Plumbing help, without the searching.
Plumbing problems rarely wait for a convenient time. A dripping faucet is an annoyance; a failed supply line, a backing-up floor drain or a leaking water heater turns into drywall, flooring and insurance claims within hours.
Tell IzDon what's happening and we identify local plumbers who actually do that type of work — repair shops for a leak at 11pm are not the same companies you want for a bathroom rough-in.
DIY or pro? Plunging a toilet, swapping a faucet aerator or replacing a supply hose is well within DIY range. Anything behind a wall, connected to the main stack, or involving a gas water heater should go to a licensed plumber.
What this covers
Pick the closest match and we'll start your request with it filled in.
What usually goes wrong
The plumbing issues GTA homeowners ask about most — and what they typically mean.
Water stain spreading on a ceiling
Usually a toilet wax ring, tub overflow gasket or a supply line above. Shut the water off before you investigate.
Drain backing up in the basement
Often a blocked or collapsed main line, or a backwater valve that has failed — common in older Toronto and Etobicoke homes with clay laterals.
No hot water or rusty hot water
A failed element, thermocouple or a tank at end of life. Most tanks last 8–12 years in GTA water conditions.
Low water pressure throughout the house
Scale buildup, a partly closed main valve, or a pressure regulator that has failed. Pressure loss in one fixture only is usually just the aerator or cartridge.
Running toilet you can hear at night
A flapper or fill valve — cheap to fix, but it can quietly add hundreds of dollars a year to a metered water bill.
Frozen or burst pipe in winter
Exterior walls, garages and crawl spaces are the usual failure points. Shut off the main and call immediately — do not thaw with an open flame.
Sewer smell inside the house
A dried-out floor drain trap, a failed toilet seal, or a venting problem. Persistent smells need a drain camera.
What plumbing costs in the GTA
Typical Greater Toronto Area price bands for plumbing work in 2026. Emergency and after-hours calls sit at the top of every range.
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $100 – $200 | Often credited toward the repair |
| Clear a clogged drain (snaking) | $150 – $450 | Main line or camera work costs more |
| Repair or replace a faucet | $180 – $500 | Excludes the fixture itself |
| Toilet replacement | $300 – $700 | Plus the toilet; more if the flange is rotted |
| Water heater replacement (tank) | $1,800 – $3,500 | Gas costs more than electric |
| Tankless water heater install | $4,000 – $7,500 | Venting and gas line upgrades drive this |
| Backwater valve installation | $2,500 – $5,500 | City rebates may apply |
| Bathroom rough-in (new) | $4,000 – $10,000 | Depends on distance to the stack |
| Main water line replacement | $6,000 – $15,000 | Excavation and lead replacement programs vary |
| Emergency / after-hours call-out | $250 – $600 | Before any repair work |
Estimate ranges for the Greater Toronto Area, not quotes. Actual pricing depends on your home, access and scope — always get it in writing.
What moves the price
- Access — a pipe in an open basement ceiling is a fraction of the cost of one behind finished drywall or tile.
- Age of the home — galvanized or lead supply lines and clay drain laterals turn a repair into a replacement.
- Emergency timing — evenings, weekends and holidays typically add 1.5–2x on labour.
- Permits and inspection when drains, vents or water service are altered.
- Fixture grade — you supply the fixture or the plumber marks it up.
Want a real number for your plumbing job? Tell us what you need and local pros will quote it.
Get It DonePermits, licences & Ontario rules
In Ontario, plumbing is regulated under the Ontario Building Code and enforced by your municipality. Repairs are generally exempt; changes to the system usually are not.
A plumbing permit is normally required for
New or relocated fixtures, new drain or vent piping, replacing the water service or building drain, backwater valve installation, and any new bathroom, kitchen or basement rough-in.
A permit is normally not required for
Like-for-like repairs — replacing a faucet, toilet, tap, or a water heater in the same location with the same fuel type.
Gas water heaters
Gas connections must be made by a TSSA-certified gas technician (G1/G2/G3), not a general handyman.
Backwater valves and flood protection
Several GTA municipalities offer subsidies for backwater valves and sump pumps, but only when the work is permitted and inspected. Confirm with your city before booking.
Before you hire: a quick checklist
- Ask for the business name, address and a phone number that isn't just a cell.
- Confirm general liability insurance and a valid WSIB clearance certificate before work starts.
- Get the scope, materials, timeline and total price in writing — not a number over the phone.
- Be cautious with large upfront deposits. In Ontario a deposit of roughly 10–30% is normal; full payment up front is not.
- Ask who is actually doing the work — the person quoting, an employee, or a subcontractor.
- Hold back final payment until the work passes any required inspection and you've seen it finished.
This is the same bar we use when we look at who to send your request to — read The IzDon Standard.
Plumbing near you
Common problems — and who to call
Plumbing guides & how-tos
Want to try it yourself first? Start here — and hand it over when the job gets bigger.
- Moderate · 45–90 minutes
How to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Faucet: Step-by-Step Guide
- Moderate · 2–4 hours
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in an Ontario Winter
- Easy · 30–60 minutes
How to Stop a Running Toilet: A Step-by-Step Fix
- Easy · 30–45 minutes
How to Unclog a Slow Bathroom Drain Without Chemicals
- Easy · 30–45 minutes
How to Winterize Outdoor Faucets Before the First Frost
Plumbing FAQs
How much does a plumber cost per hour in Toronto?
Most GTA plumbing companies charge roughly $100–$180 per hour, or a flat rate per job. Expect a separate diagnostic or call-out fee of $100–$200, often credited toward the repair if you proceed.
Do I need a licensed plumber in Ontario?
Plumber is a compulsory trade in Ontario, so plumbing work must be done by a licensed journeyperson or a registered apprentice under supervision. Ask for the licence and confirm insurance before work starts.
How long does a water heater last?
Typically 8–12 years for a tank in GTA water conditions, and 15–20 for a well-maintained tankless unit. Rust-coloured hot water, pooling at the base or a pilot that won't stay lit are end-of-life signs.
Who pays when a water line breaks on my property?
The municipality is generally responsible for the portion in the road up to the property line; the section on your property is the homeowner's. Confirm with your city — lead service replacement programs may cover part of the cost.
Is a backwater valve worth it?
If your basement is finished or your street has a history of surcharging during storms, yes. Several GTA municipalities subsidize the install, and some insurers reduce premiums once one is in place.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
Water you cannot shut off, sewage backing up into the home, a burst pipe, or no water at all in winter. A slow drip or a single slow drain can usually wait for a scheduled visit and cost you far less.
One Request. IzDon.
Submit once instead of calling contractor after contractor. We aim to connect you with up to 3–5 relevant local service providers.
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