Why Your Home’s Plumbing Might Not Be Ready for a Remodel and What to Do First
Thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom? A fresh look, better layout, maybe even new appliances or fixtures, sounds exciting, right? But before you start picking out countertops and tile, there’s one part of your home that might not be ready for the changes ahead: your plumbing system.
Home remodeling isn’t just about the visible updates. It’s also about making sure what’s behind the walls and under the floors can support your plans. If your plumbing isn’t in shape or isn’t up to modern code, it could throw a wrench in your timeline and budget. Let’s look at why your plumbing might not be ready for a remodel and what you should tackle first to avoid headaches later.
1. Older Pipes Might Not Handle Modern Fixtures
Older homes in Durham often come with outdated plumbing. If your house was built before the 1990s and hasn’t had a full repipe, it may still have galvanized steel or copper pipes. These pipes may look okay on the outside, but inside, they could be corroded, clogged with scale, or even starting to fail.
Why it matters during a remodel:
- New kitchen or bathroom fixtures often require better water pressure or higher flow capacity.
- If you add a large soaking tub or multiple showerheads, your existing plumbing might not keep up.
- Weak or corroded pipes can start leaking once they’re disturbed.
What to do first:
- Have a licensed plumber perform a camera inspection or pressure test.
- Consider repiping sections of your home, especially if you’re opening walls anyway for your remodel.
- Ask for material upgrades like PEX or modern copper.
2. Plumbing Codes Have Changed, And You Might Be Out of Date
Building and plumbing codes aren’t just red tape. They exist for safety, efficiency, and longevity. The problem is, your home’s plumbing might have been installed decades ago under older rules. Once you start a remodel, any updates often have to meet today’s code.
Why this could be an issue:
- Drain sizes, venting requirements, and even pipe slope have all evolved.
- Water heaters and fixtures may need to be repositioned or upgraded to comply.
- Permits may not be approved unless the system is brought up to code.
What to do first:
- Schedule a plumbing inspection before you finalize remodeling plans.
- Ask your plumber about code upgrades, like backflow prevention or updated shut-off valves.
- Work with a plumber who communicates with your general contractor and coordination matters.
3. Hidden Leaks and Water Damage Can Stop Work in Its Tracks
Remodeling often uncovers surprises, and not the good kind. That soft spot in your subfloor? It might be a slow leak from a pipe or a faulty connection under the sink. Even small leaks can lead to mold, rot, and structural issues.
Here’s what can go wrong:
- A contractor opens a wall and finds a long-standing leak.
- Floors have to be replaced or reinforced before new tile can go in.
- Mold remediation adds days or weeks to your timeline and costs you more.
What to do first:
- Have a plumber perform leak detection before demolition.
- Fix any suspected leaks and get a clean bill of health on the plumbing system.
- If you’ve had recurring musty smells or stains, don’t ignore them, they’re red flags.
4. Your Drainage Might Not Be Built for That Extra Sink or Shower
Adding a second vanity, a new laundry room, or an extra shower? Great ideas. But your existing drain system might not be sized or sloped properly to handle the extra load.
Common problems include:
- Slow drains or backups due to improper pitch.
- Older drainpipes clog easily due to years of buildup.
- Venting issues that cause gurgling or sewer smells.
What to do first:
- Have your plumber review your drain and vent layout as part of the remodeling plan.
- Upgrade small-diameter drain lines to meet modern fixture demands.
- If your sewer line is older, consider a camera inspection to check for cracks or root intrusion.
5. Water Pressure Problems Are Often Overlooked, Until It’s Too Late
Ever installed a fancy new showerhead only to find that the water barely trickles out? Low water pressure might not be noticeable with your old fixtures, but it quickly becomes a problem when you upgrade.
Common causes in Durham homes include:
- Mineral buildup in pipes.
- Corroded or partially closed shut-off valves.
- Failing pressure regulators or outdated water meters.
What to do first:
- Ask your plumber to test the water pressure throughout your home.
- Replace corroded or stuck valves.
- Install a modern pressure-regulating valve (PRV) if needed.
6. Your Water Heater May Not Be Sized for the New Setup
Remodeling often adds water demands, a bigger tub, a rain shower, or additional bathrooms. But your existing water heater might not have the capacity to keep up.
Why it matters:
- Running out of hot water becomes a daily frustration.
- Water heaters over 10 years old are already nearing the end of their lifespan.
- Tankless options are great, but only if your plumbing supports the flow rate.
What to do first:
- Have a plumber assess your hot water usage based on your remodeling plans.
- Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model or a tankless system.
- Make sure the heater’s location and venting meet current safety codes.
7. Plumbing Access and Layout Can Make or Break Your Remodel
Remodels often involve reconfiguring spaces, like moving a sink to an island or adding a shower where a closet used to be. But plumbing layout limitations can impact what’s feasible.
Things that get in the way:
- No access to run new drain lines without major demolition.
- Concrete slab foundations make underfloor plumbing tough.
- Floor joists that aren’t designed for cutting or notching.
What to do first:
- Involve your plumber early in the design phase, not just after demo starts.
- Explore creative options like wall-mounted fixtures or up-flush toilets if traditional layout changes aren’t possible.
- Ask about access panels or removable finishes that make future repairs easier.
8. Permits, Inspections & Delays, Be Ready for the Process
Remodeling isn’t just swinging hammers. If plumbing is involved, the work often requires permits and inspections from the local building department.
Don’t get caught off guard by:
- Unpermitted work that delays inspections.
- DIY plumbing that doesn’t meet code.
- Failed inspections that require rework.
What to do first:
- Work with a licensed plumber who pulls the proper permits.
- Build inspection time into your remodel timeline.
- Keep records and receipts, they help with resale and home insurance.
Problems Durham Homeowners Often Face Before a Remodel
Here’s what we frequently help homeowners in the Durham area resolve before starting their home remodel:
- Rusty, outdated galvanized or corroded copper piping
- Insufficient water pressure for upgraded showers or appliances
- Plumbing that’s not up to current building codes
- Drainage problems and frequent clogs in older homes
- Failing or undersized water heaters are unable to meet household needs
- Leaks discovered during demolition or fixture replacement
- Layout limitations due to concrete slab or older home construction
- Unpermitted DIY plumbing from previous renovations
Start With a Plumbing Inspection Before You Remodel
Before you tear into tile or start picking new fixtures, make sure your plumbing is ready. A professional inspection can catch issues early, help avoid mid-project delays, and save you serious money down the road. You might find your system is fine, or you might uncover hidden problems that, once fixed, will give you peace of mind for years to come.
Call Acme Plumbing Co. in Durham, NC today at (919) 688-1348 to schedule your pre-remodel plumbing inspection. Let’s make sure your dream remodel doesn’t turn into a plumbing nightmare.