The Best Plumber Newmarket Has To Offer

You prevent most clogs by keeping the wrong stuff out of the system and staying ahead of buildup. York Region's Protect Your Pipes campaign focuses on keeping fats, oils, grease, and wipes out of drains because those items solidify and trap debris. If you cook with oil or grease, let it cool, wipe pans with a paper towel, then put it in the green bin or garbage, not the sink. A plumber tip is to treat your garbage grinder as a convenience, not a disposal system. Scrape plates into the green bin first so your kitchen branch line does not become a grease trap.

Newmarket's climate puts specific demands on your plumbing system throughout the year. Your local Mr. Rooter plumbers recommend this seasonal maintenance schedule to prevent emergencies and extend your system's lifespan.

Fall Preparation (September to November)

Before the first hard freeze, inspect and insulate vulnerable pipes in unheated spaces. We focus on exterior wall cavities, crawl spaces, attics, and garage areas where pipes run through unconditioned space. Pipe insulation rated for outdoor use provides better protection than standard foam sleeves. Disconnect and drain the exterior hose bibs. If your home has separate shutoff valves for exterior faucets, close them and open the exterior valve to drain the line completely. This is also the time to have your water heater flushed if you have hard water, since sediment buildup reduces efficiency just as heating demand increases.

Winter Protection (December to February)

During extended cold snaps, let a small stream of water run from faucets on exterior walls overnight when temperatures drop below -15°C. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air can circulate around the pipes. If you plan to be away from home for more than a few days during winter, set your thermostat no lower than 13°C and ask someone to check your home daily. A frozen pipe can burst within hours, and the water damage from an undetected burst pipe can be catastrophic. If you experience a power outage during freezing weather, shut off your main water supply and open faucets to drain the lines if you expect the outage to last more than a few hours.

Spring Inspection (March to May)

After the spring thaw, inspect your basement and crawl space for signs of leaks or leaking pipes that may have developed during freeze-thaw cycles. Look for water stains, dampness, or mineral deposits on pipes and walls. This is also a good time to have your main sewer line inspected with a camera if you have mature trees on your property, since roots begin active growth in spring and can exploit any cracks or gaps in your sewer lateral.

Summer Readiness (June to August)

Summer is the best time for major plumbing projects since the weather is stable and outdoor excavation is easier. If you have been considering sewer line replacement, water heater upgrade, or whole-home repiping, schedule it during the summer months. Check your outdoor irrigation system for leaks and adjust sprinkler heads so they water landscaping, not your foundation or sidewalks. Inspect washing machine hoses and replace them if you see cracks, bulges, or if they are more than five years old. A burst washing machine hose can release hundreds of litres of water before you can shut it off. Consider installing braided stainless steel hoses, which are far more durable than standard rubber hoses.

Yes. In real plumbing systems, wipes and personal care products do not break down like toilet paper, and they snag on rough pipe walls and offsets. York Region specifically cites single-use wipes as a cause of blockages and notes that it spends over $1 million each year removing solid FOG, single-use wipes, and sanitary products from pipes. If your toilet gurgles, drains slowly, or backs up after you use wipes, treat it as a warning sign.

Stop using water in the house right away, keep people away from the contaminated area, and call for help. York Region explains that sewage backup water can carry disease-causing microorganisms and recommends staying out of sewage-floodwater, especially near electrical outlets. For disinfection, York Region's sewage backup factsheet uses a bleach mix of 500 mL household bleach with 4.5 L of clean water and keeping it on surfaces for at least 10 minutes. A plumber tip is to take quick photos before cleanup for insurance, then we can diagnose whether the backup is a local clog, a lateral issue, or a surcharge situation.

It depends on where the blockage is, and the property line matters. The Town of Newmarket states that sewer laterals and sewer lines leaving a home are the homeowner's responsibility, and the Town is responsible for the portion on Town property. York Region also notes the homeowner owns and maintains the sanitary sewer pipe from the home to the property line, while the local municipality maintains the portion between the property line and the main. A plumber tip is to ask for a camera inspection if the clog is not obvious. Video helps document the location and type of blockage, which the Town may request if Town property is suspected.

