Courtice is the community in the Municipality of Clarington right next to Oshawa's east side, running from Townline Road east past Courtice Road, and Hayes Plumbing covers its plumbing emergencies 24/7. When you call (905) 576-3043, a live operator answers whatever the hour and a licensed plumber is dispatched to you from 448 Ritson Rd. South, Oshawa. The drive is usually 10 to 15 minutes, and few drives in our service area are shorter. It is still drive time, though, not a promised arrival time.
Plumbing emergencies in Courtice homes
Pick up the phone straight away, whatever the hour, if you have any of these:
- A sump pump that quits in heavy rain or snowmelt while the water rises. Sump pump failure, failed weeping tiles and blocked sewer connections are on the Region of Durham's list of common causes of basement flooding.
- A burst or leaking pipe, supply lines to a washer, dishwasher or fridge included.
- Sewage or drain water coming back up into the basement.
- A water heater leaking from the base of the tank.
- A toilet that keeps overflowing, or a leak a fixture valve won't stop.
Before the plumber arrives
- The main shut-off is next to the water meter, which is usually found where the water line comes in through the basement. Close it. Both valves on a Region of Durham meter, one on each side, are the homeowner's responsibility.
- A valve that won't move should be left alone, not forced. After hours, 905-576-9991 reaches the Region, which can shut the water off at the curb stop (service box) outside, emergency shut-offs included; the fee is added to your water bill.
- Power down the water heater when it is leaking or the house water is off. On an electric tank, flip its breaker; on a gas tank, set the control to pilot or off.
- Keep your distance from water near outlets and the electrical panel.
- If it's safe, lift belongings out of the water. Then take photos for your insurer and keep receipts for any emergency work.
Region of Durham, Clarington or Hayes?
Clarington is Courtice's municipality, but the Region of Durham runs its drinking water and sanitary sewers. Here is who handles what:
- Region of Durham, on 311 or 905-668-7711 (after hours, 905-576-9991): watermain breaks, leaks at the water meter, broken or raised water service boxes, and sewer backups where the blockage is outside private property.
- Municipality of Clarington: building permits and storm sewers on local roads.
- You, with Hayes doing the work: the water service on your lot, the sewer connection inside the house or within one metre of the foundation, and the drains, sump pump, water heater and fixtures.
- Enbridge Gas (1-866-763-5427) or 911: any gas smell. Get out of the house before you call.
Cost and permits in Courtice
We can't give a set emergency price, since it depends on the problem, the access and the parts; what we do is quote the repair in writing before work begins. If the emergency leads to a replacement, our 2026 Oshawa plumbing cost guide has two planning ranges to start from: water heater installation at $500 to $1,500 and drain cleaning at $150 to $400. Planned work, such as replacing an ageing sump pump or water heater before it fails, gets a free quote.
Clarington normally requires permits for altering or adding any plumbing and normally doesn't for replacing plumbing fixtures. Before larger follow-up work, check with the Building Division at 905-623-3379 ext. 2660 or BuildingPermits@clarington.net.