Home renovations are an exciting time as you update and improve your living space. However, major construction projects also come with the risk of creating plumbing issues if you’re not careful. Damaged or improperly installed plumbing leads to leaks, floods, and costly repairs down the road.  Before starting demolition or construction, review your home’s floor plans and understand where key plumbing runs through the structure. Know the location of supply lines, drains, sewer lines, and gas pipes so you avoid them during the work. Mark their paths and make everyone on the project aware of the plumbing layout. If you don’t have floor plans, use a pipe camera to inspect your plumbing and see what lies behind walls and under floors before tearing them open. Unexpectedly cutting a line causes major headaches.

Turn off water lines and cap open pipes

Anytime you’re working near plumber Inner west lines, turn off the water supply to prevent accidental bursts and leaks. It includes capping or plugging any open pipes during construction so debris doesn’t fall in. Debris clogs drains and sewer lines, causing backups and damage. When installing new pipes, make sure they are properly supported and connected using the right fittings and techniques. Don’t risk jury-rigging connections that could fail down the road. Also, be mindful when using heavy machinery like jackhammers or excavators around buried plumbing lines. It’s better to hand dig around pipes to avoid accidental breaks.

Inspect and test your work thoroughly

The dust settles on your renovation, thoroughly inspect all affected plumbing and test for leaks before turning systems back on. Run water through pipes to check for clogs from construction debris. Test sink and shower drains for proper flow. Look for signs of leaks like damp spots or drips. Confirm toilets flush well and refill at the right level. Check under cabinets for leakage near supply lines and shutoff valves. Don’t assume everything still works – take the time to carefully inspect and test all plumbing before completing the project. Also, plan to monitor plumbing closely over the next few weeks. Some issues may take time to appear. If in doubt, call a professional plumber to inspect the job before walls and floors get closed up.

Plumbing for repairs and emergencies

The permanently sealing off plumbing access points like shutoff valves during renovations. While it may be tempting to box in plumbing runs behind finished walls, you’ll regret it later when a leak springs or a pipe bursts. Leaving key access panels and shutting off values unobstructed allows for faster repairs and prevents having to cut open walls later. If you must cover up plumbing, be strategic about still allowing necessary access. Include removable panels or closet cutouts. Create access doors to pipe chases or add a valve box to buried yard lines. Taking a little extra care during renovations will save you from headaches with plumbing upkeep down the road.