Bathroom Renovation Tips: Replacing Your Hot Water Heater and More

Feeling overwhelmed with bathroom renovations?

Don’t worry, that’s normal. Renovating a home comes with detail and a lot of tough decisions. One missed step could waste time and even more money.

Taking just a few precautionary steps could make the bathroom renovation process much easier.

We’ve put together this mini-guide to bathroom renovations that could help speed up the process and relieve some of the stress that comes with home renovations.

Consider Your Bathroom Layout

You’ll need to consider the current drain and water lines in your bathroom before renovating. The bathroom’s current drain system usually dictates the location of important fixtures in the renovation. Some pipes and drains can be moved, but keep in mind that it can get really expensive and some pipe relocations are impossible.

If you’re hoping for a large tub right near a window, or a big sink with a mirror near the perfect natural lighting, your dreams may depend on the drain kine access. It’s usually possible to relocate large fixture, but it’s more difficult to install new drains in the bathroom floor.

Key Tip: Sit down with your contractor, plumber, or a renovation specialist and discuss what’s feasible with your current layout. Be sure to consult a professional before buying any big appliances that connect to a pipe.

Hire a Bathroom Renovation Professional

Electricians, builders, designers, and plumbers, all of these professionals work together to complete seamless and successful bathroom renovations.

The main key to any home renovation is consulting a professional, they have the real solutions that will bring the vision to life. Professionals can tell you if your idea will work in your space, and give you alternative ideas that can work with what you have. If your idea was a little too ambitious, a professional is there to make it more practical.

Completeing a full bathroom renovation is not your typical DIY project, don’t be shy, call a professional and invest in some expert advice.

Let the Professionals Install Your Drains

Hire a professional when doing any major home renovation, especially a bathroom renovation that requires connecting or making changes to a drain system.

Hire a plumber, you won’t regret it.

Renovation projects that require big changes to plumbing Infratructures usually require specific tools and expertise. A poorly done job could cause major plumbing issues in the future. Hiring a professional is the best way to save time and money.

A drain installation may look easy, but it includes several elements of work that requires a professional. Here are a few things to consider before trying a DIY drain job.

• Water fixtures like sinks, toilets, and bathtubs all require pipe rerouting whether they are brand new or when old ones are being replaced. Professionals have the skill set to identify where new segments are needed. Plumbers are trained to install and design water lines, new piping, and lateral connections without damaging the infrastructure of the home.
• If you are keeping your old bathroom infrastructure we suggest cleaning out your drains to prevent complications after the renovations are done. A professional plumber will be equipped with the skills and tools that can enter drains safely and remove scum without damaging the pipe walls.
• Ever ran a pipe behind your wall before? That’s what you’ll need to do if there is any pipe-fitting that needs to happen. Pipework typically runs behind the walls. Poorly executed pipe-fitting could lead to weak pipes, moisture damage, or leakage in the bathroom.

Even if the repairs are minor, consulting a professional can save time and money. Professionals wilI provide the tools, recommend the brands, and enforce the safety precautions needed for seamless bathroom renovations.

Don’t Forget to Check Your Water Heater

Remodeling your bathroom may also call for a new water heater. Generally, heaters last between 10-12 years. It may be time to change your water heater, or it could be time for an upgrade. Changing your water heater could save money and energy in the home.

Here are a few things to consider when determining if you need to change your water heater:

• Check your water heater warranty for correct timelines.
• Water tanks require the proper maintenance throughout their lifespan. If you haven’t been keeping up with your water heater by draining, flushing, and cleaning it yearly, it’s more likely that you will need to change it sooner.
• Have you noticed your utility bill is higher than usual? That may be a sign of needing a new water heater. If your water heater unit is using too much energy to produce the same amount of hot water, it may be time for a change.
• Look for leaks. If your water heater is leaking take immediate action. Leaks usually happen when the water pressure is too high causing pressure buildup in the tank. Leaks can also happen when there is an issue with the relief valve. Leaks can lead to fires and explosions. Be sure to look out for puddles and corrosion around the side of the water heater tank. Contact a professional immediately!
• Listen for those weird knocking noises from the heater. Knocking noises can be a sign of sediment buildup in the water heater tank. Be sure to flush your water heater regularly.
• Discolored water could mean your system is underperforming. If the water supply is a rusty color, or has a strange smell, you may need to replace your whole tank or a specific piece on the tank.

Hire a Professional to Install Your Water Heater

No matter what type of water heater you have, gas or electric, you’ll need a professional to install it properly. Gas lines can be very dangerous and they must be properly sealed to avoid dangerous leaks. The water heater also needs to be installed with the proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Electric heaters have specific wiring systems that need to be installed by a professional. Other things should be considered if you are changing your water heater, like the size and capacity of the new unit.

A professional can save you a lot of money by telling you if you actually even need a new heater. Sometimes the problem with the water heater can be a loose fitting or a fixable hole.

DIY water heater installations are pricey. If you try to do it yourself you’ll be forced to pay every time there is a new problem. Professionals offer service guarantees in case of any future issues with the unit.

Don’t be overwhelmed by your home renovations! At Hot Water Brisbane, professionals are here to help bring your vision to life. Call today and get a professional to install your new hot water system.