Housing at a glance: Jefferson
- Typical eras
- Late 1990s to 2000s detached homes
- Common pipe
- Copper or PEX supply, ABS or PVC drains
- Watch for
- First water heater replacements, shower valve wear, sump pumps
Bathrooms everywhere
- Four and five bathroom houses are common in Jefferson. That is a lot of toilet flappers, shower cartridges and vanity drains wearing out at once. Shower valves from that era often have pressure-balance cartridges that are now scaling up and dripping. We carry common cartridges, but a photo of the trim helps us bring the right one.
- Ensuite showers with large tiled enclosures were popular here. Leaking drains under those showers are a recurring call, often showing as a stain on the kitchen or family room ceiling below.
Water heaters and gas
- Many original water heaters in Jefferson homes were rentals. As they reach the end of their life, homeowners are deciding between another rental, an owned tank or a tankless unit. Large homes with many bathrooms often benefit from a larger tank or a tankless system, but the gas line has to be checked first.
- Some homes here have boilers for radiant floor heating or combination systems. Those need regular service and proper valves.
What we check in these homes
- Dripping shower cartridges
- Leaks below ensuite showers
- Original rental water heater
- Sump pump behind a closed panel
- Basement suite plumbing
Finished basements
- Most Jefferson basements are finished, often with a bathroom and sometimes a second suite. Sump pumps sit behind access panels that people forget about. We recommend testing the pump each spring and adding a battery backup. A backwater valve is also worth considering if the basement has a lot of finished space.
- If you are adding a suite, plumbing permits are required. We can do the rough-in and arrange the inspection.
Water softeners and filters
- Large Jefferson homes often have water softeners or whole-house filters installed when the house was new. Those units need salt, occasional cleaning and a working bypass valve. A softener left in bypass for years does nothing; a failed one can reduce pressure.
- If you are not sure whether yours is working, we can check hardness before and after the unit.
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.