Responsibilities of a plumber are vast and require some special training for them to perform efficiently. Some of them may function in all these sectors while others are specialists of certain fields. These specializations are steam fitters-responsible for systems which are used in transport of super heated vapor and pipe fitters- who are responsible for connection of pipes used in transport of liquid and gaseous products. Others will work closely with electricians to assist them in piping procedures used in wiring systems.

The job of plumbers is highly regulated and it is required that they first undergo some training. Upon completion of the training, they sit for an examination which one has to attain the pass mark. This will enable them to be licensed to perform either in residential areas or in commercial set ups. Plumbers will always be required to have the appropriate tools to enable them accomplish their tasks properly and efficiently. They will be involved in repair of broken systems which might require replacement of the old pipes or sealing of the leaking sections along the piping system.

Some people will recruit plumbers to clean pipes in their houses. These are pipes which are found in kitchen sinks and those supplying water to toilets. The cleaning will aim at removing all solid substances which might be found along the system. Plumbers will also give instructions to dictate the way tunnels should be dug to allow smooth flow of the contents. Those pipes which will be raised above the ground will be given special attention in order to fix them at a position which will not interfere with other activities around them. The specialists will also give an estimate number and value of material that need to be purchased in order to make the piping system a success.

There are some plumbers who make orders to some selling agents from the manufacturers. This is because the plumbers are well placed when it comes to determining materials which are at a high demand and those that are good to be used in most cases. Those planning to build structures such as houses will require the services of plumbers who will make a budget for them. The project owner may also use plumbers to purchase the required materials. You can inquire from the plumbers for some information pertaining to other equipment such as tanks and sinks for your construction project. They will also give you their suggestions of the best brands of materials to use.

Basement waterproofing reduces moisture in basements, leading to a reduction of odour and allergens. It’s really a no-brainer if you want to keep your house in tip-top shape.

Our Process

• We take a multi-faceted approach to waterproofing your basement, starting with external excavation. The perimeter of the house is excavated and patented WaterGuard tiles are placed alongside the existing foundation wall.
• Internal Waterproofing is also a part of our process.  We seal from the inside so that both inside and outside foundations are protected.

Why Basement Waterproofing is Important!

• Preserve the integrity of your basement and home. This helps with keeping a strong base.
• Increase the area of living space
• Increase property value due to stronger basement waterproofing
• Healthier living environment
• Musky odors are eliminated as no standing water is allowed in the house.

In Ontario, plumbing is a regulated trade, and certification is compulsory. It is regulated to ensure that plumbing practice is safe and risk-free. The legislation regulating plumbers is the Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship Act (1981). This law says that in Ontario it is illegal for anyone other than an apprentice, a holder of a valid provisional certificate, or the holder of a valid licence called a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) to do any of the work of a plumber. Trade certification for plumbers is available through Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship offices of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU).

To become a plumber in Ontario you must do one of the following:

• Complete a five-year apprenticeship (approximately 9,000 hours, including 720 hours of post-secondary in-school training). Apprenticeship includes on-the-job training (about 90 per cent of the apprenticeship) and some in-school training (about 10 per cent of the apprenticeship). Apprenticeship is a training agreement between a person who wants to learn a skilled trade and an employer who needs a skilled worker. An apprentice earns wages while working and learning the skills necessary to become a qualified tradesperson or journeyperson.

or

• Provide documents that prove that you have the training and experience from another country that meets the requirements of the trade in Ontario.

When you have done this, you must also:

• apply for the Certificate of Qualification (this is called the “C of Q”) and receive a provisional certificate;
• pay the required fees; and write and pass the Certificate of Qualification exam.

Competencies Required to Practice Plumbing in Ontario

Before you can receive government certification, you must complete training that covers the competencies listed in Apprenticeship Training Standards – Plumbers. This document lists in detail all the skills that plumbers must be able to demonstrate to be eligible to write the Certificate of Qualification exam. In Ontario, an employer who trains an apprentice signs off on each of the following competencies during an apprenticeship:

• protect self and others
• communicate
• read, interpret, create and maintain drawings and specifications
• design systems
• plan and prepare for projects
• install pipe, fittings, valves and supports
• install piping systems
• install fixtures
• install equipment
• install devices
• test systems
• commission and activate systems
• perform rigging and hoisting
• service and maintain mechanical systems

We like to save you as much money as possible.  Our normal hour of operation are 8am to 8pm everyday.  We do have plumbing experts working 24 hours a day.  Between 8am to 8pm you will pay the same low price.

We understand our clients have different schedules, some require service early in the day, others after work.  We don’t gouge you by charging higher rates for “after hours” work.  We have a standard “8-to-8 Same Great Rate” policy you can count on!

Get started by setting up an appointment with a reliable Toronto plumber today!  Schedule an appointment today!

With Spring in the air, it’s a special time for burst pipes to appear as you’re turning your sprinklers. If you are experiencing a geyser or a clearly broken pipe we can help you with that.  Our teams come to your house in a timely fashion and repair your problem quick.

Specializing in the following Pipe Repair Issues:

• Burst Pipes
• Frozen Pipes
• Clogged Pipes
• Leaky Pipes

We want to be your top Toronto plumber.  Give us a try today!

Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy

The available subsidy equals 80% of the invoiced cost up to a maximum of $1,250 including eligible labour, materials, permit and taxes.

Contact a Toronto Plumber from WaterWorks for more information.

