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Plumbing

Vents matter — every fixture needs air behind the water or traps siphon and sewer gas fills your house. Licensed plumbers know the physics.

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Project Overview

schedule
Timeline
1-2 days for fixture replacement, 3-5 days for rough-in, 5-10 days for whole-home repiping
speed
Difficulty
Licensed plumber required for rough-in, gas lines, backwater valves, and anything behind walls
payments
Starting at
$200-$600
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Best Season
Year-round work. Winter repiping avoids freezing during exterior wall work. Backwater valve installs require dry weather (no rain = lower sewer flows).
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infoOverview

What is plumbing?

Plumbing systems have two independent networks: supply and DWV. Supply lines deliver pressurized water (40-80 psi) from the street to fixtures. DWV (drain, waste, vent) removes wastewater by gravity and vents sewer gases outside through the roof.

Supply pipe generations each failed differently. Lead (pre-1950s) leaches lead into drinking water — no safe level. Galvanized steel (1950s-1980s) corrodes from inside, reducing pressure and turning water brown. Copper (1960s-present) lasts 50+ years but corrodes in acidic water or from flux residue. PEX (1990s-present) is flexible, freeze-resistant, and lasts 50+ years — now the standard.

Polybutylene (1978-1995) was a class-action failure. Chlorine in municipal water degraded the plastic from inside, causing burst pipes. Kitec (1995-2007) used brass fittings that dezincified (zinc leached out, leaving porous copper), causing fitting failures and floods. Both were recalled — if your house has either, repipe before they fail.

DWV systems rely on gravity and venting. Every fixture needs a trap (U-bend that holds water to block sewer gas) and a vent (air path to the roof). Without vents, draining water siphons the trap dry, letting sewer gas into the house. Undersized drains flow too fast, creating suction that pulls traps dry. Proper venting and sizing prevent both.

Backwater valves (required in Toronto since 2014, Chapter 681) prevent sewage backup during heavy rain. When city sewers overflow, sewage flows backward into basement drains. A backwater valve is a one-way flap that allows water out but blocks reverse flow. Must be installed by licensed plumber and inspected annually.

When you need plumbing

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    Repiping — low water pressure, brown water, pinhole leaks, polybutylene, Kitec, or galvanized pipe that's corroding from inside
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    Fixture replacement — toilets, sinks, faucets, showers, tubs. Simple swaps are DIY-friendly, but rough-in changes need a plumber.
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    Backwater valve installation — required by Toronto bylaw 681, recommended anywhere with basement drains and aging sewer infrastructure
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    Drain problems — slow drains, gurgling sounds, sewer gas smell, water backing up (venting or blockage issues)
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    Bathroom/kitchen renovation — relocating fixtures, adding a bathroom, moving walls that change drain or vent routing
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    Gas line work — adding gas range, dryer, fireplace, or pool heater. Gas work requires TSSA certification and pressure testing.
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    Water heater replacement — tank or tankless, gas or electric. Tanks last 8-12 years, tankless 15-20 years but cost 2-3x more.
timelineStep by Step

The Process

What happens from start to finish

1

Assessment & Code Compliance Check

1-2 hours

Plumber inspects existing plumbing: supply pipe type (lead, galvanized, copper, PEX, polybutylene, Kitec), DWV layout, venting, water pressure (should be 40-80 psi), and drain flow. Identifies code violations: missing vents, undersized drains, cross-connections, improper trap configurations. Checks if backwater valve is required (Toronto Chapter 681).

2

Permit Application

1-3 days processing

Plumber pulls municipal plumbing permit for rough-in work (new fixtures, repiping, backwater valves, gas lines). Permit costs $150-$500 depending on scope. Simple fixture swaps (toilet, faucet) don't need permits. Gas work requires separate TSSA permit and pressure test.

3

Material Procurement & Scheduling

1-3 days

Plumber orders pipe, fittings, fixtures, valves. PEX supply is standard for repiping (flexible, freeze-resistant). ABS or PVC for DWV (ABS is black, PVC is white — both code-approved in Ontario). Schedules coordination with electrician (water heater), HVAC (boiler), or drywall if walls need opening.

