Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a New Home Space
If you're doing some remodeling of your home and are thinking of tackling the plumbing aspect yourself, you want to ensure you plan ahead. It's not unusual for homeowners to assume they can run some simple plumbing pipes through the home or move around some fixtures in a remodeled area and have a new bathroom or kitchen quickly and affordably. However, installing new plumbing or reworking plumbing isn't always as easy as you might think. Note a few mistakes you want to avoid when remodeling or planning any new home space that involves plumbing.
1. Fixtures too close together
You might be remodeling so you can add an oversized garden tub or a sink with a full vanity in the bathroom, but aren't thinking of how close together this will bring all your fixtures. If the toilet is too close to the sink or tub, you might not feel comfortable using it. Depending on the bathroom's layout, oversized doors to a sink vanity might not be able to open all the way as they hit the toilet or tub. In the kitchen, the same might happen if you upgrade to a larger dishwasher or move it so that it's now across the floor from the refrigerator or a counter. Before you move any plumbing or replace any fixtures in the bathroom or kitchen, be sure you measure carefully and have plenty of space for comfortable use for any of these items.
2. Over-tightening and damaging flanges and connectors
A common rookie mistake when it comes to working plumbing pipes is to over-tighten flanges and other connectors, thinking that they should be connected as tight as possible in order to avoid leaks. In truth, tightening these connectors too much can strip the threads underneath so that leaks then form. Tighten flanges and connectors as you rework plumbing pipes but only until they're snug and secure; never force them together or overexert yourself with the pressure you use when connecting pipes.
3. Adding too many showerheads
Installing a new shower with more than one showerhead, such as wall sprinklers or showerheads at both ends so two can use the shower at once, can mean less water pressure overall. You may not enjoy your new shower no matter how many showerheads if the water comes out in a trickle. Note the pressure on your hot water heater and adjust it if needed, or have a plumber do this so you know you get the water pressure you need without damaging your water heater.