Expert and Trusted Plumbers Serving Barrie
- Celebrating Over 51 Years in Business!
- Prompt, Dependable Service
- Comprehensive 1-year Workmanship Guarantee
- Proudly Local & Veteran Operated
- Certified Journeyman and Senior Apprentice Plumbers on Staff
As a highly-regarded, family and veteran-owned enterprise, we are dedicated to providing premier plumbing services throughout Barrie and its neighboring communities.
Why Barrie Homeowners and Businesses Trust Harris Plumbing Inc.
- Award-Winning Plumbing Service in Barrie: We've consistently been recognized for excellence, including accolades like HomeStars Best of 2023, Barrie Advance Readers' Choice 2024, and our proud affiliation with the Baeumler Approved program. Our commitment is to lead the industry in ethical practices, unparalleled customer service, and quality workmanship, all delivered with integrity.
- Over 340 Positive Google Reviews
- Over Five Decades of Plumbing Expertise in Barrie
- Dedicated Professionals: We employ and foster the growth of skilled plumbers passionate about their craft.
- Barrie's Local Choice: Our plumbers are strategically located across Simcoe County, ensuring prompt and efficient service for all of Barrie.
- Transparent Pricing: We believe in empowering our clients. Before any work begins, you'll receive a clear diagnosis of the plumbing issue and a straightforward explanation of all available solutions and their costs, allowing you to make well-informed decisions.
Comprehensive Plumbing Solutions for Barrie Properties
Our certified Barrie plumbers offer a complete spectrum of expert services, adept at handling both common and complex plumbing challenges inherent to homes and businesses across Barrie's diverse areas, from the bustling downtown to the serene neighborhoods along the bay.
- Drain Cleaning & Unclogging Services in Barrie
- Water Heater Repair & Installation (Tankless & Traditional) for Barrie Residences
- Sewer Line Repair & Replacement in Barrie
- Faucet, Toilet & Fixture Installation & Repair Barrie
- Basement Waterproofing & Sump Pump Systems Barrie
- Pipe Repair, Leak Detection & Repiping Services in Barrie
- Backflow Prevention Testing & Installation Barrie
- Commercial Plumbing Services for Barrie Businesses
Understanding Barrie's Plumbing Infrastructure
Barrie's drinking water primarily originates from two sources: Lake Simcoe and groundwater wells. Water from Lake Simcoe is treated at the Barrie Water Treatment Plant, while groundwater is sourced from various wells across the city. The City of Barrie regularly monitors its water quality to ensure it meets provincial standards for safety. You can review the City of Barrie's annual water quality reports for detailed information on testing and results.
The city's sewer system is predominantly a separate system, meaning stormwater and sanitary wastewater are conveyed through different pipe networks. However, like many established cities, some older areas of Barrie might have combined sewer sections, though extensive efforts have been made to separate these systems to reduce the risk of overflows into Lake Simcoe. Our experienced plumbers are familiar with Barrie's unique plumbing infrastructure, from the mix of historic homes around the waterfront to the newer developments in the city's south end.
Whether it's routine maintenance, urgent repairs, or new installations, our team is fully equipped to handle all your plumbing requirements in Barrie. We are thoroughly versed in local plumbing codes and regulations, ensuring every job adheres to the highest standards.
From private homes to commercial establishments, we deliver customized plumbing solutions that cater to the diverse needs of Barrie's varied communities. Our dedication to superior service and client satisfaction has established us as the preferred plumbing specialists in Barrie.
Lake Simcoe, a vital water source for Barrie
Addressing Flood Concerns in Barrie
Barrie, with its proximity to Lake Simcoe and several creeks, has historically faced challenges with flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt. Areas adjacent to natural waterways, such as along Lovers Creek or Kidd's Creek, and some older neighbourhoods with aging infrastructure, can be more susceptible to overland flooding and basement backups.
The City of Barrie actively implements stormwater management initiatives and infrastructure upgrades to mitigate flood risks. However, property owners still play a crucial role in protecting their homes. This includes ensuring proper lot grading, maintaining eavestroughs and downspouts, and considering advanced plumbing solutions.
For homeowners and businesses in Barrie, proactive flood prevention is key. Installing a reliable sump pump, especially in properties with basements, and maintaining it regularly can provide vital protection against water intrusion. Additionally, understanding your property's vulnerability and being aware of local flood advisories from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) is highly recommended. Our expert plumbers can help you evaluate your property's flood risk and implement effective, tailored solutions to safeguard against water damage.
Should you experience any flooding or water damage, our urgent plumbing services provide a swift response and immediate assistance. We can quickly respond, assess the situation, and perform necessary repairs to help restore your property.
Understanding Older Piping: Galvanized and Lead Concerns in Barrie
Understanding Galvanized Pipe Health Risks
While Barrie’s municipal water supply meets strict safety standards, some older homes, particularly those built before the 1960s, may still have original galvanized steel or lead service lines and internal plumbing. **Galvanized pipes**, coated with zinc to resist corrosion, can degrade over decades, leading to internal rust buildup. This often results in reduced water pressure, discoloured water, and can contribute to pinhole leaks.
**Lead pipes**, though less prevalent in Barrie compared to some older cities, were once used for water service lines. Exposure to lead in drinking water can pose serious health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women. The City of Barrie has programs in place to identify and replace public lead service lines, but homeowners are responsible for the private portion of the line.
If you own an older home in Barrie and have concerns about your plumbing, it's essential to have a professional inspection. Our seasoned plumbers can thoroughly assess your system, identify any potential presence of galvanized or lead piping, and offer expert recommendations for replacement or mitigation.
