Quick Answer: What Plumber Services Are Available in Toronto?
Toronto plumbers offer drain cleaning, sewer repair, water line services, water heater installation, fixture repair, emergency services, backwater valve installation, sump pump services, and trenchless pipe repair. Full-service plumbers handle everything from a clogged sink ($99-$199) to complete sewer line replacement ($5,000-$15,000+). For help identifying your issue, call (647) 554-4356.
Key Takeaways
- Toronto plumbers offer 8+ major service categories
- Match symptoms to services: slow drain = drain cleaning, no hot water = water heater
- Emergency services available 24/7 (50-100% premium)
- Always verify Ontario plumber licensing (C of Q)
- Get upfront quotes before work begins
- Full-service plumbers handle complete home plumbing needs
When something goes wrong with your plumbing, it's often hard to know exactly what service you need. Is your slow drain a simple cleaning job, or a symptom of a bigger sewer problem? Does that water heater need repair or replacement?
After 28 years serving Toronto homeowners, I've seen people pay for services they didn't need—and others who delayed critical repairs because they didn't understand the issue. This guide explains every plumber service available in the GTA, helping you identify what you need and what to expect.
Need help right now? Call (647) 554-4356 and describe your issue—we'll diagnose it over the phone for free.
8 Major Plumber Service Categories
Every plumbing service in Toronto falls into one of these eight categories. Understanding them helps you communicate with plumbers and get accurate quotes.
1. Drain Services
Clearing clogs, cleaning drain lines, video inspections
Common issues: Slow drains, gurgling sounds, recurring clogs
$99-$600 typical range
2. Sewer Services
Main line repair, sewer camera inspection, line replacement
Common issues: Multiple drains backing up, sewage odor, yard flooding
$200-$15,000+ typical range
3. Water Line Services
Leak repair, pipe replacement, water main connection
Common issues: Low water pressure, high water bills, wet yard
$200-$5,000+ typical range
4. Water Heater Services
Repair, replacement, tankless installation, maintenance
Common issues: No hot water, inconsistent temperature, leaking tank
$150-$4,000+ typical range
5. Fixture Services
Toilet repair, faucet installation, sink replacement
Common issues: Running toilet, dripping faucet, cracked fixtures
$100-$800 typical range
6. Emergency Services
24/7 response for urgent plumbing disasters
Common issues: Burst pipes, sewage backup, major leaks, no water
50-100% premium on regular rates
7. Prevention Services
Backwater valves, sump pumps, flood prevention
Common issues: Basement flooding, sewer backup risk
$500-$3,500+ typical range
8. Specialty Services
Trenchless repair, gas line work, rough-in plumbing
Common issues: Pipe damage under foundations, new construction
$1,000-$20,000+ typical range
Drain Services Explained
Drain services are the most common plumbing calls in Toronto. They range from simple clogs to complex main line problems.
Drain Cleaning ($99-$300)
The bread-and-butter of plumbing services. A plumber uses a drain snake (auger) to clear blockages in sinks, showers, tubs, and floor drains. Most residential drain cleaning takes 30-60 minutes.
You need this when: One drain is slow or completely clogged. DIY methods (plunger, baking soda) haven't worked.
Hydro Jetting ($350-$600)
High-pressure water blasting that thoroughly cleans pipe walls. Used for severe buildup, grease accumulation, or tree root intrusion. More effective than snaking for recurring problems.
You need this when: Same drain keeps clogging, grease buildup (kitchen drains), tree root issues, or as preventive maintenance.
Camera Inspection ($150-$350)
A waterproof camera explores your drain and sewer lines, showing exactly what's causing problems. Essential for accurate diagnosis before major repairs.
You need this when: Recurring drainage issues, before buying a home, or before expensive sewer work to confirm the problem.
💡 Pro Tip: When to Skip the Camera
Not every clog needs a camera inspection. If you have a one-time hair clog in your bathroom, basic snaking ($99-$149) is sufficient. Save the camera inspection for recurring problems or main line issues. Learn more about our drain cleaning services.
Sewer Services Explained
Sewer problems are more serious than drain issues—they affect your entire home's plumbing. Toronto's aging infrastructure means many homes have sewer lines needing attention.
