Common Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid During Your Remodel

01 Mar Common Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid During Your Remodel

It’s finally time to give your kitchen the makeover it deserves. You’re ready to rip out that old sink and replace it with a new one that’s sleek and stainless steel.

But first, take caution—if something goes wrong with the plumbing, your kitchen will be completely out of order. 

Things can go wrong even with the most carefully-planned remodel. However, some mistakes are more typical than others. Save yourself the headache and extra work by avoiding these common plumbing mistakes: 

The Measurements are Wrong

When it comes to measurements, it never hurts to double or triple check! Measure it again at least once to ensure that you aren’t off by an inch or two. Have another person measure it to compare, just in case.

If the numbers aren’t accurate, you’ll wind up with a toilet that isn’t level or a sink that doesn’t fit. Just like your math homework from grade school, be sure to check your work!

The Slope is Off

It’s difficult for water to drain from a flat surface. With sinks and showers, you need to slope the surface at a certain angle to prevent water from pooling in one place. Otherwise, it can erode the grout on the sides and/or cause an unpleasant scent. 

But a steeper slope isn’t always better. If your shower is too angled, you might lose your balance while washing your hair. A slight dip near the drain will suffice. Only an experienced plumber knows how to properly angle your fixtures so that gravity will do the work.

The Plumbers are Inexperienced

When you’re hiring a plumber for your next remodel, make sure to do your research. 

What if your plumber doesn’t install the sink trap properly? You’ll start to notice the smell of foul gasses rising from your drain. If they use the wrong connections, you may have a leak that will damage your brand new floor tiles. 

Use these tips to find the best plumber in your area:

• Ask for referrals. If any friends or family members have remodeled their homes recently, ask about their experiences with local plumbers. They might have a good recommendation for you.

• Read online reviews. What you read online about a plumber reveals a lot about the quality of work they perform. Search the name of the company on Google and see what their other customers are saying. 

• Get multiple bids. When you’re describing your remodel plans to a plumber, you might be tempted to choose one that offers the lowest price. But first, meet with 2-3 other plumbers and see what they have to say. 

The Drain is Clogged

A clogged drain can make all your hard work seem wasted. What good is a new bathroom vanity if the sink won’t drain? 

It can lead to blockages in your home’s sewer line. If you’ve dealt with a sewer backup in the past, you know how disastrous this issue can be. 

Our bathroom and kitchen drains can get clogged by all sorts of different products over time. Hair and grease can build up in the sides of the pipes until no water can pass through. Avoid putting those things down the drain to prevent clogs.

Not Turning Off the Water

If you fail to switch off your water shut-off valves, you’ll have a mess on your hands in no time. From mold growth to water damage, this isn’t a problem that’s easy to fix. Prevent it by turning off your main water valve before remodeling a room. Otherwise, you might have a flood in your new bathroom. 

Leaky Pipes

Imperfect pipes may not seem like a big problem at first. The issue arises when you start to notice an increase in your water bill. A remodel costs you enough as it is—you don’t want to pay additional fees because the plumbing wasn’t done properly.

To avoid this issue, be sure to purchase brand-new and high-quality pipes from a reputable brand. Spending more on your plumbing saves you the cost of fixing water damage from leaky pipes.

Make sure to avoid the common mistakes above, and soon you’ll have the kitchen and/or bathroom of your dreams without the mess of a plumbing problem. 

It can be tempting to do a remodel yourself. However, you might end up with a tap that doesn’t run or a sink that won’t drain. It’s best to contact a professional when you’re renovating. At New Generation Kitchen & Bath, we can help you pull off the perfect remodel without a hitch.