Signs Your Hot Water Heater Needs Replacement

Slow or smelly drains are one of the most common reasons homeowners call us. Orillia homes, especially older builds near the waterfront, often develop drain issues due to aging plumbing, tree roots, or seasonal temperature shifts. Here are the five drain issues we see most often — and what they may be telling you. 1. Slow Drains Usually caused by: Hair buildup Soap scum Grease Food debris If all your drains are slow, that often points to a blockage deeper in the main line. 2. Gurgling Sounds A gurgling drain usually means the plumbing system is struggling for air because of: Partial blockages Vent stack problems Tree root intrusions Ignoring gurgling drains can turn into a full backup. 3. Recurrent Sink Clogs When the same drain keeps clogging, the issue may be with pipe slope, scale buildup, or collapsed drain sections — not just debris. 4. Sewer Smells in the Basement This is a serious red flag. Orillia homes with older clay sewer lines often develop cracks that allow groundwater or soil to seep in. Sewer odours need professional diagnosis immediately. 5. Standing Water in Floor Drains Common in: Basements Laundry rooms Commercial kitchens Restaurants and retail units Standing water usually points to a blockage or failing backwater valve. How We Fix Drain Problems Pro Plumbing Orillia uses: Video inspections Hydro-jetting Drain snaking Sewer diagnostics Backwater valve repair If your drains are acting up, don’t ignore the early signs — they never fix themselves.

Orillia winters aren’t gentle. With temperatures regularly dipping well below freezing, one of the most common plumbing emergencies our team at Pro Plumbing Orillia responds to is frozen and burst pipes . For both homeowners and businesses, a frozen pipe can stop water flow, cause major leaks, and lead to thousands in water damage. Let’s break down why pipes freeze here so often, the signs to watch for, and the best prevention strategies. Why Pipes Freeze So Easily in Orillia Cold snaps, lake-effect winds, and sudden temperature drops combine to put major stress on plumbing systems. The most at-risk pipes include: Pipes in uninsulated walls Crawlspace and basement plumbing Outdoor hose bibs Commercial units with large open areas or poorly heated utility rooms When water freezes, it expands — and that pressure can burst copper or PEX lines from the inside out. Early Warning Signs Many plumbing emergencies could be prevented if people recognized the early symptoms: Sudden lack of water at one faucet Frost or condensation forming on exposed pipes Unusual gurgling sounds A sewer smell coming from drains when pipes freeze underground If you notice any of these signs, shut off your water immediately and call a professional. How to Prevent Frozen Pipes Here’s what we recommend to all Orillia clients: Insulate exposed pipes in basements, garages, and crawlspaces Disconnect garden hoses before winter Keep interior temperatures stable — even in unused rooms Let taps drip during extreme cold Seal drafts around pipe exits and foundation openings Schedule a plumbing inspection before winter hits If your pipes freeze, never use an open flame to thaw them. It’s dangerous and causes fires every winter. Professional Help for Frozen Pipes Pro Plumbing Orillia provides fast local service, pipe thawing, burst pipe repair, and winterization for homes and businesses. If you want to avoid an expensive mess, prevention is always cheaper than cleanup.

Low water pressure can make showers frustrating and washing dishes inefficient, but it also signals underlying plumbing issues that may worsen if ignored. Here’s how to identify and fix the most common causes of low water pressure in Orillia homes. 1. Sediment Buildup in Pipes Over time, minerals and debris accumulate in older galvanized or copper pipes, narrowing the water flow. Professional pipe flushing or partial replacement may be necessary if buildup is severe. 2. Partially Closed Shut-Off Valves Sometimes, the main water valve or meter valve is not fully open. Check that both are completely turned to the open position. 3. Failing Pressure Regulator Homes equipped with pressure regulators can experience drops in water flow when the device begins to fail. A licensed plumber can test and replace this component. 4. Leaks in the Plumbing System Undetected leaks — even small ones — can cause a noticeable pressure drop. Look for damp walls, puddles near fixtures, or unexplained increases in your water bill. 5. City Water Supply Issues Occasionally, the issue originates from municipal supply maintenance. Pro Plumbing Orillia can help determine if the problem is within your system or outside your property line. Professional Diagnosis and Repair Accurately identifying the cause of low water pressure requires experience and diagnostic tools. Pro Plumbing Orillia uses advanced testing equipment to locate restrictions, leaks, or faulty regulators quickly and effectively.  Call 705-242-5057 for same-day plumbing diagnostics and reliable repairs anywhere in the Orillia region.

