Double vanity installation Toronto jobs aren’t just dropping a cabinet in place and connecting water lines. It’s a multi-step process that requires planning, precise plumbing work, and sometimes muscle—especially when you’re hauling a 300-pound fixture upstairs through a narrow hallway. We recently completed a double vanity replacement in the GTA that shows exactly what homeowners should expect: removing an old single-sink vanity, carrying a 72-inch double vanity up a flight of stairs, and running new plumbing to support dual sink fixtures. This kind of job is common in master bathrooms across Toronto, North York, and Scarborough, where upgrading to dual sinks has become the standard for shared bathrooms.
Whether you’re renovating a main ensuite or adding functionality to a guest bath, understanding what happens on install day—and what it costs—saves headaches and budget surprises. Let’s walk through a real project and break down every phase of the work.
What a Real Double Vanity Job Looks Like (A Recent RenoHeal Project)
Last month, we installed a 72-inch double vanity in a master bathroom in the GTA. The old setup was a single-sink vanity that had to come out completely. The new cabinet? 300 pounds of solid construction, with two sinks, two faucets, and plumbing that needed to tie into existing drain and supply lines.
The first challenge was logistics. The vanity had to go upstairs, through a hallway barely 36 inches wide, and into a bathroom with a standard doorway. That meant carrying it at angles, protecting walls and frames along the way, and making sure it didn’t get damaged before it was even installed. Old vanity removal was straightforward—disconnect plumbing, unbolt it from the wall, haul it out—but the new one required precision and care.
Once in the bathroom, the real work began: checking for level (bathrooms often aren’t), adjusting the height, running new supply lines to the second faucet, extending the drain, and securing everything to studs so it won’t move. A job like this typically takes 4 to 6 hours depending on the condition of existing plumbing and whether the wall needs any repair after the old vanity comes out.
Double Vanity Installation Toronto: What the Job Actually Involves
A professional double vanity installation involves several distinct steps, each one important to the final result. Understanding the sequence helps you plan your day and know why it takes time.
Step 1: Disconnect and Remove the Old Vanity
The plumber shuts off water supply valves (or the main if there are no isolators), disconnects both supply lines and the drain, and unbolt the vanity from the wall studs. Any caulk or sealant around the old cabinet gets cut away. Once it’s loose, the vanity is carefully removed and hauled out—which means protecting doorways and hallways from damage. In the GTA, many homes have older plumbing with corroded valves or stiff connections, so this phase sometimes takes longer than expected.
Step 2: Inspect and Prep the Wall and Substructure
After the old vanity is gone, the wall is inspected for rot, mold, damage, or uneven framing. If the old vanity left water stains or soft spots, drywall repair or replacement may be needed before the new one goes in. The wall needs to be clean, dry, and level (or the countertop and sinks won’t sit right). In our recent project, we found the wall was solid, but we still checked stud locations and confirmed the height was even—a critical step many DIYers skip.
Step 3: Run Plumbing Rough-In
A double vanity needs two separate hot and cold supply lines—one for each faucet. This means either extending existing lines or running new copper or PEX from the main supply or existing line. The drain also needs to be extended or repositioned to accept both sink traps. In Toronto and surrounding areas like Etobicoke and Scarborough, older homes often have 1/2-inch copper supply lines that need careful expansion. PEX is faster and more flexible, but the choice depends on your home’s existing system and local codes.
Step 4: Level and Secure the Vanity Cabinet
The cabinet is positioned, shimmed to be perfectly level (front-to-back and side-to-side), and bolted to wall studs using 3-inch wood screws or lag bolts. A 300-pound vanity can’t be just set in place; it has to be anchored so it won’t shift or rock. This is non-negotiable for both appearance and durability.
Step 5: Connect Sinks, Faucets, and Plumbing
The sinks are dropped into the countertop (or already integrated), the faucets are installed with flex hoses connecting to the supply lines, and the drain traps are connected. Each connection gets tested for leaks before you turn on the water. In a dual-sink setup, having proper slope on the drain and secure connections is essential—leaks are expensive and can damage cabinets quickly.
Step 6: Seal and Finish
Caulk seals the gap between the countertop and wall, and between the vanity and wall. This keeps water from seeping behind the cabinet. The floor around the base is sealed if needed (especially if there’s tile). A final water test confirms both sinks drain properly and there are no leaks under the cabinet.
For experienced teams like RenoHeal’s bathroom service crew, this entire process—demo to final test—takes between 4 and 8 hours depending on the complexity of existing plumbing and wall condition. If you’re in Markham, Vaughan, or North York and considering a double vanity upgrade, getting a detailed free estimate helps you understand the exact scope for your home.
Plumbing Requirements You Need to Know Before Buying a Double Vanity
Double vanities are wider than single units, which means your plumbing layout has to handle two separate drain lines instead of one. The most critical measurement is drain spacing—the distance between the centerline of each sink drain. Standard spacing is 30 to 36 inches apart; if your vanity is narrower or wider, confirm this with the manufacturer before purchase. Getting it wrong means your drains won’t align with existing supply and waste lines in the wall.
