Bathroom Renovation: Plumbing Considerations to Keep in Mind

Bathroom renovations not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but can also significantly increase its resale value. While it’s easy to get caught up in choosing the right aesthetic, such as the perfect tiles or fixtures, it’s important to not overlook underlying the plumbing system. Not upgrading the plumbing can lead to long-term issues. In this article, we’ll take a look at the crucial plumbing considerations you should bear in mind when remodeling your bathroom.

Assessing the Existing Plumbing System

Checking for Old Pipes

Before you start any renovation, it’s imperative to have a professional plumber inspect your existing plumbing. Older homes often have galvanized or lead pipes, which might need replacement due to corrosion or health concerns.

Testing Your Water Pressure

It’s also important to test your home’s water pressure. If it’s too high, it can damage your fixtures and pipes. On the other hand, low water pressure might indicate blockages or leaks. If you have a well, it’s important to have your pressure tank inspected to ensure it is working correctly and maintaining optimum pressure.

Choosing the Right Fixtures

Selecting Water-Efficient Models

Modern fixtures, like low-flow toilets and faucets, can save a significant amount of water without compromising on functionality. Look for shower heads, toilets and faucets with the WaterSense label

Ensuring Compatibility with Existing Plumbing

Ensure that the fixtures you choose are compatible with your home’s plumbing system. For example, some luxury shower heads with multiple spray systems may require a specific water pressure range to function optimally.

Your plumber must ensure that the fixture’s inlet matches the size of your existing pipes. If there’s a mismatch, it might lead to reduced water flow or leaks. The material of your pipes must also be considered. When combining PVC pipes with copper fixtures the appropriate connectors must be used to ensure compatibility.

Venting and P-Trap Placement

When relocating fixtures, remember that each one will need proper venting and a correctly positioned P-trap to prevent sewer gases from entering your home.

Other Potential Challenges

Space Limitations

In smaller bathrooms, you might face limitations when positioning fixtures and ensuring that they have the required spacing. By work closely with a plumbing expert you can ensure that your needs are met while limiting compromises.

Future-Proofing Your Plumbing

Anticipating Future Needs

Think about your houshold’s potential future needs. Will your family be growing? Are you planning on aging in place? Consider accessible fixtures that are easy to operate, have anti-scald devices and ensure there is easy access for walk-in showers during your renovation.

Hiring a Professional Plumber

While DIY can lead to the satisfaction of a job well done, it can also be a path to disappointment when things don’t go as expected. Before making any decisions, get an expert’s opinion. A plumber can guide you on what fixtures will work best with your existing plumbing and help make sure that systems are up to code.

While the design and aesthetics of your bathroom renovation are what homeowners focus on, it’s the underlying plumbing that can make or break your bathroom remodeling project. The experienced plumbers at Grand Lake Plumbing are here to answer all your questions and can help ensure a successful, problem-free bathroom remodel.