Last Updated: February 25, 2026 — Reviewed by Brian Hayes, Licensed Master Plumber
Common problems with your water pipes can be a real nuisance, but thanks to the Internet (YouTube is a life saver) with just a little elbow grease you can most often fix them by yourself. However, no matter how handy you are you won’t be able to DIY every plumbing problem you face.
When the water is pouring and the cold rushing in, you’re better off leaving the heavy lifting up to the professionals. If you ever find yourself faced with the following three scenarios, call a professional plumbing contractors – you’ll thank yourself later.
Hot Water Heater Malfunctioning
Hot water and heat are a modern day luxury that even in the dead of summer we’d be hard pressed to live without. If you’re experiencing problems with your hot water heater you should consider calling a professional before you poke around with a piece of equipment you don’t fully understand.
Hop on the horn if you notice:
- no hot water,
- partial hot water,
- rust-coloured water,
- a low rumbling or popping noise from your water tank,
- high pitched whining sound from your water tank,
- a rotten egg odour in your water or near your gas water heater,
- flooding or leaking from your water tank
A plumber will be able to fix the existing water heater, or make recommendations on a new unit if necessary.
Pipes That Won’t Drain
If you your toilet won’t flush but won’t clear when you plunge it, or your sink won’t drain but the culprit isn’t an easily accessible clog, there’s a good chance you may have a blocked drain pipe. You can determine this by conducting a simple test with the fixtures in the lowest part of the house – bathtub, sink, and toilet. If they aren’t working, this can indicate a problem with the main drain, which can only be determined by a plumber.
A professional will bring in special equipment to snake the drain and clear those tough clogs. If that’s not enough, he can run a camera down the drain line to determine the location of the problem, the cause, and what needs to be done to rectify it. A collapsed drain section – which may have bowed under pressure or been infiltrated by root systems – will need to be dug out and replaced.
Unexplained Leaks
You can fix a leaky faucet on your own, but anything more complicated will require professional assistance.
Often, the origin of a leak is behind a wall or under the floor, and identifying the exact location is hard. If you bring in a professional, not only are you saving yourself time and hassle, they will have the knowledge and specialized equipment needed to get the job done right.
If you find yourself faced with one of the above problems, don’t waste another minute – call Haye’s Plumbing and one of our certified plumbing technicians will be by to give you a hand in no time.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call a plumber for plumbing problems?
You should call a licensed plumber for plumbing problems when the issue persists after basic troubleshooting, involves water pressure changes, or requires access to pipes behind walls. Hayes Plumbing serves Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby, Clarington, and Pickering.
How much does plumbing problems cost in Durham Region?
The cost of plumbing problems in Durham Region depends on the complexity of the job and parts required. Hayes Plumbing provides upfront pricing before beginning any work so there are no surprises.
Should I try DIY or hire a professional for plumbing problems?
While minor issues can sometimes be addressed with DIY methods, plumbing problems often requires a licensed plumber to ensure the work meets Ontario plumbing code. Hayes Plumbing is fully licensed, WSIB certified, and BBB accredited.
Need help with plumbing repairs or installations? Hayes Plumbing & Bathroom Renovations serves Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby, Clarington, and Pickering. Contact us or call (905) 576-3043 for a free estimate.
