Meticulous consideration is an absolute must when renovating the bathroom – make sure to create a thorough list of every step that needs to be taken. This will not only save you time and effort, but it’ll ensure that no important details are missed.
Plumbing is one of the things we often forget about. We only remember when it stops working or gives us problems, and that’s when the real nightmare begins.
So that you don’t get into such stressful situations again, we have selected very important steps that you usually forget.
Why is plumbing important?
To start, it’s important to understand that plumbing is integral to any bathroom renovation process. Plumbing involves installing and maintaining pipes and fixtures such as toilets, showers, sinks, and bathtubs. Without these components, your bathroom would not be able to run effectively or safely.
In a typical bathroom remodeling job, you need to consider the following plumbing aspects:
- Toilet installation
- Shower and bathtub installations
- Sink and faucet installations
- Moving existing fixtures to different locations
- Replacing old pipes with new ones
- Installing new water supply lines
- Sewer line repairs or replacements.
All that is involved in plumbing can be overwhelming, so it is important to use a qualified and experienced plumber who is knowledgeable about the specific requirements of your project. It’s also recommended that you come up with a plan early on in the planning stages of your bathroom renovation. This will allow you to budget for any costs associated with plumbing work.
Having said that, here are some general plumbing tips to keep in mind when embarking on your bathroom renovation:
1. Shut off the water supply before starting any work
This step sounds stupid but often people forget about it and start experimenting when there’s water coming out of the pipes. This can lead to a huge mess and make the plumbing repairs even more difficult than they need to be.
And how you can do it? Simple, just find the shut-off valve and turn it off. This way you can make sure that no water is flowing into the pipes when you start working on them. Usually, the shut-off valve is near the water heater, or you can simply ask your plumber to show it to you or you can read more about it and preventing additional damage.
2. Replace old pipes or fixtures with durable materials that will last longer
To last longer, opt for more durable materials such as brass or copper. Both of these materials are much sturdier and more resistant to corrosion than traditional galvanized steel pipes. And the main difference between this two is that brass pipes are more expensive, but they will last longer.
But how to know when is the time to replace it? The best way to know is by taking a good look at your pipes. If they are rusty, pitted, or corroded, it’s time to replace them with more durable materials.
Also, you should check if the fixtures need replacing too. Faucets, drain stoppers, and other fixtures made of plastic or rubber can wear out faster than metal or ceramic fixtures. If they’re cracked or leaking, or if they just don’t function as they should, it’s time to replace them with more durable materials.
You should also consider upgrading your plumbing system. This may mean replacing old pipes with new ones that are designed to better handle water pressure and temperature fluctuations.
3. Avoid using too much glue as it can cause clogs in the pipes
Glue can cause clogs and because of that, you need to pay attention to the amount of glue you use when working on pipes and plumbing. It’s important to use just enough to get a secure hold, but not so much that it creates blockages in the system.
This is especially true when it comes to bathroom renovations where clogs can lead to significant water damage if left untreated. If you’re unsure about how much glue to use, you can always consult with a professional plumber beforehand. This way, you’ll have an expert opinion on what’s best for your particular situation and avoid unnecessary damage in the future.
And always make sure that the glue you’re using is designed for your specific piping system.
4. Insulate pipes to help reduce heat loss and conserve energy
You have to insulate pipes carefully to prevent condensation of moisture, while at the same time ensuring that it doesn’t interfere with its operation. This is important when it comes to bathroom renovations as you don’t want your pipes to freeze over in winter or become too hot in summer.
Insulating the pipes also helps reduce heat loss and conserve energy, which adds up to savings on your energy bills. When insulating the pipes, make sure to use a foam wrap as it gives you better insulation than just plain old plastic sheeting. Also, make sure there are no gaps and that it is properly sealed so that heat does not escape through it.
When moving water through the pipes, be mindful of your water flow rate. You can adjust the flow rate to suit your needs and avoid wasting valuable water. This is particularly important when it comes to bathroom renovations, as you want to make sure that you are making the most of your resources.
5. Test the toilet, sinks, and shower for proper water pressure before using them
And finally, water pressure is an important factor when it comes to plumbing. Poor water pressure can cause sinks and toilets to not function properly or cause low water pressure in the shower. Before using any of these fixtures, make sure they all have proper water pressure. If there is a problem with your water pressure, you may need to call in a plumber to take care of it.
You can test your water pressure by using a pressure gauge or you can contact your local plumber for help.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you will be well on your way to having successful bathroom renovations with no plumbing issues. With a little bit of planning and preparation, your bathroom renovation project can be smooth sailing from start to finish!