Plumbing in Downsview

Downsview housing and pipes

Downsview includes small wartime and postwar houses, 1960s and 1970s subdivisions and recent developments near the park and subway. Some older homes were built quickly with modest materials, and many have been expanded since.

Plumbing ranges from older galvanized lines and clay laterals to modern PEX and plastic drains in new homes. Basement apartments are common, adding bathrooms and kitchens to older systems.

Common calls here

• Drain clogs in older homes with long horizontal runs.
• Water heater issues in busy households.
• Basement flooding protection and sump pumps. See basement flooding protection.
• Leak detection in mixed-material piping.

Flooding and sewers

Some parts of Downsview have flat terrain and older sewers that can surcharge. Floor drains and weeping tiles tied to the sanitary sewer are common in older homes.

Flat streets drain slowly after a cloudburst. Disconnected downspouts and a working sump pump keep the load off the sewer and out of the basement.

Getting to Downsview

Downsview is reached from Keele Street, Wilson Avenue, Sheppard Avenue West and Highway 401. Tell us if you are near the park or a particular subway station.