4

Rough-In & Execution

Varies by scope

Plumber shuts water at main valve, drains lines, removes old pipe. Installs new supply lines (PEX manifold system or trunk-and-branch), drains (gravity slope 1/4" per foot minimum), and vents (every fixture needs air path to roof). Pressure-tests supply at 100 psi for leaks. Backwater valve installs require breaking basement floor and sewer tie-in.

5

Inspection & Final Connection

Inspection: 30-60 min

Municipal inspector verifies code compliance: proper venting, drain sizing per fixture unit loads, trap configurations, backflow prevention, gas line pressure test (TSSA). Pass = approval to close walls and connect fixtures. Plumber installs fixtures, tests all drains and supply lines, adjusts water pressure if needed.

paymentsPricing Transparency

Investment Guide

Plumbing pricing depends on labor (journeyman rate $80-$120/hr), materials (pipe, fittings, fixtures), access (open basement vs insulated walls), and permit/inspection fees. Backwater valves and repiping cost more due to concrete cutting and longer timelines.

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Fixture replacement (toilet, sink, faucet)

$200-$600

Depends on: Simple swap vs rough-in changes, standard fixture vs custom vanity, accessible basement vs finished ceiling

Water heater replacement (tank, gas or electric)

$1,200-$2,500

Depends on: Tank size (40 vs 60 gallon), gas vs electric, venting changes, expansion tank, permit/inspection. Tankless adds $1,500-$3,000.

Backwater valve installation

$2,500-$5,000

Depends on: Includes concrete cutting, sewer tie-in, valve, backfill, inspection. Toronto subsidy covers up to $3,400. Add $1,000-$2,000 for sump pump.

Bathroom rough-in (new bathroom or relocation)

$1,500-$4,000

Depends on: Supply and drain routing distance, need for new vent stack, concrete floor vs wood floor, access for pipe runs

Whole-home repiping (supply lines, 1,500 sq ft)

$6,000-$12,000

Depends on: PEX manifold system, drywall access and repair, fixture count, water heater tie-in. Polybutylene or galvanized removal adds labor.

Gas line installation (range, dryer, fireplace)

$500-$2,000

Depends on: Distance from meter, 1/2" vs 3/4" black iron pipe, wall/floor penetrations, TSSA permit and pressure test

descriptionPermits
warningPermit Required
Plumbing Permit$150-$500
TSSA Gas Permit$50-$150
Backwater Valve Subsidy (Toronto)Rebate up to $3,400

What Affects the Price

Pipe material — PEX costs less than copper for supply ($0.50/ft vs $3/ft) and installs faster (fewer fittings, no soldering)Access — open basement joists cost less than cutting finished ceilings or exterior walls in winterFixture quality — builder-grade toilet costs $150, Toto or Duravit costs $400-$800. Plumber labor is the same, fixture cost varies.Venting complexity — adding a bathroom far from existing vent stack requires new roof penetration and flashing ($500-$1,200 extra)Backwater valve depth — deeper sewer tie-in (4+ feet) requires shoring, adding $1,000-$2,000 to installation costGas line distance — every 10 feet of black iron pipe adds $100-$200 in material and labor, plus threading time

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Permits & Building Code

Ontario Building Code requirements

Permit / ApprovalAuthorityTypical Cost
Plumbing PermitMunicipal building department$150-$500
TSSA Gas PermitTechnical Standards & Safety Authority$50-$150
Backwater Valve Subsidy (Toronto)City of TorontoRebate up to $3,400

infoLicensed plumbers (G2 or G1 ticket) pull permits under their license. Homeowners can pull permits but inspectors scrutinize DIY work closely.

infoInspectors check drain slope (1/4" per foot minimum), vent sizing (1.5" minimum for most fixtures), trap distances, and backflow prevention.

infoFailed inspections delay drywall and fixture installation. Common fails: missing vents, improper slope, S-traps (siphon easily), cross-connections.

infoGas work MUST be TSSA-certified. Inspectors pressure-test at 15-30 psi and check for leaks with bubble solution. No shortcuts — gas leaks kill.

