Practical Plumbing Tips for DIY Home Renovations
Renovation of your home can bring not only a new, fresh look to your house’s interior or exterior but also boost its value.
DIY enthusiasts usually do things like painting walls or furniture restoration, but when it comes to plumbing systems and issues, not many of them want to mess with it.
To really check all the boxes when renovating a home, you need to make sure that your home remains safe and efficient, so dealing with plumbing systems is a must.
If you are not so experienced in addressing plumbing issues or you don’t know quite how to check your plumbing systems, here is a guide with a few practical tips on how to handle plumbing during DIY renovations. Of course, there will be advice on when it is time to call a professional.
Assess Your Existing Plumbing System
You cannot change something you don’t even understand, right? So, in order to make any changes, you first need to understand your current plumbing setup.
But how to do that? Identify the location of pipes, water shut-off valves, and any potential problem areas, such as leaks or corrosion. In other words, you need to do a thorough assessment if you want to avoid unnecessary surprises.
If you come across some problems that require simple solutions, that is great, but if there is some serious problem, then you should definitely contact professionals.
Also, for larger renovations that involve rerouting pipes or installing new fixtures, you need professional help.
Across the U.S., there are many great plumbing professionals who are really making an effort to stay updated on the latest codes and techniques.
For example, plumbers in California are learning how to address earthquake-specific requirements, then in Florida managing stormwater systems, and there are even programs like plumbing continuing education in Georgia, where they are tackling residential projects. Look for experts who are equipped to handle location-specific challenges in order to get the best service you can.
Choose the Right Materials
This can be a big part of your renovation budget, but you must not save money on it. Using high-quality materials is a cornerstone of successful plumbing upgrades.
- Pipes: Use durable materials like PEX or copper.
- Fixtures: If you invest in water-efficient fixtures, you will save money later on water bills.
- Sealants and Tapes: To prevent any leaks at joints and connections, it would be wise to use a plumber’s tape and waterproof sealants.
Plan for Ventilation
This is an often overlooked aspect of plumbing, but that is very risky. You need to have a plan for ventilation to avoid problems like foul odors and even more serious ones like structural damage.
For example, you can’t install a new sink or move a toilet without ensuring that the venting system aligns with plumbing codes.
If this is too much work for you, or you don’t have the knowledge to do it, you can always consult with a licensed plumber.
Know When to Call a Professional
There are many plumbing tasks that DIY enthusiasts can handle alone, but for some situations it is the best and the safest option to seek professional help. You should definitely call a plumber if your project involves:
- Major Pipe Rerouting
- Installing Complex Systems
- Code Compliance
Combine Functionality with Aesthetics
These two go hand in hand. No one wants to do renovation just for functionality or just for aesthetics. For a successful project, you need to combine these two. Your plumbing upgrades should blend with your overall renovation idea and style.
For example, if you are doing an interior with a lot of industrial elements, consider exposed pipas to complement your industrial look. For a modern look in your bathroom, you can do minimalist faucets, etc.
Protect Your Investment
In order to prevent some serious repairments in the future, you should prioritize the long-term health of your plumbing systems. How to do that? Well, the best way is regular maintenance checks.
If you identify potential issues early, you will also ensure your renovation continues efficiently. If you need help with checking your plumbing system, you can also contact a licensed plumber for maintenance.
Conclusion
Plumbing is an unskippable part of the renovation, from remodeling the bathroom to creating an open-plan kitchen. If you want to do everything right, you should get your plumbing system thoroughly checked.
You need to understand your plumbing system if you want to make any changes. Always select high-quality materials to prevent future problems and know when to seek professional help.
Make sure that the professional plumber you choose is well-educated and equipped to handle location-specific problems.
If you do all the necessary things, you can achieve that your house is both stylish and functional. Include some modifications that will blend nicely with your preferred style, and in the end, you are going to be so happy that you haven’t missed any step in your renovation.
