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Lead pipes were commonly used in older Toronto homes as the main water supply line connecting municipal pipes to the basement. These pipes, buried underground, are often unknown to homeowners. Lead was once a preferred material due to its flexibility, durability, and resistance to corrosion, making it effective for underground applications. Some lead water pipes have lasted over 100 years.
However, studies have revealed a significant drawback: lead-contaminated water poses serious health risks, particularly for pregnant women and children. In addition to health concerns, aging lead or galvanized pipes at your home’s point of entry are highly susceptible to leaks.
The City of Toronto strongly recommends replacing old lead service lines with safe alternatives, such as copper or plastic pipes. Underground water service lines are divided into two parts:
- City’s Portion (from the municipal main to the property line)
- Private Portion (from the property line to the home)
While the homeowner bears the cost of replacing the private side, the city typically replaces its portion free of charge within 12 weeks once the private line is upgraded.
Toronto’s Trusted Trenchless Lead Pipe Replacement
Mister Plumber specializes in lead pipe replacement in Toronto using an advanced trenchless method called torpedo drilling. Our service is available year-round. Upon completion, we provide an invoice you can submit to the City of Toronto for their lead pipe replacement program.
How the Trenchless Water Pipe Upgrade Works
Our team of certified plumbers uses a trenchless torpedo drilling technique, minimizing disruption to your property. Here’s how it works:
1. Access Points:
- A hole is dug near the property line outside.
- The concrete floor near the basement’s water meter is broken.
2. Drilling and Replacement:
- The torpedo drill creates a 3-inch underground channel for the new pipe.
- The old lead pipe is disconnected at both ends (property line and basement).
- A new copper or plastic pipe is installed and connected to the City valve and the new shut-off valve in the basement.
3. Testing and Restoration:
- The new pipe is tested to ensure there are no leaks.
- Holes are backfilled, and the basement floor is re-cemented.
Our trenchless method minimizes damage to landscaping, so in most cases, no restoration is required.
Key Features of Our Lead Pipe Replacement Service
- Free Assessments: Each property is unique. Our team conducts an on-site assessment to determine pipe length, direction, and other specifics.
- High-Quality Materials: We prefer Type K copper pipe, a soft, durable option installed in a single piece with no underground joints, reducing the risk of leaks.
- Utility Locating: Before digging, we request underground utility locates to ensure safety.
- No Deposits: Homeowners pay only after the job is completed.
- City Coordination: If the new line needs to be relocated under adjacent properties, we provide the necessary notice for City adjustments.
Benefits of Replacing Lead Water Pipes
- Safe, Clean Water: Eliminate health hazards associated with lead contamination.
- Improved Water Pressure: New pipes meet Ontario plumbing code standards (minimum ¾” diameter), offering better flow.
- Durable Pipes: Modern materials reduce the risk of pipe bursts and basement flooding.
- Enhanced Shut-Off Valve: A new ball-type main shut-off valve is easier to operate and doesn’t restrict pressure.
- Increase Property Value & Simplify Home Sale: Homes with upgraded lead-free water service lines are more attractive to buyers. This upgrade reduces the risk of price negotiations, improves buyer confidence, and helps ensure the new owner can obtain basement flood insurance coverage without complications.
What Pipe Size Should I Choose?
According to the Ontario Plumbing Code, a single-family dwelling must have a minimum ¾” inside-diameter water service pipe. When this minimum size is selected, the City of Toronto lead water pipe replacement program covers the replacement of the city-owned portion of the lead water service line at no cost to the homeowner, which is why it is commonly known as the Free Lead Water Pipe Replacement Program in Toronto.
However, the ideal water service pipe size depends on the number of plumbing fixtures in the home. Homes with more than three bathrooms often require a 1” water service pipe to maintain proper water pressure and flow throughout the house. Our licensed Toronto plumbers use a professional plumbing fixture unit load calculation chart to determine the correct water line size based on your home’s plumbing layout.
If you choose to upgrade from an existing lead water service pipe to a 1” copper water line, the cost of the private portion of the lead pipe replacement will be slightly higher, and the City of Toronto will charge an additional fee of approximately $600, as the pipe size exceeds the minimum requirement for a single-family home. Mister Plumber recommends installing a 1” water service line, as the $600 city fee is minimal compared to the cost of a future city-side water service replacement, which can exceed $9,000 in Toronto.
Why Choose Mister Plumber
Licensed Plumbing Contractor in Toronto
Locally Owned and Operated
Over 20 Years of Experience
Upfront, Competitive Pricing
Free Estimates and Consultations
Superior Workmanship
High-Quality Pipes and Fittings
Reliable, Trenchless Drilling Method
Pipes Available in Sizes from ¾” to 1.5”
No Deposit Required — Full Payment Upon Completion
Mandatory Utility Locates for Safe Digging
Professional, Prompt, and Neat Service
Excellent Customer Support
Take Action Today
If your Toronto home still has an old lead water service line, don’t wait. Replace it with a safe, durable, and code-compliant pipe. Mister Plumber is a trusted contractor for water line replacement, guiding homeowners through every step of the process.
We proudly serve homeowners in Downtown Toronto, Etobicoke, North York, and Scarborough.
For more information or to schedule a free estimate, call us at 416-939-1530 or send us an online request. One of our experts will be happy to assist you!
Frequently Asked Questions – Lead Pipe Replacement in Toronto
Q: I live in East York and my water line enters my basement in the middle of the floor. Can the torpedo drilling method be used from that point to the property line?
A: No. In Toronto homes, the torpedo (trenchless) drilling method can only be used from the front foundation wall to the property line. Drilling from the middle of the basement floor is not recommended because drain pipes are typically located beneath the concrete slab and could be damaged during drilling. In addition, the gravel base under the basement floor does not provide enough support to maintain a stable underground channel. In these situations, the water meter is relocated to the front wall, and the new water service pipe is extended along the basement ceiling to the nearest cold-water line or furnace room.
Q: My Toronto home has a front porch and stairs. Can lead pipe replacement be completed without damaging them?
A: In many cases, yes. If there is at least five feet of clearance between the front stairs and the property line, it is often possible to replace the lead water pipe using trenchless methods without disturbing the porch or stairs. This space allows enough room to excavate a small access pit at the property line and connect to the existing water service safely.
Q: Can the lead water pipe and the drain pipe be replaced using the same excavation?
A: Usually not. In most Toronto properties, the sewer or drain pipe is installed significantly deeper than the water service line. Even when both pipes run in the same general direction, additional excavation is typically required. Mister Plumber strongly recommends a sewer camera inspection before a water line upgrade to accurately locate underground pipes and determine the most cost-effective and least disruptive solution.
Q: Can the private portion of the lead water pipe be replaced on the same day as the City of Toronto portion?
A: Generally, no. Toronto Water does not allow private plumbing contractors to use the excavation made by the city crew. In addition, coordinating equipment and work areas between city crews and private contractors can create safety and logistical challenges. For this reason, the City of Toronto advises homeowners not to schedule private plumbing work on the same day, except in rare emergency situations.
Q: What type of pipe does Mister Plumber recommend for lead pipe replacement in Toronto?
A: Our licensed Toronto plumbers recommend copper piping for underground water service replacements. Copper offers long-term durability, corrosion resistance, and proven safety. An added benefit is that the existing electrical grounding wire can typically be reconnected directly to the new copper pipe, eliminating the need for a separate grounding plate.
Q: How long does it take to replace a lead water service pipe in Toronto?
A: In most cases, minimal preparation is required. The main prerequisite is obtaining underground utility locates to ensure safe digging. Once permits and locates are in place, the actual lead pipe replacement is typically completed in one day.
