Toilet running continuously
The flapper, float, fill valve, chain or water level may prevent the tank from shutting off. An inspection helps ensure that only the defective components are replaced.
A toilet that runs continuously, a faucet leaking at the base, an ineffective flush or a poorly secured plumbing fixture can waste water and gradually damage nearby surfaces. The appropriate service depends on the defective component, the condition of the fixture, the shutoff valves, the connections and the compatibility of the selected replacement.
SOS Plombiers receives toilet, faucet and plumbing fixture repair and installation requests throughout Greater Montreal and directs them to partner contractors based on the address, type of fixture and scope of work. The assigned company confirms its availability, terms, required parts or equipment and price before you authorize the service.
Repair is often appropriate when the problem involves an accessible mechanism, cartridge, seal or connection. Replacement may be more practical when the fixture is cracked, severely worn, incompatible with available parts or when you want to improve its performance and water efficiency.
Toilet, faucet or plumbing fixture
Describe the leak, how the fixture is working and the model
Provide the address, the affected fixture, the exact location of the leak, the condition of the shutoff valve and, when possible, the brand or a photo. For an installation, specify whether the old fixture is still in place and whether the new one has already been purchased.
An overflowing toilet or an actively leaking connection should be shut off and addressed promptly when the valve can be reached safely.
Common problems with different causes
Which fixtures and symptoms can be addressed?
The symptom helps prepare for the visit, but the cause must be verified on site. A leak may come from the fixture, the supply connection, the drain or a nearby pipe.
Unstable toilet or leak at the base
Movement, a failed seal, a damaged flange or a weakened floor may be responsible. The fixture may need to be removed to confirm the condition of the connection and support.
Weak or incomplete flush
The mechanism, water level, internal passages or drainage may limit flushing performance. A pipe blockage should not be confused with a toilet defect.
Faucet that drips or does not close properly
The cartridge, seat, seal or another internal component may be worn. The brand, age and availability of parts influence whether repair is possible instead of replacement.
Leak beneath a bathroom or kitchen sink
The supply connections, valves, flexible hoses, strainer, trap and drain seals must be inspected separately to identify the exact source.
Shower or bathtub that is difficult to control
A loose handle, defective cartridge, diverter or concealed valve may affect flow or temperature. Access through the wall may change the scope of work.
Important distinction: if the toilet or sink does not drain, visit our drain unclogging service page. If the water comes from a concealed pipe rather than the fixture, water leak repair may be required.
Two different decisions
Repair or replace the fixture?
Repair may be appropriate
When the fixture is in good overall condition and the defective part is accessible and available, a targeted repair may correct the leak or operating problem without replacing the entire fixture.
- identifiable toilet mechanism or cartridge;
- porcelain, faucet body and connections in good condition;
- compatible replacement part available;
- sufficient access for disassembly and testing.
Replacement may be preferable
A cracked, severely corroded, unstable or difficult-to-repair fixture may justify replacement. A new model may also meet a need for greater efficiency, accessibility or functionality.
- crack in the porcelain or body of the fixture;
- repeated repairs or unavailable parts;
- unsuitable dimensions or operation;
- kitchen or bathroom update project.
Overflow or active leak
Shut off the fixture before water reaches nearby surfaces
A functional shutoff valve often allows one fixture to be isolated without cutting off water to the entire building. If a toilet overflows or a connection leaks:
- close the fixture’s supply valve if it is accessible and operates normally;
- do not apply excessive force to a corroded or seized valve;
- stop using the fixture until the cause has been corrected;
- remove accessible water and protect surfaces without exposing yourself to danger;
- prevent water from coming into contact with an outlet, appliance or electrical panel;
- if the fixture cannot be isolated, locate the main shutoff valve and request instructions.
Tank, bowl and connection
Toilet repair and replacement
The toilet must fill, shut off, flush and remain watertight during every cycle. The diagnosis considers the internal mechanism, supply, mounting and drain connection.
Tank mechanism
The fill valve, float, flapper, chain, handle and seals may be adjusted or replaced depending on their condition and compatibility.
Leak between the tank and bowl
On a two-piece toilet, the bolts and centre gasket must be inspected. Cracked porcelain should not be concealed by simply tightening the hardware.
Seal at the base
A floor-level leak may require removing the toilet and inspecting the seal, flange, fasteners and condition of the support before reinstallation.
Installation of a new fixture
The clearance, height, drain position, water supply and toilet dimensions must suit the space before the old model is removed.
