A bathroom remodel can take the comfort and value of your home to a whole new level, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy task.
One of the most important aspects of a successful bathroom makeover is making sure to adapt the plumbing system to the new layout and design of your bathroom. From moving your existing plumbing fixtures to upgrading your water heater, plumbing can either make or break your bathroom remodeling project.
In this guide, we’ll be outlining five of the most important plumbing considerations for your bathroom remodel.
1. Hire a professional Plumbing company
It might be tempting to go the DIY route with your bathroom remodel, but there’s more than one reason why it’s a much better idea to leave it to the pros.
Professional plumbers are equipped with the necessary tools to help ensure the functionality of your new and improved bathroom space. More often than not, homeowners try their hand at plumbing without having the correct equipment, knowledge, and preparation, which can be extremely costly and even dangerous in the long run.
Improperly installed fixtures can lead to water damage, mold growth, and even safety hazards if the water reaches electrical outlets.
Unfortunately, the consequences of a bad plumbing job can extend far beyond your bathroom, potentially creating issues in your septic tank, which can be pretty pricey to fix.
If you’re a Tyler, TX resident, keep in mind that certain climate conditions such as droughts and flash floods can also affect your plumbing.
Professionals can recommend and install low-flow toilets and high-efficiency faucets, so you can have a plumbing system that conserves water and holds up well in all kinds of conditions.
Rather than trying to save a few dollars by doing your own plumbing during the remodel and running the risk of messing up your sewer line or septic tank, reach out to a reputable plumbing company in Tyler to make sure your plumbing needs are met.
2. Upgrade Your Plumbing Fixtures
Remodeling your bathroom can be a great opportunity to replace your old plumbing fixtures with more modern ones, which provides a host of benefits from cutting down your water bill to reducing the risk of blockages and clogged shower drains. This can be especially helpful for older homes or houses with frequent plumbing problems.
Although replacing your old system with eco-friendly fixtures will require a bit of cash, the long term financial benefits are more than worth it.
Dual-flush toilets, for example, use water more efficiently, thus reducing your usage considerably in the long-term. These toilets have two flush options, one for draining liquids and a stronger one for draining solid wastes, which makes it easier to only use the necessary amount of water for each flush.
Drain size is another crucial factor to consider before remodeling your bathroom, because when it comes to drains, size matters.
While 1.5-inch drains are the general standard, a 2-inch drain has a greater cross-sectional area that can handle larger volumes of water, which reduces blockages and clogging. Although half an inch of difference might not seem like a huge deal, a well-fitted 2-inch drain is guaranteed to save you from future plumbing headaches.
3. Layout of Plumbing Remodel
Thinking about the layout of your future bathroom is a necessary — albeit not-so-glamorous — detail of bathroom remodeling projects. Not only can changing the position of your toilet, sink, and shower substantially increase the cost of the remodel, but it will also require careful planning and help from a professional plumber.
Transferring a toilet, for example, is a bit more complicated than simply dragging and dropping. Aside from refitting the pipes and making sure that the new pipes don’t disrupt the floor’s foundation, your plumber will have to change the vents and maybe even replace the bathroom walls to make sure the new vents are properly positioned.
Because transferring plumbing fixtures can be an expensive and time-consuming process, it’s not a bad idea to schedule a consultation with an experienced plumber before you start your bathroom remodel.
This will help you evaluate whether you even need to move your fixtures and ensure the plumbing job goes smoothly.
4. Shower Plumbing Essentials
If you’re considering installing multiple shower heads or adding a steam feature for a spa-like experience, keep in mind that these add-ons might require you to change your plumbing setup.
Curbless showers are also becoming a popular trend these days. If you’re thinking about going curbless, it’s important to have a professional remove your floor to install a new, sloped shower base to avoid water pooling all over your bathroom floor.
Water pressure and flow also play a crucial role in creating a great shower experience. While remodeling, you might want to consider installing a pressure-balancing valve to maintain a consistent water temperature and avoid unexpected temperature fluctuations.
5. Upgrading Your Water Heater
Depending on your wants and needs, upgrading your bathroom might mean installing a new, larger bathtub, a jetted tub, or a multi-head shower system. These changes could increase your hot water usage, and your current water heater might not be up to the task.
Traditional tank water heaters have a set capacity, so if your renovation leads to increased hot water usage, you might find your current heater running out of hot water more quickly. Before you start remodeling, consult with an experienced plumber to decide whether your heater needs an upgrade.
Not only will an upgrade lead to a better delivery of hot water to your bathroom’s new fixtures, but a well-sized hot water supply can be an attractive feature to potential buyers, increasing the resale value of your home.
Conclusion
A bathroom remodel requires careful planning and professional input, especially when it comes to plumbing. An experienced plumber can turn an outdated bathroom into a beautiful, functional space, all while ensuring that the renovation is well-suited to the unique environment and climate of Tyler.
Whether you’re planning on turning the whole place upside down and transferring every fixture, or you just want to enlarge your drain size, working with a professional plumbing company will help you get one step closer to the bathroom of your dreams.