Vaillancourt Plumbing & Drains

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Vaillancourt Plumbing & Drains Limited has been serving residents and businesses throughout Durham Region, Ontario since 1955.

We're Durham Region's oldest plumbing company. Contact us for a job estimate today. As Durham Region's oldest plumbing company, Vaillancourt Plumbing & Drains has been serving the plumbing needs of residential and business customers since 1955 — a testament to our customer-centric approach to our business. As founder Ed Vaillancourt says "Service is our business!" Although daily operations have passed forward to Ed's son, Brian Vaillancourt, Ed still advises, drawing upon his many years of experience and expertise. We are committed to a high-level of quality workmanship and customer care when it comes to your plumbing needs. Our expertise, friendly service and competitive rates will ensure you receive the exact repairs you need.

10/15/2026

For many Durham Region families, autumn marks the traditional closing of seasonal properties located north of the city. Ensuring your cottage is properly winterized before the arrival of sub-zero temperatures is essential for protecting your investment from catastrophic water damage.

Vaillancourt Plumbing reminds property owners that a meticulous plumbing shutdown is the single most effective way to prevent burst pipes and costly spring repairs.

Safeguarding a seasonal plumbing system requires a systematic approach to removing all remaining moisture from the infrastructure. Property owners can utilize this essential winterization checklist during their final seasonal visit:

- Isolate and Drain the Main Supply: Turn off the main water valve or well pump completely. Open all interior and exterior faucets to allow gravity to clear the vertical lines.

- Blow Out the Lines: Connect an air compressor to the plumbing system to blow compressed air through every branch line, ensuring no water remains trapped in low points or horizontal pipe runs.

- Drain the Water Heater: Safely disconnect the power or gas source before completely draining the tank to prevent structural cracking from ice expansion.

- Apply Non-Toxic Antifreeze: Pour specialized, non-toxic plumbing antifreeze directly into all sink drains, shower traps, and toilet bowls to displace remaining water.

Completing these preventative steps ensures your cottage remains secure throughout the harsh winter months.

10/08/2026

The arrival of the autumn harvest season brings an abundance of fresh, local produce from regional markets into kitchens. While preparing wholesome seasonal meals is a highlight of the season, the resulting food scraps can place a significant burden on your kitchen's waste management system.

Vaillancourt Plumbing reminds residents that kitchen garburators are not designed to process all types of organic waste, and introducing the wrong materials can quickly cause mechanical failures and severe drain blockages.

Many traditional harvest vegetables feature dense, fibrous textures that standard garbage disposal units cannot break down effectively. Fibrous scraps like corn husks, celery strings, and pumpkin pulp act like twine inside the mechanism, wrapping tightly around the internal impellers and burning out the appliance motor.

Furthermore, starchy items such as potato peels can create a thick, sticky paste that adheres to pipe walls, trapping other debris and creating dense clogs deep within your kitchen plumbing system.

To protect your drainage system, it is vital to dispose of these tough, fibrous materials through your organic green bin rather than the sink disposal unit.

Keeping hard objects like fruit pits and cooking oils out of the drain ensures your appliance operates smoothly, safeguarding your kitchen plumbing during the busy cooking season.

10/01/2026

As the weather transitions into autumn, checking external household fixtures is an essential part of maintaining your property. Vaillancourt Plumbing reminds Oshawa homeowners that conducting an inspection of outdoor faucets and hose bibs now can prevent expensive issues later.

While exterior taps are frequently utilized throughout the warmer months, minor wear and tear can leave them vulnerable to hidden malfunctions before the cold weather arrives.

A primary reason to inspect these fixtures early is to identify slow drips or internal leaks that may have developed over the summer season. A faulty exterior tap can quietly waste thousands of litres of water, leading to inflated municipal utility bills.

More importantly, resolving a leak or replacing a worn-out washer in late summer ensures that your outdoor plumbing is in optimal condition before the first heavy frost hits Durham Region.

If an outdoor faucet is leaking internally, it may trap water inside the pipe assembly even after you turn off the interior shut-off valve. When temperatures drop below freezing, this trapped water expands, posing an immediate risk of a burst structural pipe inside your basement or exterior walls.

