Frequently asked questions

It lets us see inside a pipe to find what's causing a clog, a leak or a smell: roots, breaks, sags, grease. The repair can then target the right spot, without unnecessary digging. Wilfrid David in Chénéville offers it across La Petite-Nation.

Yes, especially for an older house or a cottage. A camera inspection of the main line shows its condition before you sign. It's a check a general home inspection doesn't always include.

A clog that keeps coming back almost always has a cause in the line itself: roots, a sagging section, a cracked pipe or grease buildup. Clearing it treats the symptom, not the cause. A camera inspection shows the cause.

Yes. Wilfrid David, based in Chénéville, handles plumbing maintenance, repairs and renovations for shops, apartment buildings and other properties in La Petite-Nation. The company holds RBQ licence 1842-2873-08.

We work that out ahead of time depending on the job. Often the work can be organized to keep closures short, by shutting one section only or doing part of it before opening. For an emergency, we are on call 24/7 at 819-428-3161.

The most common causes are grease buildup, roots, or a sagging or broken pipe. A camera inspection lets us see inside the line and find the problem without opening everything up. Then we know whether it needs cleaning, a repair or excavation.

At the Wilfrid David store, 77 rue Principale in Chénéville. We have well water tested by an accredited laboratory. Call 819-428-3161 to find out how to proceed.

The Government of Québec recommends a bacteriological test at least twice a year, and a test for chemical contaminants at least once while the well is in use.

Yes. We refill water jugs at the store, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Yes. Wilfrid David, in Chénéville, owns its excavator and does the digging itself. The same company digs and does the plumbing, which keeps water line, sewer line and septic jobs simple.

Yes, it's strongly recommended. In Quebec, locate requests are free through Info-Excavation, and the Régie du bâtiment du Québec encourages making one before excavation work. It tells you what underground networks run under your property.

Deep enough to be below the frost line, which varies with soil, snow cover and vehicle traffic. There's no single number that fits every lot. Wilfrid David takes it into account when digging, and protects the line another way where it can't go deep enough.

A damp basement, water at the base of the walls after rain or orange sludge in the sump are common signs. A camera inspection can often show the drain's condition without digging. Wilfrid David in Chénéville does this kind of check across La Petite-Nation.

Yes, if the pipe is only dirty and still in good shape. If it's crushed, missing or packed with iron ochre, replacement is usually the only lasting solution. A camera inspection helps tell which is which.

Because the wall is already exposed down to the footing. Insulating from the outside at that point saves digging again later and protects the foundation from the cold. Wilfrid David offers to do both in the same job.

Yes. Along with plumbing and excavation, Wilfrid David in Chénéville works as a general contractor on renovations and new builds across La Petite-Nation. The company holds RBQ licence 1842-2873-08.

Yes, from the trench to the finish. Wilfrid David does the excavation and plumbing itself, then handles the rest of the job. We recommend contacting us early, before any work starts.

Because a good share of what matters on a country build happens underground: water lines, septic, foundation, drains. When the same contractor digs and does the plumbing, coordination is simpler and placement mistakes are rarer.

It's a heating system where a water and glycol mix circulates through PEX tubing set in the slab or under the floor. The floor gives off even heat into the room. The glycol protects the tubing from freezing if the heat goes off.

Often, yes, by running the loops under the floor from the basement or crawl space. It's more work than a new slab, but it avoids tearing out a finished floor. Wilfrid David in Chénéville can assess whether it is feasible in your house.

Common causes are air in the loop, a sticking zone valve, a weak circulator pump or a faulty thermostat. Most can be fixed without touching the floor. Wilfrid David can check the flow zone by zone.

It depends on use, water quality and maintenance. A leak at the bottom of the tank or rusty hot water usually means it is nearing the end of its service life. Wilfrid David in Chénéville can inspect it and advise whether a repair is worthwhile or a replacement is needed.

Shut the valve under the leaking fixture, or the main water shut-off for the house. On a well, if you can't find the valve, switching off the pump's breaker stops the water too. Mop up what you can, then call Wilfrid David at 819-428-3161; a team member is on call 24/7 for emergencies.

Yes, in homes and cottages throughout La Petite-Nation. Spring openings, fall closings, frozen pipes, well pumps: we are familiar with the specific needs of seasonal properties.

Yes. Quebec's regulation on wastewater from isolated dwellings (Q-2, r. 22) requires a municipal permit before building, modifying or replacing a septic system. A permit is also needed for a new house or for adding a bedroom.

Under section 4.1 of the regulation, the site and soil characterization study has to be done by a member of a professional order qualified in the field, such as an engineer or a professional technologist. It goes in with the permit application to the municipality.

The regulation (section 13) requires pumping at least every two years for a tank used year-round, and at least every four years for seasonal use. If your municipality runs the pumping program, it may instead go by measuring the sludge and scum.

Shut off the main water, open the affected faucet, and warm the pipe gently, with a hair dryer for instance if it's easy to reach. Never use a torch or open flame; it is a fire hazard. For a hidden pipe or a buried line, call Wilfrid David at 819-428-3161.

Not always, but it happens. Water expands as it freezes, and the leak often only shows up when it thaws. That's why we keep the main shut while thawing and check the pipe before putting pressure back on.

Yes, as long as it's made for pipes and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. It keeps the pipe above freezing where it's exposed. Wilfrid David will also tell you if insulation or a deeper line would do a better job.

Most of the time the pressure tank isn't holding its reserve anymore, so the pump has to start for every little bit of water. It can also be the pressure switch or a leak. Wilfrid David in Chénéville can identify the cause before the pump wears out prematurely.

Look at the pump's breaker and the pressure gauge by the tank. If the breaker trips again when you reset it, leave it off and call a plumber. Wilfrid David is on call 24/7 at 819-428-3161 for homes with no water.

Yes. Wilfrid David owns an excavator and does the digging needed to repair or replace the water line between the well and the house. The same contractor handles both the excavation and the plumbing.