What lies under these streets
Northglen fills the streets north of Taunton Road with subdivisions built mostly through the 1990s. Lots are moderate, garages face the street, and basements are poured concrete with a sump pit in many cases. Underground, the sewer and water services are PVC and copper or plastic, laid in a planned grid that the city has maintained since.
Inside the house, copper supply lines are common, though some builders of this period used early plastic systems. Drains are ABS. The water heater is typically a rented gas tank in a utility corner of the basement, sharing space with the furnace and the main shut-off.
Seasonal trouble spots
The first cold snap of the year catches pipes that run through garages or along cantilevered floors, where a bedroom or bathroom hangs over the foundation wall. These projections have exposed undersides, and the plumbing above them can freeze. Insulation and a bit of heat in the right spot usually solve it.
Spring melt raises the water table, and sump pumps that have sat idle for months suddenly have to work. A pump that was installed with the house is now past its expected life. Fall is a good time to test it, before freeze-up.
Summer is when owners take on projects. Kitchen renovations bring requests for a garbage disposal, and new barbecues or outdoor kitchens bring requests to run gas.
Typical calls from this area
- Builder-grade faucets and toilets reaching the end of their life.
- Leaks at the water heater connections and the pressure relief valve.
- Gas lines for barbecues, ranges and garage heaters. Gas line installation must be done by someone licensed for gas work and inspected.
- Partial or full repiping when an early plastic system starts to fail at its fittings.
Look at the stamp on your supply pipe in the basement. If it is grey plastic with metal crimp rings, write down what is printed on it and mention it when you call.
Booking a visit
Call us and describe what is going on. For a dripping fixture or a planned project, we will set a time that works for you. For water on the floor, tell us right away so we can move it up the schedule. Northglen is an easy run from central Oshawa along Simcoe or Ritson.
We look before we quote, and we explain what we see. Up the road, Northwood has newer housing still.
A word on water heaters
Rental tanks are common in Northglen, and many owners are not sure who to call when one leaks. Check the sticker on the tank for the rental company's name and phone number. If you own the heater outright, the repair or replacement is yours to arrange, and we are glad to help weigh tank and tankless options for your household size.