Lead and copper services
Lead service lines were used in many Ontario towns before the 1950s. Lead is a health concern, especially for children and during pregnancy. You can often spot it where the line enters the house: a dull grey pipe that is soft enough to nick with a key and does not attract a magnet. Older copper lines can also thin with age. If you suspect lead, Newmarket and York Region have information on testing; check their current programs.
The town side
The service is usually split at the curb stop, a valve close to the property line. The municipality is responsible for the line from the main to that valve, and the owner for the line from the valve into the house. Replacing only your side can be worthwhile, but coordinating with the Town so both sides are done gives the best result, especially for lead.
Trenchless options
- Open trench: the classic method; reliable but disrupts the lawn.
- Directional boring: a drill pulls the new line under the yard from small pits at each end.
- Pipe pulling: new pipe is pulled through the path of the old line.
- Locate utilities with Ontario One Call.
- Dig access pits at the curb stop and the wall.
- Install the new line below frost depth.
- Connect, test, and restore the surface.
Signs you need this in your house
- Lead or galvanized service
- Pressure low at all taps
- Leak near the meter
- Wet lawn spot
Questions people ask us
How deep is a water service?
It must sit below frost depth, roughly 1.5 to 1.8 metres in this region.
Will my water be off long?
Usually only a few hours during the connection.