Plumbing in Markland Wood

Plumbing profile

Housing

Detached 1960s homes, backsplits, some townhouses

Supply

Original copper common

Main drain

Clay or cast iron laterals

Landmarks

Markland Wood Golf Club, Etobicoke Creek, Bloor and Mill Road

Valves that have not moved

The main shut-off and fixture stops in many Markland Wood homes have not been turned in decades. When a toilet supply line bursts, those valves are often seized. Fitting lever-style quarter-turn valves in their place is fast and could save a ceiling.

• We recommend testing the main valve once a year.

Sixty years of drain

Laterals here are around sixty years old. Roots from mature landscaping and settling soil near the creek valley can cause offsets and bellies. If backups return quickly after cleaning, a camera inspection will show why.

• Repairs can often target a short section rather than the whole run.

Basements and water

Homes nearer the valley may have foundation drains that collect more water. Some older homes still send their weeping tile into the sanitary sewer, which is no longer allowed for new work. Disconnecting them and adding a sump can reduce flooding risk.

• We explain the options and the permit requirements before starting.

Townhouse pockets

Markland Wood also includes townhouse complexes where plumbing responsibility is split between owners and the condominium corporation.

• Before work starts, it helps to know which pipes are yours.
• Generally, fixtures plus any pipe feeding just your unit are the owner’s concern, but each corporation’s declaration sets the actual rules.
• We document what we find so the conversation with management is straightforward.

Calls we often get here

• Seized shut-off valves
• Backups returning soon after cleaning
• Damp basement after heavy rain
• Original water heater venting
• Slow drains across the house