Vancouver’s charm comes with a price its temperate rainforest climate, aging infrastructure, and fast-paced development create a perfect storm for persistent plumbing and drainage issues. From high-rise condos to heritage homes and new builds in East Van or the River District, plumbing systems across the city face unique pressures.
Whether you’re dealing with a backed-up toilet or flooding in your basement after a rainy week, Impero Plumbing is ready to help with fast, transparent, and reliable service across the Lower Mainland.
In Vancouver and surrounding areas, drainage and plumbing experts commonly address a range of issues influenced by the region’s wet climate, aging infrastructure, and rapid urban development. This document outlines the most common and notorious drainage issues, as well as the plumbing services professionals provide to resolve them.
Notorious Drainage Issues in Vancouver
1. Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs)
Many of Vancouver’s older neighbourhoods, including Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and Grandview-Woodland, still use combined sewer systems that carry both stormwater and sewage. During heavy rainfall, these systems often overflow, spilling untreated water into areas like False Creek and Burrard Inlet. Not only does this damage property, but it poses a serious environmental and public health risk.
2. Poor Maintenance Leading to Flooding
Many of Vancouver’s older neighbourhoods including Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and Grandview-Woodland still use combined sewer systems that carry both stormwater and sewage. During heavy rainfall, these systems often overflow, spilling untreated water into areas like False Creek and Burrard Inlet. Not only does this damage property, but it poses a serious environmental and public health risk.
3. The Leaky Condo Crisis
From the 1980s to early 2000s, poor building envelopes and ineffective waterproofing led to catastrophic water infiltration in condos across Vancouver. Neighbourhoods like Yaletown and Marpole are still dealing with legacy repairs, costing billions.
4. New Build Drainage Failures
New areas, such as the River District, frequently experience flooding due to inadequate surface drainage and nearby construction activities.
5. Extreme Rain and Blocked Systems
Even in newer areas like the River District or Cambie Corridor, we’re seeing inadequate drainage planning. Heavy equipment compacts the soil, surface grading is rushed, and the result is standing water or water ingress into basements and crawlspaces.
6. Stormwater Overload in North Van and West Side
In 2024, a major flood hit Gallant Creek in North Vancouver after extreme rain clogged upgraded drainage systems with debris. Many homeowners were left with flooded basements and major repair bills.
Common Drainage and Plumbing Issues Addressed by Experts
1. Clogged Drains and Toilets
Hair, food waste, grease, and debris build up over time. If plunging doesn’t work, we use snaking or hydro-jetting to clear the blockage fully.
2. Sewer Line Damage
Roots from mature trees in areas like Kerrisdale or Shaughnessy can invade sewer lines. We use video inspections to locate damage and offer trenchless repairs to save your yard.
3. Perimeter Drainage Failures
Blocked or collapsed perimeter drains can cause water to pool around your foundation. We clean, replace, or install modern drainage systems with filter cloth and gravel to protect your basement.
4. Sump Pump Failures
In flood-prone zones like Point Grey or East Van, a failing sump pump is a recipe for disaster. We repair, replace, and install battery backup systems to keep your basement dry and protected.
5. Leaky Pipes and Fixtures
From dripping faucets in your Kits apartment to copper pipe leaks in an older Oakridge home, we fix worn washers, corroded joints, and hidden leaks.
6. Low Water Pressure
Low flow at your faucet or shower may be caused by calcium buildup, aging piping, or valve failures. We diagnose and restore full pressure safely and efficiently.
7. Pipe Insulation and Burst Pipes
During cold snaps, especially in crawlspaces or poorly insulated areas, pipes freeze and burst. We provide emergency repairs and pipe insulation to winter-proof your home.
Why Impero Is the Go-To Plumbing Crew
We’re more than just another plumbing company. At Impero, we combine local knowledge with modern tools and traditional craftsmanship.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Local Vancouver plumbers who know the region’s infrastructure
- 24-hour emergency service because pipes don’t care what time it is
- Same-day appointments—we’re in the neighbourhood already
- No-nonsense pricing—transparent quotes, no upsells
- Modern tools & clean execution—we respect your home
- Licensed and insured across BC
Whether you live in a heritage home in Strathcona, a luxury condo in Coal Harbour, or a townhouse in Mount Pleasant, we’re just a call away.
Contact Your Local Vancouver Plumber Today
From dripping taps to full system failures, Impero Plumbing is here to help, anytime, anywhere. Don’t wait for a small problem to turn into a costly repair.
We service all of Vancouver, including:
- Downtown & West End
- East Vancouver
- Kitsilano & Point Grey
- Mount Pleasant & Main Street
- Kerrisdale & Oakridge
- River District & Champlain Heights
- Commercial Drive
- Hastings-Sunrise
- Marpole & South Vancouver
Call now for same day service, or book online for trusted, professional plumbing support anywhere in Vancouver.
