The Complete Guide to Plumbing Problems in Toronto Homes

Top 10 Plumbing Issues Toronto Homeowners Face

From downtown condos to century-old homes in The Annex or Riverdale, plumbing issues in Toronto are a regular headache. Let’s break down the top 10 most common plumbing problems we see across the city — and why they shouldn’t be ignored.

1. Dripping Faucets

That constant drip… drip… drip isn't just annoying — it wastes water and drives up your utility bill. Most cases involve worn-out washers, corroded valve seats, or high water pressure. In some Toronto homes, hard water minerals add to the wear and tear. Whether it’s your kitchen or bathroom, our faucet repair services in Toronto cover all major brands, including touchless models.

2. Running Toilets

If your toilet runs non-stop after every flush, it could be a flapper valve problem, an unbalanced float, or sediment buildup. Running toilets can waste hundreds of litres per day — and that shows up on your water bill. Our licensed team handles toilet repair and installation in Toronto, fixing or replacing the whole unit if needed.

3. Low Water Pressure

This is one of the most common residential plumbing issues in Toronto, especially in older homes with outdated water service pipes. Corroded copper or galvanized steel pipes reduce flow and pressure. If only one fixture is affected, it might be a clogged aerator. If it’s your whole house, it’s time for a proper inspection by a Toronto plumber.

4. Clogged Sinks and Tubs

Hair, grease, soap scum — these culprits cause most clogged drains. In Toronto’s older neighbourhoods, it’s not uncommon to find misaligned drain pipes that catch debris and slow water flow. If your sink or tub backs up regularly, you’ll benefit from our professional drain cleaning services in Toronto, including high-pressure hydro-jetting.

5. Burst or Leaking Pipes

Leaky pipes in walls, ceilings, or under sinks are more than an inconvenience — they can lead to mould and structural damage. In winter, frozen pipes are a top culprit, especially in homes without proper insulation. We provide emergency plumbing in Toronto for any pipe burst and can also detect water leaks with advanced equipment to avoid guesswork.

6. Sewer Backups

Nasty smells or water coming back up from your floor drain? You could be dealing with a sewer backup, especially during Toronto’s rainy season. This often stems from tree roots in your sewer line, or a failed city connection. Our trenchless sewer repair service and CCTV drain camera inspection help find the issue fast and fix it without digging up your yard.

7. Hot Water Problems

If you’re suddenly out of hot water — or your water heater is leaking — you need a fast solution. Inconsistent temperatures often signal sediment buildup or failing heating elements. We handle hot water heater repairs in Toronto, and offer tankless water heater installation for better efficiency and space-saving performance.

8. Noisy Pipes (Water Hammering)

Hearing loud bangs when shutting off taps? That’s water hammering, a pressure surge that happens when water stops abruptly. It can damage fittings and weaken joints. We install water hammer arrestors to absorb the shock and quiet your plumbing system.

9. Frozen Pipes

Toronto winters can be brutal, and frozen pipes are a huge risk from December to March. Pipes in exterior walls or uninsulated crawl spaces are especially vulnerable. Frozen water expands, which can cause pipes to crack or burst. Our frozen pipe repair services restore flow and prevent future damage with professional-grade pipe insulation.

10. Smelly Drains or Gurgling Sounds

If your drains gurgle, bubble, or smell like sewage, it might be a venting issue or buildup in your trap. Drain odours are often a sign of a clogged or partially blocked drain, or even a problem deeper in your drain structure. Our technicians use camera inspections and drain snaking to clear and clean your lines.

What You Can Do (DIY Fixes vs When to Call a Pro)

When you’re facing a plumbing issue at home, the big question is always the same — should I fix it myself or call in a licensed plumber? In many cases, a small issue can be handled with a little know-how. But in Toronto, where homes often have aging pipes, outdated systems, and unpredictable weather, it’s easy to make things worse by accident.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can do on your own — and when it’s time to call Anta Plumbing.

✅ Quick DIY Fixes (When It’s Safe to Try)

🔧 1. Unclogging a Sink or Tub

If the water is draining slowly but not fully blocked, try removing debris from the stopper or using a plunger. Baking soda and vinegar can sometimes break up minor buildup. Avoid harsh chemicals — they can damage older pipes.

👉 When to call us: If water backs up in multiple drains or returns after clearing — it could be a main line issue.

🔧 2. Stopping a Running Toilet

Remove the tank lid, check the flapper valve, and make sure the chain isn't tangled. Sometimes it’s as simple as adjusting the float or replacing a worn rubber part — cheap and fast.

👉 When to call us: If the problem returns frequently or flushing becomes weak, we’ll inspect for deeper issues like a faulty flush valve or low water pressure.

🔧 3. Fixing a Dripping Faucet

If you're handy with tools, you can shut off the water and replace a washer or cartridge. This may stop the leak temporarily and reduce your water bill.

