Water line replacement crew working on a Toronto residential property
Trenchless · Lead Pipe · Water Main Break · 24/7

Water Line Replacement in Toronto

Toronto Water Line Replacement offers trenchless replacement, lead pipe removal, water main break repair, and underground water line repair. We serve the Greater Toronto Area. Available 24/7.

5-star rated · Toronto homeowners trust us

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Available 24/7

Emergency response, any time

GTA Coverage

Toronto + 17 surrounding areas

Toronto's Water Line Replacement Specialists

When a water line fails — whether it's a slow pinhole leak in aging copper, a burst main on a cold January morning, or a flagged lead pipe — you need a water line replacement contractor who knows Toronto's permit process, understands the city's soil conditions, and can get the job inspected and closed without dragging it out for weeks.

Toronto Water Line Replacement handles the full scope of water line replacement and repair: diagnosis, permits, excavation or trenchless pipe replacement, pressure testing, and the final Toronto Water inspection. One call. One crew. Done right.

We specialize in trenchless water line replacement using pipe bursting and pipe lining — methods that replace your underground water line with minimal disruption to your lawn, driveway, and landscaping. When open-cut is the right call, we do that too — always to city spec, always with full permit handling.

Water Line Replacement & Repair Services

From full water line replacements to emergency repairs and new installations, we cover every type of water service line work across Toronto and the GTA.

Toronto Water Line Replacement crew on site preparing trenchless pipe equipment
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Why Toronto Homeowners Choose Us for Water Line Replacement

Water line replacement is disruptive, expensive, and stressful. Here's why our customers call us back — and refer their neighbours.

Toronto-Specific Expertise

We know Toronto Water's permit requirements, the city's lead pipe replacement program, and the clay and sandy soil conditions across the GTA. You don't have to explain the local rules — we already know them.

Trenchless-First Approach

We use pipe bursting and pipe lining wherever the site allows. Less excavation means less disruption to your lawn, driveway, and landscaping — and usually a faster job.

Full Permit Handling

We pull every permit, coordinate all inspections, and deal with Toronto Water directly. You just need to be home when we're done — we handle the paperwork.

Upfront Diagnosis

We use acoustic leak detection and camera inspection before any digging. You get a clear picture of the problem before work begins — no surprises, no scope creep.

One Crew, Start to Finish

The same crew that inspects the line also does the replacement and stays through the city inspection. You deal with one team, not a chain of subcontractors.

Available 24/7 for Emergencies

A water main break doesn't wait for Monday morning. We respond to emergency calls around the clock — day, night, weekends, and holidays.

How Our Water Line Replacement Process Works

Four straightforward steps from your first call to a fully inspected, code-compliant water line replacement.

Homeowner on the phone with water line replacement specialist
01

Call or Book Online

Reach us any time — by phone or through the contact form. Tell us what's happening and where you're located. For water main breaks, we prioritize emergency dispatch.

Technician using acoustic leak detection equipment on a Toronto street
02

Inspection & Diagnosis

We run acoustic leak detection and camera inspection to pinpoint the problem before any digging. You'll see exactly what we found and get a clear recommendation — repair, replacement, or upgrade.

Water line contractor reviewing Toronto Water permit documentation
03

Permits & Planning

We handle all permit applications with Toronto Water and the city. Once permits are approved, we schedule the job and coordinate the water shut-off window with you.

Crew completing trenchless water line replacement in Toronto neighbourhood
04

The Work — Done Right

Whether it's trenchless pipe bursting, a full open-cut replacement, or a targeted spot repair, we complete the job cleanly and to Ontario plumbing code. All inspections included.

Get a Free Water Line Replacement Estimate

Tell us what's going on and we'll get back to you quickly. No pressure, no obligation.

Or call us directly: (647) 930-7510

Water Line Replacement Across the GTA

We provide water line replacement, trenchless pipe repair, and water main break service across Toronto and the surrounding Greater Toronto Area. Our crews serve all Toronto neighbourhoods — including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, East York, and York — as well as Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Pickering, Ajax, and Whitby.

Whether you're dealing with a failed copper service line in a mid-century North York home, a lead pipe flagged in Scarborough, or a new water service connection in Mississauga, we dispatch the same crew with the same equipment and the same permit-handling process. Same-day service is available for active leaks and water main breaks.

