FAQs
Are you a licensed and insured Plumber in Victoria?
1
Yes! Praise Plumbing is fully licensed, Red Seal Certified and insured to operate through out the Greater Victoria area. We pride ourselves on meeting all local BC building codes.
Do you offer Emergency Plumbing Services in the Capital Regional District?
2
Praise Plumbing understands that plumbing issues don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. We try to provide as much around the clock service as possible for emergency burst pipes and major leaks in Victoria, Langford, Saanich and surrounding areas.
Why is my water bill so high this month?
3
A sudden spike in your CRD water bill is often caused by a running toilet, a leaking faucet or a silent underground pipe leak. We offer professional leak detection to help you stop wasting water and money.
Can you replace Poly-B and Cast Iron piping in older Victoria homes
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Absolutely. Praise Plumbing specialize in Poly-B and cast iron replacement and full-house repiping to ensure your home remains insurable and leak-free for years to come.
How often should I flush my hot water tank in our area?
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Praise Plumbing recommends flushing your hot water tank once a year. In Victoria, sediment and mineral build up can reduce efficiency and lead to premature tank failure.
How do I know if my Victoria home has Poly-B piping?
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Look for grey plastic pipes near your water heater or under sinks, often marked with "PB2110." Many homes in Greater Victoria built between 1978 and 1997 use Poly-B, which is prone to sudden leaks. We offer professional inspections to help you identify and replace these outdated systems with modern PEX.
Why does my water have a chemical taste or smell in Victoria?
7
The Victoria water system uses chloramine for disinfection. While safe, many residents find it has a distinct taste or can be harsh on skin and hair. We install specialized water filtration systems designed to remove chloramine and provide bottled-quality water from every tap in your home.
How often should I flush my hot water tank in this region?
8
We recommend a professional hot water tank flush at least once a year. Mineral sediment can build up in Victoria's heaters, reducing efficiency and leading to "rumbling" noises. Praise Plumbing offers a Free Hot Water Tank Flush to help local homeowners extend the life of their units.
What should I do if my drains are slow in an older home (Oak Bay/Saanich)?
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Slow drains in older Victoria homes are often caused by tree root intrusion, aging cast-iron pipes, clogs or build up of sediment like hair and grease. If a plunger doesn't work, avoid chemical cleaners which can corrode old pipes. Call Praise Plumbing as we can clear all in home drains.
Is it worth upgrading to a tankless water heater in BC?
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Yes, especially with rising energy costs. Tankless systems provide "on-demand" hot water and can save up to 70% on your heating bills. They are also ideal for Victoria's smaller utility closets and crawlspaces where space is at a premium.
Do you provide plumbing services for renovations in the West Shore?
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Yes! We specialize in plumbing for kitchen and bathroom renovations across Langford, Colwood, and Sooke. From adding a second sink to full-house repiping, we provide clear communication and reliable quotes for all local renovation projects.
Why does my water pressure drop during the summer in Victoria?
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In Greater Victoria, especially in higher-elevation areas like the Highlands or parts of Saanich, municipal water demand peaks in the summer. However, a sudden drop could also indicate a mineral build-up in older galvanized pipes or a failing pressure-reducing valve (PRV). We can test your PRV to ensure your home’s pressure remains consistent year-round.
What are the risks of "Kitec" plumbing in older West Shore homes?
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Kitec was commonly installed in Victoria between 1995 and 2007. It is known for premature corrosion and high failure rates. If you have blue and orange flexible piping, it may be Kitec. We recommend a professional inspection immediately, as most insurance companies now require Kitec replacement for coverage.
Does the City of Victoria offer rebates for high-efficiency water heaters?
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Yes! Many homeowners in the CRD are eligible for CleanBC Better Homes rebates (often up to $1,000) when switching to electric heat pump water heaters. As licensed contractors, we can help you select a qualifying model and ensure the installation meets the rebate requirements.
How can I prevent my outdoor pipes from freezing during a Victoria cold snap?
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While Victoria is temperate, we do get sudden freezes. We recommend disconnecting all garden hoses by October and installing insulated faucet covers. For pipes in unheated crawlspaces (common in older Esquimalt and Oak Bay homes), we provide professional pipe insulation and heat tape installation.
What is a "Perimeter Drain" and why does it matter for my Victoria basement?
