Doing a bathroom renovation can be exciting, but it can also be stressful and time-consuming. The last thing you want is for the job to be complete only to discover some of the plumbing connections are leaking or the hot and cold lines were set up backward. This is why it’s so important to carefully plan the project and hire a licensed plumber who has experience with these matters. Keep reading to explore some of the most common plumbing mistakes that can cause problems in a new bathroom.
Installing the Wrong Pipe Size
One of the first things that you’ll notice when the renovation starts is that the pipes behind the walls are different sizes. The pipe connected to the toilet is much larger than the one connected to the sink, and it’s set up this way to ensure each fixture has adequate drainage and water flow. If the wrong pipe size gets installed, you may notice the sink and shower having slow drainage or the water pressure dropping, especially when multiple fixtures are in use at the same time.
Drain Lines With Improper Venting
If water flows down a drain in the bathroom and you hear a strange gurgling noise, it may be the result of improper venting. This can also disrupt the water seals in plumbing traps, potentially allowing sewer gases to enter the bathroom. Licensed plumbers have expert knowledge to design venting setups that perfectly match your bathroom’s plumbing layout.
Failing to Seal the Toilet Base
You may find it tempting to install a new toilet yourself to save money on your bathroom renovation, but this can easily lead to mistakes that turn into huge messes and safety issues. If you forget to properly secure it to the floor, the toilet may rock back and forth when you sit on it, and water can leak around the base. Professional plumbers will check the toilet flange and wax ring several times throughout the installation to ensure the toilet has a proper seal.
Connecting Hot and Cold Water Lines Backward
It’s normal to assume that when you turn the hot water handle, hot water will come out, just as you expect the cold water handle to control the cold water. But it’s surprisingly easy to set up these supply lines backward, especially if you have someone in charge of the project who isn’t experienced in doing bathroom renovations. When this happens, it not only makes it confusing to use the water but can also lead to safety issues if you expect cold water, turn the handle all the way, and extremely hot water comes out.
Bathroom renovations can cost quite a bit of money. Hiring a licensed plumber is essential to reducing the risk of expensive mistakes. When you need bathroom plumbing remodeling services in Hartford, CT, contact Tony Marzano Plumbing & Heating.