Autumn is one of the best times to inspect your plumbing system before the long Ontario winter sets in. Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall can expose weak points in your home’s water and drainage systems. By handling small issues early, you can avoid expensive mid-winter plumbing repairs. 1. Clogged Gutters and Downspouts Fallen leaves can block gutters, leading to water overflow and foundation leaks. Clear debris regularly to ensure proper drainage away from your home. 2. Slow or Clogged Drains Kitchen sinks and bathroom drains often collect grease, soap, and debris over summer months. Avoid pouring fats, oils, and coffee grounds down the drain, and use strainers to catch hair or food particles. 3. Water Heater Maintenance Your water heater works harder in colder months. Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, check for corrosion, and ensure the temperature is set around 120°F (49°C) for efficiency and safety. 4. Sump Pump Testing Heavy fall rains can overwhelm sump pumps that have gone untested all summer. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to confirm it activates properly. 5. Outdoor Hose Bibs and Lines Before freezing weather arrives, disconnect and drain garden hoses and shut off outdoor faucets from the inside. Why Fall Plumbing Maintenance Matters Preventive maintenance reduces the risk of leaks, pipe bursts, and water damage during the harsh winter season. A fall inspection from Pro Plumbing Orillia ensures your system is sealed, insulated, and ready for the months ahead. Schedule your fall plumbing inspection today by calling 705-242-5057 — serving Orillia, Oro-Medonte, and surrounding Simcoe County communities.

When temperatures in Orillia dip well below freezing, frozen pipes become one of the most common — and costly — plumbing emergencies. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water, damaging walls, floors, and valuables. Fortunately, homeowners can take simple steps to prevent these issues before they start. Why Pipes Freeze Pipes freeze when the water inside them drops below 0°C, expanding as it turns to ice. The pressure from this expansion often causes pipes to burst. Areas most at risk include: Unheated basements or crawl spaces Exterior walls and garages Attics or under-insulated rooms Outdoor taps and hoses How to Protect Your Plumbing System Insulate exposed pipes. Use foam pipe sleeves or heating tape in basements, crawl spaces, and along exterior walls. Seal air leaks. Cold drafts entering through cracks or openings can quickly freeze nearby pipes. Disconnect outdoor hoses. Shut off and drain exterior faucets before temperatures drop. Keep a trickle of water running. During severe cold snaps, let faucets drip slightly to prevent freezing. Maintain consistent indoor heat. Keep the home temperature above 15°C, even when away. If Your Pipes Freeze Do not attempt to thaw pipes with an open flame or torch. Instead: Turn off the main water supply. Open the affected faucet to relieve pressure. Use a space heater or hair dryer to warm the pipe slowly. Call Pro Plumbing Orillia for emergency service if you cannot locate or safely thaw the frozen section. Local Expertise You Can Count On At Pro Plumbing Orillia , our licensed plumbers are trained to handle frozen pipes and winter plumbing emergencies throughout Orillia, Severn, and Simcoe County.  Call 705-999-1221 for fast, professional assistance and winterization services.

If you suspect a leak, don’t wait.

In Orillia, the city may even offer rebates for installing one.

Basement flooding is a major issue for many Orillia homeowners, especially in spring when snow melts or after heavy rains.

They’re great for small homes and cottages around the lake where space is limited.