Extreme winter cold
Ottawa is one of the coldest capital cities in the world, with winter temperatures regularly dropping below −25°C. Pipes in exterior walls, attached garages, crawl spaces and cottages are at real risk of freezing. We insulate vulnerable lines, install frost-free hose bibs, reroute pipes away from cold walls and add heat cable where it makes sense. If your pipes do freeze, don't use an open flame — call us and we'll thaw them safely.
Spring thaw and basement flooding
Snowmelt and spring rains raise the water table and put heavy pressure on the city's sewer system. Homes in older areas with combined sewers, and properties near the Ottawa and Rideau rivers, are particularly exposed. Keeping your sump pump healthy and installing a backwater valve are two of the most effective ways to protect your basement. The City of Ottawa water and wastewater pages offer helpful background on how the system works.
Lead water service lines
Homes built before about 1955 may still be connected to the city water main by a lead pipe. Lead can dissolve into drinking water, which is a health concern, especially for children and pregnant people. We can identify your service line material, and replace the private portion with copper or PEX, coordinating with the City of Ottawa on the public side.
Hard water
Depending on whether your home is on municipal water or a private well, you may notice scale on fixtures, spotty dishes or a water heater that's noisy and inefficient. Water softeners and regular water heater flushing can dramatically extend the life of your plumbing and appliances. Homeowners on wells should test their water regularly; the Ottawa Public Health well water page explains how.
Mature trees and old sewer laterals
Ottawa's beautiful tree canopy comes with a hidden cost: roots seek out moisture in old clay and cast-iron sewer laterals. If you live in an established neighbourhood and experience recurring backups, a camera inspection can confirm root intrusion and help you choose between regular maintenance cleaning and a permanent lateral repair.
Whatever your neighbourhood's challenge, our team has solved it before. Learn about our company or request your free quote.