Thinking About a Bathroom Remodel? Don’t Forget the Plumbing Checklist
Bathroom remodels are exciting—they breathe new life into your space, increase your home’s value, and make your daily routines more comfortable. But there’s one crucial piece homeowners in Urbana and Champaign often overlook when they start planning: The plumbing.
Before you fall in love with new tile or dream up a luxury shower layout, it’s essential to make sure your plumbing system is ready to support your remodel. At Quality Plumbing, we’ve seen too many remodels delayed—or worse, torn up and redone—because the plumbing wasn’t addressed early.
Here’s a practical plumbing checklist for your bathroom renovation that will help you plan smarter, stay on budget, and avoid surprises.
Why Plumbing Should Be Step One in Your Bathroom Remodel
Plumbing is the foundation of your bathroom. Get it right, and everything flows smoothly—literally. Get it wrong, and you could be facing expensive repairs, mold issues, or failed inspections down the line.
Here’s what many homeowners don’t realize:
- Old pipes may not support modern fixtures or water pressure needs.
- Drain lines may need to be moved or upgraded to accommodate a new layout.
- Poor venting can lead to slow drains and foul smells—even in a brand-new bathroom.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, over 55% of remodel projects experience unexpected plumbing issues during construction. That’s why starting with a plumbing plan is more than just smart—it’s essential.
Your Plumbing Checklist for a Smooth Bathroom Remodel
Whether you’re updating a powder room or transforming your master bath, use this plumbing checklist to stay ahead:
1. Inspect Water Pressure & Pipe Conditions
Older homes in Urbana and Champaign may still have galvanized pipes, which corrode over time.
Have a licensed plumber assess:
- Pipe material and condition
- Water pressure throughout the bathroom
- Any signs of leaks or corrosion
If your pipes need replacement, it’s best to do it before you seal up new walls or flooring.
2. Plan Fixture Layouts Carefully
Moving a toilet or shower across the room? That’s not just a cosmetic change—it can mean rerouting water lines, drains, and vent stacks.
If you’re sticking with the same layout, confirm your current plumbing is up to code and sized correctly.
3. Upgrade to Water-Efficient Fixtures
Newer fixtures aren’t just stylish—they’re smart. Consider:
- Dual-flush or low-flow toilets
- WaterSense-labeled showerheads and faucets
According to the EPA, a single WaterSense toilet can save a family up to 13,000 gallons of water annually.
Explore more about water-saving upgrades on our service page.
4. Add or Replace Shut-Off Valves
If your current bathroom doesn’t have localized shut-offs for sinks, toilets, or tubs, now’s the perfect time to add them. This gives you better control during future repairs and emergencies.
5. Ensure Proper Venting
Plumbing vent stacks help water drain quickly and prevent sewer gases from entering your home. Poor or outdated venting is a common problem in older homes—and can cause slow drains, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant odors.
Let a pro inspect your venting layout before closing up the walls.
6. Confirm Code Compliance
Your remodel needs to meet local plumbing codes for safety and functionality. That includes spacing rules, backflow prevention, and minimum pipe sizing.
At Quality Plumbing, our State-certified plumbers ensure your project meets all code requirements for Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities.
Tips to Stay on Budget and Avoid Stress
Plumbing surprises can throw a wrench in even the best remodeling plan. Here’s how to keep things on track:
- Bring in a plumber before demo begins. Waiting until after demolition could result in costly delays or rework.
- Stick to your layout if possible. Moving toilets or tubs across the room increases labor and material costs.
- Set aside 10–15% of your remodel budget for plumbing updates. This is especially important if your home is older or you’re upgrading fixtures.
Partner with Local Plumbing Experts You Can Trust
Whether you’re remodeling your bathroom for comfort, accessibility, or resale value, make sure your plumbing isn’t an afterthought.
At Quality Plumbing, we’ve helped homeowners across Urbana and Champaign avoid costly mistakes by starting with the right plumbing plan. We treat every home like it’s our own—offering straightforward advice and high-quality work with no gimmicks.
Schedule Your Bathroom Remodel Consultation
Let’s make sure your bathroom remodel is built on a solid foundation.
Call Quality Plumbing at (217) 328-5081 or request a free estimate online. Planning ahead means less stress, fewer surprises, and a bathroom you’ll enjoy for years to come.
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