Replacing your home's water pipe
Your private-side water pipe runs from your property line to inside your house. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining and replacing this pipe. We replace watermains – the large pipes that bring water to your home – 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.
Replacing your water pipe is the best way to ensure you have high-quality tap water.
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
How long your water pipe lasts depends on:
- What it's made of.
- The type of soil the pipe runs through.
- How the pipe was installed.
In most areas of Peel, homes and watermains are about the same age. So if we're replacing the Region-owned watermains in your neighborhood, your privately-owned pipe should likely also be replaced.
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.
If your home was built before 1960, your water service might contain lead. Learn more about drinking water pipe testing for lead.
Deciding to replace your private-side pipe
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 the water pipe in your home, speak to 2 or 3 plumbing contractors to compare their advice.
You or the plumbing contractor you choose will also have to call ON1Call at 1-800-400-2255 or visit 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.