There is a clogged drain in the kitchen sink, a leaking toilet or even water standing around the sump pump. Your first instinct? Look at a YouTube how-to and do it yourself. It’s a Canadian way of thinking – we’re resourceful, we don’t like to overspend and we would prefer to keep our money in our pockets.
The problem is, however, the following: DIY plumbing can quickly get totally out of hand. The cost of the initial repair may quickly balloon to thousands in damages, missed inspections or home insurance claims. When is it OK to grab your tools and when is it time to call in the pros?
Let’s break it all down.
What Plumbing Jobs Can You Actually DIY?
There are different types of plumbing work. There are definitely some things that you can do that are so simple to do with the right tools and a little patience. The situations where DIY plumbing is a good idea:
Changing a showerhead or faucet aerator is as easy as can be. With a wrench and Teflon tape, do this in 20 minutes. Another one that can be done is the leaky toilet; they can be replaced with a flapper or a fill valve, which are readily available at most hardware stores and can be picked up for less than $20.
Most homeowners can also try to use a plunger or a simple drain snaking to unclog a clogged drain. Clogged bathroom sinks are most often easily cleaned with no need to hire a professional. But if drain snaking does not remove the clog after a couple tries, you may have a more serious drain plumbing issue and it’s time to get risky.
The golden rule: If it is cosmetic, aboveground, and not related to any water lines, cut into walls, or main water lines, then you can probably fix it yourself.
When Should You Absolutely Call Professional Plumbers?
This is where most homeowners get into trouble. It’s easy to look at something and think, “Well, that’s easy,” and then have to actually do it. These are the times when it is always time to call in the professional plumbers:
Toilet installation or toilet replacement is more than merely attaching a new toilet seat to the floor. The wax ring must fit snugly, the flange must be level and the water supply line connections should be tight. If it is not done correctly, it may result in slow leaks that can cause rotting of the subfloor over the course of months and not be discovered.
One of the most perplexing home improvement jobs is water heater replacement. In Ontario and throughout Canada, the work done on a water heater is regulated. All gas lines, electrical connections, pressure relief valves and venting must comply with the requirements of the Ontario Building Code. Trying this on your own could void the warranty and be very hazardous to your safety!
The sump pump installation and repair is a seemingly simple task that can involve proper drainage, routing of the discharge line and, in some cases, electrical work. During a heavy GTA rainstorm, when the sump pump fails, your basement is forced to deal with the consequences.
Some other jobs that can only be done by licensed professionals are well pump repair. It’s about electrical systems and pressure tanks, and equipment that most homeowners do not have access to and/or experience.
For any of your plumbing issues involving a main water supply line, sewer line or any plumbing projects that would need a permit from the Ontario Building Code, contact a licensed plumbing company. No exceptions.
Is DIY Plumbing Actually Cheaper? (The Real Numbers)
That’s the question all Canadians ask themselves who have a home to manage. Let’s face the facts about math.
Plumbing repair kits are inexpensive and can be ordered from Home Depot for $15-$40 or found in the hardware store. If you find you’ve broken the toilet bowl or misaligned the flange, or if you have a leak and don’t notice it for three months, you may be looking at $1,500 or more in renovation costs. Water damage behind walls or under flooring is not detectable and can be very costly.
The plumbing prices in Ontario and plumbing rate averages are usually $100-$250 per hour, depending on the type of plumbing service, and if you need after hours plumbing, 24-hour plumbing services, or 24-hour plumbing services for an emergency. While that may seem like a lot, it’s a drop in the bucket when you consider how much it’ll cost to fix if it’s a DIY project gone wrong.
A professional plumbing service also includes something that you can’t get from a tutorial – liability and guarantee. When an error is made by a licensed plumber, it’s covered up. If you make an error, your home insurance may not be.
What Are the Most Common DIY Plumbing Mistakes?
Avoiding what you don’t want to do is half the solution. These are the top plumbing issues that Canadians encounter when attempting to do it themselves:
The use of the incorrect materials is at the top of the list. A Dielectric Union required between copper pipes and galvanized steel to prevent corrosion and subsequent leakage.
One of the most frequent and expensive mistakes made by people who install their own pipes is incorrect pipe material mixing.
Another common error is over tightening fittings. There is no direct correlation between torque and seal. It’s a nightmare to have a fitting crack in a wall.
There are many basic things we take for granted when undertaking any plumbing repair, but sometimes the simple things are forgotten: turning off the main water supply before you start any repair. Never find your shut-off valve after touching anything.
One of the major ones is not adhering to the venting requirements. Systems of drain plumbing must be vented to operate. Unvented traps let sewer odors, such as potentially harmful methane fumes, into your home. This is considered a health hazard and a code violation.
Homeowners who don’t get the permit for big jobs run the risk of experiencing it at resale time. Plumbing work that is not inspected and permitted are a concern for prospective home buyers and may create problems with insurance coverage in the future.
Signs Your DIY Plumbing Repair Went Wrong
Sometimes plumbing issues appear fixed at first but worsen over time. Call professional plumbers immediately if you notice:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Low water pressure after repairs
- Gurgling drains
- Bad sewer smells
- Water around toilet bases
- Recurring clogged drain problems
- Rising water bills
- Mould or damp flooring
These warning signs usually indicate hidden plumbing leaks or deeper plumbing system damage.
Does DIY Plumbing Affect My Home Insurance in Canada?
