As we progress into summer, it’s a great time of the year to start on home remodeling projects. It’s important to remember, of course, that remodels take a lot of work, and some of this work may require the assistance of an experienced professional.
This is especially true when that remodel includes something like your kitchen, which in addition to beautiful cabinetry and new flooring you also have your plumbing to consider. And to address the title of this blog post, the best way to optimize your kitchen design in a remodel is with your plumbing! What do we mean? Read on!
Consider the Age of Your Plumbing
How old is your home? 40-50 years? Chances are, your plumbing is that old too, then, if you’ve never had repiping done. And once they’ve reached this age, they’re prone to corrosion and other problems that negatively impact how they work. In addition, if any of these pipes are lead, they have to be replaced.
Check for Plumbing Corrosion
Yes, your pipes are mostly hidden from view, behind walls and beneath floors. This is where video pipe inspection comes in. Before you start your kitchen remodel, consider having this service done to ensure that your pipes are in good shape.
The problem is, once rust or corrosion sets in, it’s hard to stop it. So, if it’s found that the plumbing in the area you’re remodeling is seriously corroded, it’s going to need replacement. Sometimes, certain sections can be replaced. However, if the corrosion is widespread then it will be necessary to replace all the plumbing that has rusted.
Will Plumbing Need to be Moved/Rerouted?
Many kitchen remodels make better use of the space. But sometimes, this means you’ll need to move some plumbing around to accommodate the new design of the room. As a result, it might be necessary to also upgrade your plumbing so the move can happen as needed and so that your existing plumbing matches any new plumbing being installed.
Also, if you’re going to be doing new flooring in your kitchen, then you may consider rerouting the plumbing pipes that run under the foundation of your home, especially if they’re old. The reason we say this is that slab leaks can occur in older pipes—slab leaks are when the underground plumbing springs a leak. They can do a lot of damage before they’re even discovered. Rerouting your plumbing during a remodel is a great preemptive action to take.
Consider Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures
What if you could pay less for your water use month-to-month? This is a great benefit of doing a kitchen remodel—while considering your options you can also choose new plumbing fixtures. Low-flow models save gallons of water each year, and subsequently, save you lots of money. Plus, they help the environment!
Performance Plumbing is your trusted resource for professional kitchen design in St. Louis, MO. Contact us today.