For many homeowners, that means one thing: It’s time to renovate! 

Maybe you’re eager to convert a two-flat into a single family home, maybe you want the amenities of an old house with brand new systems.Whatever the reason for renovating, there are some important factors, restrictions, and challenges that homeowners need to keep in mind, from securing the proper permits to creating a sensible budget.

Whether it’s the end goal of your project or not, we here at Combat Plumbing think there’s one vital part of homes that often gets neglected during major renovations: the plumbing.

Here are three important questions to keep in mind to make sure your plumbing flows smoothly, even during major renovation projects:

1.) Will you be inspecting or replacing your pipes?

First and foremost, it’s important to realize if replacing or rerouting pipes will be an essential part of your remodel. Converting apartments into a single-family home? You may need to rework some gas, water, or sewer lines. Transforming your basement into a brand new living space? Better think about protecting that space with an overhead sewer or backwater valve. 

Also, bear in mind that renovation projects can give you a unique opportunity to inspect and examine your pipes without having to do any additional work (that is, your walls and floors may already be opened up). Even if you don’t think your plumbing is an issue, a renovation makes a great opportunity to bring in a plumber to take a look at all of your lines and drains.  

And if your plumbing has been a hassle? Worried about efficiency or lead in your drinking water? It may be time to replace your pipes, taking care to do away with corroded galvanized lines and put in modern PVC or copper piping. If your pipes are already exposed, you could save a bundle on labor, all while making your pipes safer, greener, and more effective.

2.) Are your building plans up to date?

One of the hassles of living in an old, well-worn Red Oak building? What your contractors see on blueprints and plans may not necessarily be what they actually find behind the walls, ceilings, and floors.

Many buildings in our city have been lived in and updated and modified, in ways large and small, over the course of decades. Maybe the original builders made alterations to their plans that have been lost to the sands of time, maybe previous owners took on remodeling projects that affected the home’s systems. More likely, the extremely old systems that are in place may be difficult to retrofit to modern standards: After all, bathtubs used to be smaller and water heaters larger. Maybe pipes were run in a place that a modern architect would shake their head at.

Whatever the circumstances, it’s important to keep all of your building’s quirks and idiosyncrasies in mind. It’s also important to remember that older buildings may still host hazardous materials, such as asbestos. Before tackling renovations, always have your building tested and treated by certified professionals if you have any concerns or doubts about your health or your home’s integrity.

3.) Could non-plumbing projects impact your system?

Homes are like bodies, full of complex systems that must connect, intersect, and influence each other in small and large ways in order to all function properly as one unit.

And while this is fascinating as a trained professional, it can be flabbergasting for the weekend DIY-warrior or eager home remodeler. Keep in mind that any number of non-plumbing renovations can have consequences for your plumbing. We’ll let NuFlow explain:

“Saws, nail guns and other tools can damage piping. In old buildings with plumbing that is already near the end of its life, the mere movement associated with renovations can cause damage. The older your building is, the more fragile its core systems are.”

Need your plumbing inspected or maintained before, during, or after a renovation? That’s where we come in! Drop us a line for all of your plumbing , water leak, sewer and gas line needs, day or night!