We provide comprehensive plumbing services, including annual home plumbing inspections, full pipe replacement with modern, safe materials, water quality testing, and the installation of new plumbing fixtures that adhere to current safety protocols. Our goal is to ensure your peace of mind, knowing your plumbing system is both secure and efficient.
Don't hesitate to reach out to Harris Plumbing Inc. if you have any concerns about your home's piping or require assistance with replacements. Our team is ready to help safeguard the quality and safety of your water supply in Barrie.
Optimizing Water Quality in Barrie
Barrie’s water quality is generally good, treated by the city to meet provincial standards. The treatment process for Lake Simcoe water involves filtration and disinfection, while groundwater may receive specific treatments depending on its source. Common treatment agents include chlorine for disinfection and fluoride for dental health. You can find detailed information in the City of Barrie's annual Drinking Water Quality Reports.
While municipal treatment is effective in making water safe, certain dissolved minerals and treatment by-products can still impact your home's water. For example, some residents might notice residual chlorine taste or smell. Harris Plumbing Inc. recommends further in-home treatments for those seeking optimal water quality, especially if you experience specific concerns like noticeable tastes, odors, or sediment.
For individuals with sensitivities or those desiring the purest water possible, addressing chlorine and its potential by-products is a common goal. For instance, prolonged exposure to chlorinated water during hot showers can sometimes irritate sensitive skin or respiratory systems. If these concerns resonate with you, a whole-home chlorine filter could significantly improve your daily water experience.
Harris Plumbing Inc. offers installation, replacement, and repair services for a range of high-quality whole-home filtration systems designed to address concerns like chlorine, sediment, and other impurities in Barrie's water. We proudly source our products from reputable Canadian suppliers, ensuring reliable performance and easy access to parts for years to come.
Achieving Premium Drinking Water in Barrie
Enjoying Pure, Safe Drinking Water
For truly exceptional drinking water right from your tap, Harris Plumbing Inc. highly recommends **Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration systems** for kitchen sinks and integrated with refrigerator water and ice dispensers in Barrie. While municipal water is safe to drink, an RO system takes purification a step further, addressing lingering concerns such as trace heavy metals, dissolved solids, mineral hardness, and fine sediments that can affect taste and clarity. Many Barrie residents find RO water dramatically improves the taste of their drinking water.
Reverse Osmosis technology excels at removing even minute impurities, providing water that is consistently crisp, clean, and often superior in taste to store-bought bottled water. Beyond refreshing hydration, RO water is a secret weapon for culinary enthusiasts; it creates clearer ice cubes, enhancing the presentation and flavour of beverages.
Our skilled team is proficient in the installation, replacement, and repair of RO systems throughout Barrie. We ensure your system is perfectly installed and maintained, guaranteeing access to the highest quality drinking water for your household. We also offer comprehensive annual maintenance services to keep your RO system operating at peak efficiency and effectiveness.
The Benefits of Water Softeners in Barrie Homes
Barrie's water, like much of Simcoe County, typically ranges from moderately to very hard, usually falling between 7 to 14 grains per gallon. This level of hardness is significant enough to cause noticeable issues within your home. Hard water can lead to the unsightly buildup of soap scum on bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and it contributes to the gradual accumulation of limescale inside appliances such as coffee makers, dishwashers, and hot water tanks. Over time, this mineral buildup can reduce appliance efficiency, increase energy consumption, and significantly shorten their lifespan.
To effectively combat these pervasive hard water problems, we strongly recommend the installation of a **water softener** in your home. Water softeners utilize an ion exchange process to efficiently remove calcium and magnesium – the primary minerals responsible for water hardness – from your water supply. The benefits are clear: reduced limescale, improved appliance performance and longevity, softer skin and hair, and more effective soap and detergent use, leading to cleaner clothes and dishes.
Harris Plumbing Inc. has been installing and servicing high-quality, **Canadian-made water softeners** for over five decades. Our extensive experience allows us to guide you through selecting the ideal water softener for your Barrie home, catering to various budgets and needs. Choosing Canadian-made products also ensures easy access to replacement parts and components, guaranteeing long-term reliability and support.
Protecting Your Home from Sewage Back-ups with Backwater Valves in Barrie
For homes in low-lying areas or those that have previously experienced the unfortunate event of sewage backups, the installation of a **backwater valve** is a critical preventative measure. In Barrie, areas near Lake Simcoe or along creek systems like Lovers Creek or Kidd's Creek may be at higher risk during extreme weather events.
A backwater valve is a vital device integrated into your home's main sewer line. Its function is to act as a one-way gate, allowing wastewater to safely exit your property while preventing any backflow of sewage from the municipal sewer system during periods of heavy rain, surges, or overloaded infrastructure.
Installing a backwater valve offers significant protection against costly and unsanitary sewage damage, safeguarding your property and mitigating health hazards associated with backups. Our experienced plumbers can conduct a thorough assessment of your Barrie property's specific risk for sewage backflow and recommend the most effective and compliant solution for your peace of mind.
We provide professional installation, replacement, and repair services for backwater valves across Barrie. Our team ensures that your backwater valve is correctly installed and fully functional, offering reliable protection during severe rainfall or flooding events.
Contact Harris Plumbing Inc., and we can guide you through the process of getting a backwater valve installed to protect your home, business, family, and contents.
Proudly Serving All Barrie Neighbourhoods, Including:
- Downtown Barrie
- Painswick
- Holly
- Innishore
- Letitia Heights
- Ardagh Bluffs
- Allandale
- East End
- Cundles
