Read Our Blog for Commercial and Residential Plumbing Tips

Modern air conditioning systems are subject to indoor and outdoor water leaks. Excess water can lead to mould and mildew and may even cause structural damage to your home. Here's a brief guide to help you spot and correct any AC leakage problems.

You may experience minor toilet backups or sink drain clogs in your home from time to time. However, when the drain in your basement floor backs up, it may indicate a significant issue. Your basement floor drain is the lowest point in your house, so that’s the first place you’ll notice a possible backup in your home’s main drain. Here are some common reasons why water may be coming out of your basement drain.

After sitting idle during the winter, your air conditioning system needs maintenance and care before starting up on the first hot day of the summer. Without proper AC maintenance, you could face an expensive air conditioner repair or replacement. Here are some simple tasks you can perform to prepare your AC for summer.

If your home’s air conditioning system isn’t cooling your home, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need an AC repair or replacement. Here are five reasons why an AC won’t work, with simple solutions that any homeowner can try.

If you have a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) in your home, you already know its many benefits. It's an energy-efficient way to deliver fresher, healthier indoor air to your home. However, many homeowners need to familiarize themselves with the best way to use their HRV system. Here are some tips about how to set your HRV to maximize your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is an excellent way to freshen the air in your home while reducing energy costs. If you’re unfamiliar with how an HRV system works, here’s what you need to know, plus some of the advantages of getting one installed.

Indoor humidity levels play a vital role in human health, energy consumption and general home comfort. However, adjusting your home’s humidity levels is difficult. That’s why more homeowners are installing whole home humidifiers, which can add moisture to the air during dry winters. Here’s how a whole home humidifier can improve your indoor air quality.

A sump pump is designed to protect your basement from the risk of flooding by draining water that accumulates in a sump pit. However, if your sump pump is constantly running without getting rid of water or keeps running even when there's no water in the pit, you should act immediately. Here are a few reasons why a sump pump keeps running and indicates a plumbing problem:

As the days get colder, the air in your home gets drier. Portable humidifiers can improve comfort in a single room, but a whole-house humidifier installed into your home’s heating system ensures optimal indoor air quality throughout your home. Here are six benefits of investing in one for your house.

You rely on your furnace to keep you warm throughout the coldest months of the year. Knowing the signs of a failing unit will ensure you promptly invest in a new one that won’t break down when you need it most. Here are five signs it’s time to get rid of your old furnace and upgrade to a new, more energy-efficient model.

During winter, your furnace is one of the most critical components in your home. When properly maintained, it will deliver maximum heat, keeping you toasty warm on the most frigid nights. Here are a few tips for keeping your furnace in top shape over the winter.

Although condensation on your toilet tank may seem harmless, it can damage your bathroom. A sweating toilet drips water onto your floor, and over time, the moisture can damage your flooring and rot your sub-flooring, requiring expensive repairs. Luckily, you can take a few steps to stop your toilet tank from sweating.

To get the safest, best-tasting water for you and your family, consider installing a water purification system in your home. A water purification system removes contaminants, hard minerals, harmful bacteria and viruses that may be lurking in your tap water. Here are some benefits of improving your home’s water quality.

The biggest difference between tankless water heaters and hot water tanks is that tankless models heat water as it flows to your faucets. Conversely, hot water tanks keep water warm in a large reservoir until you need to use it. Although tankless water heaters are typically more expensive upfront than hot water tanks, you can benefit from the following five advantages:

Tiny homes are more affordable to build and maintain, are mobile if built on a trailer and significantly reduce your environmental footprint. If you’re considering building a tiny home in Ontario, here’s what you need to know about plumbing.

Your main drain line is the underground pipe that connects your house to the public sewer system. They’re typically 102 millimetres (four inches) in diameter and can run anywhere from five to 30 metres. You may not always see it if you have a problem with your main line, but here are some signs to look for.

Never ignore a leaky faucet. A dripping tap can waste about one litre of water every hour. Over a week, that’s about enough water to fill a bathtub. And not only does it waste a precious resource, but it’ll also result in increased water bills, anywhere from $6 to $20 per month. But you need to know where the water is coming from to fix a dripping tap. Here are some common causes of a leaky faucet.

Unexpected plumbing issues can happen at any time. While minor issues like a leaky faucet can wait a few days for repairs, other situations like a burst pipe or overflowing toilet require the immediate attention of a plumber. Here are four urgent situations when you should call an emergency plumber.

