Why You Should Inspect Your Plumbing Before Remodeling a Bathroom
A bathroom remodel can completely transform one of the most-used spaces in your home. New tile, updated fixtures, a modern vanity, and a fresh shower can make an outdated bathroom feel brand new.
But before you start choosing finishes, there’s something much less exciting that deserves your attention: the plumbing behind the walls and under the floor.
Once a bathroom remodel is finished, the last thing you want to discover is a plumbing problem hiding behind your brand-new tile or vanity. A plumbing inspection before a remodel can help identify potential issues while they are easier, and often less expensive, to address.
If you’re planning an Oklahoma bathroom remodeling project, here are some of the plumbing problems worth looking for before everything gets covered back up.
New Finishes Don’t Fix Old Plumbing
It’s easy to focus on what you can see during a bathroom renovation. Unfortunately, beautiful new finishes don’t change the condition of the plumbing behind them.
Depending on the age of your home and previous renovations, the pipes, fittings, valves, and drain lines serving your bathroom may have been there for decades.
Before installing new drywall, flooring, tile, or cabinetry, have the accessible plumbing evaluated. If something is nearing the end of its useful life, remodeling may provide the perfect opportunity to address it.
Look for Signs of Previous Leaks
Not every plumbing leak announces itself with water pouring onto the floor. Slow or intermittent leaks can go unnoticed for months or even years.
Once walls, flooring, or cabinets are removed, look for signs of previous water problems, including:
- Water stains or discoloration
- Soft or damaged wood
- Rust or corrosion around plumbing connections
- Evidence of previous patches or repairs
- Moisture around tubs, showers, sinks, or toilets
- Musty odors or other signs that moisture has been present
Even if the area appears dry during the remodel, evidence of an old leak is worth investigating. You want to know where that water came from before covering everything with new materials.
Check for Corroded Pipes and Fittings
Bathroom remodeling gives you access to plumbing components that are normally difficult to see.
Take advantage of it.
Corrosion around pipes, fittings, valves, or connections can indicate aging materials or a potential weak point in the plumbing system. A connection that is holding today could become a leak later.
Replacing a questionable fitting while the wall is already open is much easier than cutting through newly installed drywall or tile a year from now.
Don’t Ignore Existing Drain Problems
Does the bathroom sink drain slowly? Does the shower tend to back up? Does the toilet clog more frequently than it should?
Don’t assume new fixtures will solve existing bathroom plumbing problems.
Slow or recurring drainage issues may indicate a problem farther down the drain line. Before completing a remodel, it is worth determining whether the existing drains are working properly and are suitable for the new fixtures you’re installing.
This is especially important if you’re changing the bathroom layout or relocating a sink, shower, tub, or toilet.
Watch for Previous DIY Plumbing
Older homes sometimes come with surprises, especially if previous owners completed their own renovations.
Once walls and floors are opened, you may discover unusual connections, questionable repairs, improperly installed drain lines, or other plumbing work that doesn’t meet current standards.
Something may have “worked” for years without necessarily being installed correctly.
A licensed plumber can evaluate questionable plumbing and recommend what should be corrected before you continue with the renovation.
The Best Time to Fix Plumbing Is When You Can Reach It
One of the biggest advantages of inspecting your plumbing during a bathroom remodel is simple: you already have access to it.
If a wall has been opened or flooring has been removed, repairing or replacing an aging plumbing component can be much simpler than doing the same work after the bathroom has been completely refinished.
Think about the cost and frustration of installing new tile only to have it removed later because of a leaking pipe behind the wall.
Addressing plumbing concerns during the remodeling process can help protect the money you’re investing in the rest of the bathroom.
Planning a Bathroom Remodel in Central Oklahoma?
Before you cover the walls and install the finishing touches, make sure the plumbing underneath your remodel is ready for the years ahead.
Service Pro Plumbing can inspect accessible bathroom plumbing, identify potential problems, and complete necessary plumbing repairs before your renovation is finished. As a licensed Oklahoma plumber, we can help you determine what needs attention now so you can avoid preventable plumbing problems later.
Planning a bathroom remodel in the Oklahoma City metro area or surrounding communities? Call Service Pro Plumbing at 405-476-1574 to schedule a plumbing inspection or repair before you close up those walls.