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Project Center

Plumbing

In Progress
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Deposit15%
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Permit Application25%
Material Procurement & Scheduling30%
Final + Holdback30%

Escrow Balance

$200-$600

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Plumbing Failures — Why Bad Systems Flood and Poison

  • errorPolybutylene pipe (1978-1995) degrades from chlorine in municipal water — bursts without warning. Gray or white plastic pipe with "PB" stamped on it. Class-action settled, but if you still have it, repipe before it floods your house.
  • errorKitec (1995-2007) brass fittings dezincify — zinc leaches out, leaving porous copper that fails under pressure. Orange and blue PEX with brass fittings. Class-action settled, insurance often denies claims. Repipe immediately.
  • errorMissing vents siphon traps dry, letting sewer gas (methane, hydrogen sulfide) into your house. Gurgling drains = venting problem. Every fixture needs an air path to the roof — no shortcuts.
  • errorS-traps (drain goes down, up, then down again) siphon easily because there's no vent. Ontario code banned them, but old houses still have them. Replace with P-trap and proper vent.
  • errorUndersized drains flow too fast, creating suction that pulls traps dry. Code sets minimum sizes: 1.5" for sinks, 3" for toilets, 4" for main stack. Don't reduce pipe diameter to "save space."
  • errorDIY backwater valves fail if installed wrong — flap jams open (no protection) or closed (sewage backs up inside house). Must be accessible for annual inspection. Pay a licensed plumber.
  • errorGalvanized pipe corrodes from inside, reducing pressure and turning water brown. Once corrosion starts, it accelerates. Repipe with PEX — don't wait for pinhole leaks inside walls.
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Related Services

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Handyman

Handymen can replace faucets and toilets, but rough-in, gas lines, or backwater valves need licensed plumbers.

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Electrical

Electric water heaters need dedicated circuit. Renovations often need both plumbing and electrical rough-in.

