Main Water Service Line Replacement in Mississauga

When to call about main water service line replacement

Signs that the service line needs attention include low pressure throughout the house, a damp patch on the lawn along the line's route, water that runs rusty after it sits, or a meter that turns when every tap is closed. Many owners call after learning their home has a lead service, which was used in older Mississauga neighbourhoods. If you are not sure, look at the pipe where it comes through the basement wall: dull grey, soft metal that scratches to a shiny silver is likely lead.

Common causes we find

Homes built in the decades after the war often had galvanized steel or lead services, while later houses mostly used copper and, more recently, plastic. Each ages differently.

• Lead lines, which should be replaced for health reasons
• Galvanized pipe narrowed by internal rust
• Copper with pinhole leaks or damaged by digging
• Leaks near the foundation where the line enters

Our process on the day

Before any digging, underground utilities are located through Ontario One Call. Ownership is split: Peel Region owns the stretch from the street main to your lot line, and the homeowner is responsible from there to the house. We will explain how to coordinate with the Region if their side also needs replacing, since replacing only half of a lead line leaves part of the problem in place. Depending on the yard, we may trench or use a trenchless method to pull a new line through. Indoors, a fresh main valve goes on and the meter is reconnected. Lawns, driveways and interlock are restored to a reasonable state, and we will be clear beforehand about what that means on your property. Afterwards, we flush the line so the first water through your taps is clean.

Repair or replace?

A single leak from accidental damage on a newer copper line can be repaired. Lead and badly corroded galvanized lines should be replaced in full. If low pressure is your only symptom, we also look inside the house first, because clogged aerators, a failing pressure valve or old galvanized pipes inside can mimic a service problem. Our note on low water pressure and our page on lead pipes in Ontario are good background reading.

Keeping it from coming back

Once the new line is in, exercise the main shut-off valve once or twice a year so it does not seize. Know where the line runs before planting trees or installing fence posts. If the interior pipes are also old, ask about repiping at the same time, and keep a note of the work with your house papers.