Summer Renovation Do’s and Don’ts for Your Plumbing

Lizzi Skipper • August 28, 2024
A kitchen under renovations.

Summer is prime time for home renovations, and if you’re planning to update your plumbing, you’re not alone. But before you dive into those DIY projects or call in the pros, there are a few do’s and don’ts you should keep in mind to avoid costly mistakes and ensure your renovations go smoothly.

Do: Plan Ahead

The excitement of a renovation can make you want to jump in headfirst, but when it comes to plumbing, planning is key. Map out your renovation goals and consider how changes might impact your existing plumbing. Whether you’re moving a sink or installing a new shower, understanding the scope of work will help you avoid surprises down the line.

Don't: Ignore Local Codes

Before starting any work, familiarize yourself with local plumbing codes. These regulations are there to protect you and your home. Ignoring them can lead to fines or, worse, unsafe plumbing that could cause major issues in the future. Hiring a licensed plumber who knows these codes can save you headaches later on.

How to Find Local Plumbing Codes

You can find your state’s local plumbing codes by visiting your local government page, or you can call a local plumber for insight.

Do: Upgrade Old Pipes

If your home has older pipes, summer renovations offer the perfect opportunity to repipe. Materials like galvanized steel or polybutylene are prone to problems over time. Replacing them with modern, durable options such as copper or PEX piping can improve your home’s water quality and reduce the risk of leaks.

Don't: Skimp on Quality Materials

When it comes to plumbing, you get what you pay for. Cheap materials might save you money upfront, but they can lead to more problems and repairs in the long run. Invest in quality fixtures and pipes that will stand the test of time. It’s a decision your future self will thank you for.

Watch our free guide to learn how to pick out faucets, showerheads, toilets, and other fixtures with a plumber’s eye.

Do: Consider Water Efficiency

If you’re upgrading your plumbing, think about water efficiency. Installing low-flow fixtures or a dual-flush toilet can help reduce water usage and lower your utility bills. Plus, these upgrades can make your home more environmentally friendly—something that’s becoming increasingly important to many homeowners.

Don't: Overlook Proper Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential for a healthy plumbing system, especially in humid areas like bathrooms. Without it, you could end up with mold, mildew, and even structural damage. Make sure your renovations include adequate ventilation to keep your home dry and safe.

Do: Get Professional Help When Needed

Even the most confident DIYer can run into trouble when dealing with plumbing. Don’t hesitate to call in a professional for complex jobs. It’s better to spend a little extra on expert help than to risk damaging your home’s plumbing system.

Don't: Forget About Future Access

While it might be tempting to conceal pipes and plumbing behind walls or floors, think about future access. Plumbing needs maintenance over time, and making sure you or a plumber can easily reach critical areas will save you a lot of trouble down the road.

Do: Keep Track of Future Plumbing Maintenance and Basic Fixes

After your renovation project is done, set you and your home up for success by getting familiar with basic plumbing repairs and maintenance. The Plumb Works Academy offers free repair and maintenance guides for a variety of seasonal issues. Empower yourself with the knowledge and skills to tackle these issues, and get ready for the plumbing challenges that come with the changing seasons.

Schedule a Service With Plumb Works

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your home, and with these tips in mind, your plumbing renovations can be a success. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional, a little planning and smart decision-making will ensure your updates are not only beautiful but also functional and long-lasting.

If you’re in the middle of a renovation and run into a plumbing problem, give us a call or fill out a form to let us know how we can help. Our team of skilled and certified plumbers is here to help with honest and expert service.

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Being proactive remains a key element of a successful business, and it certainly holds true when preparing for the possible devastating effects of stormy season. Spring remains one of the Atlanta area’s rainiest times of the year. According to Weather Spark, the average monthly rainfall from March through May ranges from 3 to 4.6 inches. Heavy spring storms can rain hard on a commercial facility. If unprepared, it can potentially lead to serious problems, causing everything from business downtime to costly repercussions. The following are several heavy rain-related issues that can cast a dark cloud on a commercial building and how to avoid them. Sump Pump: Fighting the Flood When it comes to flooding, stormwater remains a dreaded culprit. Having a properly functioning sump pump can help proactively help fight a flood. A sump pump collects groundwater from around a building’s foundation and pumps it away from the structure, deterring damage. Plumb Works suggests all businesses have one, especially those with a crawlspace or basement. Consult the experts at Plumb Works for sump pump installation, replacement, and preventative maintenance. Protection from Sewer Backups Heavy rains can overload a city’s sewer system. Backwater valves, a specific type of backflow prevention device, protect businesses from sewer backups by allowing wastewater out, but automatically closing to keep sewage from flowing backward. Plumb Works can install, test, and make sure your backwater valve is working properly. The Importance of Storm Drains Commercial storm drains are equipped to drain excess rain and groundwater from the areas surrounding a business, such as parking lots and sidewalks, preventing flooding, damages, and unsafe conditions. Some storm drain systems include a catch basin, which captures stormwater and separates any debris that may have come along with it. Having Plumb Works inspect, clean, and repair storm drains and catch basins can help businesses avoid a flood of unwanted costs. Cutting Out Grease Commercial kitchens require a grease trap, which keeps the plumbing system from being impacted by an overload of grease. If a grease trap isn’t functioning properly, it can have an adverse effect on a plumbing system during heavy rain. Too much grease limits pipe capacity, which can cause heavy rain to overwhelm a system, leading to backups. To avoid this, consult a plumbing professional company like Plumb Works that specializes in grease trap services. Avoiding Clogged Drains Plumbing systems in commercial facilities often fall prey to clogged pipes due to unwanted items being flushed or disposed of down drains. This can further complicate things when a mass amount of rain overwhelms a plumbing system. Businesses experiencing frequent clogs can benefit from hydro jetting. The most effective drain-cleaning solution available, hydro jetting uses high-pressure water jets to blast through clogged drains and restore peak plumbing performance. Schedule hydro jetting in advance of the rainy season to make sure pipes are functioning at their best under any possible pressure. Plumb Works Can Help Protect Your Business During Rainy Season Don’t let your business get washed away due to flooding and sewer backup challenges during the rainy season. Lean on a Plumb Works expert by calling 404-524-1825 or scheduling an appointment online.
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