Adding a second sink means a second drain, trap and vent connection, and Ontario’s Building Code governs how those are run. On a double vanity installation Toronto project, that plumbing check comes before anyone orders a cabinet.
Each sink needs its own P-trap (the curved pipe under the sink that holds water to block sewer gases). In Ontario, code requires that P-traps be positioned correctly: they can’t be more than 24 inches below the sink drain outlet, and they must slope toward the main drain line at roughly 1/4 inch per foot. If your current plumbing doesn’t meet this, you’ll need adjustments—something our experienced technicians assess during the free estimate.
Supply lines are simpler: you’ll need hot and cold water lines running to both sinks. Most homes have the infrastructure already; if not, running new lines inside the wall adds cost. Venting is also important—the drain system needs to vent to the roof so air can enter the pipes, which prevents siphoning and slow drains. If your existing vent is undersized or positioned poorly, it may need upgrading to meet Ontario Plumbing Code standards.
Old single-sink vanities often have plumbing centered in the wall; moving to a double vanity means your new drain and supply positions might shift significantly. This is why inspecting the existing setup before you buy the vanity is essential. Get a free estimate so we can evaluate your current plumbing and confirm compatibility with your new double vanity.
Double Vanity Installation Toronto Cost Guide (2026 Prices)
The total cost of double vanity installation in Toronto ranges from $1,200 to $3,500 CAD for labour and materials combined. The biggest variables are vanity size (a 72-inch vanity weighs around 300 lbs and is harder to maneuver), plumbing complexity, and whether your existing plumbing needs modifications.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Typical Cost Range (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Labour (installation only) | $500–$1,200 | Includes removal of old vanity, installation, connections, and final inspection. Larger vanities or upper-floor installations cost more. |
| Plumbing adjustments (if needed) | $300–$800 | Moving supply lines, re-routing drains, adjusting P-traps, or adding venting. |
| Double vanity (materials) | $400–$1,500+ | Depends on finish, size, and brand. Budget vanities start at $400; solid wood or designer units exceed $2,000. |
| Faucets & fixtures (two sinks) | $200–$600 | Basic chrome or brushed nickel; premium finishes cost more. |
| Disposal & haul-away | $100–$250 | Removal and disposal of old vanity, mirrors, and packaging. |
| Countertop work (if modifying) | $200–$600 | Cutting holes for new sink placement or sealing edges. |
If your bathroom is in Mississauga, Markham, or North York, travel costs may add $50–$100. Most homes in the GTA don’t need major plumbing overhauls—existing supply and waste lines usually accommodate a double vanity with minor adjustments. But if your bathroom is on an upper floor and the vanity weighs 300 lbs or more, installation becomes more labor-intensive and costs climb.
RenoHeal provides free estimates so you know exactly what you’re paying before work starts. We’re fully insured ($5M) and warranty our installation, which protects you if anything goes wrong. See our vanity installation service for more details, or request a quote today.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Double Vanity Installation
A 72-inch double vanity can weigh 300+ lbs—moving it upstairs alone is a genuine safety hazard. Even if you’re handy with tools, plumbing and vanity installation involve specific skills: setting the P-trap at the right angle, ensuring proper slope for drainage, sealing connections to prevent leaks, and anchoring the cabinet securely so it doesn’t shift under the weight of water and use.
See our vanity installation service for what is included, or our plumbing repairs page if you only need supply lines or a drain moved. We install vanities across Toronto and the GTA.
DIY risks: Improper drain installation causes slow drainage or backups weeks later. Over-tightening connections cracks fittings. Vanities that aren’t level lead to water pooling and cabinet warping. If your plumbing doesn’t meet Ontario building code, you may face issues during home inspection or sale.
Hiring a pro: Professional installation includes moving the vanity safely, rough-in inspection, proper drain slope, code-compliant connections, and warranty coverage. Most homeowners in Toronto, Scarborough, and the GTA don’t have the equipment, knowledge, or confidence to do this correctly. For a real-world timeline and cost breakdown, see what’s involved in vanity installation.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Replacing a Single Vanity with a Double
When upgrading from a single to a double vanity, the most expensive mistake is incorrect rough-in spacing. A single-sink vanity has one drain line; a double requires two. If the existing drain isn’t repositioned correctly, or if your new double vanity’s sink holes don’t align with the rough-in, the whole cabinet won’t fit—or plumbing won’t connect. This forces replumbing work, adding $300–$800 to your bill.
Other common errors: Using an undersized drain line (1.5″ instead of 2″) causes slow drainage. Skipping the levelling step makes one side slope, leading to water pooling in the sink basin and cabinet swelling. Forcing a 72-inch vanity into a space designed for 48 inches damages wall framing and creates plumbing conflicts. Not securing the cabinet to wall studs lets it sag, separating connections and causing leaks.
In Markham, North York, and across the GTA, these mistakes often aren’t caught until walls are closed up. Get a free estimate to have your space measured and rough-in checked before purchase. That 30 minutes saves thousands in rework.
