Symptoms that call for bathroom renovation plumbing
Any remodel that moves a fixture, replaces a tub with a shower, or opens the walls needs a plumber. Even a cosmetic update often turns up something worth fixing while the walls are open.
- You are moving the toilet, sink or shower to a new spot
- The tub is coming out for a curbless or walk-in shower
- Old galvanized pipe or a corroded drain is visible once the drywall comes off
- A second sink or a new vanity layout is in the plan
How the job is done
Bathroom plumbing comes in two stages. Rough-in happens with the walls open. That is when drain lines, vents and water lines are run to the new locations, the shower valve is set at the right depth, and everything is pressure-tested. Finish plumbing happens after tile and paint, when the toilet, faucets, shower trim and vanity get installed.
Drains need the right slope, usually a quarter inch per foot, and every fixture needs a proper vent so it drains quietly without siphoning its trap. Moving a toilet more than a short distance often means cutting into joists or the slab, so we plan the route with your contractor before any demolition.
Most bathroom renovations in Toronto that change plumbing need a permit and inspection. Your contractor may handle the building permit, and the plumbing work gets inspected before walls close. We will tell you up front which parts of your plan trigger that.
Any remodel that moves a fixture, replaces a tub with a shower, or opens the walls needs a plumber.
From the counter
North York housing notes
A lot of North York bathrooms from the 1950s and 60s sit over a cast iron stack with lead bends and galvanized branches. Opening those walls is the cheapest time you will ever get to replace them. We usually recommend it, and we will show you what the old pipe looks like inside so you can decide.
Split-level homes, common in places like Parkwoods and Don Mills, can have tricky drain routes because the bathroom sits half a level above the basement. Condos limit where drains can go, and the building may have rules on shutting risers and booking work hours.
What to do before we arrive
- Have a drawn layout with fixture positions and sizes.
- Choose fixtures, valves and drains before rough-in.
- Share your contractor's schedule so trades do not trip over each other.
- For condos, get the management office's renovation rules.
Related work
Adding a bathroom downstairs? Start with basement bathroom planning and basement rough-in. Permit questions are covered in plumbing permits in Toronto. For the fixtures, see toilet installation.
Questions
Do I need a permit to renovate a bathroom?
If you are only swapping fixtures in the same spot, often not. Moving or adding drains, vents or fixtures usually does. Check with the City of Toronto or ask us.
Can you work with my general contractor?
Yes. Most of our renovation work is alongside a contractor or tile setter. Clear schedules make it go smoothly.
Is it worth replacing old pipes during a reno?
When walls are open, it is the lowest-cost time to do it. Galvanized and old cast iron rarely get better with age.
How the job runs
- You callDescribe what is dripping, backing up or cold, and the cross streets.
- We ask questionsAge of the building, pipe type if you know it, where the shut-off is.
- We open it upTrap off, clean-out open or wall cut: find the actual fault before quoting the fix.
- We test itOpen each tap on that run, watch the joints dry and show you what came out.