Plumber in Leaside

Housing stock and plumbing in Leaside

Leaside was incorporated as a separate town in 1913 and grew rapidly in the interwar years, with homes clustered between Bayview, Laird and Eglinton. Houses from that era typically used galvanized steel for water lines and cast iron or clay for drains, with copper becoming more common toward the end of the building boom. Many have since been renovated or rebuilt entirely, but plenty of original houses remain, often with an upgraded kitchen sitting on decades-old pipe.

Common problems we see here

A lot of our Leaside work involves the gap between what was renovated and what was not. Frequent findings include:

• Galvanized supply lines hidden behind a renovated bathroom
• Low pressure on upper floors as old pipe narrows
• Clay laterals with root intrusion beneath mature trees
• Finished basements with floor drains buried under flooring

When pressure drops and rusty water shows up, galvanized pipe replacement is usually the long-term fix. Our article on low water pressure causes helps sort out whether that is your issue.

Basement flooding and sewer laterals

Leaside's basements are deep and often fully finished, which raises the stakes when a drain backs up. A camera survey of the lateral is the best starting point for an older house, especially one with large trees on the boulevard. Backwater valves are a sensible addition for homes with a finished lower level, and disconnecting downspouts from the sewer reduces the load on the system.

Water lines, lead and older pipes

Homes from Leaside's main building era were sometimes connected with lead service pipe, and others used copper or galvanized steel. Checking the pipe where it enters the house near the water meter is the quickest way to know. Upgrading the private side of the service line pairs well with any interior repiping.

Streets and landmarks we cover

We work throughout Leaside and its neighbouring streets, from homes near Bayview Avenue and Millwood Road to the blocks around Trace Manes Park and Leaside Memorial Gardens. Lawrence Park and Davisville are close by and share many of the same concerns.

Additions and second storeys

A good number of Leaside homes have gained a second-storey addition or a rear extension. New bathrooms upstairs put more load on the original stack and lateral. If you are planning an addition, have the existing drain checked first; it is far easier to upgrade the main line during construction than after the drywall is up. The same goes for the water service: a new ensuite and a bigger kitchen may need more flow than an original line can deliver.

Common questions