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Types of Water Line Projects We Handle

Every site is different. Here's a look at the specific work we do — and what's actually involved.

Residential Water Service Line Replacement

Replacing the water service line from the municipal main at the property line to the house foundation. Typically 3/4" or 1" diameter, running 20–60 feet depending on lot depth. We use HDPE or PEX pipe, connect to the city-side curb stop, and install a new shutoff valve inside. Permit, pressure test, and Toronto Water inspection are all included.

Trenchless Pipe Bursting

For properties where open excavation would destroy landscaping, driveways, or patios, pipe bursting is the preferred method. A hydraulic bursting head fractures the old pipe from the inside while simultaneously pulling a new HDPE line through the same path. Access pits are typically 2–3 feet wide at each end — far less disruption than full trenching.

Lead Service Line Removal

Pre-1955 homes in Toronto often have a lead service line from the curb to the house. We coordinate with Toronto Water's replacement program so the city-owned portion and the private portion are replaced in a single mobilization wherever possible. All disturbed soil is properly disposed of under Ontario environmental handling guidelines.

Emergency Water Main Break Repair

A main break requires immediate isolation and excavation to expose the damaged section. We cut out the failed pipe, install a repair coupling or a full-length replacement, restore pressure, and backfill the trench to city specifications. We call 811 before every emergency dig regardless of urgency.

New Water Service Connection

New builds, laneway houses, additions, and garden suites all need a new tap to the municipal water main. This involves cutting the main under pressure (wet tap), installing a corporation cock, running a service line to the property, and installing an approved curb stop at the property line. We coordinate everything with the city's right-of-way office.

Water Service Upsizing

Adding square footage, multiple bathrooms, or an irrigation system often exhausts a 3/4" service line. We run a new 1" or larger service from the main tap to the meter room, install a full-port ball valve, and reconnect to the existing interior plumbing. The result is noticeably improved pressure and flow rate throughout the house.

Underground Spot Repair

When camera inspection shows a single failed joint, a root intrusion point, or a short corrosion section, a spot repair is far more economical than a full replacement. We expose only the damaged section, cut out the failed pipe, and splice in a new section using push-fit or solvent-weld couplings rated for buried service.

Backflow Preventer Installation & Certification

Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 681 requires a CSA B64.10 compliant backflow prevention device on all new or replaced service lines. We install approved double-check valve assemblies and reduced-pressure principle (RPP) devices depending on the hazard level. Each device is certified and registered with Toronto Water.

Water Line Replacement Materials, Methods & Standards

Every water service line we install uses either high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX-A) pipe. Both materials are approved under the Ontario Building Code and accepted by Toronto Water for private service connections. HDPE is our default for trenchless work because it can be fused into a continuous leak-free run and withstands the stress of pipe bursting. PEX-A excels in tight access situations and freeze-resistant applications — its flexibility means fewer fittings underground.

For open-cut replacement, we follow Toronto Water's standard specifications for bedding depth, pipe cover, and backfill material. The service trench is bedded with clean granular A material, the pipe is laid with a consistent slope toward the building, and compaction meets or exceeds the city's right-of-way restoration requirements. We don't use shortcuts like ungraded fill or poor-compaction backfill that settle and crack the pavement above.

Trenchless pipe bursting is performed using hydraulic bursting equipment calibrated to the existing pipe diameter and soil conditions. We verify soil type and depth via pre-job locating, set spoil containment at the access pits, and pull the new HDPE line in a single continuous run wherever the run length and routing allow. Post-installation pressure testing is done to AWWA C901 standards — minimum 150 PSI for 15 minutes with no measurable drop.

For lead pipe removal, our crew follows Ontario Ministry of the Environment guidelines for handling lead-contaminated soil. Excavated material is bagged, labeled, and disposed of at an approved facility. We flush the new line per Health Canada protocol before restoring service to the house, and we coordinate the city-side shutoff with Toronto Water's operations centre.

All backflow prevention devices are CSA B64-series certified and installed per the manufacturer's listed conditions of use. Double-check valve assemblies (DCVA) handle standard residential connections; reduced-pressure principle devices (RPPA) are used where cross-connection risk is elevated. Every installation is logged and submitted to Toronto Water's backflow prevention program registry.

