Plumbers in Aurora Heights

The neighbourhood's homes

Most houses here were built in a single wave of postwar growth, so many share similar layouts and similar original materials. Split-levels put the laundry and mechanical room a half-flight down, and bathrooms tend to stack above one another. Owners have been updating kitchens and bathrooms for years, and many basements have been finished at least once.

Original copper and cast iron

Supply lines from this era are usually copper, which holds up well. Problems show up as pinhole leaks, most often in hot lines, near fittings or where pipes were strapped tightly to metal. A single pinhole can be repaired. Several over a short span suggest it is time to think about repiping a section.

Drains are commonly cast iron stacks with some galvanized branch lines. Galvanized drains narrow with buildup, which is why kitchen sinks in these homes are often slow even after repeated clearing. Cast iron stacks generally last, but the horizontal run under the basement floor deserves a camera inspection if backups or odours keep coming back.

Basement upgrades

Split-level and bungalow basements are a common place for a new bathroom or laundry move. Houses from this period usually did not come with a bathroom rough-in, so adding one often means cutting the slab. The basement floor drain may also be the oldest drain in the house and worth checking before any new flooring goes down.

Water heaters in these homes have typically been replaced a few times. When the current one is near the end, it is worth reviewing whether the venting, gas line and location still suit a modern unit. Our gas water heater replacement page covers the decisions involved.

Mature trees and laterals

The tall maples and spruces that make the area so pleasant are also looking for water. Roots work into joints in older sewer laterals and slowly choke them. Signs include:

• A gurgle rising out of the lowest drain while someone showers or flushes above.
• Toilets that drain slowly across the whole house.
• Recurring backups, often a few months apart.

Regular drain cleaning keeps roots trimmed back, and a camera inspection shows whether the lateral needs repair or replacement.

Before any work, know where to shut the water off. Our article on finding your main water shutoff helps. Neighbouring Aurora Highlands has newer, larger homes with a different set of concerns.

Bathrooms in these houses are often original or were last updated decades ago. When owners finally tackle them, opening the walls usually reveals old galvanized branches, tight vents or a shower valve without scald protection. Fixing all of that in one go is far easier than coming back later.