Plumbing in Riverside

Homes and plumbing in Riverside

Riverside follows the Duffins Creek valley through Ajax, with homes backing onto green space, trails and mature trees. Many houses date from the 1970s and 1980s, with some newer homes where lots allowed.

Sloping lots and old trees are the two big factors here. Basements can be partly above grade on one side, and roots have had decades to find their way toward sewer laterals.

Common problems we see

Trees, water and slope are behind most calls in Riverside.

• Roots in sewer laterals under mature trees
• Damp basements and busy sump pumps near the valley
• Older shut-off valves and water heaters
• Slow drains in older kitchens and bathrooms

Services most asked for

Riverside homeowners most often call us for main sewer line clearing, hydro jetting, sump pump installation and water heater repair.

Getting to you

We get to Riverside by Church Street, Rossland Road and the side streets that drop toward the creek. Some homes have steep driveways; let us know if parking is tight.

What a visit looks like

On sloped lots, the basement may be a walkout on one side and below ground on the other. That affects how drains and the sump are laid out, so we take a moment to understand the layout before starting. For sewer problems, we usually camera the line after clearing it, so you can see the roots, cracks or sags yourself.

If your lot backs onto the valley, keep in mind that the creek corridor is managed by the conservation authority. Any work near it may need their input.

Water heaters and shut-off valves in many Riverside homes are now near the end of their life. We point that out when we see it, so you can plan the replacement rather than face a cold shower.

We also check that the cleanout at the front of the house is reachable, since roots usually mean we will be back.

Nearby areas

Further along the valley, the Duffins Creek area shares the same trees and slopes, and the same advice on sewer laterals and sump pumps holds there. See our page on Duffins Creek.

Along the valley, the quickest way to get help is to call and describe what you see. A plumber answers, asks a few questions, and tells you plainly whether it can wait or needs attention today.

Older trees also mean more leaves in gutters and window wells each autumn. Blocked downspouts can dump water right beside the foundation, adding to the load on your sump pump. Clearing them is not plumbing, but it helps the plumbing do its job.