Birnie Plumbing & Drains of St. Catharines

THE RIGHT SOLUTION EVERY TIME

YOUR TRUSTED PLUMBERS FOR OVER 100 YEARS

Birnie Plumbing & Drains of St. Catharines

Professional plumbing, drain, and sewer services in St. Catharines.

Fast, reliable service with upfront pricing for homes across St. Catharines.

The 5-Stinky Team is now Birnie.pro

The founder1920s

The builder1940s

Old kids in the blockage1990s

The stinky era2000s

The pros2020s

A NAME YOU KNOW. A LEGACY YOU TRUST.

For over 100 years, our family has been serving Hamilton homeowners.
You may know us as 5-Stinky — a name that became part of the community.

Today, we continue that legacy as Birnie.pro.

Our licensed and insured plumbers offer upfront pricing, no-pressure recommendations, and flexible payment options. Every job is backed by a written warranty – because when you’ve been around this long, standing behind your work isn’t optional.

WE'RE ALREADY IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

Call or book online for fast, professional and friendly plumbing service.

WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING

EXCELLENT

Based on 1280 reviews

Ted Urbanowicz

Excellent service and competence

Gord Birnie

I had a leaking galvanized pipe in my basement, I called Birnie plumbing and spoke with Tim. He was very polite and professional. The next day Chad, the technician came and gave me a suggestion on how to resolve the problem. Once I chose which option to use he gave me a quote that was acceptable. Chad was professional and educated me on the procedure that he was undertaking. He explained and showed me how and why he was doing the job that way. This was our second experience with Birnie plumbing and both times the service was exemplary. Their professionalism is second to none. Thanks for the easing us through the experience.

Noor S

I contacted staff to have a plumber come check our wall ceiling to confirm that there is no water leak from the washroom. Staff assigned Tim the professional plumber to come next morning and he was at my place at 9 30pm. He investigated the level 1 and concluded that there's no issues at all and when I asked for a written report of his inspection, it was sent my way within the hour. I am very pleased with their customer service and the professional work. Thank you Tim and all the staff I highly recommend their business

Shirley Delaney

I was in a panic over water in my basement. I called Birnie and right from Don, who set up the appointment, to Monica who called to confirm, and then technician Jamie completing the work it was such a positive experience! Jamie took the time to explain everything and made sure I was satisfied with the work every step of the way. Highly recommend the Birnie team!!

Denise

5 stars for Dylan at Birnie Plumbing & Drains! He was incredibly helpful and took the time to give super thorough explanations of everything he was doing. It’s rare to find that kind of honesty in the trade. Best of all, once the job was done, we were finally left in peace. Highly recommend asking for him!

Alexandra Hibbard

Birnie’s is always fantastic! I had a slight back up, coming up from my basement floor drain on Sunday night and they were there first thing Monday morning! Special shoutout to the technicians Eric and Jamie, they were friendly, and informative. They explained exactly what was going on and had it sorted in no time! Highly recommend them!

Tricia Minor-Breton

After many years of our sewer backing up and multiple plumbing companies coming in and out. I finally called Birnie and sons. Rob came out explained and showed me what was going on with our main sewer line. He was the first person after many headaches that told us we had a shared sewer line. After dealing with the city to do their part so we could have our own sewer line put in, Rob kept me up to date with everything. Had his locates ready to go, once the city finished they started asap. He said it would be a 3-4 day job. Done in 3. It was a huge job!!!! Very professional, communicated and left the job site as clean as it could be. (basement had to be dug up). I am so glad I called this company and would highly recommend them. I will never call another plumbing company again! Thank you Rob, Birnie & son's!!!!

John G

We had a sewer back up and called Thos R Birnie Lake Ave Hamilton. Service rep, Jamie cleaned brush and weeds from pipe and followed through with a video of the pipe from the house to the city connection. He was courteous and knowledgeable. Ensured the blockage was clear and provided printed costs for that service. A follow up visit was made by Robert who gave us a printed detail with costs of our options going forward. Very professional. Can't say we were happy about the cost to repair, but the details were provided for us to review.

Graham Davidson

Chad D showed up right on time, diagnosed our issue quickly, set out an easy and fair pricing plan for the job, and fixed a leak that was causing a lot of damage. Really appreciated his work and explaining what needed to get fixed. We’re all set and leak free now. Highly recommend

Jacqueline Fraser

Mike was so professional and he had everything done right on time. The pricing was also very fair. I recommend this company!

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Home Maintenance Tips

As featured on CHCH News

Choosing the Right Plumbing & Drain Contractor

Fully Trained, Licensed Technicians: At Birnie Plumbing & Drains, our team is fully licensed, insured, and continuously trained in the latest tools and techniques. With over 100 years of family-owned expertise, you can trust the job will be done right the first time.

St. Catharines Local Infrastructure & Plumbing Systems

Understanding St. Catharines’ history and infrastructure helps explain the plumbing and drainage challenges many homes experience today.

Historic Infrastructure & Urban Expansion

St. Catharines is one of Niagara’s largest and oldest urban centers, with neighborhoods ranging from historic homes near downtown to modern subdivisions throughout the city. This mix creates a wide range of plumbing and drainage conditions.

Older cast iron and clay sewer systems
Aging copper and galvanized water services
Tree root intrusion in mature neighborhoods
Stormwater drainage challenges during heavy rainfall
Mixed infrastructure from multiple development periods

Homes throughout downtown St. Catharines, Merritton, Port Dalhousie, and established residential neighborhoods often experience sewer backups, slow drains, and infrastructure wear tied to aging underground systems.

Older Neighborhood Infrastructure

Many established communities throughout St. Catharines still rely on aging plumbing systems that may now be approaching the end of their service life.

Clay Soil & Pipe Movement

Niagara’s clay-heavy soils expand and contract through seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, placing stress on underground sewer and water lines.

Urban Stormwater Demand

Heavy rainfall and urban runoff can place increased pressure on municipal drainage systems and contribute to localized flooding concerns.

Tree Root Intrusion

Mature trees throughout older neighborhoods frequently lead to root intrusion in sewer laterals and exterior drainage systems.

Modern Residential Expansion

Newer subdivisions feature updated plumbing systems, though sump pumps, grading, and stormwater management remain important considerations.

Basement Water Protection

Homes with aging drainage systems may require sump pumps, backwater valves, waterproofing, and weeping tile upgrades to help prevent water intrusion.

THE RIGHT SOLUTION EVERY TIME

YOUR TRUSTED PLUMBERS FOR OVER 100 YEARS

Birnie Plumbing & Drains of St. Catharines

Professional plumbing, drain, and sewer services in St. Catharines.

Plumbing Services

Drain & Sewer Services

Trenchless Sewer Repair

Water Quality Services

The 5-Stinky Team is now Birnie.pro

A NAME YOU KNOW. A LEGACY YOU TRUST.

Today, we continue that legacy as Birnie.pro.

WE'RE ALREADY IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING

Home Maintenance Tips

Choosing the Right Plumbing & Drain Contractor

St. Catharines Local Infrastructure & Plumbing Systems

Historic Infrastructure & Urban Expansion

Older Neighborhood Infrastructure

Clay Soil & Pipe Movement

Urban Stormwater Demand

Tree Root Intrusion

Modern Residential Expansion

Basement Water Protection

From The Blog

How Backwater Valves Help Protect Basements During Heavy Rain

What Causes Low Water Pressure in the Whole House?

Why Professional Plumbing Services Are Essential for Your Business

Heavy Rain in Hamilton? What Homeowners Should Check Before a Drain Backup

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