Frequently Asked
Questions

We serve homeowners across Eastern Prince Edward Island, including Montague, Souris, St. Peters, Murray Harbour, Cardigan, Georgetown, Rollo Bay, and the surrounding communities. Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call — we're happy to help.

Yes. Clearwater Plumbing is fully licensed and insured to operate in Prince Edward Island. We hold all required trade certifications, and every job is covered. You can hire us with complete confidence.

Getting a quote is easy and free. You can call us directly at (902) 969-7245, or fill out our online quote form. We'll ask a few questions about your situation, and if needed, arrange a time to visit your home for a proper assessment before giving you a clear, written estimate.

We focus exclusively on residential plumbing. That means your home gets our full attention — not split between commercial contracts and industrial jobs. We know residential systems inside and out.

Response times depend on current workload and the nature of the job. For urgent situations, call us directly at (902) 969-7245 and we'll do our best to get to you as quickly as possible.

Yes. We use professional diagnostic methods to locate leaks that aren't immediately visible. In some cases, a small access point is needed to reach and repair the leak — we'll always explain what's involved before any work starts.

It depends on the pipe material, age, and condition. Older galvanized steel pipes are known to corrode from the inside and restrict water flow — if you're having repeated issues in different areas, replacement is often the smarter long-term investment. We'll give you an honest recommendation based on what we actually find.

Pipes burst when water inside them freezes and expands. This most commonly happens in pipes that run through unheated spaces — crawl spaces, exterior walls, or uninsulated areas. Proper insulation and maintaining heat in vulnerable areas helps prevent this.

Often yes — we try to minimize disruption wherever possible. The extent of access needed depends on where the pipe is, what type of repair is required, and how accessible the area is. We'll always explain the options before starting.

Both are excellent options. PEX is flexible, freeze-resistant, and easier to install in tight spaces. Copper is durable, long-lasting, and well-proven. The best choice depends on your specific situation — we'll recommend what makes the most sense for your home.

Absolutely — well water systems are a specialty of ours. Many Eastern PEI homes rely on private wells, and we have extensive experience with well pumps, pressure tanks, water treatment, and all related plumbing. We understand the unique demands of rural PEI water systems.

Signs include: your pump cycling on and off very frequently (short-cycling), water pressure that surges and drops, air sputtering from taps, or a waterlogged tank that feels heavy and full. If you're noticing any of these, it's worth having the system checked.

Short-cycling (the pump turning on and off rapidly) is most commonly caused by a waterlogged pressure tank — one that has lost its air charge. This puts excessive strain on the pump and significantly shortens its lifespan. A pressure tank replacement usually resolves this.

Submersible well pumps typically last 10–15 years, depending on water quality, usage, and whether the system has been properly maintained. Pressure tanks often last a similar lifespan. Regular checks can help catch issues before they become failures.

A drilled well goes deep into bedrock and typically uses a submersible pump. A dug well is shallower, lined with concrete or stone, and usually uses a jet pump or shallow well pump. Both are common in PEI, and we work on both types.

Traditional tank-style water heaters typically last 10–12 years. If yours is approaching or past that age and showing signs of trouble — inconsistent hot water, rust, leaking — replacement is usually more cost-effective than repair.

Tank size depends on household size and usage patterns. A general guide: 40-gallon for 1–2 people, 50-gallon for 3–4 people, 60–80 gallon for larger households. We'll help you choose the right size for your home.

If the tank is under 8 years old and the issue is a component (like a thermostat or element), repair can make sense. If it's over 10 years old or the tank itself is corroded or leaking, replacement is almost always the better investment. We'll give you an honest assessment.

A straightforward hot water tank replacement typically takes 2–4 hours, including removal of the old unit and connection of the new one. More complex installations may take longer.

As early as possible — ideally before walls are opened or tile is ordered. Getting the plumber involved in the planning stage prevents costly surprises and ensures the rough-in is done correctly before other trades follow.

Yes. Drain relocations are a regular part of bathroom renovation plumbing. The feasibility and complexity depends on your floor structure and the distance of the move, but we handle this type of work regularly.

We can work either way. Many homeowners prefer to choose and purchase their own fixtures — we're happy to install what you've selected. If you'd like recommendations, we can point you in the right direction.

A typical bathroom rough-in takes 1–2 days depending on complexity, the number of fixtures, and whether any drain or supply lines need to be relocated. We'll give you a clear timeline before starting.

Common signs include: orange or rust staining on fixtures and laundry (iron), a rotten egg smell (sulphur/hydrogen sulphide), scale buildup on appliances and fixtures (hardness), or cloudy/gritty water (sediment). Getting your water tested is the best first step.

A water softener specifically targets hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) through an ion exchange process. A filter removes physical particles, sediment, iron, or other contaminants depending on the type. Many homes benefit from both, depending on their water chemistry.

Yes — we recommend getting a water test done before installing a treatment system. This tells you exactly what's in your water so the right system can be selected. We can advise on where to get testing done in PEI.

It depends on the system type and your water quality. Most filter cartridges need replacement every 6–12 months. UV bulbs typically need annual replacement. We'll give you a clear maintenance schedule when we install your system.