What to Know About a Bathroom Plumbing Upgrade Project

Does your bathroom need an upgrade? According to the National Association of Realtors 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, homeowners cite better functionality and livability as the most important results of a renovation project. If you're ready to renovate, take a look at what you need to know about this type of plumbing project.

What Should Your Bathroom Remodel Include?

The answer to this question depends on several factors - such as your personal preference, existing wear and tear, and your renovation budget. Common bathroom plumbing upgrades include:

• Water-efficient upgrades. How much water does your toilet use? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), older toilets can use up to six gallons per flush. If your water bills continue to climb, plumbing upgrades can make a major difference in monthly costs.
• New drain pipes. Are your bathroom's pipes older or filled with years' worth of gunk and grime? If the pipes constantly clog, a plumber may suggest new PVC drain pipes.
• New water supply pipes. Drains aren't the only pipes the plumber may need to upgrade during your bathroom remodel. If the existing pipes are older, damaged, or have other issues, a new supply can increase the bathroom fixtures' efficiency.

Along with these upgrades, popular bathroom remodeling projects also include aesthetic changes. If you plan to completely renovate the room and change the style, you may want to choose a new toilet, sink, tub, or shower to match.

Who Should Install Your New Bathroom?

Whether you want to replace the existing drains and water supply lines, install a new tub, or completely tear out and replace the bathroom, you need professional help. While a do-it-yourself job may sound like a money-saving idea, it can cost you in the long-term.

Why should you hire a professional plumber for a bathroom remodeling project? The top reasons include:

• Expertise. If you don't have a professional level of plumbing knowledge, you need a contractor's help. Failure to install fixtures and pipes correctly can result in serious leaks or other plumbing problems.
• Experience. The professional licensed plumber has years of experience in this type of project. The plumber can anticipate issues and solve complicated problems that may come up during the installation process.
• Equipment. Do you have the right plumbing equipment for the job? If you need to buy tools or other materials, you may spend more than you need to on this project.

If you're not sure how to hire the right plumber for this job, ask friends or family for referrals. A quality plumber should provide you with customer references or photos of past projects.

How Long Does a Bathroom Installation Take?

What type of time frame should you expect for this home renovation project? The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as:

• The complexity of the plumbing upgrades. Complicated re-piping projects can take longer to complete than simple or straightforward plumbing projects. Talk to the plumber about the complexity of the upgrades before you start the renovation.
• The number of upgrades. A toilet replacement won't take as long to complete as an entire drain or re-piping project. The more upgrades you want, the longer you should expect the project to take.
• The demolition and renovation. Will the plumber need to tear apart walls to remove pipes? Like number of upgrades, the more demolition this project requires, the longer it may take.

Don't assume a high-quality plumber can complete the job in less time. Even though your plumber of choice is skilled, they may need added time for complex renovations or to reduce the risks of potential problems.