If you suspect a sewer backup, stop using water and contact the Town of Newmarket's customer service department. The Town's sewer blockage guidance explains they will take your information and connect you with their preferred contractor process, and it also outlines the steps needed if Town property may be involved. If you prefer calling a plumber directly, we can help, but you still want the Town looped in early if multiple homes are affected or if you suspect the problem is beyond your property line. A plumbing tip is to avoid running a washing machine or dishwasher during a backup, as it can push more water into the lowest drain.

Yes, if the blockage is outside the building, you should call first. Ontario One Call's Call Before You Clear program explains that cross bores, meaning a gas line intersecting a sewer, are rare but dangerous, and mechanical clearing tools can damage a gas line. They instruct homeowners to contact Ontario One Call before they or a plumber clears the line, and they state the sewer safety inspection is free and available around the clock. A plumber tip is to make this call before anyone brings out an auger or jetter for an exterior cleanout, since the safety check protects your household.

Discoloured water is usually an iron or sediment issue, not a sewage issue, and the fix depends on whether it is hot or cold. The Town of Newmarket notes that Newmarket has hard water with minerals, including iron, which can cause discolouration, and advises running cold water from the highest point of the house until it clears for cold-water issues. If it is only hot water, the Town advises flushing your hot water tank. A plumber's tip is to check the toilets first. If the cold water in the toilet tank looks discoloured, it is coming from the cold supply and not the water heater.

If the Town is cleaning watermains in your area and you see discoloured water, follow the Town's swabbing guidance to protect your equipment and clear the line safely. Newmarket advises you to bypass the filtration equipment, furnace humidifiers, and water softeners before turning on the water, then run the cold, hard-water tap closest to the water meter until the water runs clear. If discolouration persists, the Town advises contacting their customer service department. A plumber tip is to avoid doing laundry until your water runs clear, since iron-heavy water can stain fabrics and clog fine screens in some appliances.

Your water heater works every single day, heating water for showers, dishes, laundry, and cleaning. Hard water accelerates sediment buildup inside the tank, reducing efficiency and causing premature failure. Most water heaters last 8 to 12 years, but a lack of maintenance shortens that lifespan.

When a homeowner calls about inconsistent hot water or a rumbling water heater, we start by asking specific questions. How old is the unit? When did you first notice the problem? Is the water temperature inconsistent, or are you running out of hot water faster than normal? Do you hear popping or rumbling sounds? Is there any visible leaking around the base or connections?

A rumbling or popping sound almost always indicates sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, which is extremely common in Newmarket due to hard water. When the burner heats the tank, water trapped beneath the sediment layer flashes to steam, creating the popping sound. If the homeowner has never flushed the tank, we know sediment is the likely culprit. We drain several gallons from the tank drain valve and observe the colour and clarity. If the water is rust-coloured or contains visible sediment, we proceed with a full flush. If the drain valve is clogged with sediment, we may need to replace it before we can flush effectively.

If the complaint is that the water is running out of hot water too quickly, we check the thermostat settings first. Many homeowners or previous service people set the temperature too low, and raising it to 55-60°C often solves the problem. If the setting is correct, we test the heating elements (on electric units) or inspect the burner and thermocouple (on gas units). A failing lower heating element on an electric water heater produces a classic symptom: you get hot water for the first shower, but the tank cannot keep up with demand because only the upper element is heating. Replacing the lower element restores full capacity.

If we find rust-coloured hot water but clear cold water, the anode rod has likely failed, and the tank interior is corroding. The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod that protects the tank from corrosion, and it typically lasts 5 to 8 years in Newmarket's hard water. Replacing the anode rod can extend the tank's life by several years if we catch it before significant interior corrosion has occurred. If the tank is more than 10 years old and showing signs of corrosion, replacement is usually the better investment.

Warning signs include rumbling or popping noises, rusty or discoloured hot water, inconsistent water temperature, and visible leaks around the base of the unit. Your plumber performs water heater repair and maintenance, including flushing to remove sediment, inspecting the anode rod, and testing the pressure relief valve. When replacement is necessary, we install high-efficiency tank and tankless water heater models that provide reliable hot water for years to come.

