ARTICLES

PLUMBING DO’S & DON’TS FOR RENOVATING A BATHROOM

DEC 27, 2017

Renovating a bathroom is great way to improve your home’s livability and add to its value — provided it is done right. While most people get most excited about things like picking out tile and fixtures, not considering your plumbing can lead to some unintended consequences and expenses. Luckily, we have compiled this list of do’s and don’ts to ensure that your bathroom remodel is a positive experience.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN RENOVATING A BATHROOM

Out of sight, out of mind. Many people forget about certain plumbing considerations only to have to deal with them at the end of a remodel when their budget (and patience) are wearing thin. But with these practical considerations, you can pull off a great bathroom renovation that will last for years to come.

DO KNOW THE PARTICULARS OF YOUR CURRENT PLUMBING SITUATION

Knowing where pipes run in your bathroom, which type of plumbing pipes you have, and their condition is invaluable information when it comes time to undertake a bathroom renovation. Perhaps you are considering completely changing the layout of the bathroom? Whether pipes run through your floors or your walls can make a huge difference in the process for getting the job done. If you live in an older home, your pipes may be too narrow to adequately supply water to new fixtures. And if the pipes are starting to wear down, you may find that this is a good time to upgrade to new pipes as well.

Bonus tip: Before the renovation is over, take photos of your pipes and where they lay in the bathroom. This can help you in the future if you have a plumbing problem that needs diagnosed or you decide to undertake another remodel sometime in the future.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE TOILET

Considering how important it is to our day-to-day, it is sort of amazing how little regard we give to the toilets we have in our homes. If you are going through the process of renovating a bathroom, odds are it will need to be removed. Choosing to upgrade to a high efficiency toilet (one that uses less water per flush) that has a high Maximum Performance (MaP) score can go a long way toward improving the function of your bathroom.

Alternatively, if you are totally satisfied with your current toilet or are trying to cut costs wherever practical, you may consider replacing the toilet seat and lid as a way to get an upgraded feel for less expense. Though it will not do anything for your plumbing’s efficiency, it is a small touch that can add substantially to the new feel of your remodeled bathroom.

DO CONSIDER UPGRADING YOUR WATER HEATER

Are you installing a luxurious multi-head shower or a giant tub? Think of all the extra hot water you will need to enjoy your new amenities! Upgrading your water heater with one that has a larger capacity may be necessary. You can offset some of the costs of heating the water for all of those baths you will be taking by getting a system that has higher energy efficiency as well. There are a variety of different water heaters on the market. Whether you are interested in a traditional water heater or a tankless water heater, if you are going upgrade, do it while you are renovating a bathroom to eliminate some hassle. No one wants to have a beautiful new bathroom only to find that they don’t have enough hot water to enjoy it! Since most people only buy a few water heaters over their lifetimes, it can be difficult to know what you really need.

DON’T JUST WING IT

Renovating a bathroom can be exciting and while it may be a small room (compared to other areas of the house) there are a lot of ins and outs to consider. You don’t want to underestimate the time, costs and planning it will take to do the job correctly and safely. While the internet is a great resource to have, nothing can beat consulting with an experienced professional before you start demolition. Speaking of…..

DO CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL

Before making any major purchase (like a new water heater) or doing any major bathroom renovations, ask someone who knows the ropes. There’s a saying that goes something like “you should never ask a barber if you need a haircut” but, to be honest, a quick consult with a plumber while you are in the planning phases of your bathroom renovation can do wonders towards making sure that the plan you come up with is realistic. Not only will a professional be able to give you advice on all of the items outlined above, they will also be able to provide you with practical solutions for any potential issues. Contact  a reputable plumber to see what feedback they have on your renovation.

Whether you are just starting to think about renovating a bathroom or are already in the middle of the process, feel free to reach out. We pledge to be as helpful as possible at any stage of your renovation.