Older & Heritage Home Plumbing in Kingston, ON

What you might find

Galvanized steel supply lines that rust from the inside and slowly choke off pressure, cast iron drains that scale and crack, old lead or lead-soldered pipes, and stretches of mixed copper, plastic and steel joined together over the years.

Signs it's time

Low pressure at several taps, brown or rusty water after the house sits overnight, frequent leaks at fittings, slow drains throughout the house, or a musty smell from old drain lines.

Lead service lines

Homes built before about the mid-1950s may have a lead water service line from the street, and some later homes have lead solder in copper joints. A plumber can identify the pipe at the meter. See lead and old pipes.

Stone walls and tight spaces

Thick stone foundation walls and finished heritage interiors make running new pipe harder. Plumbers often route new lines through closets, chases and floors to avoid damaging original plaster and trim. Ask how they plan to protect finishes.

Doing it in stages

You don't always have to replace everything at once. Many owners start with the main service line and the worst sections of supply pipe, then replace drains during a kitchen or bathroom renovation.

Heritage designations

If your home is designated, some exterior changes may need approval. Most interior plumbing work doesn't, but ask the city before cutting into exterior walls.

Frequently asked questions

Is galvanized pipe dangerous?

Not usually in itself, but it narrows with rust, and older galvanized pipe can hold lead from earlier lead service lines. Replacing it improves pressure and water quality.

Can old cast iron drains be lined?

Sometimes. A camera inspection shows whether the pipe is sound enough to line or needs replacing.

Other plumbing services

• Emergency Plumbing
• Drain Cleaning
• Sewer Line Repair
• Water Heaters
• Frozen Pipe Repair
• Water Softeners & Filters
• Rental Property Plumbing