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Water Lines

Lead Pipe Replacement for Toronto, Peel and Halton Homes

If your home was built before the mid-1950s, the pipe that brings water inside may be lead. We replace the private side of the line and help you arrange the City side, so your whole service is lead-free.

  • Free written estimates
  • Permits and rebates handled
  • 24/7 emergency service
Illustrative photo of an old grey lead water pipe beside a new copper pipe on a workbench

Many homeowners never think about the pipe that brings water into their house until a home inspection or a water test raises a question. In older neighbourhoods across Toronto, Etobicoke, North York and parts of Peel and Halton, that pipe may still be lead. Replacing it is the most effective way to reduce lead in your drinking water.

We offer lead pipe replacement on the private side of your property and help you navigate the municipal side, so the whole service ends up lead-free. Our team explains each step in plain language and puts the full cost in writing before any work begins.

Who owns which part of the pipe

Your water service is split into two parts. The City side runs from the watermain under the street to your property line. The private side runs from the property line, under your yard, through the foundation and up to your meter. Replacing only one side leaves lead in the line, which is why both sides need to be done.

In Toronto, homeowners who commit to replacing their side can apply to have the City replace its side on a priority basis. The City encourages homeowners to get several independent quotes for the private side, and we are happy to provide a written, itemized one.

Our trenchless approach

Most lead service replacements can be done trenchless. We dig a small pit near the property line and another at the foundation, then pull the new line through underground. The City uses a similar two-pit method for its side, which keeps both jobs quick and tidy.

Upgrade the size while you replace

Many lead services are also undersized for today’s homes. If you are planning a garden suite, a basement unit or a larger family, replacing the lead line is a cost-effective time to install a larger service as well. We size the new pipe for your future needs and explain the price difference clearly.

Peace of mind for your family

Lead exposure is a concern for everyone, especially families with young children or someone who is pregnant. If you are unsure what your pipe is made of, reach out to our team. We will check it, explain your options and help you plan the replacement.

Know the signs

Signs you may have a lead water service

  • Your home was built before the mid-1950s and the service has never been replaced
  • The pipe at your water meter is dull grey and soft enough to scratch with a key
  • A scratch on the pipe shows a shiny silver colour and a magnet does not stick
  • A tap water test from your municipality found lead
  • Your home inspector flagged the water service as possible lead

Our approach

How we replace a lead service

Confirm the material first

We check the pipe at the meter and, where needed, at the curb stop, then explain what we found before we quote.

Replace the private side

We replace the line from your property line to the meter with new, correctly sized pipe, often trenchless through two small pits.

Coordinate the City side

In Toronto, homeowners who commit to replacing their side can apply to have the City replace its side on a priority basis. We give you the invoice the City asks for.

Flush and test

After the new line is connected, we flush the plumbing and walk you through the steps your municipality recommends after a lead service replacement.

Planning lead pipe replacement?

Send us a few details and photos. We will book a visit and give you a written quote with the rebates that apply.

Pricing

What affects the cost of lead pipe replacement

Every property is different, so we quote after we inspect. These are the factors that move the price up or down.

  • Distance from the property line to your meter
  • Whether the line can be pulled trenchless or needs open excavation
  • Line size, especially if you are upsizing at the same time
  • Finished basement walls or flooring around the meter
  • Driveways, trees and landscaping along the route

Rebates that can lower your cost

Toronto Priority Lead Water Service Replacement Program

The City replaces its side of a lead service on a priority basis once you commit to replacing your side. We replace the private side and give you the invoice the City asks for.

Amounts from official program pages. We prepare the paperwork for you.

Estimate your rebate

Our process

How we work

Every job follows the same six steps, so you always know what happens next and what it costs.

  1. Camera first

    We look inside the pipe or trace the line before anyone talks price, so the quote is based on what is really there.

  2. Written quote

    You get an itemized estimate in writing, with the rebates that apply and your cost after them.

  3. Permits booked

    We pull the plumbing or building permit and book the inspections with your municipality.

  4. Low-dig work

    Where the ground allows, we use trenchless methods to replace pipe through small access pits.

  5. Restoration

    We backfill, compact and tidy the site. Any concrete, sod or finish restoration is listed line by line in your quote.

  6. Rebate filing

    We prepare the invoices, photos and permit proof your rebate application needs.

Get a clear, written quote before any work starts

Tell us what is going on and we will book a visit, inspect the problem and give you an itemized estimate with the rebates that apply.

Service areas

Lead Pipe Replacement across Toronto, Peel and Halton

Our crews work across these communities every week.

FAQ

Lead Pipe Replacement questions

Straight answers to the questions homeowners ask us most. If yours is not here, give us a call.

Who pays for lead pipe replacement in Toronto?

The City owns the pipe from the watermain to the property line, and the homeowner owns the pipe from the property line into the house. You pay for the private side, and the City replaces its side through its priority program when you commit to replacing yours.

How long does the City take to replace its side?

The City says it aims to replace its side within about 12 weeks of approval. Applications can take up to two weeks to process, and we can replace the private side before or at the same time.

How can I tell if my pipe is lead?

Lead pipe is dull grey, soft and non-magnetic, and a light scratch shows a shiny silver surface. Our pipe identifier tool on the resources page walks you through the checks, and we confirm on site.

Should I use a filter until the pipe is replaced?

A filter certified for lead reduction is a sensible step while you wait. In Toronto, the City mails a faucet filter once it confirms its side of the service is lead.

Ready when you are

Call us or send a few details. We will explain your options in plain language and put everything in writing.