Step by Step Home Plumbing Remodeling Checklist 

Clean Out Pipes & Remove Air

If your pipes have been blocked and you’ve just cleared them, you’ll need to thoroughly clean out any remaining debris and residual water. Also, be sure to remove all air from inside your pipes—do a test run using a hair dryer or anything else that will produce suction. Doing so will ensure that no air remains in there when you turn on your taps for good. Don’t forget to also clear out any faucets, basins or showers that have become clogged! 

Locate the Problem Areas

Before you start on a major home plumbing renovation, it’s important to locate any problem areas within your home. You don’t want to go through all of that work only to find out that there’s something wrong with your system. Some problems are easy to spot, like leaking toilets or faucets that drip.

Others aren’t as obvious, but require just as much attention. A plumber can help you spot these issues and fix them before they become a bigger problem for your home and its residents.

Replace Faucets

Before tackling any plumbing repair or remodel, you’ll want to make sure that your faucets are in tip-top shape. If they’re not, replacing them can help fix many common plumbing problems while also upgrading your home’s appearance.

Know Your Water Pressure

Water pressure is essential for many household tasks. Whether you are washing dishes, taking a shower, or doing laundry, having an adequate water pressure is important. If your home’s water pressure drops too low, it can cause health problems and headaches. You should periodically check your water pressure to make sure that it stays consistent throughout your home’s plumbing system. 

Replace Pipes

Before you can renovate your pipes, you’ll need to replace them. When choosing a new pipe material, keep in mind how much water is used in your home and what kind of pressure it requires.  

Consider replacing old galvanized steel pipes with newer PVC or CPVC ones for a longer lifespan and easier maintenance. Because these materials are less rigid than older steel pipes, they require a large gauge to handle larger amounts of water. 

Wrap Pipes in Insulation

Pipes that aren’t wrapped in insulation have a high chance of freezing when it gets cold, which can lead to expensive plumbing problems and make your home less comfortable. This is especially true if you live in an area with freezing winters. In addition to wrapping exposed pipes in foam or another insulating material, don’t forget to cover shut-off valves so they’re ready for winter as well. Remember—you may need more than one layer of insulation, and each valve should be properly covered! 

Secure Pipes

After you’ve removed a load-bearing wall, there’s not much to hold up your pipes. Even a small shift in temperature or weight can crack them open and flood your house. That’s why it’s so important to secure them before beginning any major remodel. After all, even if you know how to fix a burst pipe, that won’t matter if they were never fastened properly in the first place. 

Test for Leaks

Before you begin any remodeling project, make sure to test for leaks. The best way to do that is to turn off your entire home’s water supply and opens every faucet in your house, then check them again after a few minutes. If you notice any water dripping from anywhere—including taps you didn’t use—you may have a leak. Turn off your main valve and call Bulldog; don’t try to fix it yourself, as that can lead to even bigger problems later on. And, of course, make sure to fix all leaks before moving on with your project.

Replace Shower Heads, Mixers and Thermostats

Replacing your shower heads, mixers, and thermostats can save up to 20% on your water heating bill. The average shower head uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute (according to EnergyStar). That’s more than half a gallon per minute used while you’re just letting it run! 

Preventing Leaks with Flexible Connectors

Leaks in your plumbing system can waste a lot of water—and money! To help prevent leaks and reduce repair bills, always use flexible connectors when connecting pipes. Flexible connectors (also called flex fittings) are designed to move with changes in pressure or temperature, reducing damage and wear on pipes.  Flexible connectors also make it easier to find leaks and fix them.