Plumbing for Renovations: A Guide to Planning and Installation. A bathroom renovation may appear complex, but it’s simply a matter of effective time management.
Plumbing refers to installing, maintaining, and altering pipes, fixtures, appliances, and other components that make up a sanitary or storm drainage system, a ventilation system, and public or private water supply systems. It does not involve drilling wells, installing water-softening systems, or manufacturing and selling plumbing products.
A proper plumbing system comprises three essential components: a reliable source of potable water, a secure and sufficient drainage system, and good fixtures and equipment.
6 steps to renovate your bathroom successfully
Step One: Plan
Consider what you like and dislike about your current bathroom. Replacing tiles or fixtures can refresh the room without needing a complete renovation. If it’s a matter of layout, plan to relocate elements like the toilet, sink, shower, or bath while considering plumbing lines.
Be mindful of local building regulations and codes, such as distance requirements between sinks and electrical outlets. Hire a draftsperson or architect to create a plan, which you’ll need before speaking with a builder, tiler, or plumber.
Planning your budget is crucial. Your budget should include expenses for the following:
- Demolition
- Waste disposal
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Lighting
- Waterproofing
- Tiling, plastering, and painting
- Fixtures such as tapware, basins, showers, mirrors, and vanities
- Compliance certificates and approvals (as required by local council regulations).
Step Two: Get the Team Together
When it comes to bathroom renovations, plumbers are often the first tradespeople that come to mind. However, some prefer to hire a builder first. The builder can oversee the project from start to finish and coordinate other trades while the plumber handles the plumbing.
Self-managing the renovation project can be stressful, especially if mistakes are made that experienced tradespeople would avoid. However, renovating your bathroom with proper planning and a trustworthy team can be a rewarding experience.
Step Three: Demolition and Disconnect
With plans and contracts in place, the renovation work can commence! The first step is disconnection. Plumbers will remove tapware, valves, toilets, and cap necessary services, while electricians will remove power points and disconnect wires.
Next is demolition. Depending on the project’s scope, this may involve removing the shower screen and bath or tearing out the plaster and tiles on the floor and walls where the plumbing needs to be reconfigured. You can remove the application and floorboards yourself, but ensure that you assess for asbestos and follow occupational health and safety guidelines. Don a pair of safety goggles and get to work.
Step Four: Rough-in
“Rough-in” refers to bringing various services (e.g., plumbing, electrical) to the space but not making the final connections. If any pipe relocation is needed, this is the stage where it occurs.
Typically, the plumber does the rough first, followed by the electricians. It’s crucial to ensure accurate measurements during rough-in, as even a slight deviation in the placement of a tap can disrupt the tiling and result in costly repairs.
Step Five: Install floor and wall finishes
The following is the standard order for installing wall and floor finishes in a bathroom renovation:
- Install plasterboard or cement sheet
- Waterproofing
- Tiling
- Grouting
- Painting
Not all tradespeople are skilled in waterproofing and tiling, so it’s essential to understand the abilities of each one you hire. Incorrect waterproofing is a common cause of leaks in ceilings or wall cavities, as experienced by plumbers. Ensure that your tradespeople are qualified and perform the work correctly the first time.
Step Six: Fit off, Decorate, and Clean
The final step from the trades’ perspective is the fit-off stage. This involves connecting the plumbing and electrical fixtures to the services installed during the rough-in phase. The fit-off includes installing toilets, shower screens, taps, mirrors, towel rails, and more.
After the fit-off, most of the trades’ work will be completed, making it an ideal time for deep cleaning. The final step also involves applying caulking or silicone between the plaster and tiles or tiles and fixtures, which creates a clean, seamless look. This removes dust and dirt accumulated during the rough-in, tiling, and grouting stages.
Finally, you can personalize your bathroom with decor, plants, or other final touches.
Plumbing for Renovations: A Guide to Planning and Installation – Conclusion
Ensure long-lasting enjoyment of your bathroom by maintaining it properly. Clean your fixtures regularly, inspect for signs of damage, and promptly address any leaks or drainage problems by contacting a plumber.