Plumbing notes for Yorkdale-Glen Park plumbing services
| Housing | 1940s and 1950s bungalows |
|---|---|
| Supply pipe | Copper and galvanized |
| Drains and lateral | Clay laterals |
| Frequent calls | Basement flooding and backwater valves |
Houses and pipes in Yorkdale-Glen Park
Most of the housing were built from the late 1940s through the 1950s: one-storey and storey-and-a-half bungalows on narrow lots, with some semis and small apartment buildings along the busier roads. Many were bought and renovated by families who added a basement apartment or a second kitchen.
Original plumbing in these houses was usually copper or galvanized supply, cast iron drains and a clay lateral. Some water services from that era were lead or galvanized. If you have never checked yours, look where the pipe enters the basement wall: a dull grey pipe that scratches shiny with a key may be lead. Our lead pipes leaflet goes through it.
Common plumbing calls here
- Toilets running, rocking or leaking at the base, often in heavily used basement suites. See toilet repair.
- Water heaters that cannot keep up with two households.
- Basement floor drain backups after storms.
- Low water pressure upstairs when the basement tenants run water.
That last one tells a story. Many of these houses share a single small water service between the main floor and the suite. When both are busy, the pressure drops. Sometimes a corroded section or a partly closed valve is the cause and can be fixed. Sometimes the service is simply undersized for the use.
Drains, sewers and basements
Low-lying stretches of the area can be hit by heavy rain. A floor drain that has ever backed up is a strong hint that a backwater valve belongs in the plan, especially if someone lives in the basement. Floor drains also dry out and smell if nothing runs through them; pour water down them now and then. Our floor drain cleaning leaflet shows how to keep one clear.
Plumber's tip: Landlords: plumbing for a legal basement unit in Toronto falls under permit and building code requirements. Get the drain, venting and separation details right before the walls close.
Getting a plumber to Yorkdale-Glen Park
Call (365) 517-5705. If a tenant needs to let us in, give us their name and the best time to arrive, and tell them we are coming. We will explain what we found to both of you, with the written order going to whoever is paying.
Street parking near Dufferin is busier on weekends with Yorkdale traffic. A driveway space saves time on bigger jobs where we carry the drain machine back and forth.
With older water heaters, we also check the venting and the condition of the tank before recommending repair. A heater past its expected life and serving two units is often better replaced on your schedule than after it fails on a weekend.
Nearby areas we also cover include Lawrence Manor, Downsview and York University Heights.
Your questions on this one
Can one water heater serve a house and a basement suite?
Yes, provided the tank is big enough for both. Many original tanks were not, so the hot water runs out at busy times. We can size a replacement to the real load.
Is my water service made of lead?
Lead is soft, dull grey and scratches to a shiny silver. Magnets do not stick. If unsure, we can check it.