Running a business is a challenging job, and you shouldn’t need to worry about your operation’s plumbing on top of everything else you do. Here’s why every business can benefit from having a trustworthy and dependable commercial plumbing service on standby.

If you’re remodelling your bathroom, have a limited budget, and don’t have much room to work with, you’ll likely have to decide between installing a shower or bathtub. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and knowing the pros and cons can help you better decide on the best one for you. Here are five things to consider.

There could be a few more frustrating situations than putting a load of wet clothes into the dryer only to have it not turn or fail to dry as it should. Unless it’s warm enough outside and you have a clothesline, you’ll either end up hanging your wet laundry all over your home or be forced to haul your wet clothes to a laundromat. Rather than risk ending up in such a situation, learning how to care for your dryer will help ensure it won’t let you down. Here’s what you need to know.

Are you considering transitioning from a conventional boiler to a condensing boiler system? There are pros and cons to each. Here’s a guide to help you decide which boiler system is the best fit for your home and budget.

If you need to replace your current water heater, consider installing a tankless water heater. It can save you money and deliver an endless supply of hot water to your showers, sinks and appliances. Here’s how tankless water heaters work and how you can benefit from one in your home.

An increasing number of Canadians are discovering the value of radiant in-floor heating. In fact, compared to traditional forced-air heating, radiant in-floor heating offers significant efficiency and heating quality advantages. Moreover, it’s become increasingly easy and inexpensive to retrofit existing buildings with radiant in-floor heat. Here’s an overview of both heating methods to help you decide which one is right for you.

Water heaters require regular maintenance to provide your home with consistent hot water for your showers, sinks and appliances. Over time, hard water deposits like calcium and lime can build up and cause considerable damage to your hot water tank. Here are three signs it’s time to get your water heater descaled.

If your boiler is old or not working, you’ll have to decide whether to repair or replace it. This decision can feel overwhelming if you don’t know much about boilers or home heating. However, you can perform a few simple checks to determine which option is worth your while.

Once considered a luxury, heated garages are now more affordable than ever because of radiant floor heating. Heating your garage allows you to have a warm, dry area for working and storing your belongings. Here’s an overview of what you need to know about garage radiant floor heating.

Has your water heater seen better days? If it’s time for a replacement, consider installing a tankless water heater. Depending on your specific needs, this type of water heater might be the perfect fit. Here’s what you should know about this appliance.

There are a number of home renovations that are illegal to carry out if you’re not a licensed professional. Though you won’t get arrested, trying to complete these projects on your own can have serious consequences. You might be slapped with a pricey fine and certain warranties may be voided. Plus, if something goes wrong, you could incur substantial property damage or sustain a serious injury. Here are four types of home improvements you should always leave to a professional plumber.

Winter is coming and it’s time to get your house ready for the cold weather. It’s best to start early since there are many things to do before the temperature drops. However, when preparing for the season, homeowners often forget about their hose bibbs. This plumbing component, also known as a spigot or an outdoor faucet, connects your interior plumbing to your exterior plumbing. It allows water to run from the inside of your home to the outside.

Canadian winters can be brutal on your plumbing. Since water expands as it freezes, frosty temperatures can put enormous pressure on your pipes and cause them to burst. So, what should you do if your pipes freeze? Here are some steps you can take to thaw your pipes.

If your boiler isn’t producing as much heat as it should, then you may want to consider replacing it. However, retrofitting your current boiler could be a better option. Determining if your boiler needs to be replaced or retrofitted depends on several factors.

Access to hot water on demand is a luxury most people take for granted, at least until the water heater stops working. Unfortunately, this important appliance has a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced. Here are five signs your water heater is on its last legs.

A sump pump is your home’s last line of defence against basement flooding caused by heavy rains, quick snowmelt and high groundwater levels. If your sump pump dies, your home can become vulnerable to flood damage. Here are three reasons why you should buy a battery-powered backup sump pump.

Well water is vulnerable to numerous sources of contamination, some that occur naturally and some that are the result of human activity. Once a well is polluted, it can be difficult and expensive to clean, so prevention is the key to keeping your well water safe. Here are some things you can do to reduce the risks of well water contamination.

Are you wondering if you’re doing everything you can to help the planet and conserve natural resources? If so, you may want to consider your home’s plumbing. To reduce the amount of water and energy you use and save money, do the following six things.

