Planning before demolition
Moving a toilet a few centimetres or switching a tub for a walk-in shower changes drain slopes and venting. In two-storey Markham homes, the floor joists under an upstairs bathroom limit where drains can run. We look at the joists, the stack location and the space below before you commit to a layout.
- Fixture positions and the drain path for each.
- Shower valve height, niche locations and any body sprays.
- Whether a curbless shower needs the floor recessed.
- Access to shut-offs once the room is finished.
Rough-in stage
- Old fixtures and piping are removed back to sound connections.
- Drains are cut in or relocated with correct slope and venting.
- Supply lines are run to each fixture, with blocking for shower valves.
- The shower valve body is set at the right depth for the wall finish.
- The rough-in is tested and, where a permit is held, inspected before walls close.
Riding along on the truck
- Basin wrench for nuts behind the sink bowl.
- Cartridge pullers and seat tools for common brands.
- Braided supply lines and new angle stops.
- Plumber's putty and silicone for drains and escutcheons.
- Access panel cutter for shower valve bodies.
Finish stage
After tile and paint, we return to fit the toilet, vanity faucet and drain, shower trim and any tub filler. Every fixture is run and checked under the vanity and behind access panels.
| Change | Plumbing impact |
|---|---|
| Tub to shower | Larger drain, new valve location, waterproofing |
| Single to double vanity | Second drain and supplies |
| Freestanding tub | Floor drain and floor-mounted filler |
| Toilet moved | New flange location and drain route |
Permits
Changing drains or adding fixtures often requires a plumbing permit in Markham. Read when plumbing needs a permit. Valve trouble in an existing shower is covered on shower valve repair.
Markham note: village-core houses tend to hide cast iron and galvanized behind plaster, while Cornell and Box Grove builds run PEX to a manifold. We ask the year your house was built so the right fittings ride along on the truck.
Straight from the phone log
Do you do the tiling?
No. We handle the plumbing and coordinate with your contractor or tiler on timing and valve depth.
Is the original bathtub salvageable?
Frequently. We cover it with cardboard and blankets during the job and replace only the drain and overflow if they are worn.
Ready to get it fixed?
One call, a clear explanation, and work finished tidily before we leave.