Remodeling your bathroom is an exciting project, but without the right plumbing plan, it can turn into a costly headache. At Proverbs Plumbing, we’ve helped countless homeowners avoid plumbing issues during their remodels, ensuring their new bathrooms function as beautifully as they look. Whether you're making small updates or doing a complete renovation, understanding the role of plumbing and bathroom remodel planning is essential to avoiding problems like leaks, poor drainage, or low water pressure.

If you're thinking about upgrading your bathroom, this guide will cover everything you need to know, from planning and fixture placement to common mistakes to avoid.

Start with a Plan

Before tearing anything out, take a step back and plan. Think about what’s staying, what’s moving, and whether your plumbing system can handle the changes.

Assess Your Current Plumbing

Older homes often have outdated pipes that may not support modern fixtures. If you’ve had issues like:

• Low water pressure
• Rust-colored water
• Frequent clogs
• Slow drains

It’s a good idea to update the plumbing while you’re remodeling. Otherwise, you might be covering up old problems instead of fixing them.

Decide What You’re Moving

If you keep everything in the same place, your plumbing work will be minimal. But if you move a toilet, sink, or shower, you’ll need to reroute supply and drain lines. The more you move things, the more complicated (and expensive) the project becomes.

Plumbing Essentials for a Bathroom Remodel

1. Water Supply Lines: Do They Need an Upgrade?

Your water supply lines bring fresh water to your bathroom. If you’re making big changes, now’s the time to check if they need replacing. Many homeowners are switching to PEX piping instead of traditional copper or PVC. PEX is flexible, durable, and less likely to freeze or crack. Plus, it’s easier to install, which can cut down on labor costs. If your pipes are aging or unreliable, upgrading them during the remodel will save you headaches later.

2. Drainage and Venting: Don’t Ignore This

Have you ever had a sink that drains slowly or a toilet that gurgles? That’s usually a sign of poor venting. Every fixture needs a properly sloped drain and a vent pipe to keep everything flowing smoothly. If you’re moving plumbing fixtures, don’t assume you can just shift a pipe and call it a day. The entire drainage and venting system needs to be adjusted accordingly. Skip this step, and you could be dealing with bad smells, slow drains, or even backups.

3. Toilet Placement: Not as Simple as It Looks

Moving a toilet seems easy, but it’s one of the trickier parts of a bathroom remodel. Toilets need to be positioned correctly to connect to the main sewer line and have proper venting. Most homes today use 3-inch or 4-inch drain pipes for toilets. If your home has smaller pipes, they may need to be replaced. A poorly installed toilet drain can cause slow flushing, frequent clogs, or even sewer gas leaks—definitely not something you want in your new bathroom.

4. Shower and Tub Plumbing: Plan Ahead

Thinking of upgrading to a rainfall shower or a walk-in tub? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Showerhead Height: Make sure it’s at a comfortable height for everyone in the house.
• Drain Placement: If you’re switching from a tub to a walk-in shower, the drain might need to be moved.
• Water Pressure: If you’re adding multiple showerheads, make sure your plumbing system can handle the extra demand.

A little planning now can prevent weak water pressure or improper drainage later.

5. Sink and Vanity Plumbing: Will It Fit?

Not all sinks and vanities work with your current plumbing setup. For example:

• Wall-mounted sinks or floating vanities often need the plumbing moved up inside the wall.
• Double vanities require extra plumbing connections.
• Freestanding sinks may need customized pipe installations.

Before choosing a sink, check if your plumbing needs to be adjusted—it’ll save you time and extra costs later.