Housing at a glance: Crosby
- Typical eras
- 1950s to 1970s
- Common pipe
- Cast iron and clay drains, copper and galvanized supply
- Watch for
- Root intrusion, cast iron corrosion, seized valves
Sewer laterals
- Clay sewer laterals from the 1950s and 60s are prone to root intrusion. Mature trees on Crosby streets make this a common problem. Annual or biennial root cleaning keeps them open; replacement with PVC ends the cycle.
- A camera inspection counts the joints letting roots in and spots any cracked lengths.
Inside the house
- Cast iron stacks and drains corrode from the inside. Galvanized supply lines rust and narrow. Main valves seize. These are typical issues in Crosby homes that have not been updated.
- Many homes have had partial updates. We trace what is there before recommending anything.
What we check in these homes
- Main drain slow every summer
- Low water pressure
- Rusty water from cold taps
- Seized main valve
- Corroded cast iron stack
Upgrades
- Replacing galvanized supply with PEX or copper restores pressure. Replacing a seized main valve gives you control in an emergency. Updating drains during a renovation is cheaper than doing it later.
- If you are buying in Crosby, a plumbing inspection with a camera is worthwhile.
Basements in older homes
- Crosby basements often have a floor drain near the furnace, a laundry tub and maybe a basement toilet added later. Those later additions are where we find drains without vents and slopes that hold water. When a basement here is renovated, we check every one of those lines.
- The floor drain trap in older homes can dry out if rarely used, letting sewer gas in. Pouring water into it every month or so keeps the seal.
Richmond Hill note: most houses here sit on York Region municipal water with fairly hard supply, and many basements have a floor drain tied to the sanitary lateral. Mention both on the phone; it changes what goes on the truck.
Want a second opinion on your own pipes first? Dial (365) 363-1575; the person answering holds the wrench.