If you’re wondering how to choose a plumber in Ottawa, consider these key things: make sure the plumber is licensed and insured, get a written estimate before work begins, look for local reviews you can verify, and find out how fast they typically respond. This guide is for Ottawa homeowners who want to hire a plumber with confidence, whether the job is a dripping tap, a bathroom renovation or a burst pipe in January.
Need a residential plumber now? Call 613-835-3111 or reach out online.
What does a residential plumbing contractor do?
A residential plumbing contractor installs, repairs and maintains the pipes, fixtures and drains that bring clean water into your home and carry wastewater out. The most common home plumbing services include:
- Leak repair: Finding and fixing leaks in pipes, fittings and fixtures before they cause water damage.
- Drain cleaning: Clearing clogs in sinks, tubs, toilets and main drain lines, and keeping them flowing.
- Fixture installation: Fitting faucets, sinks, toilets and showers so they work properly and look great.
- Water heater service: Repairing, maintaining or replacing a water heater that’s leaking or no longer keeping up.
A good residential plumbing company handles all of these, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. You can see the full list of what we do on our Residential Plumbing Services page.
Things to check before you hire a plumber in Ottawa
Before you agree to any work, take a few minutes to check these five things. They’ll tell you more about a plumber than a price alone.
1. Licensing and certification
Plumbing is a compulsory trade in Ontario. That means that, to work legally, a plumber must be a registered apprentice or hold a Certificate of Qualification, and their name must appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register. Licensed plumbers have completed years of training and passed a provincial exam, so you can expect work that meets code. Ask for the plumber’s certificate number, or look them up on the register yourself.
Cadieux Plumbing’s team is made up of licensed, certified plumbers with extensive hands-on experience in Ottawa homes.
2. Insurance coverage
Two kinds of coverage are worth asking about:
- Liability insurance covers damage to your home or belongings if something goes wrong during the job.
- Workplace insurance (WSIB) covers the plumber’s workers if they’re injured on your property.
Homeowners hiring someone to work on their own home generally don’t need a WSIB clearance certificate, but asking for proof of insurance is a quick way to separate established businesses from fly-by-night operators.
Cadieux Plumbing is insured, so you’re protected from the moment we arrive.
3. Written cost and transparent pricing
A rough number over the phone leaves room for surprises. Ask for a written estimate that covers labour, materials and what happens if the job uncovers a bigger problem. You should understand what you’re paying for before any work starts.
At Cadieux Plumbing, we give clear explanations, upfront recommendations and straightforward pricing before work begins, so you can make a confident decision.
4. Local experience and reviews
Ottawa’s long, cold winters are hard on plumbing. Pipes in exterior walls, unheated crawl spaces and garages can freeze and burst during a cold snap. A plumber who works here every day knows where to look and how to prevent it.
Read reviews on Google and other platforms, and look for recent reviews that mention jobs like yours. Pay attention to how the company responds to complaints, too.
Cadieux Plumbing is a local company based in Navan, serving homeowners across Ottawa, including Orleans and Navan.
5. Response time and emergency availability
A burst pipe or a backed-up drain can’t wait for next week. Before you need help, find out whether a plumber offers emergency service, how quickly they can usually arrive and whether after-hours calls cost more.
Cadieux Plumbing provides scheduled residential plumbing service across Ottawa, including Orleans and the surrounding area. If you have a burst pipe or flooding, shut off your main water valve, contact us to arrange the repair.
Common mistakes homeowners in Ottawa make when hiring a plumber
Most plumbing headaches start before the work does. Here are the mistakes we see most often:
Choosing the lowest quote without comparing what’s included
A cheaper price can leave out materials, cleanup or the root cause of the problem.
Skipping the written estimate
Without one, it’s hard to hold anyone to a price or a scope of work.
Hiring a handyman for plumbing work
In Ontario, plumbing must be done by a licensed plumber or registered apprentice. Unlicensed work may not meet code and can cause trouble when you sell your home or make an insurance claim.
Paying the full amount upfront
A reasonable deposit is normal, but the balance shouldn’t be due until the work is done.
Waiting until winter to fix small problems
A slow leak or a poorly insulated pipe is easy to fix in October and much harder to deal with after it freezes in February.
What to expect when you call Cadieux Plumbing
We keep the process simple, so you always know what’s happening and what it will cost.
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You contact us
Call 613-835-3111 or send us a message through our contact page. Tell us what’s going on and where.
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We assess the issue
A licensed plumber diagnoses the problem and finds the cause, not just the symptom.
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You receive upfront pricing
We explain what we found, recommend your options and give you a clear price before any work begins.
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We complete the work
We fix the problem properly the first time, using quality materials and proven techniques, and walk you through what we did.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need a professional plumber?
Call a professional if you have no hot water, a leak inside a wall or ceiling, sewage smells or backups, low water pressure throughout the house, or clogs that keep coming back. Any job that involves moving, adding or replacing pipes should also be left to a licensed plumber. Small jobs, like plunging a toilet or replacing a showerhead, are usually fine to do yourself.
What should I expect during a plumbing inspection?
A plumber will check your visible pipes, fixtures, drains, water heater and water pressure, looking for leaks, corrosion and signs of water damage. Afterwards, they should explain what they found in plain language and recommend any repairs, with pricing set out in writing before any work goes ahead.
Can Cadieux Plumbing help with residential plumbing maintenance?
Yes. Our residential services cover routine maintenance as well as emergency repairs, including leak detection, drain cleaning, fixture installation and water pressure checks. Regular maintenance helps catch small problems before they turn into costly repairs.
How do I schedule a service with Cadieux Plumbing?
Call us at 613-835-3111, or fill in the form on our contact page with your name, phone number, address and a short description of the problem. We'll get back to you to book a time that works for you.
Ready to hire a residential plumber in Ottawa?
Work with a licensed, insured, local team that explains the job and the price before any work starts.