A common mistake home improvement makers make on their kitchen or bathroom remodeling projects is overlooking the plumbing while it is exposed. “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” the mantra says, and new plumbing only adds to the cost. It is only when they notice water pooling under their brand new kitchen cabinets or seeping through the new tile floors that these unhappy homeowners realize their mistake.
The fact is, a kitchen or bathroom remodel is the perfect time to make sure your plumbing is in perfect condition as those pipes are already exposed. You don’t want to have to dig behind those new walls to fix something you previously overlooked. To protect your house from damage and your wallet from additional costs, here are some “must-dos” for renovating kitchens or bathrooms.
Check for leaks and corrosion
At least with the walls open and piping exposed, do a careful inspection of the pipes and connections to see if there are any drips and leaks. For drain pipes, let the water run for a while and check for moisture build-up on the faucets. When in doubt, spend a little extra cash to hire a plumber for a full inspection. If there is any sign of wear or leakage, have these pipes replaced before completing the conversion.
Replace galvanized pipes
If your home was built before 1960 – or even as late as 1980 – your installation is likely made of galvanized steel tubing that will corrode and clog over time. If so, it’s only a matter of time before they fail – and when you plug a new sink or faucet into galvanized plumbing, you’re basically asking about leaks and damage. Don’t waste your money leaving galvanized pipes in place – have them replaced as you remodel your kitchen or bathroom. Not sure if you have galvanized pipes? Try scratching the pipe in an inconspicuous place with a screwdriver. If the scratch marks are silver gray, or if a magnet is stuck to the pipe, it’s galvanized steel and you should replace it.
Don’t move your plumbing work without professional help
If your new kitchen or bathroom design involves moving a sink or toilet to a different part of the room, the installation will have to be reconfigured. Most do-it-yourselfers try to do this job on their own. Better to hire a plumber to help you get it right the first time, than to have something repaired that you broke or undo something you did wrong. You will save more money in the long run by calling the plumber first.
Don’t let bad plumbing ruin your new remodeling project before you’ve had time to enjoy it. Be proactive with your plumbing and call the plumber if necessary.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeff Palady, RMP, is President and Co-Owner of Budget Rooter Plumbing & Drain Cleaning. The family-owned sanitary company has been looking after its customers for more than 25 years and attaches great importance to customer service and quality of work.
Jeff began working in the field at the age of fifteen under the tutelage of his father, who owned a Philadelphia-based plumbing and drain cleaning company. At the age of eighteen, Jeff and his mother decided to start their own business in their home state of Delaware. For the first few years, Jeff was Budget Rooter’s only field technician, often out and about late into the night while he went to school to earn his Masters’s license. As Budget Rooter grew, Jeff trained new technicians, researched and bought the best equipment, and now runs the business.
Jeff is known for being devoted to Budget Rooter. He’s one of the first to arrive in the morning and usually the last to leave. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys fishing, modifying his truck and spending time with his wife and two sons.
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