When something goes wrong with your plumbing the first question is almost always the same. Should I repair it or replace it? It’s a fair question. And the honest answer depends on what you’re dealing with.

At Triton Home Service we fix things. That’s our default. However we also tell homeowners all their options — because sometimes a repair isn’t the right call. Here’s how we think about the repair or replace decision across the most common plumbing situations in London Ontario homes.

The Most Important Thing to Understand About Repairs

Repairs don’t come with a warranty. If we fix a leaking valve and it fails again six months later — that’s a second service call and a second bill. However when we install new equipment you get two layers of protection. First the manufacturer’s warranty on the new product. Second Triton’s own warranty on the installation work.

That changes the value calculation on repair versus replace more than most homeowners realize. A repair might look cheaper on paper. However if it doesn’t last it can cost significantly more in the long run than just replacing the item in the first place.

We always lay out both options honestly and let the homeowner decide with full information. That’s the only way to do this job with integrity.

Pipes — When to Repair and When to Replace

Different pipe materials tell different stories. Here’s how we assess each one.

Galvanized pipe — always replace. Galvanized steel water lines rust from the inside out. There’s no partial fix that works long term. If your older London Ontario home still has galvanized water pipe we recommend replacing all of it. Patching one section only delays the inevitable — and you’ll be calling us back when the next section fails.

Cast iron pipe — monitor and repair as needed. Cast iron in good condition is still a functional pipe. We don’t recommend replacing cast iron just because it’s old. However if it’s showing signs of leaking, cracking, or significant corrosion — repair or replacement of the affected section makes sense. We assess it honestly when we see it.

Copper pipe — read the thickness. Copper is the most common water supply pipe in London Ontario homes. When we open a wall for a repair we check the thickness of the surrounding copper. Thin walls indicate the pipe is nearing the end of its useful life. If that’s what we find we’ll tell you — so you can make an informed decision about repiping before a failure forces your hand.

Fixtures and Faucets — The Homeowner’s Call

Whether to repair or replace a leaking faucet or fixture is ultimately the homeowner’s decision. We give you the information you need to make it.

Here’s what we tell customers. A repair might look more cost effective upfront. However repairs on fixtures don’t come with a warranty. If the repair holds you’ve saved money. If it doesn’t you’ve paid for both a repair and eventually a replacement — which costs more than just replacing it from the start.

Furthermore the age and quality of the fixture matters. A high quality faucet worth $400 is worth repairing. A builder-grade faucet that’s 15 years old probably isn’t. We factor all of that into the conversation before we recommend anything.

Water Heaters — The 10 Year Rule and the Insurance Angle

For water heaters the rule of thumb in London Ontario is straightforward. At 10 to 15 years old a water heater is approaching the end of its expected lifespan. Repair at that age rarely makes sense. However there’s something most homeowners don’t know about water heater age that has nothing to do with performance.

Check with your insurance company.

Some home insurance providers will not cover water damage caused by a water heater that is over 10 years old. If your aging water heater fails and floods your basement — you may find your claim denied because of the heater’s age. That’s a conversation worth having with your insurance broker before you decide to keep nursing an old unit along.

As a result we recommend replacing water heaters proactively at the 10 year mark — not waiting for a failure that could be both expensive and uninsured.

Learn more about water heater replacement in London Ontario

Sump Pumps — Replace at 7 to 10 Years

Most sump pump manufacturers recommend replacement at 7 to 10 years. Furthermore a sump pump that sits untested in your basement is not a pump you can rely on when you need it most. Pumps that run infrequently can seize. Floats can stick. And the first time you discover a failed sump pump is often during a spring storm when water is already coming in.

We track the age of every sump pump we install and send our customers a free automatic reminder when it’s approaching replacement time. That way you’re never caught off guard.

Toilets — Only Replace When It Makes Sense

Toilets are different from mechanical equipment like water heaters and sump pumps. There’s no standard age-based replacement recommendation.

However there are two situations where we recommend replacement over repair.

First — pre-low-flow toilets. If your toilet predates the low-flow era it uses significantly more water per flush than current models. Replacement pays for itself over time in water savings.

Second — first generation low-flow toilets. Early low-flow models from the 1990s were notoriously poor performers. If your toilet is 20-plus years old and from that first generation of low-flow fixtures replacement makes sense.

Everything else? Replace the flapper and fill valve and let it ride. Those are inexpensive parts and if the toilet is otherwise in good condition there’s no reason to replace the whole unit. We’ll tell you honestly when a toilet has life left in it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Repair vs Replace in London Ontario

Do plumbing repairs come with a warranty?

No. Repairs do not carry a warranty the way new equipment does. If a repaired component fails again you’re looking at a second service call and a second bill. New equipment comes with a manufacturer warranty plus Triton’s installation warranty. That’s worth factoring into the repair versus replace decision.

When should I replace galvanized pipe?

As soon as budget allows. Galvanized steel pipe rusts from the inside out and there’s no partial fix that works long term. If your London Ontario home has galvanized water lines we recommend replacing all of it rather than patching sections as they fail.

How old is too old for a water heater in London Ontario?

At 10 to 15 years a water heater is approaching the end of its expected lifespan. Furthermore some home insurance providers will not cover water damage caused by a heater over 10 years old. We recommend proactive replacement at the 10 year mark.

When should I replace my sump pump?

Most manufacturers recommend replacement at 7 to 10 years. An aging pump that sits untested is a liability — particularly heading into spring storm season. If you don’t know how old your pump is have it inspected.

Should I repair or replace my toilet?

It depends. Pre-low-flow toilets and first generation low-flow models from the 1990s are worth replacing. However if your toilet is a reasonably modern low-flow model in good working order — replacing the flapper and fill valve is usually all it needs. We’ll tell you honestly which situation you’re in.

Should I repair or replace a leaking faucet?

That’s ultimately your call as the homeowner. We give you the honest assessment of the repair cost, the replacement cost, and the risk that the repair won’t last. Then you decide. High quality fixtures are usually worth repairing. Aging builder-grade fixtures often aren’t.

Get an Honest Assessment from a London Ontario Plumber

At Triton Home Service we fix things when fixing makes sense. And we recommend replacement when it’s the smarter long-term decision. We never push you toward the more expensive option — we give you the full picture and let you decide.

Licensed Red Seal Plumber. 26 years in the trade. Honest advice before any work starts.

Book your plumbing assessment with Triton Home Service

For reference: Ontario Building Code — Plumbing Standards — Government of Ontario – FAQ

Aron Oretan is a Licensed Red Seal Plumber and Steamfitter, UA Certified Instructor, and founder of Triton Home Service. With 26 years in the trade, licences in plumbing, steamfitting, and gas fitting, and five years teaching at Fanshawe College, he brings classroom expertise and field experience to every job in London, Woodstock, St. Thomas, and Southwestern Ontario. Phone: 226-270-6424 | tritonservice.ca