This is one question that more Canadians should be asking. In Ontario and Canada many home insurance policies have sections to restrict or exclude coverage for water damage resulting from unlicensed and unpermitted plumbing work. If you have performed your own toilet installation and it leaks after 6 months leading to the formation of mold and damage to the structure, your insurer may refuse to pay out on your claim.
There are many reasons why you should hire a plumbing company that is licensed and insured.
What About Plumbing Emergencies? Never DIY These
A burst pipe, sewage backup, gas next to water heater problems and flooding basement are all emergency plumbing situations. If you are in any of these situations, halt what you are doing and call an emergency plumber or 24 hour plumber. These are not circumstances in which on-line tutorials come in useful. Time is of the essence, when your home is under water threat.
When a plumbing emergency strikes, you need someone that can get to you quickly, accurately diagnose the issue and correct it the first time. That’s why it’s important to have local plumbers on hand in your phone.
Emergencies are also more hazardous during the Canadian winter. Frozen pipes may crack and burst without warning and heavy rain and snow melt can quickly overpower a sump pump, filling your basement in a few minutes.
You should immediately call professional plumbers if you notice:
- Burst or frozen pipes
- Overflowing toilets or drains
- Sewage smells inside the home
- Water leaking through ceilings or walls
- Sump pump failure
- Water near electrical systems
- No hot water during winter
Trusted local plumbers have the tools and experience to diagnose problems quickly, prevent further water damage, and restore your home safely. During plumbing emergencies, fast professional help can save thousands in repair costs.
Local plumbers can identify the issues quickly, stop any additional water damage, and safely restore your home by using their tools and experience to diagnose the issues. In times of plumbing emergencies, time is of the essence and can save thousands of dollars in repair costs.
BOS Plumbing and Drains: Serving the GTA and Beyond for 20+ Years
No matter what you’re looking for either a tutorial or experience the choice between DIY plumbing and professional plumbers is a key consideration. That’s why BOS Plumbing and Drains are a qualified service provider at every job.
BOS Plumbing and Drains has gained a reputation for honest and reliable plumbing services to homeowners and businesses in the Greater Toronto area with over 20 years of experience. Their team is on call to assist you whether you need a plumber in mississauga, a plumber in milton, a plumber in hamilton, a plumber in oakville ontario or service in Niagara, Cambridge or anywhere in the GTA.
BOS Plumbing and Drains can provide all residential plumbing and commercial plumbing services such as:
- Drain cleaning and drain pipe repair
- Clogged drain and sewer plumbers services
- Toilet installation and toilet replacement
- Water heater replacement
- Sump pump repair and installation
- Kitchen sink and bathroom plumbing
- Well pump repair
- 24 hour plumber and emergency plumber response
- Plumbing leak detection and repair
- Commercial plumber services for businesses
- HVAC repair and AC repair support
With plumbing pricing that are transparent and come with no hidden fees, BOS Plumbing and Drains is a trusted local plumbing company. They have a team of licensed and insured professionals who have the knowledge and experience to address the unique home plumbing issues that present in older GTA neighbourhoods, such as aging pipes, or in areas of the GTA that experience heavy spring flooding, such as basement waterproofing services.
If you’re looking for the services of a plumber near me in the GTA, Mississauga, Hamilton, Oakville, Milton, Niagara or Cambridge, BOS Plumbing and Drains is the name to call. 24 hours! Plumber services are available for the same day plumber bookings as well as true 24 hours plumbing services when you need to get them most.
The Verdict: DIY vs Professional Plumbers
The easy-to-understand rule for all Canadians who own property:
Try DIY for: shower head replacement, toilet flapper replacement, slow drain plumbing, or toilet faucet handle replacement.
Contact professional plumbers for: Main water line work, Gas connections, Water heater replacement, Sump pump installation, Toilet replacement, Drain pipe repair, Permits and plumbing emergencies.
There is always an additional cost of doing it wrong. No one wants to make the wrong call, as it could mean the difference between your home, your family and your home insurance coverage.
If in any doubt, don’t guess! Please reach out to BOS Plumbing and Drains and ensure it’s done correctly from the off.
FAQs
1. How much does a plumber cost in Ontario?
Plumbing prices and plumbing rate averages in Ontario typically range from $100 to $250 per hour for standard residential work. Emergency or after hours plumbing calls may carry additional fees. Always ask for an upfront estimate before work begins.
2. Can I replace a toilet myself in Canada?
Technically yes, but it must be done correctly and may require a permit depending on your municipality. Improper toilet plumbing or toilet replacement can cause long-term leaks and subfloor damage. For guaranteed results, hire a plumber for toilet repair or installation.
3. What plumbing work requires a permit in Ontario?
New installations, significant changes to your plumbing system, water heater replacement, and most sewer or water main work require permits under the Ontario Building Code. A licensed plumbing company will know exactly what needs to be filed.
4. When should I call an emergency plumber?
Call immediately for burst pipes, sewage backups, no hot water in winter, water leaking near electrical panels, or any situation where water is actively spreading. Most reputable plumbing companies offer same day plumber and 24 hour plumbing service options.
5. Is DIY drain snaking safe?
Basic drain snaking is generally safe for surface-level clogs. However, aggressive snaking on older pipes or cast iron drain systems can cause damage. If the clog keeps returning, it may point to a deeper drain pipe repair issue.