Quick Answers
Installing a new bathroom or renovating an existing one is a major home improvement project that requires expertise in plumbing, tiling, carpentry, electrical work, and more. While a dedicated DIYer may be able to handle some minor bathroom upgrades themselves, taking on a full bathroom installation or remodel as a solo project is not recommended for the average homeowner. Hiring a professional plumber is the best way to ensure the job is done properly and safely.
Some of the key reasons you need a plumber for a new bathroom installation or remodel include:
- Correct drainage and venting – Proper drainage and venting is critical to prevent leaks, mold, sewer gas buildup, and other problems. Plumbers have the training to size drainage pipes correctly and vent all fixtures properly.
- Fixture installation – Installing new sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, and other fixtures requires making precision connections to water supply lines and drain pipes. A mistake can easily lead to leaks.
- Permit requirements – Most areas require permits for bathroom additions and renovations. Plumbers are familiar with local permit processes and code requirements.
- Gas line connections – Connecting gas lines for new appliances requires specialized skills and tools to avoid fire risks from leaks.
- Wall penetration – Cutting holes through existing walls and floors for drain and vent pipes must be done carefully to avoid structural damage.
- Expertise – Plumbers have years of training and experience that gives them the skills needed to plan and execute a bathroom remodel properly.
While it may be tempting to DIY a bathroom remodel to save on labor costs, the risks are high if drainage, water supplies, or other systems are not installed to code. Hiring a professional upfront gives peace of mind that the job will be done right.
Evaluating Your Bathroom Project
Not all bathroom projects require the services of a plumber. Here are some guidelines on when you need professional help:
Minor upgrades – Simple upgrades like installing a new faucet, sink, or toilet can usually be DIY if you have some basic plumbing skills. Just be sure to turn off water supplies before starting.
Tile, lights, vanity – New tile, lighting, or vanity cabinetry can also potentially be DIY projects assuming you turn off water and disconnect fixtures first. Homeowners may be able to handle these cosmetic upgrades themselves in some cases.
Major remodels – If you are moving or adding fixtures, encroaching on existing pipes, or doing a full gut and remodel, a plumber’s expertise is highly recommended. The risk of leaks or other problems down the road is too high.
Unsure about scope – When in doubt if your project is minor or major, it’s best to consult a professional plumber. They can assess your existing bathroom layout and systems and make recommendations.
The following table summarizes when you typically need or don’t need a plumber for common bathroom projects:
| Project Type | Plumber Needed? |
|---|---|
| Replacing faucet or sink | Usually not needed if you turn off water and use basic skills |
| Replacing toilet | Helpful but can potentially DIY if water is off |
| New vanity and medicine cabinet | No if no plumbing modifications needed |
| Tile floor and wall installation | No but turn water off and remove fixtures first |
| Recessed lighting | No as long as care taken near plumbing |
| Moving or expanding shower | Yes, existing drainage may need modifying |
| Adding bathtub | Yes, plumbing for supplies and drains required |
| Converting tub to shower | Yes, involves replacing drainage |
| Gut and full remodel | Yes, complete re-plumbing needed |
| Adding bathroom in new space | Yes, all new plumbing required |
Planning Your Bathroom Remodel
Careful planning is key to a successful bathroom remodel. Here are some important steps:
Assess Your Needs
Consider how your family uses the bathroom and what changes would improve function and layout. Decide what fixtures need to be added, moved, or replaced.
Set a Realistic Budget
Bathroom remodels run from $7,500 to $25,000+ depending on size, materials, and the scope of work. Build in a 10-20% cushion for unexpected issues.
Hire a Plumber
Bring a professional plumber on board early to provide input on the feasibility of your plans and ensure your budget covers the necessary plumbing work.
Create a Plan
Work with your plumber and designer to map out required changes to pipes, drains, vents, and fixtures. This will determine the demolition and construction work needed.
Apply for Permits
In most cases, you will need plumbing, electrical, and building permits for a bathroom remodel. Your plumber can ensure all code requirements are met.
Shop Fixtures and Finishes
Selecting tiles, cabinets, lighting, vanities, and other finishes is an exciting part of the planning process. Just be sure to coordinate with your plumber on placement of fixtures and supply lines.
Careful planning upfront can help avoid delays, unexpected costs, and other headaches throughout your bathroom remodel. Your plumber is an invaluable partner through this process.
Hiring and Working with Plumbers
Here are some tips for finding and collaborating with qualified plumbers on your bathroom installation or remodel:
Research and Compare
Search online reviews and ask neighbors for plumber recommendations. Compare several estimates for your project.
Verify Licensing
Confirm plumbers are properly licensed in your state and carry liability insurance. This protects you in case of damages or injuries.
Check References
Ask prospective plumbers for references from recent bathroom remodel jobs. Follow up to confirm they did quality work.