Ensuring your hose bibs are fully functional and leak-free makes the upcoming winterization process seamless, protecting your home foundation from preventable water damage.

09/24/2026

With the academic year commencing, student housing properties near Ontario Tech University and Durham College experience a major influx of residents. For local property investors and landlords, this tenant transition is a critical window to assess building infrastructure.

Vaillancourt Plumbing emphasizes that conducting a comprehensive plumbing audit prior to move-in day is essential for protecting your real estate investment and preventing costly emergency maintenance calls mid-semester.

High-occupancy rental units operate under continuous operational stress, making minor plumbing faults potentially catastrophic. Landlords can utilize a straightforward preventative checklist to safeguard their rental properties before the keys are handed over:

- Verify Toilet Seals and Components: Inspect the wax ring at the base for signs of moisture and test the interior flapper valve to prevent silent, expensive water wasting.

- Assess Faucet and Valve Integrity: Check all under-sink shut-off valves and faucets for hidden drips that can cause structural rot or mold growth.

- Clear Shower and Sink Drainage: Test the drainage speed in every bathroom. Clearing minor accumulations of hair and debris beforehand prevents total blockages when multiple tenants share facilities.

Proactively addressing these foundational plumbing details ensures a smooth transition for incoming students while securing long-term asset protection.

09/17/2026

The return to busy school routines in September marks a significant shift in daily household activity, bringing a sudden surge in morning shower usage, extra laundry loads, and frequent toilet flushes.

While families focus on adjusting to earlier schedules, this abrupt increase in water volume can place immense pressure on residential plumbing networks.
Vaillancourt Plumbing reminds Oshawa homeowners that residential systems operating smoothly during the lower-demand summer months may suddenly struggle under the weight of peak morning rushes.

The primary hazard during this seasonal transition stems from minor, unnoticed clogs deep within your drainage pipes. Over the summer, small accumulations of hair, organic debris, soap scum, and structural grease can form partial blockages that allow low water volumes to pass through slowly without causing obvious signs of trouble.

However, when multiple fixtures are used simultaneously before the school bell rings, the system cannot discharge the heavy volume effectively. This restriction can cause minor clogs to rapidly compound, resulting in messy fixtures slowing down or turning into severe main line backups.

Proactively addressing slow drains or unusual gurgling noises before school schedules peak protects your home from sudden, stressful water backups. Prioritizing early system maintenance ensures your household plumbing operates reliably throughout the demanding academic year ahead.

09/10/2026

PEX vs. Copper: What’s Best for Modern Re-Piping?

When updating plumbing in an older home or completing a renovation, choosing the right pipe material is a key decision. Two of the most common choices for modern re-piping are PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) and copper, each with distinct advantages and considerations.

Copper has been a reliable plumbing material for decades. It is rigid, durable and naturally resistant to corrosion. Because copper doesn’t degrade from sunlight or most chemical reactions, it’s often chosen for long-term performance. Copper piping also has a proven track record and can add perceived value to a property.

On the other hand, PEX has grown in popularity due to its flexibility and ease of installation. PEX tubing can bend around corners without the need for as many fittings, reducing potential leak points. Its flexibility also makes it ideal for retrofits in tight spaces or finished basements. PEX is generally less expensive than copper and can better withstand freeze-thaw cycles.

Both materials are approved for potable water systems, but they differ in how they handle heat, pressure and long-term wear. Copper can perform well at higher temperatures, while PEX offers noise reduction and resistance to scale buildup.

Choosing between PEX and copper often depends on the specific home, budget and long-term goals. Considering the strengths of each helps homeowners and builders select the right solution for modern re-piping.

09/03/2026

Pre-Fall Plumbing Health Check: Why Preventative Service Pays Off

As summer winds down and fall approaches in Ontario, now is a great time to consider a pre-fall plumbing health check. Seasonal temperature changes and heavy rainfall can place extra strain on plumbing systems, and early inspection helps identify small issues before they turn into costly repairs.

A comprehensive check begins with evaluating drain performance. Slow drains, gurgling sounds or minor backups can signal developing clogs or partial blockages that, if left untreated, might lead to full blockages during colder months when the system is less forgiving.

