Frequently asked questions — Plumbing and heating

A plumbing emergency means an active leak you cannot stop, a sewer backup, a burst pipe, or a water heater failure in winter. In these cases, call an emergency plumber right away and shut off the main water supply.

The main shut-off valve is usually near the water meter: in the basement, in a utility closet, or where the supply line enters the house. In older homes it may be outside, in a buried service box. In an emergency, close it to stop any leak.

Yes. RBQ-certified plumbers in our network are available 24/7, including nights, weekends and statutory holidays. An after-hours surcharge usually applies (typically 25-50% of the base rate).

Shut off the main water supply. Turn off the power if water may reach electrical equipment. Use towels or buckets to limit damage. Take photos of the damage for your insurer. Do not attempt repairs on pressurized lines yourself.

Go to rbq.gouv.qc.ca and use the licence lookup. Enter the contractor's name or licence number. A valid plumbing licence falls under subcategory 15.1 (plumbing contractor). Also check that there are no active restrictions or complaints.

No. Every plumbing contractor in Quebec must hold a valid RBQ licence. Without it, the work is not covered by the guarantee plan, your insurer may refuse to pay for damage, and the contractor faces prosecution.

A master plumber has passed the RBQ master exam and can supervise more complex work. For ordinary jobs (faucet or water heater replacement), an RBQ-certified plumber is enough. For complex or commercial installations, a master plumber is preferable.

Usually not for a like-for-like replacement. However, some municipalities require a permit for gas water heaters. Your RBQ-certified plumber knows local requirements and will obtain any permits needed.

For Quebec winters, choose a heat pump that still works efficiently down to -25 °C or -30 °C. Check the coefficient of performance (COP) at -15 °C and make sure the model meets the criteria of current rebate programs before buying.

Yes, provincial and Hydro-Québec programs regularly offer rebates for high-efficiency heat pumps. Amounts and eligibility criteria change often: check the current program before buying. The installation must be done by an RBQ-licensed contractor.

A boiler is a hydronic system: it heats water that circulates through radiators or radiant floors. A furnace is a forced-air system: it heats air distributed through ducts. Boilers are generally considered more comfortable and efficient.

Annual service is strongly recommended for a gas boiler and required to keep the manufacturer's warranty. A qualified technician checks combustion, cleans the heat exchanger, inspects valves and tests the safety systems.

Plan on about 30 BTU per square foot to be cooled. For 300 sq ft → 9,000 BTU; for 500 sq ft → 12,000 BTU; for 700 sq ft → 18,000 BTU. Adjust for sun exposure, ceiling height and number of occupants.

A well-maintained ductless unit lasts 10 to 15 years. High-end models can last 15 to 20 years with annual professional maintenance.

Professional annual maintenance (coil cleaning, refrigerant check, electrical test) costs between $120 and $300 depending on the unit. A twice-yearly contract (spring + fall) costs $250 to $450.

Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage caused by a leak (e.g. a burst pipe). They generally do not cover damage caused by lack of maintenance or gradual seepage. Keep all your plumbing work receipts.

Yes. Under Quebec civil law, the seller must disclose all known latent defects. A major plumbing problem (lead pipes, defective sewer, recurring backups) hidden by the seller can engage their liability even after the sale.

Small jobs like replacing a faucet washer are allowed. But installing or replacing main piping, water heaters, drainage or any pressurized work must be done by an RBQ-certified plumber. Unlicensed DIY work can void your insurance.