Kaidan Kaidan
3 months ago
Plumbing emergency? Our line is open 24/7 — nights, weekends & holidays.Call (905) 625-8777
Toronto · Neighbourhood
Plumber in The Annex
Licensed plumbers for The Annex's Victorian homes, multi-unit rentals and apartment buildings. Old pipes, drains, water heaters, risers and 24/7 emergency service.
- Licensed & insured
- Written price before work
- 24/7 emergency line
Your Local Plumber in The Annex
The Annex, north of the University of Toronto between Bathurst and Avenue Road, is known for its large Victorian and Romanesque Revival houses from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many have been converted into multi-unit rentals, while others are carefully preserved single-family homes. Apartment buildings and mixed-use properties line Bloor Street.
POM Plumbing serves Annex homeowners, landlords and property managers with careful work in heritage homes and dependable service for rental properties.
Common Plumbing Problems in The Annex
Annex homes frequently have original lead or galvanized water services, cast iron stacks behind plaster walls and clay sewer laterals. Converted homes run several kitchens and bathrooms on plumbing designed for one family, which leads to low pressure, slow drains and hot water shortages. Heritage details mean openings must be planned carefully and kept small.
01
Low pressure in multi-unit homes
Original water services cannot supply several units.
02
Hot water shortages
One heater serving many tenants runs out quickly.
03
Cast iron stack leaks
Corroded stacks behind plaster leak slowly and smell.
04
Lead water services
Common in homes built before the 1950s.
Plumbing & Drain Services in The Annex
The Annex is full of Victorian and Edwardian houses, many divided into apartments. These are the jobs we do most there.
Lead water service replacement
Annex homes built before the 1950s often have a lead water service. We replace the private section and coordinate with the City.
Learn moreRepiping galvanized supply lines
We replace galvanized pipe with copper or PEX, using closets and basements to keep openings small in plaster walls.
Learn moreCast iron stacks
Cast iron stacks over 100 years old crack and leak. We repair, reline or replace them.
Learn moreClay sewer laterals
Roots from large street trees get into clay laterals. We camera, cut and reline or replace them.
Learn moreMulti-unit houses and rooming houses
Many Annex houses have three or more units. We size water heaters and drains for multiple households and keep records for landlords.
Learn moreBackwater valves
We install backwater valves in basements, especially where a basement unit is rented.
Learn moreBloor Street businesses
We service restaurants, cafes and shops along Bloor, including grease lines and backflow testing.
Learn moreAll Plumbing Services in The Annex
Residential, condo and commercial plumbing, drain and sewer work for The Annex homes and businesses.
Typical Plumbing Prices in The Annex
Typical ranges before tax. You get an exact written price before any work starts. See the full plumbing price guide.
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Drain clog (sink, tub or toilet) | $180 – $350 |
| Main sewer line cleaning | $250 – $650 |
| Sewer camera inspection | $250 – $450 |
| Water heater replacement (tank) | $1,400 – $3,000 |
| Backwater valve installation | $1,800 – $3,500 |
| Sump pump replacement | $800 – $2,000 |
Plumbing Tips for The Annex Homeowners
- Upgrade the water service before adding units
- Size the water heater for the number of bathrooms
- Replace lead pipes and test water
- Plan repairs to protect plaster and trim
- Label shut-offs for each unit
Seasonal Plumbing Checklist for The Annex
What to check through the year, based on the homes and weather we see in The Annex.
Spring
Run water into basement floor drains so traps do not dry out and let sewer gas in.
Summer
Check the backwater valve before storm season.
Fall
Root cutting for laterals under the big street trees, and shut off outside taps.
Winter
Pipes in old exterior walls and unheated porches freeze first; keep the heat on.
Toronto Flooding Subsidy & Lead Pipe Program in The Annex
The Annex homeowners can use the City of Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program. It reimburses 80% of eligible costs, up to $6,650 per property. The work must be done by a City-licensed plumbing contractor, and a backwater valve needs a building permit.
Homes built before the mid-1950s may still have a lead water service. Under the City's Priority Lead Water Service Replacement Program, the City replaces the public section up to the property line. Replacing your private section at the same time removes the lead completely. See lead pipe replacement.
| Eligible work | Maximum subsidy |
|---|---|
| Backwater valve (per valve, up to two) | $1,600 |
| Sump pump and alarm | $2,250 |
| Sump pump battery backup | $300 |
| Home plumbing assessment | $500 |
| Total per property | $6,650 |
80% of eligible costs, up to the limits shown. We handle the permit and inspection, and give you the paperwork you need to apply.
City or Homeowner: Who Fixes What in The Annex?
| Problem | Who to call |
|---|---|
| No water on the whole street, or a water main break | City of Toronto: call 311 |
| Water service or sewer pipe between the property line and the main | City of Toronto (public side) |
| Sewer backup that a camera shows is in the City section | City of Toronto: we give you the video for your 311 report |
| Pipes, drains and the sewer lateral from the property line into the house | Homeowner: call a licensed plumber |
| Fixtures, water heater, sump pump, backwater valve | Homeowner: call a licensed plumber |
Not sure which side the problem is on? A sewer camera inspection shows the exact location and depth, so you only pay for work on your section.
Plumbing in Victorian and Edwardian Annex Homes
Most Annex homes were built between the 1880s and the 1910s. After more than a century, the original plumbing has usually been changed several times, often partially. We commonly find a lead water service, galvanized supply pipes, cast iron stacks and a clay lateral, alongside newer copper and PEX from later renovations. Old renovations sometimes lack proper venting, which causes slow drains and gurgling.
We map what is there, fix the urgent problems first and give you a plan for the rest, so the house can be upgraded in stages.
