Housing at a glance: Richmond Hill Village Core
- Typical eras
- Late 19th and early 20th century buildings, plus newer redevelopment
- Common pipe
- Cast iron, galvanized, some lead services, newer copper and PEX
- Watch for
- Lead services, cast iron stacks, mixed-use plumbing
Heritage houses
- Older houses near the core may have original cast iron drain stacks, galvanized supply lines and possibly lead water services. These materials are past their expected lifespan and should be evaluated, especially before a renovation.
- Working in heritage buildings means being careful with walls, trim and floors. We plan access carefully and keep openings small.
Mixed-use buildings
- Storefronts with flats upstairs line much of Yonge. These buildings often share drains between the commercial and residential units, and may need backflow prevention for commercial uses. Grease interceptors are required for many food businesses.
- We can work on both the residential and commercial side and coordinate with building owners and tenants.
What we check in these homes
- Cast iron stacks in older homes
- Lead or galvanized water service
- Shared drains in mixed-use buildings
- Grease interceptor needs
- Townhouse shut-off locations
Redevelopment
- Newer townhouses and condos have been built around the core. These usually have modern plumbing but share systems in ways that require coordination with property management for shut-offs and access.
- If you live in a newer townhouse, know where your unit shut-off is, and whether your water heater is owned, rented or part of a shared system.
What we bring to old buildings
- Heritage work calls for patience and small tools: a short-handled sectional machine that fits under narrow stairs, a camera that reads through old cast iron, and cutters that will not crack fragile clay. We protect floors and trim, and we explain before opening anything.
- When an owner wants to keep original fixtures like a clawfoot tub or a pedestal basin, we source compatible valves and drains rather than forcing modern parts onto old hardware.
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.