Most Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions

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Plumbing and heating systems are complex systems making it very difficult to provide accurate estimates without actually being onsite. With that being said, we do offer "rough estimates" over the phone, or by email, based on average cost of projects with similar requirements. To receive an accurate quote in writing that is valid for 30 days, we will only do so after conducting a onsite inspection.

Yes. KaiTech Plumbing & Heating Ltd. has all relevant insurances, licenses and covers; including WCB. If you require a copy, please do not hesitate to contact our office. 

In our industry, By the Hour and Flat Rates are typically the two ways to charge for services. Unfortunately, using the Flat Rate method usually results in being over-charged, more often than not, for parts and labour because service providers who use the Flat Rate method take the mean cost, or higher, to calculate their rates for services based on past sales. 

It is important to point out that plumbing can be very different in different homes, resulting in variance of service times and parts required. This is why, at KaiTech, we bill by the hour. We strongly believe you should only pay for the services, parts and time required to complete your service request and not someone else's. We will give you a complete estimate before any work begins, inform you of available options, and discuss the pros and cons of each option available so you can make the best decision for you, your family, and your budget. 

We guarantee that our workmanship will be free of defects for a period of 2 years from the date of installation. Parts and products warranties vary as per manufacturer. If you need more information about the warranty of a product installed, you can either find it in the owner's manual or contact us for assistance.

In order to check if you have a leak in your home, locate your water meter and record the level. Then, ensure no one uses any water for a couple of hours and then recheck the meter to see if it has changed. If the meter changes after 2 hours with no water usage, you've got a leak.  

Yes. KaiTech will install client supplied plumbing fixtures. However, we can not warranty what we do not supply.  

Hard Water Causes Mineral Buildup: The Difference between hard water and soft water, is that hard water has a higher concentration of dissolved minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, that can cause deposits and other buildups. The white build-up around your shower head and faucets is a prime example of mineral deposits due to hard water. In contrast, soft water has a lower mineral content. The best way to remove hard water build up on fixtures is by using vinegar. Never try to scratch the deposits off with a scouring pad or knife because it can ruin the finishing on your fixtures.

There are several factors that can affect the life expectancy of your hot water heater. Factors such as: make, model, hard or soft water usage and maintenance schedule all play an important role, but on average most tanks last for about 10 - 15 years. Sediment builds up in a tank over time and decreases its efficiency and the amount of hot water available. Therefore, the one thing you can do to extend the life of your hot water tank is to flush it out once a year.

While we do offer furnace repair and maintenance services, unfortunately we do not fix air conditioners at this time. It is best to connect with a qualified HVAC technician in your local area that specializes in ventilation and air conditioning services to install a new furnace or air conditioner.  

Yes! We offer a 10% senior discount to those who are 65+.

The easiest way to check if your toilet is leaking is to remove the lid on the tank and look to see if the flapper at the base of the tank is closed, there is no water flowing into the overflow tube when the tank is full, and that the chain attached to the flapper is not tangled up or caught under the flapper itself. If the flapper appears to be closed on first inspection, flush the toilet and watch to see if the flapper drops completely while the tank refills with water. If it appears the flapper has dropped completely, add several drops of dark food colouring into the tank. Wait for a least 30 mins, and if you see any trace of colour in the toilet bowl afterwards then there is a leak. Most likely the flapper is not forming a water tight seal and it will need to be replaced. 

The second most common cause of a toilet leak is a broken fill valve. If the shut-off valve fails to close completely, or the float is set to high, water will continue to enter the tank and flow into the overflow tube. If the chain is tangled up or caught under the flapper then it is too long. If you are experiencing either of these issues and do not know how to fix them, give us a call and we would be more than happy to assist you.