Why Replace Bathroom Plumbing?

There are several different reasons why you might want to replace your bathroom plumbing. Plumbing is not limited to just the pipes in the walls and under the sink cabinet. Plumbing also includes tubs, showers, faucets, fixtures, toilets, sinks, and drainpipes.

Some of the more common reasons to have plumbing contractors replace the bathroom plumbing include:

1. Your Home Has Old Pipes

Depending on the age of your home, those built decades ago will have used different types of plumbing pipes and drainpipes. One common pipe used was zinc galvanized steel pipe. At the time, this seemed like a better solution than using lead pipes.

Yet, there are issues with steel pipes too. The majority of zinc also contains lead, which presents certain health concerns. Iron is found in zinc galvanized steel pipes too. Iron rusts, so over time water will start to look orange and leave rust stains in toilets, tubs, showers, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines.

As the pipes degrade, particles of the galvanized coating can become loose and move through the pipes. The loose particles can get stuck on elbows and other areas and eventually lead to clogs, as well as reduced water pressure. To get rid of those old and rusted pipes and have an aesthetically beautiful bathroom, a complete renovation of your bathroom can serve the purpose. Home Renovations company can help you to transform and re-build your bathroom according to your needs as well as installation of those future proof pipes.

2. The Pipes Are Leaking

If the plumbing is leaking, it can cause water damage and problems with mold and mildew. Replacing bathroom plumbing is a no-brainer, in this case, as it is needed to prevent further water damage to your home.

You will want to make sure any water damage and mold and mildew problems are also resolved and fixed at the same time. Since drywall is often removed to get to bathroom plumbing, it makes replacing water-damaged insulation and rotting wood and removing mold much easier.

3. You’ve Addressed Hard Water/Quality Problems

If you have invested in a new water filtration and/or water purification system to address hard water and other water quality problems, you may need to replace plumbing lines in your bathroom and elsewhere in the home.

For example, hard water leaves calcium and scale deposits that can clog faucets and fixtures. Since you addressed the hard water problem, you would also want to make sure all faucets and fixtures were also replaced if they weren’t working correctly-like if several of the spray outlets on the showerhead were no longer working or were caked full of calcium and scale.

4. The Bathroom Plumbing Looks Dated

Bathroom interior design trends constantly change. If your bathroom looks like it is from the 1960s or 1970s, it is well overdue for an update. You would probably want to invest in a complete bathroom renovation project to modernize your bathroom with a variety of features like spa-like tub, multiple showerheads, and even a special TV that is designed for use in the bathroom!

5. You Are Getting Ready to Sell Your Home

Two areas of the home that most people remodel before listing their homes for sale are the kitchen and bathrooms. Both areas increase the value of the home and can fetch higher sales prices. The costs to renovate multiple bathrooms can be less than renovating the kitchen. So, if you have a limited budget, it might be better to focus on the bathrooms.

6. The Bathroom Plumbing Needs to Be Replaced

Eventually, bathroom faucets, fixtures, and toilets do wear out. If the faucets, fixtures, or toilets are having issues that you have repaired in the past and for which you are now needing regular repairs, it is time to replace them.

For example, you have a faucet that drips constantly when it is shut off. You had your plumber repair it, and the leak goes away for several months but then returns. The problem is not with the new washers that were installed but, rather, the interior hardware is warped so it no longer seals shut correctly.

7. You Want to Reduce Your Water and Energy Bills

Another reason to replace bathroom plumbing is when you are looking to make your bathrooms more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. From water-saving toilets, showerheads, and faucets to tankless water heaters, there are several different upgrades you can make.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Bathroom Plumbing?

Plumbing can have the highest cost when doing a full bathroom renovation. On the other hand, when replacing a few fixtures and faucets, the costs are not that much. The cost to replace bathroom plumbing is influenced by several different factors, such as:

1. Supplies and Materials

The type of supplies and materials required to replace the bathroom plumbing affects total costs. Supplies and materials include fittings, sealants, washers, adhesives, and so on. You may also need tools like PEX crimp tool, pliers, wrenches, pipe bender, etc.

2. Waste Disposal and Removal Costs

There is a cost to dispose of old plumbing after it has been removed, such as the tub, shower, toilet, sinks, and so on. Even certain types of plumbing pipes can have a waste disposal fee based on the type of material they are made from.

3. Faucets and Fixtures

The style, quality, and material-type of faucets and fixtures is another factor. For instance, if you want high-end platinum showerheads or faucets, then these tend to cost more than nickel-plated showerheads and faucets.

Fixtures also include replacing a shower or tub with a new shower or tub. The style, design, features, and materials used for the shower and/or tub will determine the overall cost.

4. Plumbing Contractors Labor Costs

If you hire professional plumbing contractors, there are labor costs that are typically billed based on the type of project. Some projects could be billed at an hourly rate if they are smaller jobs. For more complex jobs, like a full bathroom renovation, the labor could be billed at a flat rate for a set number of hours.

5. Replumbing Costs

If you are moving or replacing plumbing and drain lines, this will add to your total costs. Replumbing costs also include installing new plumbing pipes and drainpipes.

6. Permit Costs

Certain types of bathroom plumbing projects may require one or more permits. There is a cost for permits. Plumbing contractors will sometimes obtain all necessary permits and just add those costs onto your final bill. Other times, they will inform you what permits you require and have you obtain them yourself, so they can start work.

Why You Should Hire Plumbing Contractors to Replace Bathroom Plumbing

There are certain types of bathroom plumbing that can be DIY and others that require plumbing contractors. The type of replacement and your plumbing skills should be evaluated to determine if this is something you can do yourself or if you will end up needing help from a professional plumber later.

You might be surprised to learn that many people mistakenly assume they can tackle a more complex plumbing replacement project since they can handle simpler things like cleaning out or replacing faucet aerators.

They get started, and then they discover the scope of the project is beyond their skillset. They now need to call a plumber to fix whatever they have done, plus the original work. If they had called a plumber to begin with, then the overall costs would have been typically less since the plumber wouldn’t have had to fix whatever mistakes the person made before fixing the actual issue.

Another reason to hire a professional plumber is that they are familiar with major bathroom remodels and renovations. They can help disconnect and remove existing faucets and fixtures. They can move plumbing lines and drainpipes, as well as install new ones, as needed. In addition, they can ensure your new faucets and fixtures are installed correctly.

You also won’t have to worry about whether you need permits or what type to get. Your plumbing contactors will either get the permits on your behalf or tell you which ones to get.

Most importantly, all work is completed based on current building codes. You do not have to worry about getting an inspection of the plumbing later should you ever decide to sell your home, as your plumber can certify what was done.

As you can tell, there are several benefits of hiring plumbing contractors to take care of your bathroom plumbing replacement needs.

To request a free quote for replacing the plumbing in your bathroom, bathroom renovations, kitchen remodels, or other residential plumbing services in the San Antonio, Austin Metro, Temple, and New Braunfels areas, please feel free to contact Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing at 512-246-5400 today!