West Ferris has the oldest housing stock in North Bay — and we know its plumbing better than anyone. From the clay sewer lines that run under your yard to the galvanized pipes inside your walls, we've been solving West Ferris plumbing problems for 20+ years.
West Ferris is one of North Bay's most established neighbourhoods, with most homes built between the late 1940s and early 1970s. Located south of the city centre along Lakeshore Drive and extending inland, it's a neighbourhood of mature trees, generous lots, and homes that have character — along with plumbing systems that are now 50-70 years old.
The plumbing in a typical West Ferris home includes galvanized steel supply pipes that are corroding from the inside out (reducing water pressure and discolouring water), clay sewer laterals connecting to the municipal main (cracking at joints and inviting tree root infiltration), and original copper drain lines that may have developed pinhole leaks behind walls.
The mature maple, willow, and poplar trees that line West Ferris streets are beautiful — but their root systems are the #1 cause of sewer line problems in this neighbourhood. Roots seek moisture, find the joints in clay sewer pipes, and grow inside them until the pipe is blocked or collapsed. We run more sewer camera inspections in West Ferris than any other neighbourhood in North Bay.
Add North Bay's extreme freeze-thaw cycles to aging pipe materials, and West Ferris homes need more proactive plumbing maintenance than newer areas. The good news: we know exactly what to look for and how to fix it.
Age. Most homes were built 1950s-70s with materials (galvanized steel, clay, lead solder) that have a 50-60 year lifespan. That lifespan is now up. The pipes haven't failed because they were installed wrong — they've failed because nothing lasts forever.
A full repipe (replacing all supply pipes from galvanized to copper or PEX) typically costs $4,000-$8,000 depending on the home's size and accessibility. Many homeowners repipe in sections over time rather than all at once.
If you live in West Ferris and have never had one — yes, absolutely. It's $300 and takes 30 minutes. It shows the exact condition of your sewer lateral. Knowing what's down there prevents surprise backups and lets you plan repairs before an emergency.
Yes. Trenchless pipe lining is ideal for West Ferris because it repairs the sewer line without digging up your yard, driveway, or mature landscaping. The liner seals cracks and blocks root infiltration from inside the pipe.