Toilet that clogs frequently
An unsuitable mechanism or fixture may contribute to the problem, but repeated blockages may also originate in the drain line. The contractor must distinguish between the fixture and the drainage system.
A model suited to the users
Height, bowl shape, available space, controls and accessibility requirements should be considered along with the project requirements and manufacturer’s recommendations.
Kitchen and bathroom
Faucet repair and installation
A faucet includes the visible fixture, its internal components, flexible hoses and connections. A leak at the spout is not handled in the same way as a leak beneath the counter or inside the wall.
Common repairs to assess
- cartridge, seat, seal or aerator;
- loose handle or difficult control;
- leak at the spout, base or beneath the counter;
- supply hose or pull-out spray hose;
- shower or bathtub diverter.
Compatibility before installation
- number and spacing of holes;
- thickness of the countertop or rim;
- length and type of connections;
- clearance for the handle and pull-out spray head;
- access to the valves and drainage.
For a concealed shower valve, wall-mounted faucet or fixture with connections located behind a finished surface, ask whether opening and restoring the wall are included or assigned to another trade.
Beyond toilets and faucets
Which plumbing fixtures can be installed or connected?
Bathroom and kitchen sinks
Fixture replacement and connection of the faucet, water supplies, strainer, trap and drain according to the existing configuration.
Showers and bathtubs
Faucets, trim, showerheads, spouts, diverters and accessible connections. Replacing a shower base, bathtub or concealed valve may require a larger project.
Bidets and water-function toilet seats
Water-supply compatibility, protection against cross-connections and possible electrical requirements must be verified according to the product.
Utility sinks and laundry tubs
In a garage, workshop, mechanical room or laundry room, the support, valves, trap and drainage must be suitable for the new fixture.
Outdoor faucets
A faucet that leaks, freezes or no longer closes may require replacement and inspection of its interior valve, slope and exposure to cold.
Commercial fixtures
Faucets, toilets, urinals and sinks intended for more frequent use require selection and planning suited to the building.
Prepare, connect and test
How is a plumbing fixture installed?
A successful installation begins before removal. The model must be suitable for the dimensions, connections and intended use.
- 1
Verify the product and measurements
The brand, model, dimensions, hole positions, clearances, included fittings and manufacturer’s requirements are compared with the installation area.
- 2
Isolate the water supply
The fixture’s shutoff valve is tested. If it does not close properly, its repair or a broader water shutoff may need to be planned.
- 3
Remove the old fixture
The connections are disconnected and the area is examined for corrosion, damage, an unstable flange, inadequate support or a concealed leak.
- 4
Install compatible connections
The fixture is secured and connected to the water supply and drainage according to the configuration and applicable instructions.
- 5
Restore the water and perform testing
Each connection, cycle, shutoff and drain is checked. The observations and any limitations discovered are explained before the service is completed.
Isolate only what is necessary
Why are shutoff valves important?
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec explains that any work on a domestic water system requires the ability to interrupt the supply to fixtures or the system while work is being performed. In a multi-unit building, properly placed valves may also prevent the water from being shut off to all occupants for work limited to one unit.
Before the appointment, locate the fixture valve and main shutoff without forcing them. If the local valve is missing, seized, corroded or leaks when operated, mention this in the request. The partner can clarify whether its replacement is included in the visit or requires a coordinated shutdown.
Confirm before work begins
- is the fixture valve accessible and functional?
- will the shutoff affect other units or activities?
- must the syndicate, owner or property manager be notified?
- does the main valve belong to the building or municipality?
- must a specific period be reserved for the shutdown?
Review the RBQ’s information about shutoff valves in residential buildings.
Choose according to actual use
Flow, water consumption and maintenance
A new fixture should be selected for compatibility, intended use, availability of replacement parts and efficiency. The Quebec government recommends WaterSense-certified or low-flow toilets, faucet aerators and efficient showerheads to reduce potable-water consumption.
Before purchasing
- measure the space and existing connections;
- verify the included parts and required accessories;
- compare the availability of cartridges and mechanisms;
- review the manufacturer’s installation and warranty requirements.
After installation
- monitor the connections during the first uses;
- clean aerators and surfaces according to the manufacturer’s instructions;
- do not force a difficult handle or valve;
- have any recurring leak corrected promptly.
Review the Quebec government’s tips for saving drinking water at home.
An estimate based on the fixture and access
What influences the cost of repair or installation?
Work on an accessible component does not require the same preparation as an unstable fixture, a concealed valve or an installation that reveals damaged connections.
