Licensed & Experienced Etobicoke Plumbers
Despite ongoing infrastructure upgrades in Etobicoke, many older homes still have outdated lead water service pipes running from the city water main to the basement. Lead was once a common material in plumbing due to its resistance to corrosion and flexibility, making it ideal for underground applications. However, its health risks are now well-documented.
Studies show that prolonged exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health issues, including developmental problems in children and potential cancer risks. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable. To ensure safe and clean drinking water, it is highly recommended to replace old lead pipes with modern, lead-free alternatives like copper or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes.
At Mister Plumber, our licensed experts specialize in lead pipe replacement services in Etobicoke, ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for your home.
Who Is Responsible for Lead Pipe Replacement?
Your water service line consists of two sections:
• Private Portion: This section runs from your property line to your basement and is the homeowner’s responsibility.
• City Portion: The city is responsible for the section running from the road to the property line.
The City of Toronto offers a Lead Pipe Replacement Program that provides free city-side lead pipe replacement if homeowners upgrade their private portion to a new, lead-free pipe. Our certified Etobicoke plumbers can help you upgrade your private-side water service and assist in coordinating with the city for a full replacement.
How to Check If Your Water Service Pipe Is Lead
If you’re unsure whether your home still has a lead water pipe, here are three ways to find out:
1. Call 311 – Request records from Toronto Water regarding your pipe type and size.
2. Schedule a Professional Inspection – Contact a licensed Toronto plumbing contractor to conduct a visual inspection of your water line.
3. Water Testing – Request a lead-level test from Toronto Public Health to determine lead content in your drinking water.
Benefits of Upgrading to a New Water Pipe
Replacing your lead water pipe offers multiple advantages:
Safe & Clean Drinking Water – Eliminates lead contamination, ensuring better water quality for your family.
Improved Water Pressure – Older lead pipes are typically ½-inch in diameter, while modern pipes follow current plumbing codes with a minimum ¾-inch diameter, allowing for better flow and pressure.
Enhanced Durability & Reliability – New copper or plastic pipes are stronger and longer-lasting, reducing the risk of leaks or bursts common in old lead and galvanized pipes.
Increased Property Value – A home with a new water service line is more attractive to buyers, preventing price negotiations related to outdated plumbing.
Lead Pipe Replacement Methods
Our expert plumbers use three main techniques to replace old lead water lines, ensuring minimal disruption to your property:
1. Traditional Trench Excavation
• Suitable for areas with hard, compacted soil.
• A trench at least 4 feet deep is dug to install the new pipe, meeting winter frost protection requirements.
2. Trenchless Torpedo Drilling
• A non-invasive method that minimizes yard disturbance.
• A torpedo-like tool creates an underground channel, allowing the new pipe to be pulled through without extensive digging.
3. Combined Method (Hybrid Approach)
• Used when the new pipe needs to go around obstacles like landscaping, driveways, or structures.
• A mix of trench excavation and torpedo drilling is used for an efficient and customized installation.
Choosing the Right Pipe Size
As per Ontario Plumbing Code, the minimum required water pipe size for a single-family home is ¾-inch inside diameter. However, upgrading to a larger pipe may be beneficial:
• 1-inch pipe – Required if you plan to add a basement apartment or laneway suite.
• 1.25-inch or 1.5-inch pipes – Ideal for multi-unit properties or homes with high water demand.
With the Toronto Lead Pipe Replacement Program, the city replaces its portion for free with a standard ¾-inch pipe. If you upgrade to a larger pipe, you may need to pay a small additional fee.
Fast & Reliable Lead Pipe Replacement in Etobicoke
If your home still has a lead water service line, don’t delay—upgrade your private portion now and take advantage of the free city-side replacement program.
Why Choose Us?
Locally Owned & Operated – We are a Canadian plumbing company proudly serving Etobicoke and the GTA.
Fair Upfront Pricing – No hidden fees or surprises—just honest, transparent pricing before we start.
Licensed & Insured – Our team consists of fully licensed and insured professional plumbers.
High-Quality Workmanship & Materials – We use only premium materials and follow industry best practices to ensure a durable, long-lasting water service upgrade.
Over 20 Years of Experience – We have successfully replaced hundreds of lead water pipes across Toronto and Etobicoke.
Fast & Efficient Service – Most lead pipe replacements are completed in a single day.
Hassle-Free Process – We handle all mandatory underground utility locates and provide an invoice for city replacement program submission.
For professional, prompt, and reliable lead pipe replacement services in Etobicoke, contact us at 
416-834-6893 or submit an online request today!