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Many homes in North York still have outdated lead water pipes connecting the city water main to their basements. While lead was once a popular material in plumbing due to its resistance to corrosion and flexibility, it poses significant health risks. Research has shown that drinking water with high concentrations of lead can lead to severe health problems, including developmental issues in children and risks for pregnant women.
At Mister Plumber and Sewer Expert, our licensed plumbers specialize in lead pipe replacement and water service upgrades. We replace outdated lead pipes with safe, durable copper or plastic pipes, ensuring your drinking water is safe and your plumbing system meets current standards.
Understanding Water Service Line Responsibility
The water service line consists of two sections:
- Private Portion: The section of the pipe running from your property line to your home is the homeowner’s responsibility.
- City Portion: The section from the property line to the municipal water main is managed by the city.
In Toronto, homeowners can take advantage of the City’s Lead Pipe Replacement Program, which offers free replacement of the city-owned portion, provided the homeowner upgrades the private portion. Our North York plumbers can help you navigate this process, ensuring a smooth transition to a safe, modern water service line.
How to Check If You Have a Lead Water Pipe
If you’re unsure whether your water service line is made of lead, here are three ways to confirm:
- Call 311: Contact the city to access records regarding the type and size of your underground water pipe.
- Visual Inspection: Schedule a plumber to inspect the pipe just below your main shut-off valve for signs of lead.
- Water Testing: Request a water test from Toronto Public Health to detect lead levels in your water supply.
Benefits of Replacing Your Lead Water Pipe
Upgrading your water service line offers several advantages:
- Improved Water Quality: Eliminate lead contamination for safe, fresh drinking water.
- Enhanced Water Pressure: Upgrade from outdated ½” pipes to modern ¾” or larger pipes, meeting current plumbing codes.
- Increased Durability: New pipes, along with updated shut-off valves, reduce the risk of pipe bursts and leaks.
- Boosted Property Value: A modern water service line enhances your home’s market value, eliminating buyer concerns about outdated plumbing.
Pipe Replacement Methods
Our team offers three efficient methods for water pipe upgrades:
- Trench Excavation: Ideal for areas with compacted soil, this method involves digging a trench at least 4 feet deep to prevent freezing in winter.
- Torpedo Drilling (Trenchless): A minimally invasive technique that creates an underground channel for the new pipe with minimal disruption to your yard.
- Combined Method: A hybrid approach using trench excavation and torpedo drilling to navigate around obstacles and ensure a seamless installation.
Choosing the Right Pipe Size
According to Ontario plumbing codes, the minimum pipe size for single-family homes is ¾”. However, our team can install larger pipes, such as 1”, 1.25”, or 1.5”, depending on your household’s needs. Larger pipes are especially recommended if you plan to add a secondary dwelling unit or a laneway suite. While the city covers standard ¾” pipe replacements under their program, an additional fee may apply for larger sizes.
Why Choose Us for Lead Pipe Replacement in North York?
With over 20 years of experience, our team of skilled plumbers ensures your lead pipe replacement is completed efficiently, typically in just one day. We handle every step of the process, including:
- Booking underground utility locates to ensure safe excavation.
- Providing an invoice to secure your spot on the city’s replacement program waiting list.
Don’t delay replacing your outdated lead pipe. Repairing old pipes is unreliable and only offers a temporary fix. Protect your health, improve your water quality, and upgrade your plumbing system today.
Contact Us Now
Call us at 416-834-6893 or submit an online request to schedule your lead pipe replacement in North York. Our licensed, professional plumbers are ready to provide prompt, reliable service you can trust.