If you are considering a bathroom remodel in your home, you must decide to go through with DIY plumbing or hire a professional plumber.
The DIY approach is a great learning opportunity and can save you money if you already have the knowledge and tools necessary to complete the job. Hiring a licensed and experienced plumber, however, can alleviate stress, save time, and potentially prevent any damages along the process.
Read more to learn more about the basics of home plumbing for your next bathroom remodel.
Shut off the Water
The very first step to take before working on your plumbing is to shut off the water.
To work on the sink or toilet, you should find shut off valves located beneath both fixtures. If your sink is housed in a vanity, you’ll find the shut-off in the cabinet directly beneath the sink.
Toilet valves are usually behind the bowl, at or near the wall. Simply turn the valves to the right Then, test the water by turning the valves at the sink. Once you shut off water to your toilet, you can flush the remaining water and then you can remove an empty toilet.
Plumbing Tools
It’s important to have a few plumber’s tools around the house for everyday problems but also for remodeling jobs.
For basic jobs, such as replacing shower heads and sink fixtures, you will need to have tongue-and-groove pliers, a set of wrenches, and plumber’s tape.
The need for hand tools will be evident, and you won’t be able to accomplish much without them, but the tape is less obvious. Use the tape anytime you are joining two water-bearing pipes. The tape wraps around the pipe threads and ensures a lasting, water-tight seal.
A full list of handy plumbing tools to have ready include:
- Basin wrench
- Pipe wrench (or tongue and groove pliers)
- Plug wrench
- Comprehension sleeve puller
- Crimping tools (½” or ¾”)
- Screwdrivers (slotted and cross-slot)
- Silicone caulk
- Plumber’s grease
- Pipe sealant tape
- L-Key set (Allen wrenches)
- Stem socket wrenches
Keep in mind that plumbing tools are expensive to acquire, if you don’t already have them.
Contractors always have the right tools for the job. Contact Square Deal Remodeling today.
Replacing Bathroom Fixtures
Firstly, if you wish to replace your bathroom fixtures, compile a list of what you already have. It also helps to take photos, so you have a clearer idea of what to get in the store or online.
There are three types of faucets:
- Single hole
- 4″ triple hole
- 8″ triple hole
When you have determined what sort of faucet your sink needs, you can find a replacement of your liking at your local hardware store. If you desire an entirely new sort of faucet, you will have to replace the entire sink and possibly install a new vanity to accommodate it.
For other items, such as the shower head and tub fixtures, make sure that you have measurements when you shop for replacements. Know the size of the pipes you are working with and purchase any adapters you may need before starting the project. If you have questions, you may need to work with a qualified plumber.
About Square Deal Remodeling
DIY plumbing and bathroom remodel is a costly venture. Consider hiring a professional contracting company to expedite the remodeling process and make your vision come to life!
Square Deal Remodeling has been an award-winning, home remodeling company in the Vancouver and Portland metro area since 1992. Along with being fully licensed and bonded, we are an accredited member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), and other prestigious affiliations.
From the initial in-home consultation to the end of your beautiful home remodel, our team of friendly and talented professionals work closely with you to meet your needs and overall vision. See our portfolio of our recently completed work.