Introduction
Surrey is the fastest-growing city in British Columbia, adding thousands of new homes every year. With its mix of older neighbourhoods, dense townhouses, and sprawling new subdivisions, plumbing issues here can be as diverse as the city itself. Whether you live in a heritage house in Cloverdale or a modern condo in City Centre, knowing how Surrey’s water and sewer systems work can save you money, stress, and even property damage.
- Introduction
- Plumbing in Surrey’s Housing Stock
- Typical Pipe Materials and Water Hardness in Surrey
- Common Plumbing Issues in Surrey
- City vs. Homeowner Responsibility
- How to Report Sewer Backups or Issues
- Plumbing Permits in Surrey
- Seasonal Plumbing Concerns in Surrey
- Typical Plumbing Costs in Surrey
- Local Facts About Surrey
- Case Study: Root Intrusion in Newton
- FAQs for Surrey Homeowners
- Next Steps
Usually available 24/7 in Surrey — book a licensed plumber anytime on unclogit.com or call 604-496-1661.
Plumbing in Surrey’s Housing Stock
Surrey’s size and rapid growth mean its plumbing systems vary widely:
- Older neighbourhoods (Whalley, Newton, Cloverdale): Many homes built before the 1980s still have galvanized or early copper piping, cast-iron drains, or clay sewer laterals. These materials are prone to corrosion, leaks, and tree root intrusions.
- Newer subdivisions (Fleetwood, Clayton Heights, South Surrey): Modern builds typically use PEX supply lines and PVC drains, which are durable but not immune to issues such as improper installation, freezing at exposed points, or pressure surges.
- High-rise condos in City Centre and Guildford: Multi-unit buildings have complex shared plumbing systems, often requiring strata-wide maintenance, backflow prevention, and sump pump reliability during heavy rain.
Typical Pipe Materials and Water Hardness in Surrey
Surrey’s water supply comes primarily from Metro Vancouver’s reservoirs. Water hardness is generally soft to moderate, but it can vary by neighbourhood. Pipe materials also differ depending on when homes were built:
| Area | Typical Pipe Material | Water Hardness |
|---|---|---|
| Whalley / Newton | Copper, galvanized, clay sewers | Soft |
| South Surrey | PEX supply, PVC drains | Moderate |
| Cloverdale (rural/acreages) | Mixed: copper, PEX, some private wells | Variable |
💡 Why it matters:
- Homes with galvanized steel may face reduced water pressure and rust contamination.
- PEX and PVC are reliable, but older fittings can fail.
- Private wells in rural Cloverdale may require separate filtration and testing.
Common Plumbing Issues in Surrey
- Tree root intrusion in sewers
Older clay and cast-iron sewer laterals allow roots to enter at joints. This is especially common in mature areas like Newton and Whalley. - Heavy rainfall backups
Surrey gets significant rainfall in fall and winter. In low-lying neighbourhoods or homes near floodplains, stormwater can overwhelm systems, leading to floor drain or basement backups. - Water pressure fluctuations
With Surrey’s rapid growth, some areas experience inconsistent water pressure, particularly in newer subdivisions with high demand. - Frozen pipes
Rural homes and acreages in Cloverdale and East Surrey are more exposed to cold snaps. Poorly insulated outdoor lines can freeze and burst.
City vs. Homeowner Responsibility
One of the most confusing parts of a sewer backup is figuring out who pays. In Surrey:
- City responsibility: Sewer mains, manholes, and inspection chambers located in public rights of way.
- Homeowner responsibility: Any pipes located on private property, including the line running from your home to the inspection chamber.
💡 Tip: If you experience a backup, call the City first. They’ll inspect whether it’s their responsibility before you call a plumber.
How to Report Sewer Backups or Issues
Surrey does not use 311. Instead:
- During business hours: Call 604-591-4152 (Engineering Operations – Sewer).
- After hours, evenings, or weekends: Call 604-591-4431.
- You can also report sewer issues online through the City’s Report a Problem portal.
Plumbing Permits in Surrey
Most plumbing work in Surrey requires a permit under the Plumbing Bylaw:
- Homeowners can apply for minor work such as adding or altering fixtures, but must provide isometric drawings.
- Contractors need a Surrey business licence and must apply online through the City’s Plumbing Permit Portal.
- Specialized permits are required for backflow preventers, fire sprinklers, and heating system connections.
- Permit fees vary based on the number of fixtures, type of device, and scope of work.
👉 Always check the latest rules on the City of Surrey plumbing permits page.
Seasonal Plumbing Concerns in Surrey
- Fall/Winter rains: Keep gutters, storm drains, and sump pumps clear to avoid flooding. Consider a backwater valve in older homes.
- Cold snaps: Insulate exterior water lines and outdoor hose bibs to prevent burst pipes.
- Spring thaw: Monitor crawlspaces for leaks and test sump pumps before the rainy season.
- Summer drought: Water restrictions may increase outdoor irrigation stress — be mindful of leaks and fixture efficiency.
Typical Plumbing Costs in Surrey
Plumbing costs across Metro Vancouver share the same baseline: a minimum service call of $249 before tax. Surrey homeowners can expect:
- Drain cleaning: $249–$450 for a typical job, higher if heavy root cutting or hydro-jetting is needed.
- Fixture replacement: $300–$800 for sinks, toilets, or faucets, depending on quality and location.
- Sewer line repair: $2,500–$12,000+, depending on scope (spot repair vs. full line replacement).
- Backflow preventer installation: $800–$2,500 depending on property type.
📊 See our full Plumbing Costs hub for a breakdown.
Local Facts About Surrey
- Surrey is the second largest city in BC by population, expected to surpass Vancouver in the 2030s.
- Much of Surrey’s drinking water comes from Metro Vancouver’s Capilano and Seymour reservoirs.
- The City enforces strict backflow prevention bylaws for industrial and commercial buildings.
Case Study: Root Intrusion in Newton
A Surrey family in Newton noticed slow drains and frequent backups. A camera inspection revealed tree roots penetrating their clay sewer line. The City inspected the public portion and found it clear. A licensed plumber from unclogit.com replaced the private lateral with PVC. The repair cost $6,800, but it solved the issue permanently and prevented future backups.
FAQs for Surrey Homeowners
Do I need a plumbing permit for replacing a faucet in Surrey?
No. Simple fixture replacements usually don’t require a permit. But new installations, additions, or moving plumbing lines do.
How do I report a sewer backup in Surrey?
Call 604-591-4152 during business hours or 604-591-4431 after hours. The City will inspect before you call a plumber.
Is backflow prevention required in Surrey homes?
Most single-family homes are not required to have a backflow device. Commercial, industrial, and some multi-family buildings do.
Who is responsible for sewer problems in Surrey?
The homeowner is responsible for all private pipes up to the inspection chamber. The City handles mains and public infrastructure.
Next Steps
- Book a licensed plumber in Surrey today at unclogit.com.
Book a plumber in Surrey — usually available 24/7 on unclogit.com or call 604-496-1661.
