Re-Piping for a Kitchen or Bathroom Reno Project

Thinking about doing a kitchen or bathroom reno project? You should also consider re-piping your plumbing at the same time. There are many good reasons as to why it is worthwhile to add on this seeming hassle to an already overwhelming job, but during a renovation is the perfect time to take care of this. Here are some reasons on why you should re-pipe during a kitchen or bathroom reno project.

Age and Type of existing Plumbing

Chances are you are not planning a renovation on a home that is 5 years old. Often, bathrooms or kitchens receiving full scale renovations are older, and probably in need of having old piping replaced. First, some older homes may be using galvanized steel pipes which are prone to corrosion over time, and could already have leaking issues.

A somewhat newer home may be equipped with Poly-B piping, or Grey Pex for the potable water supplies. This material was widely used well into the mid 1990s, and has a high tendency to develop leaks (especially in fittings). While you have the walls open, vanities and cabinets ripped out, and floor pulled apart, now is the perfect time to make sure you new kitchen won’t be wrecked by an untimely water or drainage leak.

Design Freedom

When considering a bathroom or kitchen renovation, you may wish to move the kitchen sink, add a double sink to your bathroom vanity, or even replace that old shower with a free -standing tub. All of these layout and design options will require some degree of re-piping. If you do not allow for the option of redoing the kitchen plumbing, your contractors will be limited on design options, and you may not end up with the vision that you had. Re-piping allows for endless design concepts.

Whatever choice you make with your reno, it is important to talk to your contractor and explore the option of re-piping. You will thank yourself down the road.