Field sheet · water service
Main Water Line Replacement in North York
The pipe that brings city water into your house can corrode, leak or restrict pressure. Replacing it restores flow and can remove old lead or galvanized pipe.
- Leaks traced before walls are opened
- Smallest possible opening cut
- New joints pressure-tested
- Shut-off shown so you can find it again
- 24/7Phone response
- 23Neighbourhoods served
- 42Plumbing services
- 1 callNo forms, no queue
- Licensed & insured plumbers
- Phone answered day and night
- Camera findings shown to you
- North York, Thornhill, Richmond Hill
Why replace the water service?
Every house has a water service pipe running from the city’s shut-off at the property line to the main valve inside the foundation wall. In older North York homes that pipe may be lead, galvanized steel or early copper. Each can fail differently.
- Lead can release lead into drinking water. Replacement is the long-term solution.
- Galvanized steel rusts inside, slowly choking flow and staining water.
- Old copper can pinhole or crack where it enters the house.
Signs it is time
- Low pressure everywhere, not just one tap
- A pipe that looks dull grey and soft at the main valve, which may be lead
- Leaks or wet spots near where the pipe enters the basement
- Damp ground along the route in the front yard
How the job is done
- Confirm the pipe material and route, and arrange locates and any permit.
- Excavate or use trenchless boring from the property line to the foundation.
- Install new copper or approved plastic service pipe of suitable size.
- Seal the foundation entry, install a new main valve and reconnect.
- Flush the line and test for leaks before backfilling.
Pressure and size
Many older services are small in diameter. When adding bathrooms or upgrading to tankless heating, a larger service can make a real difference. See lead pipe replacement and the low pressure guide.
Questions we get about this
How do I tell if my pipe is lead?
Lead looks dull grey, feels soft and turns bright silver where a key scrapes it. A magnet will not stick to it. If you are unsure, call and we will check.