From emergency repairs to planned installations, we handle the full range of plumbing services North York property owners rely on. Our trucks are stocked with the parts and tools needed to complete most jobs the same day. Our plumbers are trained to work efficiently without cutting corners.
Here's what we help with:
If you're not sure what's wrong or what you need, describe what you're seeing. Slow drains. Strange sounds. Water where there shouldn't be any. We'll figure out the rest. Reach out to us anytime.
Common North York Plumbing Problems We Solve Every Week
The 1960s Bungalow with Corroded Galvanized Pipes
If your Willowdale or York Mills home was built in the 1950s or 60s, you still have galvanized steel water lines. Here's what we see: low water pressure at multiple fixtures. Rusty or discoloured water when you first turn on a tap in the morning. Pinhole leaks appear one after another. The pipes have corroded from the inside out after decades of use. When we camera-inspect the line, the inside diameter may be half of what the pipe should allow due to rust buildup. The fix isn't a patch. You need a full water line replacement. We do this with minimal disruption using trenchless methods. If you're noticing these symptoms, don't wait for a burst. Schedule a video inspection so you know what you're working with.
Basement Flooding After Heavy Rain
Many homes in Don Mills, Bayview Village, and areas near the Don River valley experience basement flooding during heavy storms. The cause is one of three: a missing or non-functional backwater valve, downspouts still connected to the sanitary sewer (illegal in Toronto), or a failed weeping tile system.
We start by asking when the water shows up. If flooding occurs during or right after heavy rain and the water is relatively clear, you're dealing with surface water or foundation drainage. But if the water is murky and smells like sewage, you have a sewer backup. A video inspection of your sewer lateral and a check of your backwater valve pinpoint the weak point. Don't forget to check if you're eligible for the City's subsidy programme. We'll handle the permit, installation, and inspection so you can claim up to $3,400 in tax credits.
Frozen Pipes in Older Homes During Cold Snaps
January 2026 reminded North York homeowners why pipe insulation matters. We get calls every winter from homes where the water service enters through an unheated crawl space, an exterior wall, or an uninsulated basement corner. The pipes freeze, water stops flowing, and sometimes pipes burst when they thaw.
The trouble spots are almost always predictable: the section of copper or PEX running along a foundation wall with no insulation, or right where the service line enters the house near a cold air draft. If you've had previous issues with freezing, we will insulate the vulnerable sections with foam pipe sleeves, seal air leaks, and sometimes recommend a heat trace cable for chronic problem areas. This is a small investment compared to the cost of a burst pipe and water damage.
Tree Roots in Clay Sewer Laterals
Older North York homes often have clay sewer pipes. Tree roots love them. Roots grow toward moisture. Even a small crack or joint gap in a clay pipe is an invitation. You'll notice slow drains throughout the house. Gurgling sounds when you flush. Sewage backups in your basement floor drain. When we run a camera through the line, we see exactly where the roots have infiltrated and how much of the pipe is compromised. Sometimes we clear the roots with a mechanical auger or hydro-jetting. If the pipe is cracked or collapsed, a repair or replacement is the only permanent fix. Trenchless sewer line repair allows us to replace the damaged section without excavating your entire yard, driveway, or landscaping.
What to Expect When You Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of North York ON
We'll Ask Questions Before We Arrive
When you call, we'll ask about what you're seeing. This helps us send the right truck with the right tools. If you're describing a main sewer backup, we'll bring a camera and a power auger. If you have a water heater issue, we'll ask about the age, fuel type, and symptoms so we're prepared. The more you tell us upfront, the faster we solve things once we're on site.
We'll Diagnose the Problem and Explain Your Options
Our plumbers don't tear things apart without your approval. We'll inspect the issue, explain what we found in plain language, and provide options with upfront pricing for each. If you have a clogged drain, we'll tell you whether this is a simple blockage we can clear in 20 minutes or a root intrusion needing camera confirmation and a repair. If your water heater is leaking, we'll let you know whether a repair makes sense or replacement is the smarter move, based on its age and condition. No matter the issue, you'll know the cost before we start any work.
We'll Protect Your Home While We Work
Our plumbers wear shoe covers, lay down mats to protect your floors, and clean up thoroughly when the job is done. If we need to access a crawl space, dig an access pit for a sewer repair, or cut into drywall to reach a pipe, we'll explain what's involved and minimize the disruption. For larger jobs, such as a water line replacement or a backwater valve installation that requires a building permit, we'll handle the permit application and schedule the City inspection. You don't have to navigate the process yourself.
We'll Make Sure Things are Done Right Before We Leave
Once the repair or installation is complete, we'll test everything to make sure things work as they should. For a drain cleaning, we run water to confirm flow. For a backwater valve, we verify that the valve opens and closes properly. For a water line repair, we check for leaks and restore pressure. Before we leave, we'll walk you through what we did, answer any questions, and let you know if there's anything you should keep an eye on going forward.
