Licensed & Insured Free Estimates Toronto Water Approved
A lot of Toronto's mid-century housing stock was connected to the municipal main with a 3/4-inch service line — which was adequate for a household with one bathroom and modest water demand. Add a second bathroom, finish the basement, install an irrigation system, or connect a secondary unit, and that 3/4-inch line becomes the bottleneck. Toronto Water Line Replacement handles the complete scope.
A water service upgrade replaces the existing service with a larger diameter pipe — most commonly 1 inch, though 1.5-inch and 2-inch upgrades are done for properties with higher demand. The result is noticeably better pressure and flow rate throughout the building, and headroom for future fixtures.
The upgrade process is similar to a full service line replacement: new tap at the main, new service line run to the property, new curb stop, connection to the existing interior plumbing. We handle all permits, coordination with Toronto Water, and the city inspection.
What's Included
3/4" to 1" upgrade — the most common size increase for GTA homes
Larger sizes for multi-unit buildings, commercial properties, and irrigation systems
Flow rate analysis to confirm the correct service size for your demand
Permits, right-of-way coordination, and city inspection included
Trenchless installation available to protect your landscaping
If you're planning an addition, finishing a basement, or adding a garden suite, call us before you start. Getting the service size right at the start of the project costs far less than upgrading it later.
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.
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 Discuss Your Water Service Upgrade Project?
We'll assess the situation, explain your options, and give you a clear quote. No surprises.