Factors related to the fixture
- type, brand, age and model;
- available replacement part or fixture to replace;
- dimensions and connection compatibility;
- old fixture to remove and dispose of;
- required accessories and materials.
Factors related to the property
- functional valves or main water shutoff;
- access beneath the counter, behind a wall or at floor level;
- corrosion, concealed leakage or damaged support;
- modification of the water supply or drainage;
- coordination with occupants, the property manager or other trades.
Before the visit: ask whether the parts, new fixture, removal of the old equipment and restoration work are included. The partner confirms its fees, provides its proposal and bills for the authorized work.
Residential, multi-unit and commercial
Fixtures suited to the building and frequency of use
Homes and condominiums
Repair or replacement of an existing fixture, faucet upgrades and correction of accessible connections according to the dimensions and finishes of the space.
Plexes and rental buildings
Water shutoff, access to units, fixture durability and ease of maintenance influence planning with the owner or property manager.
Businesses and common areas
Frequent use, accessibility, operating hours and continuity of service may require specific fixtures and coordination. Also visit our commercial plumbing page.
A clear request
How does the referral process work?
SOS Plombiers coordinates the request. The partner contractor remains responsible for the assessment, parts, proposal, authorized work and billing.
- 1
You describe the fixture
Address, type of building, brand or photo, symptom, location of the leak, valve condition and any new fixture already purchased.
- 2
The request is assessed
SOS Plombiers distinguishes between repair, replacement, installation and a drain or pipe problem requiring another service.
- 3
A partner confirms its terms
The assigned company communicates its availability, fees, required parts and necessary preparations.
- 4
The fixture is tested after the work
Water supply, shutoff, drainage, stability and connections are checked according to the authorized scope.
To understand the role of SOS Plombiers and that of the assigned company, visit the About SOS Plombiers page.
Network coverage
Toilet and faucet repair throughout Greater Montreal
Availability and the scope of work vary according to the address, fixture, required parts and available partners.
Montreal and the West Island
Montreal, Montreal East, the central boroughs and the West Island.
Laval and the North Shore
Laval, Terrebonne, Repentigny, Saint-Eustache and areas throughout the North Shore.
Longueuil and the South Shore
Longueuil, Brossard, Boucherville, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and areas throughout the South Shore.
Is your area not listed? Contact SOS Plombiers to provide information about the fixture.
You can also view the directory of plumbing services available through the network.
Frequently asked questions
Toilets, faucets and plumbing fixtures
Is it better to repair or replace a running toilet?
If the porcelain and base are in good condition, the flapper, fill valve, float or another component can often be replaced. A cracked, unstable or severely worn fixture, or one requiring repeated repairs, may justify replacement.
Is a leak at the base of a toilet always caused by the seal?
No. The seal is one possible cause, but the flange, fasteners, porcelain, tank or a nearby pipe may also be responsible. The toilet may need to be removed to confirm the condition of the connection and floor.
Why does my toilet clog frequently?
The problem may originate from the fixture, its operation or the drain line. A recurring blockage farther along the system requires drain unclogging and will not be resolved simply by replacing the tank mechanism.
Can every faucet be repaired?
Repairability depends on the condition of the body, brand, model and availability of a compatible cartridge or parts. A severely corroded or cracked faucet, or one for which parts are unavailable, may need to be replaced.
Should I purchase the new fixture before the appointment?
You may, but first verify the dimensions, holes, connections, clearances and required accessories. Send the product specifications to the partner so an obvious incompatibility can be identified before the visit.
Does replacing a faucet require shutting off all the water?
Not when the local valves function and isolate the fixture properly. If they are missing, seized or defective, a broader shutdown may be necessary. In a multi-unit building, it must be coordinated with the affected people.
Does installation include opening and repairing the wall?
Not automatically. A concealed valve, wall-mounted faucet or inaccessible connections may require an opening. Ask for the proposal to clearly indicate who will create the access and restore the finished surfaces.
How much does it cost to install a toilet or faucet?
The cost depends on the fixture, connections, valves, access, removal of the old equipment and any problems discovered. The partner company must confirm its fees and specify the included parts, materials and work.
Does your plumbing fixture need repair or replacement?
Send a photo, the brand and the location of the leak
SOS Plombiers will attempt to direct your request to an appropriate partner contractor in your area. The partner confirms its availability, the required parts or fixture, its terms and the proposed work.
If the fixture is overflowing or actively leaking, stop using it and close its valve when it can be operated safely.