How to Avoid the Most Common North York Plumbing Problems
Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is and Make Sure the Valve Works
The valve is on the foundation wall in your basement, right where the water service enters the house, before the metre. If a pipe bursts or a fixture starts leaking and won't stop, this valve is your first line of defence. Many of these valves haven't been turned in 10 or 20 years. They seize up. Test the valve once a year. Turn clockwise to close. Then back open. If the valve is stiff, leaking, or won't turn, have the valve replaced before you need it in an emergency. The City of Toronto shuts off water at the property line if your valve fails. This takes up to two hours. A lot of water damage happens in two hours.
Don't Pour Grease Down the Drain
Grease, fat, and cooking oil might go down the drain as a liquid. They cool and harden inside your pipes. Over time, this buildup restricts flow and traps other debris, leading to clogs. The City of Toronto identifies fats, oils, and grease as major contributors to sewer backups. Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel and toss the towel in the green bin. Or pour cooled grease into a container and dispose of the container with your rubbish. Your drains will thank you.
Nothing Goes Down the Toilet Except Toilet Paper
Even products labelled "flushable" don't break down the way toilet paper does. Wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, and dental floss can get caught in pipe joints. They snag on rough spots in older clay or cast iron lines. They create blockages. The City of Toronto lists these items as common causes of sewer backups. If something is not human waste or toilet paper, put it in the rubbish, not the toilet.
Insulate Pipes in Unheated Spaces Before Winter
If you have water pipes running through an unheated garage, crawl space, or along an exterior basement wall, insulate them with foam pipe sleeves before the first hard freeze. This is a simple, inexpensive fix to prevent a frozen pipe and expensive water damage. Pay special attention to the spot where your water service enters the house. This is one of the most common freeze points in North York homes.
Disconnect Your Downspouts from the Sewer
Toronto law requires all property owners to disconnect downspouts from the City's sewer system. During periods of heavy rain, downspouts connected to the sewer add to the load and increase the risk of basement flooding. Redirect your downspouts so water flows onto your lawn or a splash pad, at least two metres away from your foundation. If you're not sure whether your downspouts are connected, we can check during a service visit.
Schedule a Camera Inspection If Your Home Was Built Before 1980
Older North York homes often have clay sewer laterals, galvanized water lines, or cast iron drains that degrade over time. A video camera inspection will spot root intrusion, corrosion, cracks, sags, and buildup, allowing you to see the condition of your pipes before they fail. You plan repairs or replacements on your timeline rather than during an emergency. This is especially valuable if you're buying an older home or if you've had recurring slow drains or backups.
Tools and Technology We Use to Diagnose and Solve Plumbing Problems
Video Camera Inspection
We use high-resolution sewer cameras to inspect the inside of your drain and sewer lines. The camera feeds through the pipe and sends back real-time video. We see exactly what's causing the problem. Root intrusion. Cracks. Sags. Corrosion. Buildup. This is the fastest way to diagnose a sewer issue without guessing or digging exploratory holes. When we're done, we show you the footage so you understand what needs fixing and why.
HydroScrub® Jetting
For stubborn clogs or heavy buildup, we use high-pressure water jetting (HydroScrub®) to clear the line. This is more thorough than a mechanical snake because the water scours the pipe walls clean. We remove grease, soap scum, mineral deposits, and even small roots. This is especially effective for recurring clogs or slow drains, keeping you from calling us back. We restore the full diameter of the pipe instead of punching a hole through the blockage.
Trenchless Repair Methods
When a sewer line or water line needs replacement, we often do the work without tearing up your entire yard, driveway, or landscaping. Trenchless pipe bursting or pipe lining lets us replace or repair the line through small access pits at each end. This is faster, less disruptive, and often more cost-effective than traditional open-trench excavation, especially if you have mature trees, paved surfaces, or finished landscaping you want to protect.
Leak Detection Equipment
Hidden leaks behind walls, under slabs, or in underground service lines waste thousands of litres of water before you even notice them. We use acoustic leak detection and thermal imaging to pinpoint the source without unnecessary demolition. Once we know where the leak is, we access the leak with minimal damage and get things repaired quickly.
What Affects the Cost of Common Plumbing Jobs in North York
Drain Cleaning
Cost depends on access. Is there a cleanout, or do we need to remove a toilet? Cost depends on the location of the blockage. Kitchen sink vs main sewer line. Cost depends on the cause. Grease buildup vs tree roots. A simple kitchen sink clog with good access is straightforward. A main line blockage 15 metres from the house with root intrusion takes more time and equipment.
