Telltale signs: basement bathroom rough-in
A rough-in is the hidden part of a bathroom: drains under the floor, vents in the walls, and supply pipes ready for fixtures. It is done before framing is closed and before tile goes down. Some houses have a partial rough-in from the builder, capped stubs that may or may not be in useful places.
What we bring
- ABS, copper and PEX fittings
- Pipe cutters, torch and press tools
- Drop sheets and a wet vacuum
Tested before we leave
- Every new joint checked under pressure
- Drains run at full flow
- Work area cleaned before we leave
On the job: what we open, clear and test
We start with the layout. Where will the toilet, shower and basin sit, and how far are they from the main drain? We confirm the depth of the building drain, because that decides whether fixtures can drain by gravity or need a pumped system. Then the concrete is saw-cut, trenches dug, and new ABS drain lines laid to slope and tied into the main with proper fittings.
- Plan fixture locations with you and your contractor
- Obtain the permit and arrange inspection stages
- Cut and trench the slab, lay drains and test them
- Run vents up to tie into the existing stack
- Install supply lines and stub them out at each fixture
- Pass the rough-in inspection, then backfill and pour
What can change the job
Distance to the main and the height of the drain are the big ones. A basement that already has a backwater valve needs the new drains connected on the correct side of it. Hard water and filtration choices, such as a softener or filtration, are easier to plan now than later. For a new suite, the hot water supply may need upsizing; our tank versus tankless guide helps.
Etobicoke homes and this job
Lakeshore houses in Long Branch and New Toronto often have shallow basements and high water tables, which affects trenching and sometimes calls for a sump or pumped fixtures. Mid-century bungalows across central Etobicoke usually have deeper mains, making gravity drainage easier. Second suites are common, and the permit process covers plumbing as part of the larger building permit.
Before you call
Sketch where you want each fixture and photograph the basement floor near the main stack. Ring (365) 816-2905.