Your Local Licensed and Experienced Plumbers
Despite Toronto’s extensive infrastructure upgrades, many older homes still have outdated lead water service pipes connecting the city’s water main to their basements. Historically, lead was a popular material in plumbing due to its resistance to corrosion and malleability, which made it ideal for underground applications. However, the health risks associated with lead exposure, including serious conditions such as cancer, have rendered its use obsolete. High concentrations of lead in drinking water pose particular risks to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and children.
Our team of licensed experts in Toronto specializes in lead pipe replacement, offering removal or disconnection of old lead pipes and installation of new copper or plastic water lines. A water service line consists of two sections: the private portion (from the property line to the house) and the city’s portion (from the property line to the road). Homeowners are responsible for replacing the private portion, while the City of Toronto offers a lead pipe replacement program that upgrades the city’s portion at no cost to homeowners who have replaced their private pipes.
Our certified Toronto plumbers encourage homeowners to replace their existing water service lines with safe and durable copper or plastic pipes. Let us help you improve your home’s water quality and safety while taking advantage of Toronto’s replacement program.
Benefits of Replacing Your Lead Water Pipe
- Improved Water Quality: Replacing lead pipes eliminates the risk of lead contamination, providing your family with clean, safe, and fresh drinking water.
- Enhanced Water Pressure: Older lead pipes typically have a half-inch diameter, while modern standards require larger ¾-inch pipes. This upgrade significantly improves water pressure.
- Increased Durability: New pipes and shut-off valves are more durable than old lead and galvanized connections, reducing the risk of bursts or leaks.
- Boosted Property Value: Upgrading your water service line increases your home’s market value. Potential buyers are less likely to negotiate price reductions for properties with new, safe water lines.
Three Methods of Pipe Replacement
- Trench Excavation: In areas with hard, compacted soil, our skilled plumbers dig a trench at least four feet deep to install the new pipe. This depth prevents freezing during winter months.
- Torpedo Drilling: This trenchless technique minimizes disruption to your yard by creating an underground channel for the new pipe. The old pipe is disconnected, and the new one is inserted into the channel.
- Combined Method: For complex installations, we use a combination of trench excavation and torpedo drilling. This approach is ideal for properties where the pipe route requires both straight passages and turns around the house.
Choosing the Right Pipe Size
According to Ontario plumbing codes, the minimum pipe size for a single-family home is a ¾-inch inside diameter. However, if you plan to add a basement suite or laneway house, a larger pipe—such as 1 inch, 1.25 inches, or 1.5 inches—is required. The City of Toronto’s lead pipe replacement program covers the standard ¾-inch pipe, but homeowners opting for larger sizes may incur a nominal additional fee.
Why Act Now?
If your home still relies on a lead water pipe, don’t delay upgrading your private portion. Repairs on old pipes are often temporary and unreliable. By replacing your private pipe, you’re eligible for the city’s free replacement of its portion, ensuring a complete upgrade of your water service line.
Our experienced plumbers have over 20 years of expertise in lead pipe replacement. We complete most jobs within a single day, handling all necessary arrangements, including locating underground utilities and providing an invoice for submission to the city’s program.
Contact Us
Need professional, prompt, and reliable service? Call us today at 416-834-6893 or submit an online request to schedule your lead pipe replacement. Ensure the safety and value of your home with our trusted plumbing solutions.