Common Plumbing Pitfalls When Remodeling A Bathroom

Common Plumbing Pitfalls When Remodeling A Bathroom

A bathroom remodel is one of the most exciting upgrades a homeowner can take on. It’s a chance to transform an outdated or cramped space into something more comfortable, efficient, and reflective of your personal style. But amidst all the decisions about tile, lighting, and fixtures, there’s one critical element that’s often underestimated: the plumbing.

Plumbing plays a central role in how your bathroom functions—and getting it wrong can lead to major setbacks, unexpected costs, or even long-term damage. Many homeowners dive into remodeling without fully understanding how even small plumbing mistakes can snowball into larger issues down the road.

That’s why Teleios Plumbing & Electrical recommends taking the time to plan and assess your existing plumbing system before the first hammer swings. Their team often sees simple oversights turn into expensive fixes that could have been avoided with the right prep work and professional input.

Here are some of the most common plumbing pitfalls to watch for when remodeling your bathroom—along with tips to avoid them.

1. Forgetting to Check Pipe Condition

If your home is older, chances are the plumbing hidden behind your walls has been there for decades. Failing to assess the condition and material of existing pipes is a major oversight during remodeling.

Older pipes—especially galvanized steel, lead, or cast iron—can be corroded, clogged, or nearing the end of their lifespan. Connecting new fixtures to aging or damaged lines can create flow issues, leaks, or contamination risks.

What to do:
Before installing new sinks, showers, or toilets, have a plumber inspect your pipes. If necessary, budget to update any outdated or deteriorating plumbing during the remodel. It’s much easier to do while walls and floors are already opened up.

2. Ignoring Proper Drain Slope

A common mistake in DIY bathroom remodels is improper drain slope. All drain pipes require a specific slope—typically 1/4 inch per foot—to allow gravity to carry wastewater efficiently away from the bathroom.

Get this wrong, and you’re likely to experience:

• Slow-draining sinks or tubs

• Frequent clogs

• Sewer odors backing up into your space

• Long-term pipe damage due to standing water

What to do:
Make sure your plumbing layout is designed and installed by someone who understands code-compliant drain slopes. Even small miscalculations can cause big headaches later.

3. Overlooking Venting Requirements

Venting is essential to any plumbing system. It allows air to enter the pipes so that wastewater can flow freely, preventing airlocks and pressure issues.

When remodeling a bathroom, especially when moving fixtures, many homeowners forget that each major fixture needs to be properly vented. Poor or missing venting can result in:

• Gurgling noises from drains

• Sewer gases entering the room

• Slow or stalled drainage

What to do:
Ensure your remodel includes updated venting that complies with local plumbing codes. If you’re adding a fixture in a new location, consult a licensed plumber to evaluate whether existing vents can accommodate the changes—or if new ones need to be added.

4. Moving Fixtures Without a Plan

Moving your toilet, sink, or tub to a new spot may seem like a great design choice—but doing so without understanding the plumbing implications can lead to costly complications.

Each plumbing fixture relies on supply lines, waste pipes, and venting. Relocating them often requires:

• Breaking into floors or concrete slabs

• Rerouting pipes and drainage systems

• Modifying framing or joists

• Updating permits and plumbing inspections

What to do:
If your remodel includes moving fixtures, have a plumber assess the feasibility early in the planning stage. Sometimes a design adjustment—like rotating a vanity instead of relocating it—can save you thousands while still achieving your desired look.

5. Skipping Shutoff Valve Upgrades

Shutoff valves allow you to control the water flow to individual fixtures. Yet during bathroom remodels, many people focus on the big items and forget to update these small but critical components.

Old or corroded valves may:

• Fail when you need to turn them off

• Leak over time

• Be incompatible with new fixtures

What to do:
As part of your remodel, replace all fixture shutoff valves and supply lines. It’s a low-cost step that increases safety and makes future maintenance much easier.

6. Using the Wrong Materials

Not all plumbing materials are created equal. Choosing the wrong size, type, or connection for your pipes and fittings can lead to leaks, code violations, or fixture malfunctions.

Common DIY mistakes include:

• Using incompatible metals (e.g., copper and galvanized)

• Installing undersized drain pipes

• Choosing plastic fittings where brass is required

• Not applying thread sealant properly

What to do:
Stick with trusted materials and don’t cut corners on pipe quality. If you’re not familiar with plumbing code or product specifications, always check with a professional.

7. Poor Shower or Tub Drain Planning

Showers and tubs have specific drain and overflow requirements—and these systems must be precisely aligned with the plumbing below. Failing to get the slope, drain height, or waterproofing right can cause major issues post-installation.

Risks include:

• Water pooling in the pan

• Leaks beneath tile or subflooring

• Mold growth and water damage

What to do:
Use quality drain systems designed for your fixture type. Whether it’s a traditional tub or a curbless walk-in shower, make sure your plumbing supports proper drainage and long-term moisture protection.

8. Not Getting Permits or Inspections

Plumbing updates often require local permits and inspections to ensure the work meets building codes. Skipping this step may seem like a shortcut, but it can backfire if you ever sell your home or experience a plumbing emergency.

Unpermitted plumbing work could:

• Delay your home sale

• Void your insurance coverage

• Lead to fines or forced repairs

• Leave you with unsafe systems

What to do:
Check your local building requirements before starting. A licensed contractor or plumber can help handle the permit process and schedule necessary inspections along the way.

Final Thoughts

Bathroom remodeling is a chance to improve one of the most-used and most valuable spaces in your home. But without proper attention to plumbing, even the best design can fall flat.

By understanding the most common plumbing pitfalls—like drain slope, venting, material selection, and shutoff valve placement—you can avoid costly setbacks and keep your project running smoothly.

Planning ahead, consulting experts, and making smart decisions can turn your bathroom remodel into a success story—not a plumbing disaster.