Get Referrals
Your designer, contractor, or local permit office may be able to recommend plumbers they’ve worked with successfully on similar bathroom projects.
Look for Specialists
Seek plumbers who specialize in bathrooms over generalists. They will have the most relevant expertise.
Discuss Timelines
Review expected project timelines and availability upfront. Make sure they align with the schedules of your other contractors.
Review All Estimates
Compare plumbing estimates in detail. Make sure they cover all the same work and materials for an apples-to-apples comparison.
Inspect Work Regularly
Check on the progress of your plumber’s work at key milestones. Identify any issues early before they escalate.
Communicate Changes
Keep your plumber updated on any changes in the project scope or timeline that could impact their work.
Selecting the right plumber and maintaining good communication throughout your bathroom project can help eliminate surprises and keep work on schedule.
Plumbing Work Required
Some of the key plumbing jobs involved in a bathroom remodel include:
Rerouting Drain and Vent Lines
If you are moving or expanding fixtures, the corresponding drain and vent lines may need to be rerouted to accommodate the new layout.
Installing New Water Supply Lines
New rigid copper or PEX lines will be required to connect relocated or additional sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers to the main water supply.
Updating Fixtures
Your plumber can remove old sinks, toilets, tubs, faucets, and showers and replace them with new modern fixtures.
Adding shutoff valves
Your plumber should add shutoff valves if there are none present. This allows water to be turned off to individual fixtures for repairs.
Pressure and leak testing
Your plumber will pressure test all new water lines and drain pipes to ensure there are no leaks before walls get closed up.
Trenching for underground pipes
If any drain or supply lines need to run underground, trenches will need to be dug and then filled once pipe is laid.
Having a professional plumber handle these critical tasks will ensure your new bathroom has efficient and reliable plumbing for years to come.
Plumbing Codes and Permits
Bathroom plumbing projects must adhere to local plumbing and building codes. Key areas covered by code include:
- Drain line size and slope
- Proper venting of drain system
- Approved materials for supply pipes
- Isolation valves for fixtures
- Fixed temperatures for shower valves
- Low-flow toilet requirements
- Allowable locations for fixtures and pipes
Your plumber will ensure all code requirements are met. They can also pull necessary permits, which are typically required for:
- Adding new plumbing fixtures
- Moving location of fixtures
- Remodeling bathrooms in finished areas
- Converting a tub to shower
- Rerouting supply or drainage pipes
Your plumber is familiar with local permit processes and can file paperwork plus arrange any needed inspections. This crucial step ensures your remodel passes inspection before walls get closed up.
DIY vs. Hiring a Plumber: Making the Decision
As a homeowner, deciding between DIY versus hiring a plumber for your bathroom project comes down to considering:
Level of Experience
If you have remodeled bathrooms before and are very comfortable with plumbing, a DIY project may be feasible. If this is your first time, the learning curve will be steep.
Project Complexity
A simple sink swap or toilet replacement may not need a pro. But moving pipes or adding bath fixtures requires advanced skills.
Access Issues
If the bathroom layout makes accessing pipes difficult, it will exponentially harder for a DIYer versus an experienced plumber.
Permit Requirements
DIYers may struggle with permitting processes required for many bath remodels. Plumbers are familiar with compliance.
Potential for Damages
Mistakes in plumbing work can lead to huge expenses from water damage or mold. The risks are multiplied for DIYers.
Project Timeline
Plumbers can typically complete work much faster than DIYers, who often need to self-teach techniques. Speed is especially important if your household is down to one bathroom during renovations.
Carefully weigh these factors when deciding if your project has DIY potential or warrants hiring professional help. Keep in mind plumbing mistakes can cost you much more time and money to fix down the road. Often, the upfront investment in a plumber provides good insurance against issues.
Conclusion
Installing or renovating a bathroom is one of the most complex home improvement projects a homeowner can take on. From rerouting pipes to installing new elegant fixtures, there are many opportunities for expensive errors if plumbing work is done incorrectly. Except for very minor upgrades, most bathroom projects require hiring a professional plumber to ensure proper drainage, water supply, gas lines, and fixture installation.
While a seasoned DIYer may be tempted to self-perform their bathroom remodel plumbing, the risks are high unless you have extensive past experience. Mistakes can lead to catastrophic leaks, water damage, the risk of mold, high repair costs, and safety hazards. By hiring a qualified local plumber upfront, you gain peace of mind that your new bathroom will function flawlessly for many years. Plus, plumbers have the expertise to navigate local permit processes and codes to pass inspections.
Be sure to do your research and hire only licensed, insured plumbers with extensive bathroom remodel experience. Take time to plan your project thoroughly and communicate clearly with your plumber at each step. Pay close attention to the details of their quote to understand what is covered. With professional plumbing expertise on your team, you can look forward to enjoying your beautiful new bathroom for decades to come.