Water Line Replacement
Factors include the length of the line, depth of burial, what's on the surface (lawn, driveway, landscaping), and whether we use trenchless methods or need to do open-trench excavation. Trenchless is faster and less disruptive. Trenchless requires specific conditions. Surface restoration (re-sodding, repaving) also affects the total cost.
Backwater Valve Installation
Cost depends on whether your basement is finished. Do we need to cut and patch concrete and drywall? Cost depends on the depth and location of your main drain line. Cost depends on whether a building permit and inspection are required. If you're applying for the City's subsidy programme, we'll provide an itemized invoice qualifying for reimbursement.
Sewer Line Repair
Cost depends on the extent of damage. One cracked section vs multiple problem areas. Cost depends on pipe material. Clay, cast iron, PVC. Cost depends on access. Is the line under a driveway or lawn? Cost depends on the repair method. Spot repair vs full replacement. Trenchless vs open-cut. A camera inspection gives us the information we need to provide an accurate estimate.
Red Flags Indicating You Need a Plumber Right Away
Water Pooling Around the Water Heater
If you see water collecting at the base of your water heater, the tank is leaking. Tank leaks don't get better. They get worse. When a tank fails completely, it discharges 150 to 250 litres of water onto your basement floor. Call us right away so we can assess whether this is a repairable issue (like a leaking pressure relief valve) or if the tank needs replacement.
Sewage Backing Up Into the Bathtub or Multiple Fixtures
If sewage is coming up through your bathtub drain, basement floor drain, or multiple fixtures at once, you have a main line blockage. Stop using water right away. Every flush or drain adds to the backup. Call us for emergency service. We'll bring a camera and power equipment to clear the line and identify the cause.
Sudden Drop in Water Pressure Throughout the House
If every tap in your home suddenly has low pressure or no water, check the City of Toronto's No Water Map first to see if there's a planned outage or a water main break in your area. If the map shows nothing and your neighbours have water, you have a frozen pipe or a break in your water service line. Call us to diagnose and fix things before the situation gets worse.
Gas Smell Near the Water Heater or Furnace
If you smell gas (a rotten egg or sulphur odour), leave the house right away. Don't turn any lights or appliances on or off. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Once the gas company has secured the area, call us to inspect and repair the issue. Gas leaks are serious and require immediate action.
Water Running When All Fixtures Are Off
If you hear water running or see your water metre moving when no taps, toilets, or appliances are in use, you have a hidden leak. This could be caused by anything from a toilet with a failing flapper, a leaking water heater, or an underground service line break. The longer the leak runs, the more water you waste and the higher your bill climbs. Call us for leak detection and repair.
Residential Plumbing Services Tailored to North York Homes
Your home's plumbing system works quietly in the background until something goes wrong. A leaking pipe damages drywall and flooring. A failing water heater means cold showers and disrupted routines. A clogged sewer line backs up into your basement, creating a health hazard and a costly cleanup.
We treat your home with the same care we'd want for our own. Our plumbers wear shoe covers. We lay down protective mats. We clean up thoroughly when the job is done. We'll walk you through what we found. We explain your options in plain language. We give you an upfront price before we start any work. No surprises. No pressure. Honest service from licensed professionals who take pride in doing the job right.
Whether you're in Willowdale, York Mills, Downsview, or anywhere else in North York, we're here to help. Contact us to schedule service at a time that works for you.
What Sets Mr. Rooter Plumbing Apart in North York
We've been in the plumbing business since 1970. In this time, we've learned what matters most to homeowners. Showing up when we say we will. Diagnosing problems accurately. Standing behind our work. Here's what you expect when you work with us:
- Locally owned and operated. We're part of the North York community, not a faceless national chain.
- Licensed and insured plumbers who hold valid Certificates of Qualification from Skilled Trades Ontario.
- Upfront, flat-rate pricing. You'll know the cost before we start, with no overtime charges.
- Neighbourly Done Right Promise®. If you're not satisfied, we'll make things right.
- Flexible scheduling respecting your time, including evenings and weekends.
- 24/7 emergency availability when you need help right away.
- Payment plans and financing options are available to make larger repairs or replacements more manageable.
Don't take our word for this. Read what your North York neighbours have to say about their experience working with us. Then contact us to schedule your service.
When to Call 311 vs When to Call a Plumber in North York
If you think the issue involves City infrastructure, start with 311 so Toronto Water investigates. The City of Toronto asks residents to report things like a blocked or backed-up basement drain, a watermain break, or leaking water service lines on City property through 311. The City also provides tools like the No Water Map to check for service disruptions. If the problem is inside your home, affects only one fixture, or the City confirms the City-side is clear, call a licensed plumber. A practical rule of thumb: if water is coming from your plumbing fixtures or your basement floor drain, call a plumber. If water is surfacing on the road or multiple homes are affected, call 311 and then book a plumber to protect your property while the City investigates.
