Replacing your private-side water pipe
Your private-side water pipe runs from your property line to inside your property. Property owners are responsible for maintaining and replacing this pipe. We replace watermains – the large pipes that bring water to your home or business – when they're in poor condition.
If we're replacing the watermains in your area, consider replacing your private-side water pipe at the same time. Builders install pipes on private property, so we don't know what they're made from, and we can't estimate how long they'll last. We can't replace your private-side water pipe because we don't own it.
Replacing your water pipe is the best way to ensure you have high-quality tap water.
How long your water pipe lasts depends on:
- What it's made of.
- The type of soil the pipe runs through.
- How and when the pipe was installed.
If your home or business was built before 1960, your water service might contain lead. Learn more about drinking water pipe testing for lead.
Figure 1 - A drawing of a residential house showing the infrastructure ownership between Peel Region (public) and homeowners (private). This ownership is divided by a dotted line called the property line. Shown in the drawing are a water meter, a water service pipe, a wastewater service pipe, a water service box, a watermain, a sanitary sewer, and a maintenance hole. Peel Region’s infrastructure ownership is shown in green and blue. Homeowners’ infrastructure ownership is shown in two shades of grey.
Your pipes and home are the same age
In most areas of Peel, homes and watermains are about the same age. So if we're replacing Peel Region-owned watermains in your neighborhood, your privately-owned pipe should likely also be replaced.
Figure 2 - A drawing of an ICI (industrial, commercial, or institutional) property showing the infrastructure ownership between Peel Region (public) and ICI property (private). This ownership is divided by a dotted line called the property line. Shown in the drawing are a fire hydrant, hydrant valve box, a water service pipe, water meter, a wastewater service pipe, a maintenance hole, a backflow preventor, a water service box, a watermain and a sanitary sewer. Peel Region’s infrastructure ownership is shown in green and blue. Industrial, commercial, or institutional infrastructure ownership is shown in two shades of grey.
Additional considerations for industrial, commercial, or institutional properties
If you own an ICI property and we’re replacing the watermains in your area, consider replacing all private-side water infrastructure at the same time, including:
- Water service pipes (domestic and fire line).
- Hydrant and hydrant valve box.
- Backflow preventor (detector check valve).
This infrastructure may have been replaced or repaired in the past. Property owners should determine if a private-side replacement or repair has already been completed.
Call the Building Department in your city or town to see if they have records of your private-side pipes.
This information will help you decide whether you need to consider replacing your water pipe.
- Town of Caledon - 905-584-2272 ext. 2233
- City of Brampton - 905-874-2401 (ask for Document Services)
- City of Mississauga - 311 or 905-615-4311
If you decide to replace your private-side water pipe, speak to 2 or 3 plumbing contractors to compare their advice.
You or the plumbing contractor you choose will need to refer to Ontario One Call to request an underground locate for your private side pipes.
All plumbers in the Province of Ontario must register with the Ontario College of Trades. Always check that your plumber is certified and registered.