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Bathroom Plumbing Rough-In Dimensions: Calgary Code Guide

Bathroom Renovations

Get the Rough-In Right — It’s Cheaper Than Fixing It Later

Plumbing rough-in dimensions determine where your fixtures sit. Get them wrong and your toilet is too close to the wall, your shower drain is off-centre, or your vanity can’t be installed. Here are the correct specs for Calgary.

Toilet Rough-In Dimensions

  • Standard rough-in: 12″ from finished wall to centre of drain
  • Alternative: 10″ or 14″ (less common — verify your toilet model)
  • Side clearance: 15″ minimum from centre of toilet to side wall or obstruction (18″ recommended per NKBA)
  • Front clearance: 21″ minimum from front of toilet to facing wall (24–30″ preferred)
  • Supply rough-in: 6″ above floor, 6″ to left of centre

Shower Rough-In Dimensions

  • Drain: Centred in the shower floor (or per layout plan)
  • Showerhead rough-in: 80″ above drain (6’8″) — standard
  • Valve rough-in: 48″ above floor — standard
  • Hot/cold supply: 6″ apart, centred on wall
  • Curbless shower: Drain slightly higher than floor to allow linear drain slope

Vanity/Sink Rough-In

  • Drain centre: 16–19″ off finished floor (matches P-trap height)
  • Supply lines: 21–24″ off floor, 4″ either side of drain centre
  • Shut-off valves: Below counter height, accessible

Bathtub Rough-In

  • Overflow/drain: Per tub spec sheet — varies by model
  • Faucet rough-in: 4″ from tub rim, 33″ from floor (standard)
  • Hot/cold supply: 8″ apart (standard) or 6″ (narrow deck)
  • Transfer valve: 28″ off floor

Clearances Required by Alberta Building Code

Item Minimum Clearance
Toilet to side wall 15″ (centre to wall)
Toilet to front obstruction 21″
Shower entry clearance 24″ minimum
Shower min size 30″×30″ (32″×32″ recommended)
Vanity to toilet 15″ (edge to toilet centre)

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⚠ Estimate Disclaimer: These are only ROUGH estimates that can vary wildly. Do not take these numbers as gospel. Having a defined scope of work and exact selections will give you clarity.

Why This Matters

If your plumber rough-ins the drain 14″ from the wall instead of 12″, your standard toilet won’t fit — you’ll need a 14″ rough-in toilet (fewer options, usually more expensive). Getting rough-in dimensions right before the slab is poured saves thousands in rework.

Always Verify with Your Fixture Specs

Before rough-in, have your actual fixture specification sheets on hand. Every manufacturer has slightly different requirements. A good plumber will verify against the actual product, not just use generic dimensions.

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Olympic City Renovations serves Calgary, Priddis, Okotoks, and surrounding communities.