Homes and housing stock in Rathwood
Detached two-storeys, semis and townhouses make up most of Rathwood. Copper supply lines and ABS drains are typical, along with original gas water heaters that have since been replaced. Some homes have Poly-B from later renovations or builds.
Plumbing problems we see in Rathwood
We commonly see:
- Shut-off valves that have seized from decades of not being used.
- Second-floor bathroom leaks into kitchen ceilings.
- Slow drains in original bathroom fixtures.
- Sewer backups during heavy rain.
Services most asked for here
Bathroom shower valve work and drain cleaning are common, along with flood protection after storm seasons.
Getting to you: streets and landmarks
Rathburn Road and Burnhamthorpe Road cross the area east to west, and Dixie Road and Fieldgate Drive run north to south. Several parks and schools serve as handy landmarks.
Local notes for homeowners
Many Rathwood homes have bathrooms directly above the kitchen. Re-caulk the tub and shower every few years; a failed bead lets water into the floor and down to the ceiling below.
Find the main valve now; in Rathwood it usually sits by the meter on the street-side wall.
What callers want to know
Why does my ceiling stain after showers?
Usually failed caulking or grout at the tub, or a leaking drain gasket. It is worth fixing before the drywall sags.
Do Rathwood homes need backwater valves?
Not all, but homes on streets with past backups should consider one.