Your septic system cleans your home’s wastewater and prevents contaminants from entering the groundwater. Abusing or mistreating your septic system can lead to irreparable pollution of the water that feeds and nourishes you and the plants and animals around you. Avoid these four common septic system mistakes to keep your water clean and safe.

If waste materials build up in your sewer lines, it can lead to various problems that are costly to repair. Fortunately, regular sewer line cleaning is an affordable and effective way to clear out your pipes and improve the overall performance of your plumbing system. Here are four benefits of investing in professional sewer line cleaning.

Do you need a new toilet for one of your bathrooms? If so, choosing the right one requires you to consider several factors. Here’s an overview of the three most important things to think about when purchasing a new toilet.

Backups, flooding, gurgling sounds, foul smells, slow drainage and low pressure are all signs of a clogged drain. Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues. They can be a big nuisance for homeowners and property managers. Although they can sometimes be resolved using basic tools like a plunger, it’s always best to try to avoid them from happening in the first place. Here are eight common causes of clogged drains and how you can prevent them.

Installing a backwater valve along your sewer line can provide you with the peace of mind of knowing your home is out of harm’s way. Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about these flood-prevention devices.

Whether you get your drinking water from a well or a municipal supply line, it’s important to make sure it’s clean and free of contaminants

Dishwashers are convenient to have, but they’re not the easiest appliance to install. Indeed, connecting a dishwasher is harder than it looks.

Mould in your home can pose a health risk to you and your family. Since these minute fungi thrive in moist, dark places, they often accumulate in the bathroom.

Do you rely on a well to get water to your home or business? If so, it’s important to be able to recognize if there’s a problem with your well pump. Here are some signs that you may need to replace yours.

If you’ve ever had to deal with an overflowing toilet, you likely already know that the problem can quickly escalate. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to regain control of the situation. Here’s what you can do if your toilet starts to overflow.

Problems with water pressure can be tough to tackle. Here’s a list of reasons why your water pressure may be low.

There are a lot of things to think about when buying a new home. One thing that many people don’t consider is plumbing. Here’s why getting it inspected is an important step that shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Barbecues can be run on liquid propane (LP) or natural gas (NG). Both fuel options will allow you to grill your steaks and hamburgers to perfection. However, there are some differences between these products in terms of efficiency, cost and convenience. So, if you’re in the market for a new barbecue, here’s what to look for.

Plumbing emergencies can be expensive, messy and stressful ordeals. The last thing you need during a pandemic lockdown is to have to deal with a burst pipe or other plumbing disaster.

If you’re like many people, the pandemic has you spending more time at home. So why not make the most of it? It’s the perfect occasion to take care of all your home maintenance tasks. Here are a few easy plumbing chores that can prevent major problems down road.

You might use your dishwasher on a regular basis to clean kitchenware, but when was the last time you cleaned the appliance itself? Detergent and food debris can accumulate in your dishwasher over time, even if you use it on a regular basis.

A toilet that won’t stop running is annoying to listen to, but it can also waste nearly 100 litres of water per day and drive up your water bill. Here’s a look at why your toilet might be constantly running and what you can do about it.

Every household relies on clean water for drinking, washing and cooking. If your water comes from a well, it’s up to you to ensure it’s filtered and disinfected.

Whether it just happened or you simply want to be prepared, it’s always helpful to know what to do if you drop a ring or other small, precious object down the drain. Here are the steps to follow if something gets washed down a sink drain.

The term hard water can be confusing for many people. However, all it means is that there are higher than ideal levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium in your tap water.

In order to avoid burst pipes and other costly plumbing damage, homeowners need to prepare their plumbing for the cold temperatures and severe weather that winter is likely to bring. Here are five things you should do this fall to protect your plumbing.

Did you know that the average Canadian uses 329 litres of water every year? Not only does this negatively impact the environment, but for many households, this translates to high water bills.
 

Here are nine ways to lower your water bill and protect the planet at the same time.

If you have a clogged drain or toilet, reaching for your plunger is a good idea. However, there are different types and it’s best to use the right one for the job.
 

Here’s what you should know about the kinds of plungers available and how to use them.

A correctly installed pipe can last for decades if it’s well maintained. However, there are some scenarios that can cause a pipe to burst. Here are the main ones you need to watch out for.

Are you considering getting a garburator? Having one of these in your kitchen sink can make your life easier. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the pros and cons of having a garbage disposal.

