Drinking water and municipal rules
In many Montréal neighbourhoods, water still reaches houses and plexes through a lead service line. The City replaces the part under the street, but the section that crosses your property is your responsibility, and replacing it is now mandatory. Our plumbers replace that pipe up to the main shut-off valve, when it suits you, with a price confirmed before the work begins. Here's how to find out whether you're affected and what the City requires.
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Read the reviews on GoogleThe replacement is done by our own plumbers; we never hand this work to a subcontractor.
The price is set before the work begins, once the length, depth and access are assessed, with no diagnostic fee. No obligation.
When the work is done, we give you the invoice you present to the City to declare the replacement.
The replacement is covered by a written warranty on labour and parts, and you pay once the work is done.
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(438) 379-2352Because lead can dissolve into the water that sits in the pipe, especially overnight or during a workday, and end up in the water you drink. The only lasting fix is to replace the pipe.
In the meantime, the City of Montréal recommends a few simple habits: run the water until it is cold before drinking it, use a filter certified for lead reduction (NSF/ANSI standard 53) and cook with cold water. Boiling the water doesn’t help: lead does not evaporate.
A building’s water pipe has two parts: the public part, under the street and sidewalk, and the private part, which crosses your property up to the main shut-off valve. The rules differ for each.
The City replaces it at no cost to the owner, usually during street or water main reconstruction.
Under by-law 20-030, replacing it is now mandatory if it is made of lead. When the City replaces it, it bills the owner per linear metre: on average between $1,200 and $1,400 per metre, based on its 2022 to 2025 data, including administrative costs. The invoice can be paid at once or in instalments over 15 years.
An owner who refuses the replacement must have their portion replaced within 24 months of the City’s notice of non-compliance. Otherwise, individuals could be fined between $500 and $2,000.
A few checks give you a good idea before you even call a plumber:
You don’t have to wait for the City to reach your street. You can have your portion replaced by the contractor of your choice, when it suits you, and decide yourself how the yard is restored.
The process is straightforward. Start by contacting your borough, which will tell you which permit you need. The City then suggests getting quotes from three contractors, preferably accredited ones. Our company holds its RBQ licence and is a CMMTQ member. Once the work is done, notify the City with the invoice or photos so your file is updated.
Every project follows the same steps, from the first call to turning the water back on.
The price mainly depends on the length of pipe to replace, the depth, access to the foundation wall and what has to be removed and restored on the surface. For comparison, the City bills an average of $1,200 to $1,400 per linear metre when it does the work on the private part itself.
On replacement day, the water is shut off for part of the day. Keep some water aside for drinking and cooking, and clear the way to the main shut-off valve in the basement. If the water looks cloudy when it’s turned back on, run the cold tap for a few minutes.
After the work, the City’s tap water recommendations remain good habits until the whole line, public and private, has been replaced. If a leak shows up later near the main shut-off valve, our page on water leaks tells you what to do while you wait for the plumber.
The price is confirmed on the phone before the plumber heads out, and the work is guaranteed in writing.
Step 1
We listen to what happened and how serious it is. The price is set on that call, before a plumber is sent. No obligation, and no hidden fees.
Step 2
An RBQ-licensed plumber who is a CMMTQ member leaves for your address. The truck is stocked for the job, so the visit can be handled the first time.
Step 3
The work follows RBQ standards. You pay once the problem is resolved, and you leave with a written guarantee on labour and parts.
No-obligation quote
Tell us what you need in a few words. We call you back at the number you give to ask the right questions and confirm the price.
An emergency? Don’t write, call: (438) 379-2352
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Start with the City of Montréal's lead service line map, which gives the screening result by address. You can also look at the pipe coming into the main shut-off valve in the basement. A lead pipe is grey, sounds dull when tapped, turns shiny when scratched and does not attract a magnet.
No. According to the City, it is useless because lead does not evaporate. Until the replacement, run the water until it is cold before drinking it, cook with cold water and use a filter certified for lead reduction.
No. You can have your portion replaced by the contractor of your choice before the City reaches your street. Contact your borough to find out which permit you need, then notify the City once the work is done.
The pipe is part of the building, so replacing it is up to the owner. In the meantime, the City's recommendations about tap water apply to everyone living there.
Dripping tap, cracked pipe or water in the ceiling? We find the source and repair the plumbing.
Install, replace and maintain the device that keeps the sewer from backing up into the basement.
The phone at any hour, a service request if you'd rather write, and what happens after you call.
Talk it over with our team: we look at the situation with you on the phone, whether it’s urgent or can wait.