We pull every permit, attend every inspection, and don't consider a job done until the city inspector has signed off and water service is fully restored to the building. You get a copy of the inspection report for your records.

Water Line Replacement Toronto — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my water line needs to be replaced?
Warning signs include low water pressure throughout your home, discoloured or rusty tap water, unexplained spikes in your water bill, wet patches or sinkholes in your yard, and frequent leaks. If your home was built before 1960, there's a good chance the service line is lead or aging galvanized steel — both worth inspecting.
What is trenchless water line replacement?
Trenchless replacement uses pipe bursting or pipe lining to install a new water line with minimal excavation. A small access pit is dug at each end, and the old pipe is either broken apart from the inside while a new one is pulled through (pipe bursting), or a new liner is cured in place inside the old pipe. Most homeowners see their lawn and landscaping largely undisturbed.
Does Toronto Water cover any of the replacement cost?
Toronto Water's Lead Pipe Replacement Program covers the city-owned portion of the service line (from the water main to the property line). The homeowner is responsible for the private portion (from the property line to the house). We work alongside the city program and can coordinate timing so both sections are replaced in a single visit when possible.
How long does a water line replacement take?
Most residential water line replacements are completed in a single day. Trenchless jobs often finish faster. Larger or more complex installations — long runs, difficult access, or rocky soil — may take two days. We'll give you a clear timeline before any work begins.
Will I be without water during the replacement?
Yes, there will be a temporary water shut-off while the line is being replaced or repaired. We schedule work efficiently to minimize downtime — most customers are without water for only a few hours. We communicate the shutdown window clearly in advance so you can plan accordingly.
What pipe material do you use for replacements?
We use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) for new service lines — both are approved by Toronto Water, resistant to corrosion, flexible enough for trenchless installation, and rated for 50+ year lifespans. The choice between them depends on your specific situation.
Do I need a permit for water line replacement in Toronto?
Yes. Toronto requires a permit for water service line replacement work. We handle all permit applications, inspections, and coordination with Toronto Water on your behalf — you don't need to do anything extra.
What causes a water line to fail?
The most common causes are age (lead, galvanized steel, and early copper all have finite lifespans), corrosion from soil chemistry, root intrusion from large trees, ground movement and frost heave in Toronto winters, and physical damage from excavation nearby. Pre-1960 homes are highest risk.
Is a lead service line dangerous?
Yes. Lead can leach into drinking water, particularly during periods of low flow like overnight. Health Canada and Toronto Public Health recommend replacing lead service lines as soon as possible. The risk is highest for children, pregnant women, and infants. We treat lead line replacement as an urgent health issue.
Can you replace just a section of the water line?
Yes, if the damage is isolated — a single leak, a joint failure, or a short corroded section — we can do a targeted repair rather than a full replacement. We'll assess the overall condition of the line and recommend the most cost-effective approach.
What is a backflow preventer and why do I need one?
A backflow preventer stops contaminated water from flowing backwards into the municipal supply. Toronto Municipal Code requires one to be installed whenever a service line is replaced. We include backflow preventer installation as part of every water line replacement job.
How do I know if I have a lead water line?
The easiest way is to check the pipe where it enters your home (usually in the basement near the water meter). Lead pipe looks dull grey and is soft — you can scratch it with a coin or key and see a shiny silver surface underneath. Copper looks orange-brown. If you're unsure, we can inspect it for you.
What does a water service upgrade involve?
A service upgrade increases the diameter of your water supply line — most commonly from 3/4" to 1" — to improve flow rate and pressure. This is common when adding bathrooms, finishing a basement, installing irrigation, or connecting an accessory dwelling unit. The process is similar to a full replacement but sized to your new demand.
Do you serve areas outside Toronto proper?
Yes. We serve all of Toronto including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, East York, and York, plus the broader GTA: Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Pickering, Ajax, and Whitby. Call us to confirm coverage for your specific address.

Ready to Replace or Repair Your Water Line?

Call us for a free assessment. We diagnose the problem, explain your water line replacement options, and give you a straight answer before any work starts.

(647) 930-7510 · Available 24/7 · Toronto, ON

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