Tips for Rerouting Plumbing Lines
Rerouting involves creating new plumbing lines in existing houses. You may need to reroute plumbing lines in order to add to or renovate your plumbing installations, such as your bathroom or kitchen. Rerouting also helps replace pipes that have been damaged in difficult-to-repair locations, such as under the slab. Below are tips to help with successful plumbing rerouting.
Avoid Outside Walls in Cold Climates
You have several options to run the new pipes. One option is to run the pipes through the walls to the attic.
Avoid the outside wall if you choose this option and live in a cold climate. The outside wall has exposure to the outside weather elements, and it can easily freeze during winter. The water will expand and possibly burst the pipes if the water freezes. That might lead to water leaks behind the walls that can cause significant damage and necessitate expensive repairs.
Avoid Important Structures and Installations
You will need to drill or cut through the walls to install the new pipes. Be careful not to damage important but hidden structures behind the walls. For example, you should not damage:
- Electrical lines
- Drain lines
- Other water lines
- Gas lines
- HVAC lines
The best precaution is to map the location of these structures before the work commences. You should also not cut or disturb the house's structural support installations, such as the support beams or floor joists. Otherwise, you might weaken your house's structure.
Use Existing Plumbing Spaces
You don't have to create new spaces for your new plumbing pipes. You can use the existing spaces where the old plumbing system runs. Plumbers use flexible pipe materials for this purpose. The flexible materials can navigate twists and turns without damage. You can save significant resources if you take this route.
Determine Whether You Need New Vents
Plumbing vents regulate airflow or pressure. The regulation ensures:
- Wastes can flow out of the house
- Water can flow to the required points
- Waste gases do not fill your house
Know whether you need new vents for your new plumbing pipes or the existing vents suffice. You probably need new vents if you intend to create new plumbing spaces.
Plan for Future Access
Plumbing problems are inevitable, especially as materials and infrastructure age. Therefore, install your new pipes with future accessibility in mind. Don't install the pipes in such a way that you have to damage some structure to access the pipes in the future. One option is to install panels in strategic locations that you can remove to access the plumbing.
Mind the Aesthetics
Some people might not mind exposed plumbing pipes, but many consider them ugly. Find a way to hide the pipes and maintain your home's aesthetics if you prefer a clean look.
However, you have to hide the pipes if you run them along the walls. Options include using unused laundry chutes or wall chase — sometimes called a false wall.
Get Permits and Follow Building Codes
Lastly, don't forget that building codes affect all plumbing installations, including repairs and rerouting. Therefore, you must plan your plumbing rerouting with the plumbing codes in mind. Note that plumbing codes change all the time; confirm that you have the latest code. For example, applicable codes ensure:
- Rerouting doesn't weaken the house's structure
- The pipes have adequate slope
- The pipes have the correct sizes
Moreover, the local building department must approve your plans before you begin working.
Rerouting is a major plumbing work that requires a professional's input. Contact Oak Creek Plumbing to reroute your plumbing lines or help you with other plumbing services. You can trust in our plumbing skills and experience of over 50 years in the industry.
