Remodeling Your Bathroom? How to Take Care of Your Plumbing
If you’re planning on remodeling your bathroom, there’s a lot to think about – from the layout to the fixtures to the finishes. But one thing that’s often overlooked is the plumbing. After all, it’s not the most glamorous part of the room. However, if you don’t take care of your plumbing during a remodel, you could be in for some very costly repairs down the road. Here are a few tips to help you take care of your plumbing during a bathroom remodel.
Shut Off the Water
Before you start tearing out walls or ripping up floors, make sure to shut off the water to your bathroom. This will prevent any accidental flooding (which could seriously damage your home). Once the water is shut off, open all of the faucets in your bathroom to drain any residual water from the lines. If you need professional help, a plumbing contractor should be able to lend you a hand.
Know Where Your Drainage Lines Are
Once you start demolishing your bathroom, it can be easy to accidentally damage your drainage lines. So before you start swinging that sledgehammer, familiarize yourself with the location of your drains and water lines. That way, you can avoid them when demolition starts.
Know the Layout of Your Pipes
Before you start tearing down walls or taking out cabinets, you need to have a clear understanding of where your pipes are located. This way, you can avoid damaging them and will know exactly what needs to be done in order to reroute them if necessary.
Use Proper Fixtures and Materials
When it comes time to actually purchase the fixtures and materials for your project, make sure that you are choosing ones that are meant for bathroom use and that are rated for indoor use. There is a big difference between residential and commercial plumbing fixtures, so make sure you know what you need before making any purchases.
Don’t Forget About Venting
When you’re planning your new bathroom layout, don’t forget about venting for your drains. All drains need to be properly ventilated in order to function properly – otherwise, you could end up with clogged drains or slow-draining sinks and tubs. If you’re not sure how to vent your drains, consult with a professional plumber before starting your project.
Use Proper Pipes and Fittings for Drains and Water Lines
When you’re ready to install new drains and water lines in your bathroom, make sure to use the proper pipes and fittings for the job. Otherwise, you could end up with leaks – which could lead to serious water damage in your home. Consult with a professional plumber or contractor to ensure that you’re using the correct materials for your project.
Taking care of your plumbing when you are remodeling your bathroom may not be the most exciting part of the process, but it’s definitely one of the most important. By following these tips, you can help avoid costly repairs down the road and ensure that your new bathroom is both beautiful and functional.