👉 When to call us: If you're dealing with corrosion, seized parts, or modern sensor faucets, our faucet repair specialists can do it right — without damaging fixtures.

🚫 When You Should Definitely Call a Licensed Plumber

🚨 1. Burst or Leaking Pipes

This isn’t a time to experiment. Shut off your main water supply and call our emergency plumbing team in Toronto immediately. Water damage moves fast and mold doesn’t wait.

🚨 2. Frozen Pipes

Trying to thaw a frozen pipe with a blow dryer or space heater might work — or it might crack the pipe and make it worse. We’ll identify the frozen section, thaw it safely, and insulate the system to prevent future issues.

🚨 3. Sewer Backups or Bad Smells

Any time you smell sewage or see water coming up from a floor drain, it could mean a blocked main line or city connection issue. Our crew uses CCTV camera inspections and trenchless repair methods to handle it fast — no digging up your yard.

🚨 4. Hot Water Problems

Water heater not heating? Pilot light off? Strange noises or water pooling underneath? Our team offers fast hot water heater repair and full replacements if your tank is beyond saving. We also install tankless systems for long-term energy savings.

🧑‍🔧 Why Choose Anta Plumbing?

• City of Toronto–licensed plumbers

• Over 30 years of experience with Toronto’s plumbing infrastructure

• 24/7 emergency service

• Free inspections with every call

• Upfront pricing with a written guarantee

• Fully equipped service trucks ready for all jobs

How Anta Plumbing Solves These Problems Across Toronto

At Anta Plumbing, we don’t just fix plumbing problems — we understand Toronto’s unique plumbing systems better than anyone. With 30+ years serving neighbourhoods from Etobicoke to East York, we’ve seen it all: century-old cast iron pipes, modern high-rise challenges, and everything in between.

Here’s how we tackle common plumbing issues with experience, precision, and zero guesswork:

🔍 1. Fast Diagnostics with Modern Tools

We use CCTV drain camera inspections to look deep inside your pipes — without digging. This helps us detect clogs, collapsed pipes, root intrusion, and other hidden issues. Whether it’s a sewer backup or a mysterious leak, we’ll find the problem fast.

🚚 2. Fully Equipped Emergency Plumbing Trucks

Our trucks are stocked with everything we need for same-day service — pipe cutters, water line materials, augers, snaking equipment, hydro-jetting machines, and even trenchless pipe bursting tools. This means less waiting, less disruption, and no back-and-forth trips.

🌡️ 3. Expert Winter Plumbing Protection

Toronto winters are no joke. We handle frozen pipes, pipe insulation, and burst repairs daily during cold snaps. We’ll inspect vulnerable pipe runs and install proper heat tracing and insulation where needed.

🚽 4. Toilet and Faucet Repairs Done Right

From constant drips to toilets that won’t flush right, we fix plumbing fixtures fast. We stock most cartridges, stems, and flappers, and we carry MotionSense™ hands-free faucet parts for modern homes. No part? We source it same-day if possible.

💦 5. Water Leak Detection & Pressure Fixes

If you have low water pressure, a high water bill, or mysterious damp spots — we use leak detection equipment to locate the issue without cutting open walls blindly. Then we replace pipes, valves, or supply lines as needed.

🌊 6. Basement Flooding Prevention

Using sump pumps, backwater valves, and waterproofing techniques, we help homeowners qualify for the Toronto Basement Flooding Subsidy Program. We'll even assist with the paperwork to apply for rebates.

🔧 7. Licensed, Insured, and Always Local

We’re a City of Toronto–licensed plumber, and our team is fully insured. Our plumbers live in and around the communities we serve — so when you call, we dispatch fast, often in under 30 minutes.

We back every job with a written guarantee, offer upfront pricing before we begin, and provide free inspections with every call.

📍 Serving All Across Toronto:

• Etobicoke

• North York

• Scarborough

• High Park

• East York

• Midtown

• Downtown Core

• Bloor West Village

• And more…

Proactive Maintenance: How to Prevent Plumbing Problems in Toronto

Regular maintenance can save you thousands. Most Toronto homeowners only call a plumber after something breaks — but with the age of our infrastructure and the weather swings we get, proactive plumbing care goes a long way.

Here’s what we recommend:

🗓️ Monthly:

• Check under sinks for moisture

• Listen for unusual pipe noises (gurgling or banging)

• Clean faucet aerators for better pressure
  
  

🛠️ Every 6–12 Months:

• Have your sump pump tested before spring

• Schedule a drain snaking or CCTV inspection for slow drains

• Flush your hot water heater to remove sediment

• Winterize any exposed plumbing before November
  
  

👨‍🔧 Annual Plumbing Inspection (We Do It Free!)

Anta Plumbing includes free full-house plumbing inspections with every job. We check pressure, connections, insulation, and drainage. This lets you catch problems early and avoid surprise emergencies.