If you have a new water softener in Newmarket, the Town provides specific hardness settings you can use as a starting point. Newmarket lists water hardness at 170.79 parts per million and 9.97 grains per gallon, with pH 8, which helps you program your unit correctly. Correct settings matter because under-softening leaves scale behind, and over-softening wastes salt and water. A plumbing tip is to keep an eye on the performance of the hot water. Hard water scale settles in water heaters and can reduce efficiency, so pairing a properly set softener with periodic water heater maintenance helps keep showers consistent and protects the tank.

This often indicates excess stormwater entering the sanitary system or a restriction in your own lateral, and heavy rain exposes it quickly. The Town of Newmarket explains that inflow and infiltration occur when stormwater enters the sanitary sewer system through cracks or improper connections, such as roof downspouts, which increases flow and reduces capacity, raising the risk of basement flooding. York Region adds that rain and melted snow can overwhelm the system when downspouts are connected where they should not be. A plumber tip is to check where your downspouts go. If they disappear into the ground, have it inspected so you do not unknowingly feed stormwater into the sanitary side.

If your basement has fixtures below street level or you have had backups during storms, a backwater valve is worth discussing with a licensed plumber. The Town of Newmarket created a Sanitary Backwater Valve Subsidy Program and recommends a subsidy of up to $500 per single-family home to help offset installation costs. Their report notes that the permit fee was $185 at the time of publication. A plumber's tip is to treat a backwater valve as a safety device that needs access. Do not drywall over it or bury it under finished flooring, since periodic checks and cleaning keep it working when you need it most.

No, they solve different problems, and mixing them up leads to surprises. A backwater valve is for sewer backups into your basement drains. A backflow preventer protects the drinking water supply from contamination caused by cross-connections. The Town of Newmarket's Backflow Prevention Program explains that it exists to protect drinking water and applies to many industrial, commercial, institutional, and multi-residential properties. It can also apply to any property that poses a risk. A plumber's tip is to ask what side of the system a device protects. If the concern is basement backups, we focus on the drain and sewer side, not the potable water side.

If you see unexplained water stains, smell musty odours, notice damp cabinets, or notice a rise in your water bill without a change in use, you should have a plumber investigate. The Town of Newmarket advises residents to monitor for signs of water issues and to contact them if there is a broader water concern in the area, but leaks inside your home's plumbing are handled on the private side. A plumber's tip is to do a simple meter check. Turn off all water in the house, then see if the water meter dial continues to move. If it does, you likely have a leak, and we can pinpoint it with pressure testing and targeted inspection.

Low water pressure has several possible causes, and the pattern helps narrow the diagnosis. If pressure is low at just one fixture, the problem is usually local. Remove and clean the aerator or showerhead, since Newmarket's hard water clogs these screens with mineral deposits. If pressure returns after cleaning, you have solved it. If pressure is low throughout the house but suddenly rises, check whether your water softener is in regeneration mode or the main shutoff valve is partially closed. If pressure has gradually declined over months or years, you are likely dealing with scale buildup in your pipes, which is common in older Newmarket homes with galvanized steel plumbing. A plumber can test static and dynamic pressure at multiple points to map where the restriction is occurring. If the Town is working on water mains in your area, temporary low pressure is normal and should resolve once work is complete. The Town of Newmarket advises residents to contact them if low water pressure affects the whole neighbourhood, since this may indicate a problem with the municipal system. A plumber tip is to test your pressure at an outdoor hose bib closest to where the water service enters your home. If pressure is strong there but weak inside, the problem is in your interior plumbing. If pressure is weak at the hose bib as well, the issue is with your service line or the municipal supply.

