If you are planning a home renovation in Toronto, one of the big questions is what to do with the old plumbing. Many people ask, “How much plumbing should I remove before I start renovating?” This is a very important question because it affects the safety, cost, and quality of your project.
What Is Plumbing Removal?
Plumbing removal means taking out old water pipes, drains, and fixtures like sinks, bathtubs, or toilets. Sometimes, only a small part of the plumbing needs to be removed. Other times, the whole system may need to be replaced, especially in older homes. It all depends on the condition of the pipes, your renovation plans, and Toronto’s building rules.
Why Remove Old Plumbing Before Renovating?
To avoid leaks and water damage
Old plumbing can cause many problems if not removed. Here are some reasons why TheFixitGuys recommend checking and removing some or all plumbing before a renovation:
- Old pipes can leak and cause water damage
- Some pipes may be made from materials like lead, which are unsafe
- Old plumbing may not work well with new fixtures or layouts
- You might want to move the sink or toilet to a new spot
- Fixing plumbing later can be more expensive and harder
If you want a renovation that lasts for years without issues, it’s better to take care of the plumbing first.
What Type of Renovation Are You Doing?
The amount of plumbing you need to remove depends on what kind of renovation you are planning in your Toronto home.
Kitchen renovation
If you are just replacing cabinets or countertops, you might not need to touch the plumbing. But if you are moving the sink or installing a dishwasher, some pipes will need to be removed and replaced.
Bathroom renovation
Bathroom projects often need more plumbing work. If you are changing the shower, toilet, or bathtub location, the old pipes will likely need to be removed. Even if you are keeping everything in the same place, it is still smart to check the condition of the pipes behind the walls.
Basement renovation
Many basements in Toronto have old pipes or no plumbing at all. If you are adding a new bathroom or laundry room, you will need to remove part of the old plumbing or install brand-new systems.
Whole-home renovation
For full renovations, TheFixitGuys usually recommend removing most or all old plumbing and installing new pipes. This gives you peace of mind and helps avoid problems in the future.
How Old Is Your Plumbing?
Homes in Toronto can be very old. Some still have original plumbing from 50 or even 100 years ago. If your home was built before 1980, there’s a good chance your plumbing needs to be updated. Old pipes may be made from copper, cast iron, or even lead. These materials don’t last forever and can break or corrode over time.
TheFixitGuys always check the condition of your pipes before any renovation work begins. If we find rust, cracks, or leaks, we will recommend removing that part of the system.
Should You Remove All the Plumbing or Just Some?
You don’t always need to remove everything. Sometimes, just removing a small part is enough. Here is a basic guide:
Remove just a little if:
- You are doing a small renovation like painting or changing tiles
- Your plumbing is newer and in good shape
- You are not moving any sinks, toilets, or showers
Remove some or all plumbing if:
- You are changing the layout of the kitchen or bathroom
- Your plumbing is more than 30 years old
- You see signs of leaks, rust, or water damage
- You want to make your home ready for the future
TheFixitGuys can help you decide how much needs to go. We don’t remove more than what is needed, but we always make sure the job is done right.
What Happens After Plumbing Is Removed?
Once we remove the old plumbing, we usually replace it with modern pipes. These are often made from PVC or PEX, which are strong, safe, and easy to work with. This makes your new kitchen or bathroom much more reliable. We also test the new plumbing before we close the walls or lay down the floors.
If the plumbing is removed but not replaced properly, it can lead to big problems later. That’s why it is always best to work with professionals like TheFixitGuys who understand plumbing and renovation together.
Do You Need a Permit to Remove Plumbing in Toronto?
Yes, in most cases, you will need a building permit if the plumbing removal is part of a bigger renovation. This is a rule by the City of Toronto. TheFixitGuys are familiar with the permit process and can help you handle all the paperwork and inspections. If you do not get the right permits, you might face delays, fines, or problems when you try to sell your home.
Can You Stay in the House During Plumbing Removal?
For small jobs, yes, you can usually stay in your home. But for bigger plumbing removals, especially in kitchens or bathrooms, it may be uncomfortable. You might be without water for a short time. TheFixitGuys work quickly and try to finish the messy part fast so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
What Problems Happen If You Don’t Remove Old Plumbing?
If you leave bad plumbing in place during your renovation, here are some problems that can happen:
- Leaks behind new walls or floors
- Water damage to new cabinets or paint
- Low water pressure
- Unpleasant smells from old drain pipes
- Health risks from lead or rust
- Paying twice to fix something that could have been fixed during the renovation
That’s why it’s better to fix it early when everything is open and easy to reach.
How Do TheFixitGuys Help with Plumbing Removal in Toronto?
We are a full-service team, which means we do both demolition and plumbing removal together. This makes the job faster and smoother. You don’t have to hire many companies. We inspect the old pipes, remove only what is needed, follow all Toronto codes, and help with the permits.
We also clean up after the job is done. No mess, no stress.
How to Know If You Need Plumbing Removal Before Renovation
Here are some simple signs that tell you plumbing might need to be removed:
- You see rusty water or low pressure
- You are renovating an old home in Toronto
- You hear banging sounds in the pipes
- You smell bad odours from sinks or drains
- You are changing the location of sinks, toilets, or bathtubs
- You want to make your home more modern and safe
If you notice any of these, it’s time to call TheFixitGuys for an inspection.
Final Thoughts
Every renovation is different. Some need small changes in the plumbing. Others need full plumbing removal and replacement. The best way to know what your home needs is to talk to experts. At TheFixitGuys, we have years of experience working with Toronto homes. We give honest advice, do careful work, and help make your renovation smooth and safe.
If you are starting a renovation and are not sure how much plumbing should be removed, contact TheFixitGuys. We will guide you step by step and make sure your plumbing is ready for the future.
Let us help you make smart choices before your renovation begins.
