Plumbing

Our Plumbing category mixes the small parts that get a fixture working again with the equipment that moves and heats water. Repair pieces include Delta 1300/1400 shower cartridges, Symmons Temptrol spindle assemblies, Newport Brass ceramic valve cartridges, replacement lever handles and T&S Brass pre-rinse hoses from LOWCUS. Alongside them sit 1/2 HP submersible sump pumps, AgiiMan pool cover pumps, well tank tee kits, EcoSmart heating elements, pipe heat tape and faucets from GROHE and Kohler.

Identification comes first. For cartridges, stems and handles, the valve maker and series number matter far more than looks, so check the trim or pull the old part and compare its length, spline count and stop position. For pumps, read flow at the lift height you actually need rather than the headline GPH, and decide whether you want manual operation or a float switch for unattended use. Heating elements must match their heater's voltage and wattage, such as 240 V and 9,000 W. For heat tape, measure the pipe run and choose constant-wattage or self-regulating cable.

Close the fixture stop or main shut-off and open a tap to release pressure before you start. Water heater elements sit on 240 V circuits, so switch off the breaker and confirm the power is dead. Pipes in crawl spaces, unheated garages and cottages freeze readily in a Canadian winter; plug heat tape into a GFCI-protected outlet and follow the overlap and insulation instructions exactly. Running a sump pump through a test cycle before the spring melt is a sensible yearly habit.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find the right replacement cartridge for my shower valve?

Start with the brand and series, often printed on the trim plate or visible once the handle is off. Delta, Moen, Symmons and others use many cartridge designs that look alike. Shut off the water, remove the old cartridge and compare its overall length, stem spline count and any part number moulded into the body before ordering.

What size sump pump do I need?

Work out the vertical lift from the pit to the discharge point, then check the pump's flow chart at that height. A 1/2 HP pump that moves 2,500 GPH with no lift may move far less at 3 or 4 metres. For a basement that takes on water regularly, a float-switch model avoids relying on someone to turn it on.

Can I overlap heat tape on a pipe?

It depends on the type. Constant-wattage heat tape generally must not overlap itself because the doubled section can overheat. Self-regulating cable adjusts its output along its length and is usually designed to tolerate crossing over. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, cover the tape with the insulation type they specify, and plug it into a GFCI-protected outlet.

Can I replace a tankless water heater element myself?

Many handy homeowners do, but treat it as electrical work. Turn off every breaker feeding the unit, verify with a tester, close the water valves and drain the chamber before removing the old element. The replacement must match the original's voltage, wattage and thread type. If the heater keeps burning out elements, have a qualified tradesperson look at the cause.