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Shanks Plumbing & Heating Ltd

Updated 2026-08-13 · 10,714 reviewed · 300 listed · Scored from 102 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.5(102) 73 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified
Backflow Prevention & TestingLeak Detection & Pipe RepairWater Heater Installation & RepairEmergency PlumbingPlumberDrain & Sewer Cleaning

Google-verified102 Google reviewssince 1948; over 65 years

Shanks Plumbing & Heating Ltd
Services
Backflow Prevention & Testing, Leak Detection & Pipe Repair, Water Heater Installation & Repair
Reviews
102

What recent reviews say

Shanks delivers fast, competent work that often exceeds customer expectations. Mark and Eric earn consistent praise for professionalism and thoroughness. However, communication gaps between office and technicians lead to incomplete scopes, missing parts, and inflated quotes. Several customers report paying $250-2000 for jobs that required their own intervention afterward, and one documented parts marked up 300% on minor repairs.

Praised for
  • fast response and quick diagnosis
  • skilled and courteous technicians
  • proactive advice on prevention
  • professional work quality
Watch-outs
  • poor communication between office and field staff
  • overcharging on parts and labour
  • incomplete repairs requiring customer follow-up
  • unprofessional driver behaviour
punctualskilled-staffoverpricedpoor-communicationresponsiveclean-workhonest-assessment
Best for: homeowners needing rapid emergency repairs with experienced technicians
Think twice if: budget-conscious customers or anyone who values upfront quotes and transparent parts pricing

Strengths

  • same-day and weekend emergency response
  • technicians deliver preventative advice
  • established reputation (65+ years)
  • insured for high-rise condo work

Worth knowing

  • Technicians Eric, Mark, and Yusuf named in reviews
  • Emergency calls answered on weekends and within one hour
  • Eric noted for bringing replacement items to avoid second service call
  • One customer paid $250 for incomplete toilet repair requiring landlord follow-up
  • Parts marked up reportedly 300% on small jobs (e.g. valve listed $25, charged $72)
  • James (customer service) reportedly shouted back when tenant called to complain
  • Reckless driving incident reported on 401 eastbound at Avenue Road
  • Company states they prefer renovations over small jobs

What reviews say by service

Emergency Plumbing
Praised for same-day and weekend response; one burst pipe fixed in under an hour with preventative advice.
Leak Detection & Pipe Repair
Strong praise for identifying and repairing leaks (faucet, p-trap, burst pipe). One customer reported new leak appeared after repair.
Water Heater Installation & Repair
No direct review commentary on water heater work.
Drain & Sewer Cleaning
Kitchen sink clogs unclogged quickly; drain repair praised for thoroughness. One review mentions power washing offered.
Bathroom & Kitchen Plumbing Remodel
Toilet repairs, faucet installs, and sink work frequently mentioned. One incomplete toilet repair left customer with additional work.
Backflow Prevention & Testing
No direct review commentary on backflow services.

How it compares

  • Rated 4.5 against a 4.85 average across the 166 drain & sewer cleaning businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 70% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

How We Score
Star rating 71
Review volume 87
Review recency 81
Review sentiment 48
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
88
4
2
3
0
2
2
1
10

Common questions

Do you respond to emergencies on weekends?
Yes. Customers report emergency calls answered and resolved on weekends, with one burst pipe repaired within an hour on Saturday.
Will you bring parts with you to avoid a second visit?
Sometimes. Eric is noted for bringing replacement toilets and other items proactively to complete jobs in one visit, but this is not standard.
Do you work in condos?
Yes. The company states they are insured to work in condo buildings over 5 storeys tall.
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Last updated 2026-08-13