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helpFAQ

Common Questions

Can I replace a toilet or faucet myself?expand_more
Yes, if you're swapping an existing fixture with no rough-in changes. Turn off water, disconnect supply line, remove old fixture, install new one, test for leaks. No permit required. But if you're relocating the fixture, changing drain size, or adding a new bathroom, hire a licensed plumber — rough-in work needs permits and inspection.
What's the difference between PEX, copper, and PVC pipe?expand_more
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is flexible plastic for hot/cold supply — freeze-resistant, easy to install, lasts 50+ years. Copper is rigid metal for supply — lasts 50+ years but corrodes in acidic water and costs 3x more. PVC/ABS are rigid plastic for drains (DWV) — PVC is white, ABS is black. Both code-approved in Ontario, ABS is more common.
How do I know if I have polybutylene or Kitec plumbing?expand_more
Polybutylene: gray or white plastic pipe (sometimes blue) with "PB" stamped on it, used 1978-1995. Kitec: orange (hot) and blue (cold) PEX with brass fittings, used 1995-2007. Both failed spectacularly — polybutylene from chlorine degradation, Kitec from dezincification of brass fittings. If you have either, repipe immediately. Insurance often denies claims.
Why does my drain gurgle when I flush the toilet?expand_more
Gurgling = venting problem. When water drains, it displaces air. If there's no vent path to the roof, draining water creates suction that pulls air through other fixture traps (the gurgle). Repeated siphoning dries the trap, letting sewer gas into your house. Every fixture needs a vent — hire a plumber to add proper venting.
Do I need a backwater valve?expand_more
Required in Toronto (Chapter 681) for any property with basement drains. Recommended anywhere with aging sewer infrastructure or history of backups. When city sewers overflow during heavy rain, sewage flows backward into your basement. Backwater valve is a one-way flap that blocks reverse flow. Installation costs $2,500-$5,000, Toronto subsidizes up to $3,400.
Can I use PEX for both hot and cold water?expand_more
Yes. PEX is rated for hot water (up to 93°C / 200°F) and cold water. It's freeze-resistant (expands without bursting), doesn't corrode, and lasts 50+ years. Red PEX is typically used for hot, blue for cold, white for either — but the color is just for identification, the pipe is identical. PEX is now the standard for residential supply plumbing.
Why is my water pressure low?expand_more
Low pressure has 5 common causes: (1) corroded galvanized pipe restricting flow, (2) partially closed main shutoff valve, (3) pressure regulator set too low (should be 50-60 psi), (4) municipal supply issue (call city), or (5) clogged aerators on faucets. Test pressure with a gauge at hose bib — below 40 psi is too low. If pipes are corroded, repipe with PEX.
What's the difference between a tank and tankless water heater?expand_more
Tank heaters store 40-60 gallons of hot water, last 8-12 years, cost $1,200-$2,500 installed. Tankless heat water on demand, last 15-20 years, cost $2,500-$5,000 installed. Tankless never run out of hot water but require larger gas line or dedicated electrical circuit. For most families, a tank is cheaper and simpler.
Can I install a gas line myself?expand_more
No. Gas work requires TSSA certification, permit, and pressure test. Gas leaks cause explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Licensed plumbers install black iron pipe (threaded connections), pressure-test at 15-30 psi, and inspect with bubble solution. TSSA inspects before you can use the line. DIY gas work is illegal, voids insurance, and kills people.
Why does my basement smell like sewer gas?expand_more
Sewer gas (methane, hydrogen sulfide) escapes when traps dry out or vents are missing. Check floor drains — pour a gallon of water down each one to refill traps. If smell persists, you have a venting problem (missing vent, clogged vent stack, improper trap) or a cracked drain pipe. Hire a plumber to camera-inspect your DWV system and fix the source.
Are there health concerns with PVC plumbing pipes?expand_more
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) supply pipe can leach diethyl phthalate and trimethylhexane into standing water — both are endocrine disruptors. Leaching is highest when the pipe is new and decreases over time but never stops completely. For supply lines, copper (Type L or M with lead-free silver solder) or crosslinked PEX are healthier choices — neither leaches chemicals into water. For drain-waste-vent, ABS is preferred over PVC because ABS uses a simpler one-step cement that's less toxic than PVC's two-step primer-plus-cement process. If you have existing PVC supply lines, flush for 30 seconds before drinking after water has been sitting in the pipes overnight.
How toxic are the glues and cements used to join plastic pipes?expand_more
Very toxic. PVC primer contains tetrahydrofuran and acetone. PVC cement contains tetrahydrofuran and methyl ethyl ketone. Both cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation within minutes — long-term exposure damages the liver and nervous system. During installation, fumes are intense and linger for hours in enclosed spaces like basements and crawl spaces. ABS cement is a single-step product (no primer needed) with lower total VOC exposure than the PVC two-step process. For any plastic pipe assembly work, demand maximum ventilation — open windows, run fans, and keep people out of the space for 24 hours after cementing. Plumbers working in confined spaces should use supplied-air respirators, not paper dust masks.
What is a PEX home-run manifold system and is it worth it?expand_more
A home-run manifold system runs a dedicated PEX line from a central manifold to each fixture — like a breaker panel for water. Every fixture (shower, sink, toilet, dishwasher) gets its own line instead of sharing a branched trunk. Benefits: stable pressure (flushing a toilet doesn't affect the shower), faster hot water delivery (smaller diameter pipes hold less cold water to purge), individual shutoff valves at the manifold (fix one fixture without killing water to the whole house), and no fittings inside walls (fewer leak points). Uses more PEX overall but the pipe is cheap ($0.50-$1.00/ft) and the manifold costs $150-$400. Labor is about the same as traditional branching because you're pulling single runs instead of cutting and fitting tees. For new construction or a full repipe, the home-run manifold is the best plumbing layout — simple, reliable, and serviceable.
What causes water hammer and how do you fix it?expand_more
Water hammer is the loud bang when a valve closes suddenly — a washing machine solenoid, a dishwasher valve, a quick-close faucet. Moving water has momentum, and when a valve slams shut, the energy has nowhere to go. The pressure spike (up to 10x normal operating pressure) sends a shockwave through the pipes, stressing joints and fittings. The fix: a water hammer arrestor — a small sealed device with a piston or bellows that absorbs the pressure spike. Certified arrestors (ASSE 1010 rated) have a sealed air chamber with a piston separating air from water. Old-school "homemade" arrestors (capped vertical pipe stub) fail because the air slowly dissolves into the water over months, leaving the chamber waterlogged and useless. Install certified arrestors at the source — near washing machine valves, dishwasher supply, and any quick-closing fixtures. They cost $15-$30 each and thread onto standard supply lines. For whole-house protection on older plumbing, install a larger arrestor near the main shutoff.
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