The Markham side of Thornhill, east of Yonge Street and south of Highway 7, is full of solid 1970s and 1980s houses on quiet crescents around Bayview Glen, Royal Orchard and the streets near German Mills Creek. These homes were well built, and many have been lovingly kept, but most are now due for a round of plumbing updates.
A lot of our Thornhill calls come from families who are finally renovating the original bathrooms or who have noticed the water heater in the basement is older than their kids. Both jobs are straightforward when they are planned, and much more stressful when they happen as an emergency.
Plumbing in Thornhill (Markham Side) Homes
Original bathrooms from this era often hide worn shutoff valves, older fixture drains and supply lines that were never meant to last fifty years. When the tile comes off, it is the right time to replace risers, add proper shutoffs, move a drain for a larger shower, or rough in a new vanity location. We coordinate with your contractor or handle the plumbing portion directly.
Water heaters are the other big one. Many Thornhill homes still run tanks well past their expected life, and the signs are easy to miss: rust-coloured water, rumbling from sediment, or a small puddle around the base. We help you compare a like-for-like tank, a higher-capacity unit or a tankless heater, and we handle venting, removal and disposal of the old one.
Supply-line upgrades are worth thinking about here too. Some Thornhill homes from this era have original copper that is still in good shape, while others have pinhole leaks showing up in the basement ceiling. We check the lines, the main shutoff and the pressure, and we fix small problems before they turn into water damage under a newly finished floor. If you are planning a kitchen update at the same time, we can rough in a new sink or dishwasher line during the same visit.
Services We Offer in Thornhill (Markham Side)
Map of Thornhill (Markham Side)
Thornhill (Markham Side) Plumbing FAQs
Should I update the plumbing when I renovate my 1980s bathroom?
Yes, it is the most cost-effective time. With the walls open, replacing old valves and supply lines costs far less than coming back later to fix a leak behind new tile.
How old is too old for a water heater?
Many tank heaters are nearing the end of their service life after roughly 10 to 12 years. If yours is older, rusty or noisy, it is worth planning a replacement before it fails.
Can you move a toilet or shower drain during a reno?
Often, yes. It depends on joist direction and drain slope. We look at the layout and tell you what is practical before demolition starts.