Expert sewer line diagnosis and repair for Toronto homes. Trenchless and excavation options available. Licensed technicians with 25+ years combined experience. Backed by our industry-leading 90-day guarantee.
Sewer line repair involves fixing or replacing the main pipe that carries wastewater from your home to the municipal treatment plant. When this pipe cracks, collapses, or becomes blocked, it causes sewage backups, slow drains, yard problems, and health hazards. Water Pro uses advanced camera inspection technology to diagnose sewer line damage, then recommends the most cost-effective repair method: trenchless pipe lining, pipe bursting replacement, or traditional excavation. Our 90-day guarantee covers all sewer line repairs.
Your home has two drain systems. Branch drains (bathroom, kitchen, laundry) carry wastewater to the main sewer line. The main sewer line extends from your house foundation 30-100+ feet underground to the street connection. If the main line fails, every drain in your home backs up. Branch line issues affect only that fixture. Main sewer problems are serious and require immediate attention.
Many Toronto homes built in the 1950s-1970s have original clay, cast iron, or asbestos cement pipes. These pipes deteriorate after 50-70 years. Root intrusion is common in mature neighborhoods with large trees. Freeze-thaw cycles during Toronto winters crack pipes. Spring flooding overwhelms aging lines. Homes on clay soil experience ground settling. Homes with grease buildup from decades of kitchen use face complete blockages. These age-related problems affect most older Toronto properties.
Roots from mature maple, oak, and willow trees in Toronto yards penetrate tiny cracks in sewer pipes. Roots then grow inside the pipe, creating blockages that progressively worsen. North York and Mississauga suburbs are particularly affected by extensive root systems. Root intrusion typically develops slowly, starting with slow drains and eventually causing complete backups. Hydro jetting removes roots temporarily; trenchless lining prevents future intrusion.
Ground settling causes sections of sewer pipe to sag, creating U-shaped bends. These "bellied" sections collect solids and sewage, forming blockages resistant to simple snaking. Bellied pipes progressively worsen as soil continues settling. Common in older Toronto neighborhoods where clay soil compacts over decades. Camera inspection clearly identifies bellied sections. Trenchless relining or traditional replacement eliminates the problem permanently.
Freeze-thaw cycles during Toronto winters crack pipe joints and walls. Water main breaks near your home can damage sewer pipes. Soil shifting from earthquakes or construction creates breaks. Corrosion eats through cast iron pipes from inside. Broken pipes allow groundwater infiltration and dirt intrusion. Roots and debris enter through cracks. Cracks compromise pipe integrity over time. Camera inspection identifies even small cracks before they become major problems.
Severely damaged pipes collapse partially or completely, completely blocking sewage flow. Collapse happens suddenly after years of deterioration. Multiple backups, sewage overflow, and yard sinkholes indicate collapse. Immediate emergency repair is necessary to prevent health hazards. Collapsed lines require replacement using pipe bursting or excavation. This is a serious emergency requiring same-day professional response.
Kitchen grease and fats solidify inside sewer pipes, accumulating over years. Grease traps in older homes collect grease that eventually escapes. Paper towels, wipes, and feminine products don't dissolve like toilet paper. Combined with grease, these create stubborn blockages. Hydro jetting removes grease, but it returns without lifestyle changes. Drain cleaning and camera inspection identify blockage severity. Professional sewer line cleaning prevents future buildup issues.
Cast iron pipes corrode from inside, weakening structurally over 70+ years. Clay pipes deteriorate in acidic soil. Asbestos cement pipes develop brittleness. Galvanized steel pipes rust through. Old piping materials simply don't last forever. Corrosion causes leaks, cracks, and eventual failure. Toronto's aggressive municipal water chemistry accelerates corrosion. Replacement with modern HDPE or PVC eliminates material failure issues permanently.
If your kitchen sink, bathroom, shower, and toilet drain slowly at the same time, the main sewer line likely has a blockage. Individual fixtures draining slowly indicates a clogged branch drain. Main line blockages affect all fixtures simultaneously. This is the most common early warning sign of sewer line problems. Contact us for camera inspection to diagnose the cause.
Foul sewage smells from drains, yard, or septic area indicate pipe problems. Cracks allow sewer gas to escape into your home. Blocked lines cause backups that emit strong odors. Cracked pipes allow hydrogen sulfide gas into your yard. These smells indicate urgent sewer line problems. Never ignore sewage odors—they indicate potential health hazards and environmental issues.
