Can i replace my own bathroom vanity and faucet in NB without calling a plumber — where's the line between DIY and licensed work?

Yes, you can replace a bathroom vanity and faucet yourself in New Brunswick — but the line between legal DIY and licensed plumber work is very specific, and it's worth knowing exactly where it falls.

Swapping out a vanity and faucet is one of the more approachable DIY jobs a homeowner can tackle. Disconnecting the supply lines, removing the old faucet, installing the new one, and reconnecting the drain trap are all considered fixture replacement — not "plumbing work" in the licensed sense. As long as you're working on the fixture side of the shut-off valves and not touching the rough-in pipes inside the wall, you're in legal DIY territory in NB.

Here's the practical breakdown of where the line sits:

What you CAN do yourself:

• Remove and replace the vanity cabinet and countertop


• Swap the faucet (disconnect/reconnect supply lines at the shut-off valves)


• Replace the drain assembly, P-trap, and pop-up stopper


• Install a new undermount or drop-in sink


• Caulk and seal around the new vanity

What requires a licensed plumber (TIS-licensed):

• Moving or extending the supply lines inside the wall


• Relocating the drain rough-in


• Adding or capping any new water supply connections


• Replacing shut-off valves that are soldered onto copper pipe (sweating copper requires a licensed plumber in NB)


• Any work that requires a plumbing permit

New Brunswick's Technical Inspection Services (TIS) licenses plumbers province-wide and requires a permit for any new, altered, or repaired plumbing system — but a straight fixture swap doesn't trigger that requirement. The moment you're cutting into the wall and modifying the rough-in, you've crossed into permitted work territory and need a licensed plumber. TIS can be reached at 1-888-659-3222 if you're unsure whether your specific scope crosses that line.

A few things that catch DIYers off guard on vanity replacements: If your home is from the 1970s–1990s (very common in Riverview, Quispamsis, New Maryland, suburban Moncton and Fredericton), check whether those shut-off valves actually shut off fully — older gate valves and corroded angle stops often don't seal properly after sitting untouched for decades. If the valve won't close, you'll need to shut off at the main and call a plumber to replace it before you can safely proceed. Also check the drain — galvanized steel drain pipes common in older NB homes are often corroded at the joints, and disturbing them can cause leaks or crumbling. If you see rust-coloured galvanized pipe rather than white PVC, probe gently and be ready to call in a plumber if it looks compromised.

Costs for the fixture side of this job are very manageable — a mid-range vanity combo (cabinet, top, and faucet) runs $400–$1,200 at local suppliers, with premium options going higher. If you do need a plumber for any rough-in adjustments, budget $85–$130/hour in the NB market, and most simple supply/drain relocations are a 2–4 hour job.

If you run into anything unexpected — corroded pipes, no working shut-offs, or a drain that won't line up with the new vanity — licensed plumbers are listed in the New Brunswick Construction Network directory. A short professional visit to sort out the rough-in lets you handle the rest yourself with confidence.