Water leak or damage: what to do right now, who to call

What it costs

• $123.70 /hReference rate, journeyman, light residential, regular hours · Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ)
• $157.98 /hReference rate, time-and-a-half · Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ)
• may be billed extra (no amount given)Travel fee · Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ)
• From $145Unclog a toilet, sink or tub (Mon–Fri, 8 am–4 pm) · Plomberie Budget Drain
• $40 to $80Transport fee on top · Plomberie Budget Drain
• From $305Unclog the main drain · Plomberie Budget Drain

All prices, with their sources → Benchmarks to spot an unusual quote, not quotes.

Who to call

Plumbers — MontrealPlumbers — South ShorePlumbers — LavalPlumbers — LongueuilPlumbers — TerrebonnePlumbers — RepentignyPlumbers — Saint-Jean-sur-RichelieuPlumbers — MascouchePlumbers — MirabelPlumbers — Saint-JérômePlumbers — Saint-ColombanPlumbers — Blainville

What to ask on the phone

• « Can you come today? »
• « How much is the service call, and what is your evening or weekend rate? »
• « What is the company’s exact name and RBQ licence number? (You can check it here.) »

Before you sign

• DepositNone or very small, the OPC advises. Pay in stages as the work progresses, and keep 10 to 15% for the end.
• LicencePlumbing and water heaters: 15.5, reserved for master pipe-mechanics (CMMTQ).

The quote must show

• the company’s exact name, the same as on its licence, and its RBQ licence number
• the work and materials, in detail
• start and end dates
• the detailed total price and payments
• liability insurance: insurer and policy number
• who gets the permit
• debris removal; no extra without written approval

If things go wrong

• RBQ licence bondCovers deposits for work not done, unfinished work and defects found within 12 months: $40,000 per general contractor, $20,000 per specialized contractor, shared among claimants. Claim within 3 years.
• Complaint to the OPCIt goes on the company’s file. The OPC provides a kit and a demand-letter template.
• Small claimsUp to $15,000, no lawyer.