Gurgling in toilets and drains indicates air moving through partially blocked pipes. As water tries to drain around blockages, it creates bubble sounds. Gurgling often precedes complete backups by weeks or months. This is your warning to get professional inspection before it becomes an emergency. Ignoring gurgling leads to sewage backups and expensive emergency repair bills.
Unusually green grass patches or persistently wet areas in your yard indicate sewer line leaks. Cracks allow sewage to escape underground. This sewage fertilizes grass, creating bright green patches. Wet spots appear even in dry weather. Sinkholes or sunken areas indicate severe leaks. Never walk or drive over these areas as the ground may collapse. This indicates active sewer line failure requiring immediate professional repair.
Sewage water appearing in basement drains, floor drains, or sumps indicates main sewer line blockage or failure. This is a serious health and safety emergency. Sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses. Immediate action prevents disease and property damage. Call us for emergency service to stop the backup and prevent further sewage escape. This is not a DIY situation—professional intervention is mandatory.
Complete blockages preventing any water from draining indicate severe main line problems. All drains stop working simultaneously. Water cannot exit your home. This creates immediate health and property damage risks. Emergency response is required within hours. Call us immediately for same-day emergency sewer line stoppage service. Our 24/7 technicians dispatch emergency teams to restore function quickly.
Experiencing multiple warning signs? Contact Water Pro immediately for professional sewer camera inspection and diagnosis. Call (647) 554-4356 anytime, day or night.
How it works: A flexible epoxy-saturated liner is inserted into the damaged pipe and cured in place, creating a new pipe inside the old one.
Best for: Cracked pipes, minor breaks, root intrusion, corrosion (without collapse).
Advantages: No excavation, faster completion (1-2 days), minimal yard disruption, 40-50 year lifespan, cost-effective ($3,500-$7,000).
Disadvantages: Slightly reduces pipe diameter, not suitable for severely collapsed pipes.
How it works: A splitting tool bursts the old pipe while simultaneously pulling new HDPE pipe through the existing path.
Best for: Severely damaged pipes, collapsed sections, material failure, complete replacements.
Advantages: No excavation needed, fresh new pipe, larger diameter restored, 50-100+ year lifespan, eliminates future problems.
Disadvantages: Takes longer (2-3 days), slightly more expensive ($7,000-$10,000), requires access points.
How it works: The ground above the damaged pipe is excavated, the old pipe is removed, and new pipe is installed in the trench.
Best for: Multiple breaks, complex damage patterns, areas where trenchless doesn't fit.
Advantages: Complete pipe replacement, largest diameter options, no restrictions on damage type.
Disadvantages: Significant yard disruption, longer completion time (3-7 days), most expensive ($8,000-$12,000+), restoration costs.
| Criteria | Pipe Lining | Pipe Bursting | Excavation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $3,500-$7,000 | $7,000-$10,000 | $8,000-$12,000+ |
| Duration | 1-2 days | 2-3 days | 3-7 days |
| Yard Damage | Minimal | Minimal | Extensive |
| Permits Required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifespan | 40-50 years | 50-100+ years | 50-100+ years |
| Best For | Cracks, roots, corrosion | Severe damage, collapse | Complex damage |
Which method is right for your home? Our sewer camera inspection diagnoses the problem. Water Pro technicians recommend the best repair method based on damage severity, cost, and your preferences. Call (647) 554-4356 for free consultation.
Toronto has thousands of miles of century-old sewer pipes installed in the 1920s-1950s. Many pipes have exceeded their 50-70 year designed lifespan. Downtown Toronto and West End neighborhoods have particularly old infrastructure prone to collapse. The City of Toronto estimates 20-30% of main sewer lines need replacement within 10 years. Home sewer line failures will only increase as original pipes age beyond viability.
Most of Toronto is built on clay soil. Clay compacts over decades, causing ground settling. Sewer pipes installed straight eventually develop sags (bellied sections). Clay also expands and contracts with freeze-thaw cycles, shifting pipes and creating cracks. Mississauga and Brampton have similar clay soil composition. This geographic reality makes sewer line damage inevitable for older homes without proactive maintenance.
