Things to Consider when Relocating Plumbing Fixtures

It can be a time-consuming, complex job to relocate your home’s plumbing. As a homeowner, it’s best to consider it only when you’re prepared and 100% confident in the technicians you’ve hired for the job. There are also important things to consider when relocating plumbing fixtures.

Typically, homeowners move their plumbing due to a number of reasons, including:

– Bathroom renovation and other home improvement projects
– Improving the aesthetics of the kitchen or bathroom, so it’s more appealing and functional
– Fixing mistakes, since the original builders failed to design and install the system properly

If your heart is set on relocating your plumbing fixtures , there are a few things you need to consider.

1. The job can be painstakingly difficult and expensive.

You can blow your kitchen or bathroom renovation budget on moving fixtures. And the farther the fixtures are moved away from vent, water, and drain lines, the more complicated the job becomes and the longer it will take to finish.

For example, if you’re contemplating moving the sink, keep in mind that the dishwasher will have to be moved, too, and this will cost you extra.

If you’re moving a toilet, it won’t be easy or cheap, either. You’ll spend more if the project requires changing the vent line, water supply, and wastewater lines. Once all of the plumbing is set up, it’s relatively easy to install the toilet.

However, unless you have an unlimited budget, it might make more sense, financially, to make improvements in the bathroom, laundry or kitchen, instead of moving the fixtures.

2. Your plumbing fixture’s location matters.

If you’re planning to move the toilet or the tub, it’s relatively easier if the bathroom is located on the ground floor. Otherwise, you’ll have to tear the ceiling apart and rebuild it along with the flooring of the toilet. This makes the job more difficult and expensive.

3. A plumbing permit may be required.

A licensed plumber can help you get the permit more quickly, but you’ll have to pay for it.

Requirements vary, but relocating plumbing fixtures or system components, such as pipes, fittings and drains, may require a permit. This is to ensure compliance with area-specific codes.

Changing the electrical wiring – or doing anything that changes the blueprint of your home- may require a permit, too.

4. You’re better off hiring a professional for the job.

Plumbing systems are already complex as they are. Executing the job properly also requires skilled labor.

For example, in ensuring that the waste flows into the sewer pipe, you need to get the slope adjustment right. The average DIY-er may not know about this.

Move your plumbing fixtures safely and properly

Improper installation of plumbing fixtures can lead to water damage and wastage…plus thousands of dollars in repair costs. Hiring a licensed plumber ensures that the job gets done right, and your plumbing system runs smoothly and efficiently.

Contact a Good Guy today so we can take care of all your plumbing installation, repair, and maintenance needs. Scheduling an appointment online is simple and easy, and even more convenient if you download our app.