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Most home renovation projects either require new plumbing or give you the opportunity to upgrade the plumbing while you’re already taking care of other home improvements. Before you start any home renovation project, consider asking the experts at Brisbane Plumbing & Drainage to assess your plumbing to see if it needs to be replaced or repaired to prevent future issues. Otherwise, here’s how to prepare your plumbing for a home renovation project.
Address Current Plumbing Issues
Whether you need to move your plumbing, replace it, or leave it as is during your home renovation project, make sure you address any current issues with your plumbing before beginning your project. Repair any leaks throughout your house and if you’ve been experiencing clogs or other problems with your sewer, get the pipes inspected and cleaned out.
This is the ideal time to have a professional come in and inspect your plumbing to make sure you don’t have to undo all your renovations later for a problem that could have been fixed the first time. This is especially true if you’re replacing floors, walls, or redoing your garden. Whenever your pipes are exposed, they are much easier to access and repair.
Identify the Location of your Pipes
Identifying where your pipes are located is especially important if you’re planning to move any fixtures that require plumbing, such as sinks, showers, toilets, the clothes washer, and the dishwasher. The pipes will also need to be moved in these situations, and knowing where they already are makes that process easier.
This location component is also critical if you’re adding fixtures like a new bathroom or bar sink because you’ll need to know where the existing plumbing is so you can add plumbing to the new fixtures. Again, this may be a task better suited for professionals, but some of it is doable on your own, particularly if your new fixtures are located right next to a water line.
Know the Permits and Codes Required
In most cases, moving or adding any plumbing requires a permit from your local water and sewer company. Be sure you get the permits you need before you start work because noncompliance can result in delays and fines. If you get caught without a required permit, you won’t be able to finish your project until you get the proper paperwork in order. And sometimes, they won’t approve of what you’ve already done and you’ll have to undo it.
Moreover, any project you plan, whether it includes plumbing or not, has to meet the building codes in your area. If you ignore the building codes, your project could be unsafe and may prevent you from being able to sell your house in the future, especially if extensive repairs are required to get your space up to code first. Professional plumbers are knowledgeable about all the permits and codes that apply to your project, so if you have any concerns, consult a plumbing company.
Conclusion
Whether your home renovation project involves your existing plumbing or not, now is the perfect time to get your plumbing system checked out to prevent future problems. But if you do need to move, extend, or repair your plumbing as part of your project, be sure you prepare for that before you start renovating.
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