What services does Rooter Brothers provide in Toronto?
Rooter Brothers specializes in three service categories. Drain and sewer services include drain cleaning, main drain snaking, sewer line repair and replacement, sewer backup, camera inspections, hydro jetting, pipe bursting, building trap removal, drain locating, and cleanout installation. Basement waterproofing, including interior, exterior, and foundation waterproofing. And plumbing services including emergency plumbing, backwater valve installation, sump pump installation, and commercial plumbing. We serve residential and commercial properties across Toronto and the GTA.
Are your technicians licensed and insured in Ontario?
Yes. Every Rooter Brothers technician is fully licensed under Skilled Trades Ontario and carries complete liability insurance. We comply with all Ontario plumbing codes and Toronto municipal requirements. Proof of licensing and insurance is available upon request at any time.
What areas of Toronto and the GTA does Rooter Brothers serve?
Rooter Brothers serves Toronto and all major cities in the Greater Toronto Area, including Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Brampton, and Oakville. Call 647-449-5665 to confirm same-day service availability in your specific area.
Do you offer emergency service across Toronto and the GTA?
Yes. Rooter Brothers operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year across Toronto and the GTA. When you call 647-449-5665, a real person answers and dispatches a licensed technician immediately. After-hours calls carry a service charge we communicate clearly before dispatching.
What is the difference between a drain problem and a sewer problem?
A drain problem affects a single fixture — the blockage is in the branch line serving that fixture. A sewer problem affects multiple fixtures simultaneously because the blockage is in the main sewer line. If one drain is slow, it is likely a drain problem. If multiple drains are backing up at the same time, it is almost certainly a sewer problem. Rooter Brothers diagnoses the difference on every call.
How much does drain cleaning cost in Toronto?
The cost depends on the type of drain, the severity of the blockage, and the method required. A straightforward kitchen or bathroom drain cleaning costs significantly less than a main sewer line clearing with hydro jetting. Rooter Brothers provides a free estimate before any work begins. Call 647-449-5665 for a free estimate.
Why does my drain keep clogging after professional cleaning?
A drain that repeatedly blocks after professional clearing usually has an underlying structural issue — a cracked pipe, a partially collapsed section, root intrusion, or a belly in the line that traps water and debris. A camera inspection identifies the cause. If the pipe is damaged, drain repair is the permanent solution.
Is a sewer backup an emergency?
Yes. Sewage coming up from a basement floor drain or any fixture in your home means the main sewer line is fully blocked. Stop all water use immediately — every litre pushed through a fixture makes the situation worse. Call Rooter Brothers at 647-449-5665 right away. We respond immediately, day or night.
Do you work on older Toronto homes with clay or cast iron pipes?
Yes. Rooter Brothers has extensive experience with clay pipes, cast-iron stacks, and early PVC systems common in Toronto homes built before 1980. We use methods appropriate for the pipe material and condition. For homes with older or deteriorated pipes, we recommend a camera inspection before applying any high-pressure method.
What is the difference between interior and exterior waterproofing?
Interior waterproofing manages water after it enters the basement by installing drainage systems that route it to a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing stops water before it enters by sealing the foundation from the outside. Interior solutions are less invasive and more affordable. Exterior solutions are more comprehensive and address the source directly. Rooter Brothers recommends the right solution after a free on-site inspection.
How much does basement waterproofing cost in Toronto?
Interior waterproofing typically costs between $70 and $150 per linear foot, with total project costs usually between $5,000 and $15,000. Exterior waterproofing ranges from $150 to $300 per linear foot, with total costs typically between $15,000 and $35,000. Foundation crack injection for specific entry points typically costs between $500 and $2,500 per crack. Rooter Brothers provides a written estimate after a free on-site inspection.
Does the City of Toronto offer rebates for waterproofing work?
The City of Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program offers up to $3,400 for qualifying homeowners who install a backwater valve, sump pump, or both. The program does not cover interior or exterior waterproofing membranes directly, but the drainage components that typically accompany waterproofing — such as sump pump installation — may qualify. Rooter Brothers can guide you through the application process.
Do I need a permit for basement waterproofing in Toronto?
Interior waterproofing typically does not require a building permit in Toronto. Exterior waterproofing that involves significant excavation may require a permit depending on the scope and depth of the work. Rooter Brothers handles the permit process where required and confirms all requirements during the inspection before any work begins.
Does the City of Toronto offer rebates for backwater valve installation?
Yes. The City of Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program covers up to $3,400 for qualifying homeowners who install a backwater valve, sump pump, or both. Rooter Brothers handles the full installation and guides you through the application process from start to finish. Contact us to find out whether your property qualifies.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
A plumbing emergency is any situation where water is actively causing damage or posing a health risk. Burst pipes, sewer backups, major leaks, basement flooding, frozen pipes, and complete loss of water supply are all emergencies requiring immediate response. A slow drain or dripping faucet is not typically an emergency and can be scheduled for a regular service call.
How do I find my main water shut-off valve in a Toronto home?
In most Toronto homes the main shut-off valve is located in the basement, near the front foundation wall where the water service line enters from the street. In condos, it is typically inside a utility closet or behind a panel near the unit water meter. If you cannot locate it, call 647-449-5665 and we will help you find it over the phone.
How long does a sump pump last?
A properly installed sump pump typically lasts 7 to 10 years, depending on how frequently it operates and whether it is maintained. Pumps in homes that experience heavy groundwater activity cycle more often and wear out faster. We recommend testing your sump pump annually and replacing the unit before failure — not after. A pump that fails during a storm is a flooded basement.
Do you charge extra for after-hours emergency calls?
Yes. After-hours calls carry a service charge that we communicate clearly before dispatching a technician. You know the cost before we arrive. There are no surprise fees on the invoice. We believe in telling you the full price before we show up — not after the work is done.
How does the free estimate work?
Rooter Brothers provides a free estimate before any work begins. For drain and plumbing calls, we assess the situation on-site and give you a clear price before touching anything. For waterproofing, we visit the property, inspect the foundation, and provide a written estimate. That number does not change when the invoice arrives. No hidden fees, no pressure to proceed.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. Rooter Brothers does not leave until the job is confirmed working. On drain cleaning jobs, we run a full flow test before leaving. On camera inspections, we show you the footage. On sewer repairs, we verify the line is clear and sealed. On waterproofing installations, we test the system before completing the job. If you experience any issue after our work, call us and we will return to assess and resolve it.
Who is responsible for the sewer line in Toronto?
The sewer line from your home’s foundation to the property line is the homeowner’s responsibility. The section from the property line to the municipal main under the street is the City of Toronto’s responsibility. If you are unsure which side the failure is on, call Rooter Brothers, and we will investigate. You can also report a suspected municipal issue to 311.