Inspecting the water heater is another key element. Summer usage patterns may leave sediment buildup or stress on heating elements. Ensuring your water heater is operating efficiently before fall can help extend its lifespan and maintain consistent hot water as temperatures drop.

Assessing fixtures, shut-off valves and visible piping also helps catch leaks, corrosion or wear early. Even small drips can add up over time and lead to higher water bills or water damage in hidden areas.

For homes with basement drains, sump pumps and sewer backwater valves, a fall check ensures these systems are ready to handle heavy rain and runoff common in late summer and early autumn.

Taking steps now to evaluate your plumbing helps protect your home through seasonal change, bringing greater reliability, fewer surprises and long-term savings.

08/27/2026

Tree Roots & Sewer Lines: Mid-Season Warning Sign

Summer brings lush greenery to yards across Ontario, but those same trees and shrubs that beautify your property can pose a hidden risk to your plumbing system. Tree roots naturally seek out moisture, and over time they can grow toward and into sewer lines — especially older clay or concrete pipes with small cracks or joints.

One of the first warning signs of root intrusion is slow draining fixtures throughout the home. If sinks, tubs or toilets take longer than usual to clear, roots may be partially blocking the sewer line. You might also notice gurgling noises when flushing or running water in another part of the house, or even foul odours from floor drains.

In some cases, roots can create more severe blockages that lead to sewer backups, which can damage floors, walls and personal belongings if left unaddressed. Because roots are persistent and can grow deeper over time, mid-season — when soil is warm and moisture is plentiful — is an ideal time to be alert for these issues.

Advanced diagnostic tools like camera sewer inspections can reveal root intrusion early, helping pinpoint the location and extent of the problem. Addressing root invasion sooner rather than later helps keep your sewer system flowing freely throughout the season.

08/20/2026

High Summer Water Bills: Hidden Leak Detection

Summer is peak season for lawns, gardens and outdoor activities, but an unexpectedly high water bill can put a damper on warm weather plans — especially when you can’t pinpoint the cause. In many cases, unusually high usage signals a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

Hidden leaks can occur in several places, including underground supply lines, irrigation systems, toilets, faucets and under slabs. Because they don’t always produce visible signs like puddles or dripping taps, they can go unnoticed for weeks or months. During summer when water use is naturally higher, even a small leak can significantly increase your monthly bill.

One of the first steps in diagnosing a hidden leak is to check your water meter. Turn off all faucets and water-using appliances, then observe the meter. If it continues to move, water may be escaping somewhere in the system.

Other common signs of hidden leaks include unexplained damp spots in your yard, unusually lush patches of grass, rumbling sounds in walls or floors, and persistent low water pressure. Detecting these early helps reduce waste and prevent more serious damage to your foundation or landscaping.

Early identification and repair of hidden leaks can make a dramatic difference in summer water bills and help preserve your home’s plumbing health.

08/13/2026

Leaving for Vacation? Plumbing Shut-Off Tips

Heading out for a well-deserved vacation this summer? Before you lock the door and hit the road, taking a few plumbing precautions can help protect your home from unexpected water damage while you’re away.

One of the most effective steps is to shut off the main water supply. Turning off the main valve prevents water from flowing into your home, reducing the risk of leaks, burst pipes or appliance malfunctions causing damage while you’re gone. Be sure to open a faucet on the lowest level after shutting off the supply to relieve pressure in the lines.

If you won’t be completely isolating the home — for example, you’re leaving pets or plants behind — consider at least shutting off water to individual fixtures such as the washing machine, dishwasher and toilets. This helps minimize risk while still allowing essential systems to function.

Check that your sump pump and battery backup are operating properly, especially during spring and summer when heavy rain can occur. A non-functioning sump pump during a storm could result in basement flooding.

Another wise measure is to set the thermostat to a temperature that protects against humidity and mould, and have a trusted neighbour or friend check the home periodically.

Taking these simple plumbing precautions before vacation helps ensure you return to relaxation — not an emergency repair.

Address

27 Warren Avenue
Oshawa, ON
L1J4E9

Website

https://www.vaillancourtplumbing.ca/

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