Lead Pipes in Older Toronto Homes, explained for North York homes

The short version

Homes built before about the mid-1950s may have a lead water service, the pipe that brings water from the city main into the house. If you have one, use a certified filter for drinking and cooking water, run the tap before using water that has sat overnight, and plan to replace both the city's side and your side.

Step by step

Check your pipe

1. Find where the water line comes into the house, usually through the front basement wall, just before the water meter.
2. Look at the pipe between the wall and the meter.
3. Scratch it gently with a key or coin. Lead shows a soft, shiny silver line.
4. Hold a fridge magnet to it. A magnet will not stick to lead or copper but will stick to galvanized steel.
5. Look for a rounded, bulb-like joint where the pipe meets the meter or valve. That is common on lead lines.

Copper is orange-brown when scratched. Plastic is obvious. If you are not sure, a plumber can confirm it in minutes.

While you still have lead

• Use a filter certified to reduce lead for drinking and cooking
• Run the cold tap for a few minutes when water has sat for hours
• Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and baby formula
• Clean faucet aerators every few months

Homes built before about the mid-1950s may have a lead water service, the pipe that brings water from the city main into the house.

From the counter

North York notes

Most of North York filled in after the war, by which point new services were usually copper. The older pockets, especially near Lawrence and along the old Toronto boundary, are where lead is more likely. Areas like Lawrence Park, Bedford Park and parts of Hogg's Hollow have more pre-war homes.

Even in newer houses, an older section of pipe can survive from an earlier building on the lot. If the meter area looks unusual, check it anyway. It costs nothing to look, and it settles the question for good.

The City of Toronto has a program to replace public-side lead services, and it encourages owners to replace the private side at the same time. Call 311 to ask about timing on your street, and look into any city filter or testing programs that may apply to your household.

When to call

Call a plumber if you find a pipe you suspect is lead, if the city has replaced its side and yours is still lead, or if you are buying an older home and want it checked. Replacing the private side is covered on our lead water service replacement page. Buying? Add it to your home buying plumbing checklist.

Questions

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