Plumbing Issues to Solve Before a Home Renovation

Aw the dreaded “plumbing issues” I at least knew what I was getting into with our 100 year old farm house. It was a complete gut – all the plumbing had to go. Knowing that helped a lot of course but many home owners begin a renovation to realize the bit off a lot more than they bargained for as opening up the walls reveals leaks, issues etc. Fortunately, though there is always the chance of flooding your house, most plumbing is not all that complicated.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

You may have delayed your home renovation due to financial constraints or other reasons. Fortunately, you can now carry out your home remodeling project. At this point, one important thing to inspect is your home’s plumbing. Usually, the average American is likely to spend $9,081 on renovations, and you’ll probably not be surprised to know that plumbing tops the list. That said, here are some plumbing issues to check before starting a home renovation.

 Water Heaters

Ideally, water heaters can last for ten years, depending on the brand, quality, installation process, water quality, and good maintenance practices. Water heaters use a complex heating and cooling engineering system, requiring you to use them per the manufacturer’s manual. For many people, changing the home’s water heater must be done in tandem with renovations.

 This is especially true when the appliance does not suit the size of your home. For example, while some water heaters are purposed for a small house, it’s presence in a larger one puts undue pressure on it. In another breath, a large capacity water heater in a small home will only result in sky-rocketing electric bills monthly. In essence, you need professionals to check out your appliance to minimize the risks of having a water heater system that is either faulty or not functional.

 Water supply pipes

These are the ‘veins’ and ‘arteries’ to your home, as they convey water into your kitchen, bathhouse, and other areas. Therefore, the slightest fault in any supply line can cut off water to the entire home. During your home renovation, you have the opportunity to see what material makes up your water supply pipes, which can be any of the following materials:

 Galvanized steel or iron

• Polyethylene
• Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) 

At no point should your water supply lines or pipes be made of lead. This metal is toxic and can be harmful to humans and household pets even at low exposure levels. While inspecting your lines, be mindful of supply lines made with mixed materials. They indicate that some repair works have been done before.

 Water closets and taps

This is another critical plumbing issue you shouldn’t ignore when renovating your home. For some homeowners, there’s nothing to be done as long as the water closet functions. Sadly, that is untrue. Either due to ignorance or sheer neglect, some homeowners forget to check the water tank or the base of their toilet bowls for leakages. A minor leak may not be immediately noticeable, but there are tell-tale signs to look for. Check around the base of the water closet for the following signs: 

• Discoloration
• Distortion at the base
• A seeming wet look (but does not flow out). 

The sooner you attend to these issues listed above, the less money you may spend on repair works. You may also check all the taps in the home for leakage signs. Sometimes, a silicone application is an ideal solution, but a licensed plumber must first assess that. 

Never underestimate the extent of work your home’s plumbing will need during the renovation. It’s better to notice a minor plumbing issue in its early stage than wait for significant repairs.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)