New Bathroom, Old Plumbing

Sometimes a bathroom may need to be installed, or an existing one remodelled for practical or aesthetic reasons. It is definitely manageable to have work done on a bathroom while keeping the existing bathroom plumbing – if the system itself is working, changing the old plumbing could prove unnecessary.

Even though keeping pre-existing plumbing is an option, DIY bathroom remodelling for the standard homeowner is not. Just because the bathroom plumbing does not need to be replaced does not mean that this is a simple task. A professional will be able to carry out the constructing, installing, and the completion of a bathroom remodel. It is best to call in a professional plumber who is qualified and trained in the field. Contact a reliable company to get the job done by technicians with knowledge and expertise in a variety of plumbing matters.

Your bathroom remodel can easily and effectively adapt to the existing plumbing. This is safe even in older houses if the plumbing is functional and meets building codes and standards. Below are some points to keep in mind when getting a new bathroom.

The toilet is probably the most integral and the most intricate (in terms of plumbing) component of a bathroom. An example of this is the soil stack, which is connected to the toilet. This pipe takes the waste to the sewer. The new fixtures must effectively and efficiently connect to the existing pipes, drains and waste systems.

Pipes for your water supply can be made from materials such as copper, galvanized steel or iron, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). The diameter of a supply pipe is generally 1/2 an inch and the main pipe which it connects to would have a 3/4-inch diameter. It is best for pipes carrying hot water to be short so that you don’t need to wait long for hot water.

It is important for the bath, shower and sink to connect to the drain and waste vent system, and also to the main vent stack. A shared pipe can connect all the elements to the stack. The drains can individually connect to the soil stack.

There can be risks involved when sticking with existing plumbing, especially if this plumbing is very old. Corrosions and sediments, for example, can build-up in pipes. But a trained professional will be able to assess any damage and advise you on the best course of action. If the plumbing system is too old, it might work out cheaper to replace it now rather than risking severe damage in the future. However, if the bathroom plumbing is up to scratch, there should be no reason to replace everything when putting in a new bathroom.

A new bathroom, or a changeup in your existing bathroom does not have to mean a changeup of the entire plumbing system. But having both a checklist and a professional at your side are advisable to ensure that all is fine with your bathroom plumbing. It is also sensible to be aware of common plumbing repair issues which occur. Problems such as leaky pipes and clogged drains can strike no matter how old or new the plumbing is.