North York, Mississauga suburbs, and some Scarborough neighborhoods have 50-100 year old trees. Maple, oak, willow, and ash trees develop extensive root systems seeking water from sewer pipes. Roots penetrate tiny cracks, growing inside pipes and creating blockages. Neighborhoods planted with street trees in the 1920s-1950s are most affected. Root intrusion affects 30%+ of Toronto homes. Trenchless relining permanently prevents root re-entry.
Toronto's harsh winters with temperatures dropping to -30°C cause dramatic freeze-thaw cycles. Water inside sewer pipes freezes and expands, cracking rigid pipes. Soil freezes and heaves, shifting pipes out of alignment. Spring thaw creates flooding in low-lying sewer lines. Cycles repeat every winter, progressively damaging pipes. Homes in areas with poor drainage or shallow pipes are most vulnerable to winter sewer problems. Winter emergency service is critical for Toronto homeowners.
Heavy spring rains and rapid snowmelt overwhelm Toronto's aging sewer system. Municipal sewer lines surcharge (fill to capacity), backing up water into homes. This "inflow and infiltration" affects Scarborough, North York, and downtown neighborhoods most. Low-lying properties and basements are particularly vulnerable. Spring flooding causes sewage backups and water damage. Backwater valve installation prevents municipal surcharge from entering your home during heavy rain events.
Toronto's water hardness (high calcium and magnesium) causes mineral buildup inside sewer pipes. Combined with grease, minerals create stubborn blockages resistant to simple snaking. Mississauga has even harder water than Toronto, creating more aggressive mineral buildup. This mineral accumulation affects pipes over 20-30 years. Professional hydro jetting removes mineral deposits. Understanding Toronto's water chemistry helps with preventative maintenance planning.
Repair with pipe lining: $3,500-$7,000 upfront cost. Lifespan 40-50 years. Minimal disruption. May require additional repairs if damage worsens. Cost per year: ~$70-$175.
Full replacement: $8,000-$12,000+ upfront cost. Lifespan 50-100+ years. Significant disruption during repair. Long-term peace of mind. No future sewer line problems expected. Cost per year: ~$100-$150. Better long-term value if you plan to stay in your home 15+ years.
Not sure which option is right for your home? Water Pro's sewer camera inspection shows the exact problem and remaining pipe life. We'll recommend repair or replacement based on damage severity and cost-benefit analysis. Call (647) 554-4356 for professional consultation.
Discuss your sewer problems and symptoms. Schedule camera inspection appointment.
Professional video inspection identifies cracks, breaks, root intrusion, and damage location.
Review findings with detailed report. Recommend repair method and cost options.
Perform trenchless lining, pipe bursting, or excavation repair with licensed technicians.
Final inspection and testing confirm repair success. 90-day guarantee on all work.
What happens: Our technician inserts a specialized waterproof camera on a flexible rod into your sewer clean-out (usually in your basement or yard). The camera transmits live video to a monitor as it travels through your pipe.
What we can see: Cracks, breaks, root intrusion, bellied sections, grease buildup, mineral deposits, pipe material, and exact damage locations and severity.
Duration: 30-60 minutes typically. You receive a detailed video report and recommendations on your phone.
Benefits: Accurate diagnosis without guessing. You see the actual problem. Non-invasive (no excavation). Prevents expensive repairs for wrong problems. Provides baseline for future comparison.
Cost: Usually $400-$600. This investment prevents thousands in unnecessary repairs. Most customers recover this cost in the first repair decision made based on accurate information.
Your decision: Based on camera findings, you decide whether to proceed with repairs, get a second opinion, or wait and monitor the situation.
Ready to diagnose your sewer problems? Schedule a sewer camera inspection with Water Pro. Call (647) 554-4356 or book online at your convenience.
All sewer line work in Toronto requires official permits from the City of Toronto Building Department. Water Pro handles all permitting on your behalf. We prepare permit applications, submit to the city, coordinate inspections, and ensure your work meets Ontario Building Code. Working without permits violates city bylaws and voids your home's insurance coverage for sewer problems.
Ontario Plumbing Code (O. Reg. 921) governs all plumbing work including sewer repairs. Minimum pipe sizing, slope requirements, vent pipe configurations, and cleanout spacing are regulated. Sewer lines must be 4-inch minimum diameter. Slope must be 1/8 inch per foot minimum. Non-compliance results in permit rejection and inspection failures. Our technicians are familiar with current requirements for Toronto properties.