To keep your toilet running smoothly and avoid otherwise unnecessary repairs, there are many things you should never flush. Here are 15 common household items that can clog your sewer lines.

To avoid costly repairs, you need to take proper care of your plumbing. For pet owners, this involves extra precautions to ensure your four-legged friend doesn’t undermine your diligent upkeep. Here are five tips for pet-proofing your plumbing.

Your home’s plumbing system is designed for water to flow one way, but sometimes the flow can reverse. This is called backflow, and it can have serious consequences.
 

Here’s what you should know about what causes this plumbing issue and how you can prevent it.

While strong water pressure is usually preferable to a weak flow, excessively high water pressure can lead to major plumbing issues. Here are three reasons why you want to avoid high water pressure in your home.

In the average building, most plumbing is tucked out of sight. This can sometimes make it hard to know where leaks, clogs and other issues are coming from.
 

If a plumbing problem arises, oftentimes the best way to find out what’s going on is to take a look. This is where video drain inspections can come in handy.

If the plumbing in your home or business is frequently slow or clogged, you may need to call a plumber. There are many ways of dealing with this issue, including hydro flushing. Here’s what you should know.

In many households, chemical drain cleaners are thought to be a quick and effective solution to a clogged drain. However, these harsh solvents can do more harm that good, especially if they’re used often.

Harsh temperatures of the Canadian winter can result in the freezing of various components of your septic system. Lack of snow cover, very cold air temperature and dry soil conditions during an extended period of time contribute to the problem. 

If your basement is filling up with water, your first reflex will likely be to call your plumber. However, with certain other plumbing problems, homeowners are less sure about whether they have to take immediate action.

It’s easy to forget about your sump pump, especially when it’s doing its job well. If you fail to maintain it properly, however, it may not be able to prevent flooding when you desperately need it. Fortunately, maintaining your sump pump is easy. Take these easy steps:

When you say plumbing fixtures, many people might only think of faucets and taps but in fact, a plumbing fixture is any changeable device connected to a plumbing system that delivers or drains water. 

If your home isn’t connected to a municipal sewer system, the waste that passes through your plumbing still needs to be treated somehow. If you live in a rural area, you may have a septic system where waste is broken down by healthy bacteria. 

Homeowners all over Markham, Aurora, and throughout the Greater Toronto area, rely on bottled water as a means to provide their families with the cleanest drinking water possible. But bottled water isn’t always a safer and cleaner alternative to what comes out of the tap.

Everyday use causes wear in your faucets, drains and pipes that can lead to plumbing problems. While it’s tempting to call for help whenever you encounter frustrating leaks or clogs, these minor issues are often fixable, without the help of a professional.

Not only are drain clogs frustrating to deal with, they rarely go away on their own. At best, a clogged drain is a little sluggish. At worst, a clogged drain will overflow and force you to call an emergency plumber in Newmarket.

Every plumbing company in Aurora and Newmarket receives calls about residential flooding. Whether caused by excessive rain, the spring thaw, or by plumbing issues, residential flooding is a common problem that homeowners need to take steps to protect against.

If you have a private well that you rely on as a source of safe and clean water, then you need to have your well water properly tested on a regular basis. At Black Forest Plumbing, a residential plumber in Aurora and Newmarket, we recommend having your well water tested at least once every year. Shallow wells, however, should ideally be tested seasonally.

Emergency plumbers in Newmarket receive numerous emergency calls every winter from homeowners whose pipes and drains have burst due to freezing. Burst pipes and drains can be messy and expensive to fix, so it is always better to takes steps to prevent freezing rather than having to take care of the damage once it's already been done.
Trust the experienced Aurora residential and commercial plumbers at Black Forest Plumbing; you can help prevent your pipes and drains from freezing if you:

How do you know if you need a sump pump? And by the way, what exactly is a sump pump? Black Forest Plumbing can help you learn the basics about sump pumps and determine if one is right for your home or business.

Basement floods can be costly and stressful. Though they often occur during periods of heavy rainfall and melting snow, they can occur in dry seasons as well, posing hazards to home and business owners all year long. Learn more about how to prevent basement floods.

A burst pipe is an alarming event. It is a sudden and stressful emergency. Before you know what is going on, there is water everywhere and it seems impossible to think of what to do first. Before you panic, take a deep breath and keep a cool head.