What do you need to know about remodeling your kitchen and your home’s plumbing system? You’re ready to upgrade the kitchen cabinets, countertops, backsplash, appliances, and floor. But you’re not sure if you also need to include the plumbing. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at the top questions about kitchen remodeling projects and plumbing systems.
Do You Need To Update Pipes During a Kitchen Remodel?
The answer to this question depends on the pipes in your home. If the pipes are new (or newer) and in more than just decent working condition, you won’t need to repipe the kitchen.
Different types of pipes have different lifespans. Copper water lines could last for 70 years, PEX has an average 40-year lifespan, and ABS and PVC waste pipes have a 50- to 80-year lifespan, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).
If your kitchen’s pipes are nearing the end of their lifespan or are past their expected lifetime of use, you may want to consider repiping now. Instead of waiting until the remodel is complete, repiping during a renovation eliminates the need to break through walls, floors, or ceilings or patch the holes left behind.
Even though age is a common reason to replace pipes, you may want to repipe the kitchen during a remodel if the plumbing system has significant damage, wear and tear, or leaks. Corrosion, cracks, and other similar damage can result in costly water losses.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that fixing leaks could save you as much as 10 percent on your water bill. If you have wet spots under the kitchen sink, dampness on or in a wall, or unusually high water bills, talk to a plumber about repiping during the remodeling process.
Do You Need To Update the Plumbing Fixtures During a Kitchen Remodel?
Like the pipes, older or worn fixtures can also leak and waste water. A leaky faucet can waste 3,000 gallons of water annually, according to the EPA. This equals high water utility costs and can impact the environment. If your kitchen sink has what seems like a tiny drip, use the remodel as a time to stop the leak and replace the faucet.
A leak isn’t the only reason to replace your kitchen’s plumbing fixtures during a renovation project. This upgrade can also change the look of your kitchen. New cabinets, sparkling stainless steel appliances, and a modern backsplash will only highlight a dated sink and faucet.
Along with standing out against the new parts of your kitchen, your old sink or faucet may not match the updated décor. To create a seamless aesthetic in your kitchen, select fixtures that coordinate with the new design or style.
When Should You Start the Plumbing Phase of the Remodel?
Before you jump into a major kitchen renovation, coordinate each step with the contractors. You may need a few different pros to handle each specific task. These could include a plumber, an electrician, a flooring contractor, a tile expert, a general contractor (for structural parts of the design or drywall), a painter, and a cabinet specialist.
Again, it’s easier to repipe a kitchen when the walls, ceilings, or floors are already open. This means you should start the plumbing phase after the major demolition is complete—but before another contractor covers over the floors with tile or plasters the walls.
If you also or only need to install new plumbing fixtures, you may need to wait until the final phase of the upgrade. You will need to install a countertop before you place the sink. But you will need to select a sink before the contractor installs the countertop.
The contractor will need the dimensions of the sink to create a perfectly-sized space for this fixture. An improper size could leave gaps and cause leaks in your new kitchen.
Do you want to learn more about kitchen plumbing remodeling projects? Contact Spartan Plumbing Inc for more information.