Toronto Water has specific standards for connections to municipal sewer lines. Pipe material, diameter, depth, and connection methods are regulated. Our repairs must interface correctly with the city's existing infrastructure. We handle coordination with Toronto Water if street connection work is required. Understanding municipal requirements prevents costly rework and delays.
Water Pro technicians hold Plumber and Drainlayer licenses required by Ontario. We carry comprehensive general liability and workers compensation insurance. Licensed work provides legal protection for your home and ensures industry-standard workmanship. Always verify contractor licenses before hiring. Unlicensed work violates Ontario regulations and creates liability risks for homeowners.
Toronto Building Department conducts mandatory inspections during and after sewer line work. Inspectors verify code compliance and proper installation. Final inspection approval confirms the work meets all requirements. Water Pro schedules all inspections and ensures inspector access. Failure to pass inspection requires corrective work. Our goal is first-time approval on every project.
Permitted work is documented for insurance purposes. If sewer problems recur within 90 days, our warranty covers the repair. Permitted work protects your home's value and provides documentation for future buyers or refinancing. Permitted work enables insurance claims if the repair causes damage. These protections justify the modest permit costs (typically $200-$500).
Don't worry about permits. Water Pro handles all City of Toronto paperwork, inspections, and compliance. We ensure your sewer line repair is fully permitted, inspected, and code-compliant. Call (647) 554-4356 with any permit questions.
Health Hazards: Sewage contains harmful bacteria (E. coli, salmonella), viruses, and parasites. Direct contact causes illness. Exposure through groundwater contamination affects entire neighborhoods.
Property Damage: Sewage backing into homes causes water damage, black mold, and structural damage. Cleanup costs thousands. Resale value suffers severely.
Environmental Violation: Untreated sewage entering groundwater or storm drains violates environmental regulations. City enforcement includes heavy fines.
Call Water Pro immediately: (647) 554-4356
24/7 Available
We answer calls day and night, every day of the year including holidays
Same-Day Response
Emergency technicians dispatch within 1-2 hours to stop sewage backup
Emergency Rates
No trip charges. Professional service at competitive emergency pricing
Toronto's 24/7 Sewer Emergency Service: Water Pro emergency technicians stand by ready to respond. Call (647) 554-4356 immediately for same-day emergency service. We serve all of Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and the GTA.
Our technicians specialize exclusively in drain and sewer services, not general plumbing. This specialization means deeper expertise with sewer-specific problems. We've repaired thousands of Toronto sewer lines. We understand Toronto's unique infrastructure challenges. Specialists deliver better diagnoses and more effective solutions than generalists.
Our professional-grade CCTV camera system provides crystal-clear video of pipe conditions. We identify exact damage locations and severity. You see the actual problem on our monitor. Advanced technology eliminates guessing and prevents unnecessary repairs. Video documentation proves the exact issue and justifies recommended repairs to insurance companies and second-opinion inspectors.
We offer pipe lining, pipe bursting, and traditional excavation so you have choices. Each method has cost/benefit tradeoffs. We explain all options clearly so you decide based on budget and preferences. Most competitors offer only one method and push expensive solutions. We recommend the right method for your specific situation, not the most profitable for us.
We handle all Toronto Building Department permits and inspections. Our relationships with city inspectors ensure smooth approval. We understand Ontario Plumbing Code requirements. Non-permitted work creates liability and voids insurance. Our permitted work protects your home and provides documentation for future owners or refinancing. Permit handling is included in our service—no surprises.
We answer calls anytime, day or night, every day of the year. Emergency technicians dispatch same-day for sewer backups and failures. No additional emergency charges—emergency rates are our standard pricing. You get professional service immediately without waiting or paying inflated emergency premiums. Our emergency response prevents sewage damage and health hazards from becoming worse.
All sewer line repairs are backed by our 90-day money-back guarantee. If the problem returns within 90 days, we repair it free. We carry full general liability and workers comp insurance. Your property is protected if our work causes damage. Licensed, insured, and guaranteed service provides peace of mind that fly-by-night plumbers cannot match.
Professional sewer camera inspection identifies the exact problem. Licensed technicians recommend the most cost-effective repair method. All work is permitted, inspected, and backed by our comprehensive 90-day guarantee.
24/7 Emergency Service • Same-Day Response • Serving Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Durham, York, and Peel Regions