Housing stock and its pipes
Port Perry is the main town in the Township of Scugog, on the western side of Lake Scugog. Its town centre along Queen Street is known for Victorian commercial buildings, and the homes on the surrounding streets include century homes, postwar houses and newer subdivisions. Beyond the town, the township is largely rural, with farms, country homes and seasonal properties.
Inside the older homes, expect cast iron drains, copper or galvanized supply pipes, and plumbing that has been altered many times. Newer homes have PEX and ABS. Rural properties often run on private wells and septic systems, while the town itself is served by municipal water and sewer through Durham Region.
Problems we see most here
Gas appliances come up often. Many Port Perry homeowners convert from oil or propane, or add a gas range, fireplace or barbecue. Gas line installation needs a licensed gas fitter and inspection, and we size the line for the full load of appliances.
Basement floor drains in older town homes tend to clog with sediment and lint, and some have not been flushed in years. Floor drain cleaning restores flow and can reveal cracks or roots in the line.
Water heater choices are a frequent question. Homes without natural gas service, especially on rural roads, often rely on electric tanks. Electric water heater installation is straightforward and suits properties where gas is not available or not wanted.
If your home sits close to the lake, keep an eye on the sump pump in spring. Higher lake levels and melt water can raise the water table near the shore.
Getting to you
Port Perry is north of Oshawa along Simcoe Street, past Columbus and Raglan. It is a longer drive than central Oshawa, so we plan our visits to make the trip worthwhile and let you know our timing when you call. Describe what is happening and how urgent it is.
Local notes
Port Perry has many cottage-style properties and seasonal homes, some converted to year-round living. Converted cottages may have plumbing that was never meant for winter, with lines in crawlspaces or uninsulated walls. If you have recently moved into one, it is worth having a plumber review the system before the first deep freeze.
Rural owners in Scugog should test well water regularly and keep septic systems pumped and inspected. For another rural community with similar questions, see our notes on Hampton in Clarington.
Owners who leave Port Perry for part of the winter should arrange for someone to inspect the home regularly, and consider shutting the main valve and draining lines if the house will be empty for long.
A low-temperature alarm warns early enough to save the pipes for anyone who travels.