Bathroom renovation plumbing issues

It's possible to charge into a bathroom renovation without considering underlying plumbing issues, but take this approach at your peril. Some plumbing jobs can be safely done by the handy homeowner, but some must only be undertaken by a licensed plumber - it's important to know the difference. Considering the existing problems, your ideal outcome, and the current and future needs of your family will best guarantee a satisfying outcome. Oz Plumbers guides you through bathroom plumbing problems and bathroom plumbing fixes.

Bathroom plumbing: Common problems

Before you begin the renovation, do an audit of the problems in your current plumbing setup. You can consider the following issues.

• Fixtures: Are they damaged, outdated, intrinsically leaky (for reasons other than an imperfect seal or a faded washer) or corroded? Are they water saving and energy efficient? They should be replaced with new ones if the answers indicate this
• Structure / plumbing: Are there any major structural problems, such as rot, serious leaks or blockages? Are walls strong and thick enough to support any plumbing changes you plan to make, such as a new shower or bath?
• Plumbing issues: Check for serious leaks, bad smells, slow draining sinks or other outlets, mould growth, water pipes banging, and other serious signs of plumbing issues

It's a good idea to check all of these issues when performing serious plumbing renovation. If in doubt, as always, seek the advice of a qualified expert.

Fixing plumbing problems

It's of great importance to understand the difference between plumbing issues that you can fix yourself and those that require a licensed plumber's attention. Touching the sewerage system in your home, for example, is both illegal and dangerous, so always call in your plumber if you need to tackle a problem relating to this. However, fixing a simple blocked drain can be easily done by the homeowner (you). Bear in mind, however, you should never go beyond plunging the sink (undoing the pipe under the sink, if necessary - with a bucket underneath, if so, to avoid a terrible mess) to clear out any blockage. Anything further requires calling someone in, unless you're a qualified plumber or plumbing expert (in which case, though, you probably don't need to read this article).

Plumbing renovation work for (relative) novices can extend to replacing fittings (tip: use a soft cloth between your tools and fittings to avoid scrapes), changing washers, and clearing simple blockages.

Bathroom renovation and plumbing

As one of the most frequently used rooms in your home, a bathroom's renovation can be both the most exciting and the most taxing (in terms of upheaval and potential disaster). It pays, however, to plan ahead and take into account the fundamental plumbing needs of your bathroom - and, more specifically who exactly will be able to carry them out. Don't forget to factor any jobs requiring a professional plumber into your budget (this can be easily overlooked). Most importantly, always choose a licensed, reputable, qualified plumber. If in doubt, the Plumbing Industry Commission Australia can offer consumer advice and support. Be sure to check certification of your chosen plumber before any work begins.

The golden rule of plumbing, as with anything, is: if in doubt, ask an expert. You don't want to be taking chances with the type of renovation that can flood part (or all) of your home. Instead, tread carefully to ensure that a leak doesn't become a flood.