Yes. Leaking pipes spell disaster for your home. Even a small bathroom sink leak can cause significant water damage to your floors and subfloor, while larger leaks can lead to foundation and structural issues. Water can leak from a leak under your kitchen sink or under your home, making it difficult to detect. From low water pressure to mold, there are numerous signs of leaks that are not visible. If you suspect a leak in your water supply, contact us immediately to arrange for leak repair from a professional plumber. Newmarket residents can rest assured that our team will find their leak. Our leak detection service uses infrared equipment, pressure testing, and video camera inspections to locate all sources of leaks.

Permits are required for water heater replacement, backwater valve installation, backflow valve installation, sewer line repairs or replacements, water line repairs or replacements, water service line work, and any plumbing alterations that involve new fixtures or changes to the drainage system. The permit process protects you by ensuring work is inspected and approved by a qualified municipal inspector. The inspection confirms the use of proper materials, correct installation methods, adequate venting, proper slope on drain lines, and compliance with current code requirements.

For backwater valve installation, the Ontario Building Code requires the device to be installed on the building drain to protect fixtures below the level of the upstream sanitary manhole cover. The valve must be accessible for maintenance and inspection. Our plumbers install backwater valves with proper access covers, and we mark the location clearly so future homeowners know where to find them. The Town of Newmarket charges a permit fee for backwater valve installation and requires an inspection to verify proper installation and flow direction.

For water heater installations, code requires proper venting for gas-fired units, a temperature and pressure relief valve with proper discharge piping, adequate combustion air, proper gas line sizing, and seismic strapping in certain applications. Electric water heaters require proper electrical disconnects and bonding. Our plumbers ensure every installation meets these requirements so your inspection passes the first time.

If you are considering a plumbing project and you are not sure whether a permit is required, ask. We provide clear guidance on permit requirements and handle the application process as part of our service. Unpermitted work can create problems when you sell your home, and it may void manufacturer warranties or insurance coverage if a problem occurs.

When it comes to hiring a plumbing professional at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Newmarket, you can always expect upfront pricing as part of our business model. That is because we believe in providing clients with complete cost transparency and honesty to prevent any surprises. However, plumbing projects require different materials and labour, so a custom inspection and cost assessment are needed before we can provide an accurate estimate.

Yes, we are. When choosing a plumber to address plumbing alterations or repairs, it is important to hire a licensed and insured expert. Rest assured that our team of insured plumbers in Newmarket is fully trained, certified, and licensed to handle a wide range of commercial and residential plumbing tasks. In addition to being fully qualified, our experienced Newmarket plumbers are backed by our company's workplace insurance. We take pride in the plumbing industry standards we uphold and the professional service we deliver to every customer.

Regular plumbing inspections help catch problems early and reduce the frequency of plumbing emergencies. Our comprehensive team of plumbers in Newmarket can provide thorough assessments of all aspects of your plumbing system to catch signs of damage early. We use a wide range of diagnostics, including visual inspections, video inspections, pressure testing, water meter readings, and more. In addition to thorough plumbing inspections, you can also rely on our team of specialists at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Newmarket to clean out easily clogged plumbing fixtures, including water heaters and sinks. We also perform sewer line cleaning services to ensure no debris is left behind.

It can be hard to determine whether your plumbing system has issues because much of it is hidden behind walls or buried underground. There are, however, several warning signs that indicate you have a plumbing problem and need a plumber. Newmarket residents should watch out for signs like slow drains, frequently clogged drains and clogged toilets, running or continuously flushing toilets, gurgling noises from pipes, low water pressure, off-coloured water, higher than expected water bills, wet spots around fixtures and fittings, signs of water damage or stains on walls and ceilings, foul odours coming from drains, lush patches of grass or sudden wet areas in the yard, and water or sewage backing up through drains. If you spot any of the above signs, it is important to promptly call a reliable plumber. Newmarket locals who do not will, unfortunately, discover that plumbing issues do not go away on their own, and even minor issues can turn into plumbing emergencies in the blink of an eye. But by addressing issues as soon as you notice them, you can ensure your plumbing system stays healthy and prevent the need for an emergency plumber. Newmarket residents looking to schedule routine maintenance, custom plumbing installations, or needing repair or replacement work done can turn to the professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Newmarket. Call us today or reach out online to get a service estimate and get started!