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Victoria’s heavy winter rains put immense pressure on your home’s foundation. Perimeter drains (or "drain tiles") direct this water away. If you notice dampness in your basement or pooling water in your yard, your drains may be clogged with roots or silt. We provide camera inspections to locate blockages before they cause flooding.
Why is my toilet making a "hissing" or "running" sound?
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This is usually a sign of a leaking fill valve or a worn-out flapper. In Victoria, the subtle minerals in our water can cause these rubber parts to degrade over time. It may seem minor, but a running toilet can waste hundreds of liters of water a day. We can perform a quick "tune-up" to stop the noise and lower your utility bill.
Is it worth upgrading to a tankless water heater in BC?
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Yes, especially with rising energy costs. Tankless systems provide "on-demand" hot water and can save up to 70% on your heating bills. They are also ideal for Victoria's smaller utility closets and crawlspaces where space is at a premium.
Why do sewer lines in Victoria often fail or backup?
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Many local homes, particularly in older neighborhoods like Saanich and Esquimalt, still use clay or cast-iron sewer pipes. Over time, these develop small cracks that attract tree roots seeking moisture. Heavy Victoria rains can then overwhelm these compromised lines. We use hydro-jetting and camera inspections to clear roots and diagnose the health of your sewer main.
What is a "Backflow Preventer" and do I need one?
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A backflow preventer ensures that contaminated water (from irrigation or heating systems) doesn't flow backward into your clean drinking water. The CRD (Capital Regional District) requires these for all commercial properties and multi-unit residential buildings. If you have an underground sprinkler system, you likely need a backflow device tested annually to stay compliant with local bylaws.
My garbage disposal (garburator) is humming but not spinning; can it be fixed?
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A humming sound usually means the motor is receiving power but the internal blades are jammed by a hard object. While many jams can be cleared with a specialized wrench, if the unit is leaking from the bottom, it usually indicates a failed internal seal. In most cases, replacing an old garburator is more cost-effective than a complex motor repair.
Should I choose a gas or electric water heater for my Victoria home?
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Gas water heaters (natural gas or propane) generally heat water faster and have lower monthly operating costs in BC. However, electric water heaters have lower upfront installation costs and don't require venting. For the ultimate efficiency, many Victoria homeowners are now switching to Electric Heat Pump water heaters, which qualify for significant CleanBC rebates.
What causes a "sewer gas" smell in my bathroom or laundry room?
23
This is often caused by a "dry P-trap." If a floor drain or guest shower isn't used for a long time, the water seal in the pipe evaporates, allowing sewer gases to enter the home. Simply pouring a liter of water down the drain usually fixes it. If the smell persists, you may have a cracked vent pipe which can require smoke test to locate, improper venting or improper drain piping which requires a professional to code correct.
Do I need a plumbing permit for a bathroom renovation in Victoria?
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Yes. According to Bylaw No. 17-113, a plumbing permit is required in the City of Victoria for adding or moving fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers) or altering water and sewer lines. At Praise Plumbing, we handle the permitting process for our renovation clients to ensure all work meets the 2024 BC Plumbing Code and passes inspection.
How do I know if my sump pump is ready for a Victoria winter?
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Your sump pump is your last line of defense against basement flooding during our "Atmospheric River" events. To test it, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit; the pump should activate and discharge the water quickly. If it makes a grinding noise or fails to start, it may need a new float switch or a full replacement before the rainy season begins.
How do I get started?
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
What makes you different?
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We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
How can I contact you?
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You can reach us anytime via any call or email buttons as well as our number 250-580-4777. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
How much does Partnership cost?
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The plan is $99.00 per year plus applicable taxes (GST & PST). The fee covers you for a full 12 months and automatically renews each year so you never lose your protection.
What is included in the Annual Inspection?
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This isn't just a quick glance. It is a full 1-Hour Service valued at $400. We check your water pressure (to protect your pipes), dye-test your toilets (to catch silent leaks), inspect your water heater, and tag your emergency shut-off valves.
If I move, can I take the Partnership plan with me?
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Yes! If you move within our Greater Victoria service area, we can transfer the plan to your new home. Alternatively, you can transfer it to the new buyers of your current home, adding value to your sale.
I thought you waived the call-out fee for everyone?
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We waive the $141 fee for non-members only if they proceed with the quoted work. If a non-member declines the work, the $141 fee applies. Praise Partners never pay this fee, regardless of whether they proceed with the work or not.