How to Choose the Right Double Vanity for Your Toronto Bathroom
Choosing a double vanity isn’t just about looks—it’s about fit, function, and whether it can actually get into your bathroom. Most double vanities in the GTA range from 60 to 84 inches wide, with 72 inches being the sweet spot for standard bathrooms. You’ll want to measure your existing space, account for door swing, and confirm you have clearance to your toilet.
Weight matters more than people think. A solid 72-inch double vanity typically weighs 250–350 lbs, which means it won’t fit through a standard doorway without tilting or removing it from its packaging. If your bathroom is upstairs or accessed by narrow hallways, this affects delivery and installation cost.
Vanity Materials and Styles
In Toronto and across the GTA, you’ll find three main options: solid wood (durable, classic, heavier), engineered wood with veneer (affordable, lighter, moisture-prone in humid bathrooms), and metal-frame with composite tops (modern, water-resistant). Engineered options work fine for dry Toronto winters, but watch humidity in summer.
Sink Configuration and Pre-Drilled Tops
Ask your supplier whether the vanity comes with pre-drilled sink holes and whether the faucet holes match your chosen faucets. Some vanities arrive pre-drilled for single-handle faucets; others need custom drilling. Verify drain hole spacing too—it must match your plumbing setup below.
Where to Buy in Toronto and the GTA
- Home Depot and Lowe’s (North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke locations) stock mid-range 72-inch vanities ($600–$1,500)
- Local kitchen and bath showrooms in Markham and Mississauga often carry high-end options and offer design consultation
- Online retailers ship to Toronto but confirm return policies and delivery fees for heavy items
Before purchasing, take a photo of your current bathroom and plumbing layout, or get a free estimate from RenoHeal—our technicians can verify dimensions and compatibility on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a double vanity installation take in Toronto?
Most double vanity installations take one full day — roughly 6 to 9 hours — when the rough-in plumbing is already in good shape. If plumbing modifications are needed, such as adding a second drain line or relocating supply lines, expect to add another half-day to a full day. Countertop templating (for stone tops) can add a separate visit for fabrication.
Do I need a permit to install a double vanity in Ontario?
A permit is generally not required if you’re replacing an existing vanity with a double vanity in the same footprint and not moving any drain or supply lines within the wall. However, if the work involves extending or relocating drain stacks, supply lines inside the wall, or cutting new holes in load-bearing structures, a plumbing permit from your local Toronto building department may be required. When in doubt, a licensed professional can confirm what applies to your specific job before work starts.
Can a double vanity be installed where a single vanity was?
Yes, in most cases — but the existing plumbing will need to be extended to serve a second sink. The original single drain and supply lines are typically centred for one basin, so a plumber or experienced handyman needs to add a second drain, a P-trap, and additional hot and cold supply lines. The wall cabinet space also needs to be wide enough, typically 60 to 72 inches, to accommodate the double unit.
How much does it cost to install a double vanity in Toronto?
Labour for double vanity installation in Toronto typically runs $400 to $900 CAD depending on the complexity of the plumbing, the weight and size of the unit, and whether the countertop is pre-attached or requires separate installation. If plumbing modifications are needed — adding a second drain line, relocating supply valves, or opening the wall — expect to add $300 to $700 to that estimate. Material costs for the vanity itself range widely from $600 for a builder-grade unit to $3,000 or more for a solid wood or custom cabinet with a stone top.
What plumbing changes are needed when switching from a single to double vanity?
The most common changes are adding a second P-trap and drain line that ties into the existing main drain, and running a second set of hot and cold supply lines with shut-off valves to the new sink location. If the existing drain stub-out is centred for one sink, the plumber may need to open the wall to install a sanitary tee or wye fitting to branch the second drain. Supply lines can often be extended without opening the wall using braided flex lines, but the shut-offs should always be accessible and up to code.
How do professionals move and install a 300-pound vanity upstairs?
Experienced installers use furniture dollies, stair-climbing hand trucks, and moving straps to control heavy cabinets on stairs without damaging walls or flooring. For very heavy or oversized units, a two- or three-person crew is standard — one controlling the top, one at the base, and sometimes a third guiding from behind on steep stairways. The vanity base is typically moved separately from the countertop and sinks to reduce weight and risk, then assembled in place.
Ready to Book Double Vanity Installation Toronto?
A double vanity is one of the most practical upgrades you can make to a shared bathroom — but only when the plumbing is done right, the unit is properly levelled and secured, and the finish work is clean. Cut corners on any of those steps and you’re looking at leaks, wobbly cabinets, or caulking failures within the first year.
The key takeaways: budget $400–$900 CAD for labour alone, add $300–$700 if plumbing modifications are needed, plan for a full installation day, and make sure whoever does the work is insured and experienced with both carpentry and plumbing rough-in. Weight, wall condition, and existing drain locations all affect how the job goes — which is why a site visit before booking matters.
RenoHeal’s team handles double vanity installations across Toronto and the GTA, including plumbing tie-ins, countertop fitting, and all finish work — fully insured with $5M liability and WSIB coverage. Request a free quote today, or visit our vanity installation service page to see what’s included and how to get started.