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Repiping and underground pipe replacement in Kitchener-Waterloo

Replacement of old water pipes, and of cracked or collapsed drains and stacks under the basement floor.

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Repiping and underground pipe replacement for homes across Kitchener-Waterloo

Many older homes still have galvanized steel water pipes, which rust from the inside until the pressure drops and the water comes out brown. Later homes may have polybutylene, a grey plastic pipe, or Kitec, an orange or blue plastic and aluminium pipe, and both have a history of failing fittings. Repiping replaces those lines with new pipe, usually PEX, a flexible plastic tubing, or copper. We can replace one problem section or the whole supply system, routed to disturb as few finished walls and ceilings as possible.

Repiping also covers the drains under the basement floor. Many older homes still drain through cast iron or clay pipe below the slab: cast iron scales and rusts through, and clay joints shift and let roots in, until the line cracks, sags or collapses. The main stack, the large vertical drain that carries waste down to the floor, can rust through the same way. Replacing an underground line or a stack means saw-cutting and breaking out a strip of the concrete floor, laying new pipe, usually ABS plastic, and re-pouring the concrete once the new line has passed its test.

Signs you need repiping and underground pipe replacement

  • Weak water pressure at every tap
  • Brown or rusty water, especially first thing in the morning
  • Grey plastic water pipe, or orange or blue pipe stamped Kitec
  • Repeated leaks or visible corrosion on the water pipes
  • Basement drains that keep backing up after they have been cleared
  • Rust, cracks or weeping on the cast iron stack in the basement

How the job works

  1. Identify the pipe

    We check what your water and drain pipes are made of, where they run, and whether the problem is in one area or throughout.

  2. Plan the routes

    We map out how the new lines will run, which walls or ceilings will be opened, and how much of the basement floor has to be cut for any drain work.

  3. Replace the water lines

    We run the new pipe, connect it to each fixture and to the main supply, and disconnect the old lines.

  4. Replace underground drains and stacks

    We cut out the section of floor over the old drain, remove the cast iron or clay pipe, and lay the new line at the right slope, or replace the stack from the floor up.

  5. Test and close up

    We test the new water lines and drains for leaks, then the trench is backfilled and the concrete re-poured, and walls are closed once the work has passed.

Common questions

How do I know what kind of pipes I have?

Look where the water line enters the basement. Grey threaded metal is likely galvanized steel, copper is reddish brown, grey plastic is likely polybutylene, and Kitec is usually orange or blue and stamped with its name.

Do I have to repipe the whole house?

Not always. If the problem is limited to one area or one type of pipe, replacing that section may be enough.

Will my insurance company care what pipes I have?

Some insurers ask about polybutylene, Kitec or galvanized pipe when you buy or renew a policy, so it is worth checking with yours.

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Where we do repiping and underground pipe replacement

Based in Kitchener, working across Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and Stratford.