Mains utility supplies as we know them today are relatively new, especially considering that many old homes were initially built without plumbing for running water. Additionally, household heating used to come from fireplaces instead of plumbed central heating. Naturally, as technology advanced and homeowner expectations shifted, additional spaces were converted into bathrooms. As well as this, kitchens were getting larger and more complex, which called for even more plumbing. When renovating an old home, the plumbing can be complex, so we’ve put together a series of tips.
Installing Pipework
Old homes weren’t built with plumbing in mind, meaning there’s a lack of logical pipework pathways. The biggest obstacle for old home plumbing is the waste and supply lines. Additionally, many modern systems will need wiring, presenting another issue. In most cases, it makes sense to work on the plumbing alongside the electrical, as both will need adjusting during large-scale projects anyway.
When plumbing the new system, you’ll need to work alongside your plumber to determine ways to complete the work without damaging the special features of the home. In some cases, this may involve using PEX tubing instead of copper, as it’s more flexible. Additionally, you may want to consider futureproofing the home by installing a manabloc from Beehive Plumbing, which will make it easier for accessing each line.
Avoiding Constructional Damage
Old houses were built using very difficult materials and design features, and this uniqueness is most likely part of the reason you fell in love with the property. With this in mind, you will need to carefully consider the location of any newly plumbed-in rooms. For example, if you want to put a bathroom above any painted decoration or fine plastering, you’re asking for expensive trouble if a leak occurs.
Being More Practical
Modern bathrooms and kitchens need to have adequate ventilation, which might be tricky when you’re attempting to leave the external face of your home undisturbed. In most cases, depending on the placement of these rooms, you can have vents placed on the exterior walls, which will avoid damaging the curb appeal. Additionally, when drilling holes for vents, you should enter from the outside to avoid causing unnecessary damage to the wall.
During the renovation, you may be working with hot equipment including blow torches. Naturally, these are hazardous and can cause fires if not managed properly. As good practice, you should turn off all hot equipment at least an hour before you’re ready to leave the site, which will give it enough time to cool down completely.
Ongoing Maintenance and Upkeep
After the renovation is complete, it’s important to keep up with ongoing maintenance. To make sure this can continue long after you’ve left the property, it’s a good idea to draw a detailed plan for the location of all plumbing and hold onto any documentation.
Renovating an old home can be challenging, especially when you’re attempting to fit modern features into a shell that was never designed to receive them. However, with some smart planning and support from a professional plumber, you can achieve your renovation goals.