Common causes of clogged drains.
The most common reason for clogged drains is neglect. In the kitchen, drain problems often come from failing to use the drain strainer to prevent orts of food from falling into the pipes, or from grease that accumulates in the drainpipes. In the bathroom, using excessive toilet paper, flushing inappropriate paper items (like paper towels) or flushing tampons down the toilet, often results in a stoppage. In the bathroom sink and bathtubs, hair, hair gel, toothpaste, dental floss and other items can all cause drain problems.

In some cases, A drain stoppage may not be a result of things you put into the drainage system. Scale, deterioration of rusted cast iron pipes, tree roots, and crushed drain lines can also cause drain stoppage.

Household prevention remedies.
There are some things you can try to unblock drains before you call a plumber. Using caustic cleaners based on lye or acids, however, may not be good for your pipes, your own health, your fixtures, or the environment. Instead, consider using natural means to ensure clear drains. Each day, after your dinner cleanup, run very hot water through the pipes. This will help prevent smells, grease buildup and hard water deposits. Occasionally, put a handful of baking soda into each drain and follow it with a hot water rinse. For a stronger effect, add salt, or use vinegar (separately please!) followed with boiling water.

When it’s too late.
Whatever the cause, once a drain is thoroughly blocked, a plumber might well be your only solution. At that point, the expense of clearing the drain will depend on the cause. A simple hairball or grease bolus can often be cleared by using a local drain snake or rooter as long as the blockage isn’t too far from a drain outlet. On the other hand if the blockage is deep in the main stack, or between the house and the city sewer line, power rooting or other measures may be needed.

Inspection and Prevention is key.
Your home plumbing system, like any mechanical instrument or tool, requires regular inspection and maintenance. It’s a good idea, every few years, to get a plumber or plumbing technician into to routinely snake your drain lines as a preventative measure. For the major drain connections, video inspections should also be made periodically. A drain pipe that has been penetrated by small roots can often be cleaned before it becomes a big problem. A drain pipe where the roots have grown and become entrenched may have to be dug up and replaced altogether. The difference in expense is substantial!

Plumbing Certification Requirements in Ontario

WaterWorks Canada’s plumbers in Toronto and the GTA are all certified.  Below is the process and the steps necessary for certification.

To become a plumber in Ontario you must do one of the following:

• Complete a five-year apprenticeship (approximately 9,000 hours, including 720 hours of post-secondary in-school training). Apprenticeship includes on-the-job training (about 90 per cent of the apprenticeship) and some in-school training (about 10 per cent of the apprenticeship). Apprenticeship is a training agreement between a person who wants to learn a skilled trade and an employer who needs a skilled worker. An apprentice earns wages while working and learning the skills necessary to become a qualified tradesperson or journeyperson.
• Provide documents that prove that you have the training and experience from another country that meets the requirements of the trade in Ontario.

When you have done this, you must also:

• apply for the Certificate of Qualification (this is called the “C of Q”) and receive a provisional certificate;
• pay the required fees; and write and pass the Certificate of Qualification exam.
• Competencies Required to Practice Plumbing in Ontario
• Before you can receive government certification, you must complete training that covers the competencies listed in Apprenticeship Training Standards – Plumbers

This document lists in detail all the skills that plumbers must be able to demonstrate to be eligible to write the Certificate of Qualification exam. In Ontario, an employer who trains an apprentice signs off on each of the following competencies during an apprenticeship:

• protect self and others
• communicate
• read, interpret, create and maintain drawings and specifications
• design systems
• plan and prepare for projects
• install pipe, fittings, valves and supports
• install piping systems
• install fixtures
• install equipment
• install devices
• test systems
• commission and activate systems
• perform rigging and hoisting
• service and maintain mechanical systems

Becoming Toronto’s Top Plumber has taken time and finding great staff, give us a call today at (416) 489-0000 and we’ll help fix all your plumbing problems.

Six Things You Can Do to Avoid Clogging Your Pipes

1. Don’t pour cooking grease down the drain. Put it in a soup can or pickle jar and then scrape remaining grease out of the pan.Wash the pan with hot soapy water to make sure the grease dissolves and flushes out of your drain. As an extra precaution, you can also pour a bit of ammonia down the drain to help clear any grease from the pipe.
2. Use a basket strainer for your kitchen sink if the drain does not go through the garbage disposal. Larger pieces of food can be collected and discarded by hand.
3. Periodically remove any hair that has accumulated on the cross pieces of the drain.
4. Pour an enzymatic cleaner in your drains several times a year.These are NOT the same as corrosive or acid-based cleaners. An enzymatic cleaner is a solution of bacterial cultures and enzymes that slowly deteriorates organic material inside pipes. Such solutions should only be used as routine maintenance to help keep your drains clean.These products are recommended because they are not corrosive and are safe for pipes, plumbing equipment, and septic systems. Use enzymatic cleaners for your garbage disposals, showers, bathtubs, toilets, and other household drains.
5. Fully turn on the cold water and then the garbage disposal before dumping coffee grounds or eggshells (or anything) down the drain. If you do not have a garbage disposal, or if you have a septic system, do not put coffee grounds or eggshells down the drain. These materials will build up over time and cause drainage problems.
6. Once a week, fill each sink in your home to the brim and then pull up the stopper. The volume and weight of the water will fill the drain pipe completely with water. It will help flush the drain line of possible obstructions.
   Three or four times a year, fill every sink and tub in the house with water. With the help of friends or family members simultaneously pull all of the drain stoppers up and flush all toilets in the house. This large volume of water will help flush the larger sized drain pipes and underground building drains.

Contact our Toronto Pipe Repair experts today.  Contact us here.