Planning a bathroom renovation? Here’s what to check with your plumbing before work begins, to avoid costly surprises
A bathroom renovation can transform a home, but plumbing is one area where planning ahead really pays off. Sorting out these issues before work starts can save you from delays, extra costs, and problems hidden behind the walls.
1. Get the existing pipework assessed first: Before any tiling or fittings begins, it’s worth having a plumber check the condition of existing pipework, especially in older properties. Replacing or upgrading pipes is far easier before new fixtures and finishes are in place.
2. Plan your layout around existing plumbing (or budget for moving it): Keeping the toilet, basin, and bath or shower in roughly their current position keeps costs down. Moving them means extending or rerouting waste pipes and water supply lines, which adds both cost and time.
3. Check your water pressure and flow rate: if you’re planning a powerful rainfall shower or bath with a fast fill tap, it’s worth confirming if your home’s water pressure can actually support it, practically if you’re on a combi boiler or gravity fed system
4. Decide on ventilation early: Bathroom needs proper extraction to manage moisture and prevents mould. Fitting an extractor fan is far simpler to plan before walls and ceilings are finished.
5. Think about future access: Boxing in pipework looks neat, but it’s worth including an access panel near valves or joints, so future repairs don’t means cutting into tiles or plasterboard.
6. Confirm drainage falls for wet rooms: If you’re installing a wet room or level access shower, the floor needs the correct fall towards the drain. This needs to be right the first time, it’s very disruptive to fix later.
7. Factor in the boiler or hot water system: If you’re adding a second bathroom or upgrade fittings, check whether your current hot water system can keep up with the extra demand.
8. Order fixtures with plumbing compatibility in mind: Not all taps, shower and toilets are compatible with every plumbing setup (particularly water pressure requirements). Confirm compatibility before you buy, to avoid returns or last minute substitution.
Planning a bathroom renovation? PipeGuard Plumbing can access your existing plumbing and advise on the best layout before work begins, helping you avoid costly surprises