Main Line Cleaning ($200-$500)
Clearing blockages in the main sewer line that connects your home to the city system. Uses larger equipment than drain cleaning because main lines are 4-6 inches in diameter.
You need this when: Multiple drains back up simultaneously, toilets gurgle when other fixtures drain, or sewage smell in basement.
Sewer Repair ($1,500-$8,000)
Fixing damaged sections of your sewer line. Traditional repair requires excavation; trenchless methods are less invasive and often faster.
You need this when: Camera inspection reveals cracked, collapsed, or root-damaged pipes.
Sewer Line Replacement ($5,000-$15,000+)
Complete replacement of your sewer line from house to street. Necessary when damage is too extensive for repair. Trenchless pipe bursting can reduce costs and disruption.
You need this when: Pipe is severely deteriorated, collapsed, or orangeburg (cardboard-like material used 1945-1972).
⚠️ City vs. Homeowner Responsibility
In Toronto, homeowners are responsible for the sewer line from the house to the property line. The City handles the portion from the property line to the main sewer. Before major sewer work, confirm exactly where the problem is located. For sewer repair assessment, call (647) 554-4356.
Water Line Services Explained
Water line services deal with the pipes that bring clean water into your home—the opposite of drain/sewer services which handle waste water.
Leak Detection & Repair ($200-$800)
Finding and fixing leaks in your water supply lines. Modern acoustic and thermal detection can locate hidden leaks without demolition.
You need this when: Unexplained high water bills, sounds of running water when nothing is on, wet spots on walls/floors/yard.
Water Line Repair ($500-$2,000)
Fixing damaged sections of your home's water supply lines. May involve cutting into walls or floors to access pipes.
You need this when: Visible pipe damage, recurring leaks in the same area, water pressure suddenly drops.
Water Main Replacement ($2,000-$5,000+)
Replacing the main water line from your meter to your house. Often necessary in older Toronto homes with lead or galvanized pipes. Learn more about our water line repair services.
You need this when: Lead service line (pre-1955 homes), severely corroded galvanized pipes, or chronic low water pressure.
Water Heater Services Explained
Water heater problems are easy to spot—you either have hot water or you don't. But the solution depends on what's wrong and how old your unit is.
Water Heater Repair ($150-$500)
Fixing components like thermostats, heating elements, or gas valves. Worth doing if your heater is less than 8 years old.
Common repairs: Thermostat replacement ($150-$250), heating element ($200-$350), gas valve ($300-$500), pilot light issues ($100-$200).
Water Heater Replacement ($1,500-$4,000+)
Installing a new tank or tankless water heater. Includes removing the old unit, upgrading connections if needed, and full installation with permits.
You need this when: Unit is 10+ years old, tank is leaking, rust in hot water, or frequent repairs exceeding 50% of replacement cost.
| Water Heater Type | Cost Range | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tank (40-50 gal) | $1,500-$2,500 | 10-12 years | Budget-conscious, standard needs |
| Tank (75+ gal) | $2,000-$3,500 | 10-12 years | Large families, high demand |
| Tankless Gas | $3,000-$5,000 | 15-20 years | Endless hot water, energy savings |
| Tankless Electric | $2,000-$3,500 | 15-20 years | Small spaces, no gas line |
Emergency Plumber Services
Some plumbing problems can't wait until Monday morning. Emergency plumber services provide 24/7 response for urgent situations.
What Qualifies as a Plumbing Emergency?
- Burst pipes — Water damage increases by the minute
- Sewage backup — Health hazard requiring immediate attention
- Gas leaks — Safety emergency (call gas company first)
- No water — Especially in winter when pipes may freeze
- Major flooding — Active water intrusion
- Frozen pipes — Risk of bursting if not thawed properly
Emergency Service Costs
Emergency calls cost 50-100% more than regular service due to after-hours labor and immediate dispatch. A $150 drain cleaning becomes $225-$300 at 2 AM on Sunday.
Water Pro emergency line: (647) 554-4356 — Available 24/7 with 60-minute response time in most GTA areas.
