new O-rings.
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5) Running Toilets
If your toilet is running and you can’t get it to stop, it’s certainly an emergency. A running
toilet wastes more water than a dripping faucet, sometimes up to 20-30 gallons per day.
No matter what the cause, fixing a running toilet is usually a straightforward procedure,
and a professional plumber will restore your bathroom with little hassle.
6) Clogged Toilets
Clogged toilets aren’t fun. They can smell and overflow, leaving waste all over the floor.
Usually, the cause isn’t serious, and a few plunges can clear it. But if water or sewage
backs up in different locations on your property, it’s time to call in a plumber.
Sometimes people flush items that shouldn’t be disposed of via a toilet and get caught in
various pipes throughout the house. Therefore, hiring an expert plumber with powerful
tools is the only way to remove the clogs.
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7) Downspout Issues
Faulty downspouts can cause problems below and above ground level. For example, if the
connections are loose or broken, water can spread down into the foundations of your
home. Therefore, regularly checking and de-clogging the downspouts is necessary to
avoid triggering several issues, such as clogged gutters and water seeping into the
basement.
8) Overflowing Gutters
The aforementioned downspout issues can also lead to overflowing gutters. If this
happens, your gutters can fall off, leading to more repair costs. Therefore, ensure your
gutters are clear of debris so water can flow freely. It’s also a good idea to install wire
mesh around the gutters to prevent leaves or twigs from falling in.
9) Water Stains in the Basement
Waters stains are the damage caused by leakages and floods. Sometimes stains contain
mildew or mould, causing foul odours and potential health issues for occupants. The best
way to avoid these problems is to ensure gutters are kept clean, the downspout is
regularly checked, and immediately repair dripping faucets or leaking pipes.
10) Plumbing Code Violations
Of course, sometimes components need replacing due to wear and tear, and harsh winters
cause pipes to freeze and burst. Other times, common plumbing issues are caused by
previous plumbers violating the plumbing code.
The plumbing code provides plumbers with specific guidelines to ensure work is performed
to a high standard. Despite this, many plumbers still cut corners and ignore the detrimental
effects their actions have on how their client’s home functions.
Typical problems from botched plumbing jobs include:
• Pipes that bend too sharply and cause waste to build up.
• Not enough space surrounding the toilet area for larger people.
• Drain pipes that aren’t slopped correctly, leading to sinks and bathtubs draining
slowly.
• Faucets that are too low in the sink, so when water fills the sink fully, it touches the
faucet. Therefore, when washing dishes, the dirty water touches the faucet, leading
to bacteria building up. Later, someone uses the same tap to fill a cup of water to
drink. Thus, a bad plumbing job turns into a health hazard.
So, if you’re planning on buying a new home, consider hiring a professional inspector to
assess the plumbing situation in your home. And if you’re occupying an older building, you
should schedule regular maintenance to ensure your property’s plumbing system is
operating as it should be.
Hiring a licensed and experienced plumber will save you massive inconveniences and
further repair costs. If you want to save time and money, Near Me Plumber has already
done the hard work for you. We list the most experienced, reliable, licensed plumbers
throughout Toronto. So don’t hesitate to reach out to our hand-picked range of plumbers to
advise and assist with any plumbing issue you experience.