Housing at a glance: Unionville
- Typical eras
- Heritage main street plus 1980s to 2000s subdivisions
- Common pipe
- Cast iron and galvanized in heritage homes; copper, ABS, PEX elsewhere
- Watch for
- Heritage access, old laterals, aging copper and tanks
Heritage homes on and near Main Street
- The older buildings along Main Street Unionville and the streets around it have been re-plumbed several times over the past century. It is common to find a cast iron stack, a 1970s copper retrofit and a recent PEX bathroom all in one house. Tracing what is there comes before any repair.
- Access in these homes takes care. We open walls from closets or behind cabinets where possible, and keep openings neat so plaster and trim can be restored.
1980s and 90s subdivisions
- Unionville's subdivisions now have thirty to forty-year-old plumbing: copper supply with seized stops, original or second water heaters and fixtures wearing out. Ensuite showers with large tiled enclosures are a frequent source of ceiling leaks below.
- Most basements here are finished, which raises the stakes for sump pumps and floor drain back-ups.
What we check in these homes
- Mixed old and new piping in heritage homes
- Ensuite shower leaks
- Roots in older laterals
- Sump pumps in finished basements
- Markham permits and heritage rules
Laterals and trees
- Mature trees on older Unionville lots send roots into clay and older laterals. A camera inspection shows how bad it is and whether cleaning or replacement is the better plan.
- Newer subdivisions have PVC laterals that resist roots, but bellies from settling still catch debris.
Getting there and permits
- Unionville is a short drive along Highway 7 or 16th Avenue from Richmond Hill. Markham has its own building department for plumbing permits, and its own heritage rules for the village area.
- We handle permits for our work and plan around heritage requirements where they apply.
Richmond Hill note: most houses here sit on York Region municipal water with fairly hard supply, and many basements have a floor drain tied to the sanitary lateral. Mention both on the phone; it changes what goes on the truck.
Want a second opinion on your own pipes first? Dial (365) 363-1575; the person answering holds the wrench.