💡 Pro Tip: Know Your Shut-Off Valves
The single best thing you can do before any plumbing emergency is know where your main water shut-off is located. Turning off the water immediately can prevent thousands in damage. Most Toronto homes have the shut-off near the water meter (usually in the basement).
Prevention Services: Protecting Your Home
Prevention services stop problems before they start. Toronto homeowners are increasingly investing in flood prevention as extreme weather becomes more common.
Backwater Valve Installation ($1,500-$3,500)
A one-way valve that prevents city sewer backup from entering your home. Required by many insurance policies and eligible for Toronto's basement flooding protection subsidy (up to $3,400 reimbursement).
You need this when: You don't have one, basement has flooded before, or your insurance requires it.
Sump Pump Installation ($800-$2,500)
Pumps groundwater away from your foundation before it can enter your basement. Essential for homes with high water tables or drainage issues.
You need this when: Wet basement after rain, visible water seepage at floor/wall junction, or high water table area.
Battery Backup Sump Pump ($400-$800 additional)
Keeps your sump pump running during power outages—when flooding risk is highest. A worthwhile investment for any sump pump system.
How to Choose the Right Plumber Service
Use these symptom-to-service matchups to identify what you likely need:
| Symptom | Likely Service Needed | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| One slow drain | Drain cleaning | Low — can wait a few days |
| Multiple slow drains | Main line cleaning/inspection | Medium — schedule within a week |
| Sewage smell | Sewer inspection | Medium — potential health concern |
| No hot water | Water heater repair/replace | Medium — uncomfortable but safe |
| Water backing up in tub | Drain/sewer service | High — stop using water |
| Active water leak | Emergency service | Emergency — turn off water, call now |
| Sewage in basement | Emergency sewer service | Emergency — health hazard |
Verifying Toronto Plumber Licensing
Ontario requires plumbers to hold a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) from the Ontario College of Trades (now Skilled Trades Ontario). Here's how to verify:
- Ask for the license number — Legitimate plumbers share this readily
- Check insurance — Verify they carry liability and WSIB coverage
- Request references — Established plumbers have verifiable track records
- Get written quotes — Professional plumbers provide detailed estimates
⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For
Avoid plumbers who: demand full payment upfront, can't provide license information, offer unusually low quotes (often leads to upselling), or pressure you into immediate decisions. A reputable plumber gives you time to consider options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Toronto plumbers offer drain cleaning, sewer repair, water line repair, water heater installation, fixture repair, emergency services, backwater valve installation, sump pump services, and trenchless pipe repair. Most full-service plumbers handle both residential and commercial needs.
Match your symptom to the service: slow drains = drain cleaning, no hot water = water heater service, sewage smell = sewer inspection, low water pressure = water line service, flooding = emergency plumber. When unsure, describe your issue to a plumber who can diagnose over the phone.
Yes, many Toronto plumbers offer 24/7 emergency services for burst pipes, sewage backups, gas leaks, no water, and flooding. Emergency calls cost 50-100% more than regular service but ensure immediate response when you need it most.
Drain specialists focus exclusively on drain and sewer services (cleaning, camera inspections, hydro jetting). General plumbers handle all plumbing including fixtures, water heaters, and gas lines. For drain issues, either works; for complete plumbing needs, choose a full-service plumber.
Yes, Ontario requires plumbers to hold a valid Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) issued by Skilled Trades Ontario. Always ask for license verification. Licensed plumbers carry insurance and follow building codes, protecting you from liability.
Service costs vary: drain cleaning $99-$600, water heater repair $150-$500, sewer camera inspection $150-$350, pipe repair $200-$1,500, water line repair $500-$3,000+, and emergency calls add 50-100% premium. Get upfront quotes before work begins.
The Bottom Line
Understanding plumber services helps you communicate better with professionals, get accurate quotes, and avoid paying for services you don't need. The key is matching your symptoms to the right service category.
Still not sure what service you need? That's what we're here for. Call (647) 554-4356 and describe your issue—we'll diagnose it over the phone and recommend the right solution with upfront pricing.
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About Mike Thompson
Master Plumber • License #MP-2847 • 28 Years Experience
Mike has been serving Toronto homeowners since 1996, specializing in drain repair and trenchless technology. He writes practical guides to help homeowners understand their plumbing options.
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