When you’re planning a remodel, it’s easy to get excited about all the new features and improvements you’ll be making. However, some things should be done with extreme caution if your goal is longevity and quality. This is especially true when it comes to plumbing.

While it’s not as sexy as woodworking projects, plumbing changes can make or break your bathroom experience and cause severe headaches if they’re not done right.

When remodeling your home, many factors affect the project. As a homeowner, there are countless ways to make mistakes. Familiarizing yourself ahead of time will help you avoid costly plumbing mistakes.

Here are some general tips:

• Don’t start a plumbing job if you are unsure how to finish it. Shutting off the water and tearing apart the kitchen sink without the proper knowledge to put it back together could put you in a tight spot and leave you without running water. 
• Using the wrong tools. There are specialized tools for different parts of a plumbing job. A poorly chosen wrench could break the pipe or lead to leaks because they are not correctly installed.
• Not using a strainer. This simple thing prevents hair and food from clogging the drain. Clogs lead to water backing up into your sinks and showers, which could cost you thousands in water damage to floors and walls.

Trying Too Hard to Save Money

The most common mistake you can make when trying to save money is trying to do it all yourself. Some people have the skills, but most don’t. You may be able to install a new toilet or sink, but you should leave any project involving piping or electric work to a professional. If you need to find out whether you are qualified for the job, hire someone who is!

The second mistake many homeowners make is using the wrong materials in their remodeling projects. For example, use PVC instead of copper pipes because copper costs more than PVC per foot—but this isn’t always true! There are times when using copper can save your wallet while still being safe, reliable, and attractive. It depends on how much work you need around your home before deciding which type will suit your needs best at each stage: plastic/PVC vs. metal/copper vs. stainless steel.

Foregoing Professional Assistance

Before attempting plumbing work on your own, knowing the difference between a professional and an amateur is essential. A professional will have all the necessary tools and equipment to complete your job effectively—and safely. They’ll also be able to provide you with a comprehensive estimate before beginning work, which saves time and money in the long run.

If you decide not to hire a contractor but rather tackle a project yourself, remember there are risks involved. If something goes wrong during installation or repair work—and something always does—you may need an emergency repair from a professional. 

Not Running New Pipes

Running new pipes is one of the most important things you can do when remodeling your home. If you don’t, you’re making yourself vulnerable to plumbing problems that could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fix down the road.

On top of that, running new pipes will ensure your home has a reliable water supply at all times, which means fewer trips to pick up gallons from the store!

Some Smart Tips…

While remodeling your home can be intimidating, there are a few simple ways to ensure things run smoothly.

Don’t Move the Soil Pipe

Keep the toilet in the same place as it is. When moving a toilet, for instance, you must consider the drainage, venting, and water supply, which will most likely need to be moved. This typically involves opening up space on the floor or wall.  

Don’t Skimp on Quality Materials

While you may want to save money by using cheaper pipes or fittings, this could lead to leaks or other issues in the future, shortening their lifespan overall (and costing more money).

You should always try to get the best quality materials you can afford. The saying “you get what you pay for” is true in this case; cheap material will look bad and cause problems later on.

For example, if your sink looks like it was made of plastic and not porcelain or cast iron as advertised, there could be some issues down the road with leaks or cracks in your sink’s finish. On top of that, if your toilet has a cracked bowl from poor construction and the use of inferior materials during manufacturing (like low-grade plastic), then there could also be more expensive problems, such as leaks from inside your toilet tank into other parts of your home’s foundation over time.

Changing Plumbing Appliances Too Much

Changing your plumbing appliances/fixtures too often can cause problems with your plumbing. If you are changing appliances, have a plumber check the pipes before you do it. Installing new faucets is one of the most common projects homeowners undertake when remodeling their homes, but this seemingly simple change can lead to severe issues if not done correctly.

To Wrap This Up…

Remodeling your home is an exciting and often overwhelming process. There are many factors to consider when planning your project, and if you need to become more familiar with the ins and outs of what’s involved, you could end up making mistakes that come back to bite you. Plumbing mistakes, can range from inconvenient to disastrous, so it’s best to know what you should avoid doing before you begin.

The best tip we can give you is to always look for the best plumber near you who can give you a solid plan for your home renovation. At Benjamin Plumbing, we have the knowledge and experience to help you do things right and avoid common mistakes in renovating kitchens, bathrooms, and more. Give us a call today.

Benjamin Plumbing offers plumbing services in Wisconsin at an affordable cost.

Call (608) 271-7071 or email to schedule your free estimate today.