Most homeowners consider a kitchen remodel at some point. It’s a great way to update the space and potentially improve the value of your home. However, kitchen renovations often require more than people think. You have to plan and prepare for the placement of any appliances that require a water source.
A Quick Note on Kitchen Plumbing
Modern improvements have made kitchen plumbing install and repair vastly simpler than it used to be. Still, the more difficult tasks, such as supplying enough line, venting, and leaving room for the drainpipes should always be left to the professionals. When you work with a plumber during your remodel, they can lay out the plumbing plans for you.
How Easy Is It to Move Plumbing During a Remodel?
There’s a reason kitchen sinks are often under a window. People tend to follow a simple layout when they design a kitchen’s plumbing system.
Moving plumbing and fixtures can be simple, but it really depends on what you want to move and how far. If you want your dishwasher on the other side of the room, it requires a more significant job than shifting it a few feet.
It may require drilling new holes for water pipes or cutting and extending existing pipes to run through walls. Fortunately, pipes are easy enough to hide in walls and cabinets.
Kitchen Sinks
When relocating a kitchen sink, you can maintain proper drainage by achieving the right pitch (slope in the pipes) for your drain. Aim for a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot for both the vent and drainpipe. Installing a new vent pipe becomes notably challenging, especially if there are upper floors above the kitchen. Plumbers often resort to cleverly concealing these pipes within cupboards, closets, or pantries.
Neglecting proper drainage and ventilation for a kitchen sink can lead to drainage issues that affect overall the functionality of your plumbing system. Fixing this later may entail tearing into recently renovated floors and walls. That’s why meticulous planning and consultation with plumbing experts before commencing any work is so important.
Dishwashers
Bringing in new appliances is a common part of kitchen renovations. While the initial expense of a new dishwasher might give you pause when considering your remodeling budget, investing in updated appliances can also give you substantial long-term savings on energy costs.
Connecting a new dishwasher typically requires routing flexible water and drain hoses through the cabinet beneath the sink, where they link up with a drain fitting either on the sink itself or the garbage disposal unit. Additionally, it may be necessary to install a high loop to prevent backflow from the drain into the dishwasher.
Island Sinks
Island sinks can add an appealing touch to any kitchen. However, a key challenge with island sinks is that they require venting. Similar to other sinks, the drain and water pipes of island sinks are underneath the cabinet, connecting to both the sink and faucet. Venting an island sink requires the vent to ascend and loop within the cabinet before descending through the floor to link up with a vertical vent. This configuration ensures sufficient air supply to the sink system while preventing siphoning off the sink trap.
Alternatively, an Air Admittance Valve (AAV) can be installed as another option for island venting. Positioned high within the cabinet, AAVs allow air to enter the system. Yet, they may struggle to keep pace with larger water volumes, potentially resulting in drainage issues such as slow water flow.
Icemakers & Water Dispensers
Many homeowners overlook the significance of proper plumbing in the convenience of on-demand filtered water and ice. Whether you want a standalone unit or one integrated into your refrigerator, a plumber has to tap into a water line to supply the water dispenser and ice maker.
Utilizing a saddle valve reroutes water to the rear of your refrigerator. When relocating a refrigerator equipped with a water line, you may only need to replace the necessary length of flexible pipeline to connect from the cold water supply to the appliance’s rear connection point. Flexible piping is available in various diameters and lengths, offering flexibility to tailor the connection to suit your remodeling design.
How Much Does It Cost to Reroute a Plumbing Line?
Rerouting a single plumbing line typically runs an average of $650 to $1,500, with drywall removal and replacement costs not included. The total expense varies depending on factors like accessibility and the length of the line needing relocation.
Planning for Plumbing in Your Kitchen Remodel
Creating a functional and inviting new kitchen requires careful planning, especially regarding plumbing considerations. Before embarking on any major remodel, evaluate your current kitchen’s plumbing layout. Determine if new plumbing fixtures are necessary and whether any cabinets or walls need removal to accommodate your vision. It’s crucial to consult with a plumbing professional before finalizing your plans.
Regardless of whether plumbing fixtures will be relocated significantly, it’s essential to have all plumbing and fixtures inspected by a certified professional before any demolition begins. Their expertise allows them to identify issues such as worn pipes, cracked fittings, or non-compliance with building codes. If your plumbing and fixtures haven’t been updated in some time, anticipate that preliminary work may be required before planning your remodel, ensuring that your dream kitchen can be realized without unexpected disruptions.
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