Drains carry water and waste away from every fixture in your home. When a drain pipe cracks, separates at a joint or develops a sag, the result can be slow drainage, leaks or smells. In older Markham neighbourhoods, cast-iron drain stacks and horizontal runs corrode from the inside. In newer homes, plastic drain lines can shift or separate if they weren't properly supported.
We repair damaged drain pipes inside your home, from under-sink connections to basement stacks and floor drains, replacing only what's needed.
Drain Repair Around Markham
In Markham Village, Unionville and older parts of Thornhill, many homes still have original cast-iron drain stacks and horizontal runs in the basement. Cast iron can last a long time, but it corrodes from the inside and eventually develops cracks, particularly along the bottom of horizontal pipes. When one section fails, it's worth checking the rest of the system.
Homes built in the 1990s and 2000s usually have ABS plastic drains. These don't corrode, but they can shift or separate if not supported properly, and renovations sometimes damage them. We see this often in finished basements where walls were built around existing drains.
Floor drains are another common repair. The trap under a basement floor drain can crack, and a missing or damaged cover allows debris into the line. We can repair or replace floor drain components as needed.
If you're renovating a basement, it's wise to have the drains inspected before new walls and floors go in. Replacing a failing section is much easier when it's still exposed.
We'll always explain what we found and give you a price before any repair, so you can decide how to proceed.
When we're finished, we'll make sure the repaired drain is properly supported, sloped and leak-free.
Sewer smells in a basement are often traced to a floor drain trap that has dried out in a room nobody uses much, such as a cold cellar or storage area. Pouring a jug of water into the drain every month or so keeps the seal intact. If the smell continues after that, the cause is likely a cracked pipe or failed seal we can find and repair.
Signs You Need Drain Repair
Your drain may need repair if you notice:
- Leaks under sinks or in the basement ceiling. Drain joints and pipes can drip when water drains.
- Sewer smells indoors. Cracks and failed seals can let sewer gas escape.
- Slow drains that return after cleaning. A sag or damaged pipe can collect debris.
- Rust or corrosion on cast-iron pipes. Visible scaling, rust streaks or cracks indicate aging pipe.
- Damp spots on floors or walls. A leaking drain behind finishes can cause stains and moisture.
How We Do It
- 1
Locate the problem
We inspect accessible drains and use a camera where needed to see inside the pipe.
- 2
Explain options
We describe what we found, repair options and the price before starting.
- 3
Replace damaged sections
We cut out corroded or cracked pipe and install new pipe with proper transition couplings.
- 4
Support and slope
We make sure pipes have correct slope and support so they drain properly.
- 5
Test
We run water through the repaired drain and check for leaks.
Why Choose Markham Plumbing
Drain repairs should fix the problem permanently, not move it down the line. We use a camera when needed so we understand the condition of the rest of the pipe before recommending anything.
- Camera diagnosis available
- Section repairs, not guesswork
- Correct slope and support
- Leak tested
Drain Repair FAQs
Can you repair just part of a cast-iron drain?
Yes. We can replace damaged sections and connect to sound pipe with proper couplings.
Why does my basement smell like sewer gas?
Common causes are a dry floor drain trap, a cracked pipe, or a failed seal. We can check and repair the source.
Do drain repairs require opening walls?
Sometimes. We use cameras and access points to minimize openings.
Is plastic drain pipe better than cast iron?
Plastic doesn't corrode, but cast iron is quieter. Both work well when installed properly.