Frequently Asked Questions
Questions Timmins
homeowners
actually ask.
Answers about pricing, emergency response, licensing, permits, and how Total Trades Solutions works — written directly from the questions we hear most often.
Pricing & Estimates
What things cost and how we quote
How does flat-rate pricing work?
We assess the complete job before quoting and give you a single flat-rate price. That's the number on the invoice — no hourly rate, no parts markups, no call-out fees layered on top. If we open something up and find a problem that changes the scope, we stop, tell you, and get your approval before continuing. You never see a higher number on the invoice than what you agreed to.
Do you charge for estimates?
Free estimates on all jobs over $500. For smaller jobs — a dripping tap, a simple repair — we can usually quote over the phone or via FotoJobber photo without a visit. There's no call-out fee for estimates on larger work. The estimate visit costs nothing and there's no obligation to proceed.
What does a hot water tank replacement cost?
A conventional 40-gallon natural gas tank replacement runs $1,200–$1,800 installed — including removal and disposal of the old unit, the new tank, all connections, and testing. Tankless installations run $3,200–$4,800 depending on the unit and what infrastructure upgrades are needed. We quote the full scope. The estimate is free and there's no obligation to proceed.
What does it cost to clear a blocked drain?
Standard kitchen or bathroom drain clearing runs $150–$300. A main sewer line blockage requiring jetting and camera inspection is $300–$500. Root intrusion in the main line adds time and cost depending on the extent. We quote before starting — you always know the price before we touch anything.
Is the FotoJobber quote binding?
FotoJobber quotes are accurate assessments based on what we can see in the photo. If we arrive and find the job is significantly different from what the photo showed — a hidden second problem, a pipe condition we couldn't see — we tell you before starting and revise the quote with your approval. We don't start work on a different scope than what we quoted.
Emergency Response
Burst pipes, flooding, no hot water
What counts as an emergency and what's the response time?
Emergencies are situations that can't wait until regular business hours: burst pipe, active flooding, sewage backup, no hot water, gas smell. We dispatch within 15 minutes of the call — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The owner answers emergency calls personally. If you're not sure whether your situation is an emergency, call us — we'd rather you call and it turn out to be non-urgent than not call when it is.
What should I do first when a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve immediately — this is the single most important action. The main shutoff is usually in the basement near the foundation wall where the water line enters the house. Turn it clockwise until it stops. Then call us at (705) 700-1234. While you wait: turn off the hot water tank, move valuables off the floor, and document the damage with photos for your insurance company.
Do you respond to emergencies outside Timmins?
Yes — we cover Cochrane, South Porcupine, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Matheson, and Kirkland Lake for emergency calls. Response time outside Timmins is longer due to drive time, but we still answer and dispatch. Call us and we'll give you an accurate ETA based on your location and the current situation.
What does emergency plumbing cost?
Emergency calls are quoted before work starts — we assess the repair needed and give you a flat-rate price before touching anything. There's no separate emergency surcharge on the callout itself. The repair cost depends on what needs fixing — a burst pipe section replaced with PEX runs $400–$800 typically. We quote clearly so you know the number before we start.
Services & Coverage
What we do and where we go
What areas do you serve?
Our primary service area is Timmins and the immediately surrounding communities. We also serve Cochrane, South Porcupine, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Matheson, and Kirkland Lake. For locations beyond this area, call us — depending on the job scope, we may still be able to help.
Do you do gas work?
Yes — both Total Trades Solutions plumbers hold current TSSA certification for gas fitting work. We install gas appliances, extend gas lines, repair gas supply connections, and perform gas safety inspections. All gas work is permitted and inspected. If you smell gas, leave the building and call 911 first, then call us.
Do you supply fixtures or do I source them myself?
Both work. You can source your own fixtures — we install whatever you bring. Or we can supply fixtures at trade price, which is typically 15–25% below retail. If you supply them, bring them on-site before the installation day so we can confirm they're complete and suitable for your rough-in.
Can you coordinate with my general contractor on a renovation?
Yes — we do this regularly on bathroom and kitchen renovations. We provide a rough-in drawing that shows exact supply line, drain, and vent locations for the GC to frame around. We coordinate timing directly with the GC for the rough-in phase and return for fixture trim-out once walls are tiled and floors are laid. We've worked with most of the active contractors in Timmins.
Do you work on well systems?
We work on the plumbing connected to well systems — pressure tanks, supply lines inside the home, water filtration systems, and connections to appliances. Drilling or pump-in-well repairs require a well contractor, which is a separate trade. We can refer you to local well contractors if needed and coordinate the work.
Permits & Licensing
What's required and what we handle
Does my plumbing work need a permit?
Work that involves new construction, extension, or alteration of drain, waste, or vent pipes generally requires a permit under the Ontario Building Code. Replacing existing fixtures in the same location typically does not. Gas line work always requires a permit. If you're unsure, call us — we'll tell you directly whether your job needs one. Permit cost is included in our quote and we manage the process end to end.
Do you pull permits yourselves or do I have to deal with the city?
We pull every required permit and manage the inspection process from start to sign-off. You never need to deal with the City of Timmins building department. The permit cost is included in the quote — there's no separate charge for permit management. We confirm the permit is issued before starting work and schedule the inspection as part of the job close-out.
Are your plumbers licensed?
Yes — both Total Trades Solutions plumbers hold current Ontario College of Trades certification (306A journeyperson plumbing). Both also hold TSSA certification for gas fitting work. Licence numbers are available on request. We don't send uncertified helpers to perform technical work. Every job is done by a licensed tradesperson.
Are you insured?
Yes — full commercial general liability insurance to $2 million. If something goes wrong on your property as a direct result of our work, you are covered. Our insurance certificate is available on request before we start any job. We carry it on every vehicle.
Booking & Scheduling
How to get us to your home
What's the fastest way to get a quote?
FotoJobber — take a photo of the area or issue, add a note describing what you need, and submit it through the Contact page. We review every submission and respond with a detailed quote within 2 hours during business hours. For most jobs, this means you have an accurate quote before noon on the same day you notice the problem.
How quickly can you book a non-emergency job?
We typically have availability within 2–5 business days for standard jobs. During peak periods (spring when seasonal homes open, late fall before freeze season) the wait can be longer. Book early if you have flexibility on timing. Emergency response remains available 24/7 regardless of how busy the schedule is — we don't defer emergencies.
Do I need to be home during the work?
For most jobs, yes — someone over 18 should be home during the work. We need access to the relevant areas and need to confirm the completed job with the homeowner before we leave. For smaller exterior or utility room jobs where access is straightforward, we can sometimes arrange a lockbox or key exchange — discuss this when booking.
What if I need to reschedule?
Call us as early as possible if you need to reschedule. We don't charge a rescheduling fee. We do ask for at least 24 hours notice where possible so we can offer the slot to another customer. If something unexpected comes up on our end — which occasionally happens with emergencies — we'll call you as soon as we know and rebook you at the earliest available slot.