Repiping an Annex House
Repiping a typical Annex house means replacing the water service, the main supply lines and the branches to each fixture. In plaster homes we use closets, the basement and existing chases to keep openings small, and we patch what we open. The cost depends on the size of the house and how many units it has, so we price it after a visit.
Rooming Houses and Multi-Unit Annex Homes
Many Annex houses were converted into apartments or rooming houses near the University. Plumbing there is under heavy use: several bathrooms on one stack, one water heater for many tenants, and old shut-offs that do not work. We size water heating for the number of occupants, add shut-off valves for each unit and keep written records for landlords.
Plumbing Emergency in The Annex? What to Do Before We Arrive
A few minutes of the right action can save thousands in water damage.
- 1
Shut off the water
In a house, the main valve is usually on the basement wall facing the street, next to the water meter. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
- 2
Make it safe
Keep away from water near outlets and appliances. If you can reach the electrical panel safely, switch off power to the wet area. If the water heater is leaking, turn its gas valve to pilot or switch off its breaker.
- 3
Stop the damage spreading
If a floor drain is backing up, stop using water in the house. Move valuables, rugs and boxes off the floor and open cabinet doors under leaking sinks.
- 4
Record and call
Take photos and video for your insurer, then call (905) 625-8777. Our emergency line is answered 24/7 and we tell you when to expect us.
What Affects the Price of Plumbing in The Annex
- AccessFinished basements, tight crawl spaces and condo suites take longer to open and restore.
- Pipe material and depthClay, cast iron and deep laterals need different tools than PVC near the surface.
- Permits and inspectionsBackwater valves, sewer and water service work need a permit and an inspection.
- Time of dayNight, weekend and holiday emergency calls cost more than a booked visit.
- Repair or replaceA spot repair is cheaper today; replacing a failing line can be cheaper over ten years.
How to Choose a Plumber in The Annex
- Check the licence: plumbers in Ontario must hold a 306A certificate, and contractors working in Toronto need a City of Toronto licence.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance and WSIB coverage.
- Get the price in writing before work starts, not an hourly estimate with no limit.
- Make sure the plumber pulls the permit when the work needs one.
- Ask what the warranty covers and for how long.
- Be wary of a quote to replace a whole sewer line without camera footage to back it up.
Neighbourhoods We Serve in and around The Annex
- Seaton Village
- Harbord Village
- Yorkville
- Casa Loma
- Bloor Street
- University of Toronto
The Annex Areas We Cover
We cover every part of The Annex. Here is how the area breaks down by neighbourhood and postal code.
| Area | Neighbourhoods | Postal codes |
|---|---|---|
| The Annex | Bloor to Dupont, Avenue Road to Bathurst | M5R, M5S |
| Seaton Village | West of Bathurst | M6G |
| Harbord Village | South of Bloor, Spadina to Bathurst | M5S |
How a Service Call Works
- 1
Call or book online
Tell us what is happening and where in The Annex you are.
- 2
Diagnosis
A licensed plumber finds the cause, using a camera where needed.
- 3
Written price
You approve the price before any work starts.
- 4
Repair and clean-up
We fix the problem, test it and leave the area clean.
What Our Customers Say
Plumber in The Annex: FAQ
Do you work on heritage homes in The Annex?
Yes. We plan routes carefully and keep openings small to protect plaster, trim and floors.
Can you improve water pressure in a converted Annex house?
Yes. We test pressure and flow and usually upgrade the water service and main lines.
Do you work for student rental landlords?
Yes. We handle tenant repairs and planned upgrades with clear scheduling and pricing.
Do you replace cast iron stacks?
Yes. We replace leaking sections or full stacks with modern materials.
How much does it cost to repipe an Annex house?
It depends on the size, the number of units and access. We give you a written price after a visit.
Should I reline or replace my cast iron stack?
If the pipe is still structurally sound, relining avoids opening walls. If it is badly cracked, replacement is better. A camera shows which applies.
Do you work for Annex landlords?
Yes. We service multi-unit houses with written reports and priority emergency calls for regular clients.
How much does a plumber cost in The Annex?
Typical prices are $180 to $350 for a drain clog and $250 to $450 for a sewer camera inspection. You get a written price first.
Do you work in rooming houses near the University?
Yes. We service multi-unit and rooming houses and keep records for owners.
What causes sewer smell in an older Annex basement?
Usually a dry floor drain trap, a cracked cast iron pipe or a missing cleanout cap. We find and fix the source.
How fast can a plumber get to The Annex?
Our emergency line is answered 24/7. Arrival time depends on traffic and the calls ahead of yours; we give you a realistic time window when you call (905) 625-8777.
Do you give a price before starting work in The Annex?
Yes. We diagnose the problem and give you a written price before any work begins, so there are no surprises on the invoice.
Are your plumbers licensed and insured?
Yes. POM Plumbing uses licensed plumbers and carries liability insurance for residential, condo and commercial work.
What areas near The Annex do you serve?
We serve The Annex and the surrounding neighbourhoods, and all of Toronto and the GTA. See our service areas page for the full list.
Nearby Areas We Serve
Plumber in Forest Hill1920s – 40s estate homes, Tudor and Georgian revival housesPlumber in Kensington MarketVictorian houses converted to shops, cafés and apartmentsPlumber in ChinatownVictorian row houses, mixed-use storefronts, restaurantsPlumber in Downtown TorontoHigh-rise condos, Victorian row houses, officesPlumber in Leaside1930s – 50s brick two-storey homes, new custom rebuilds
Need a plumber in The Annex?
Licensed plumbers, written prices and a 24/7 emergency line.
