Plumbing is the backbone of your bathroom. While visible fixtures like faucets and showerheads dictate the style, the hidden pipes and valves determine the longevity and efficiency of the space. In many older Atlanta homes, outdated or poorly laid plumbing can limit design possibilities and lead to future costly repairs.
Planning for Bathroom Plumbing Upgrades Atlanta renovations demand means addressing both the practical layout and the performance of your fixtures. At Varilko Remodeling, we ensure your hidden plumbing infrastructure is as modern and high-quality as your finished design.
Here is a guide to the key decisions involved in upgrading your bathroom plumbing.
1. The Big Decision: Relocating Plumbing Lines
Moving the main drainage and water lines is the single biggest cost driver in a bathroom remodel, but it’s often necessary to achieve a perfect layout.
Toilet and Drain Line Relocation
- The Challenge: Moving the toilet drain (the largest pipe) or the shower drain requires breaking the concrete slab foundation (on the first floor or basement) or significant subfloor work (on upper floors).
- The Cost Impact: This work is highly specialized and significantly increases your budget, as it involves structural patching and extra labor. However, if your existing layout is awkward, relocating toilet cost Atlanta contractors charge is often worthwhile for improving the room’s flow and function.
- Varilko Tip: If possible, keep the toilet drain within a foot or two of its current location to minimize disruption and cost.
Supply Line Upgrades: PEX vs. Copper
If you are doing a full gut remodel, it is the perfect time to replace old galvanized or aging copper supply lines.
- PEX vs Copper Plumbing Costs Atlanta: PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing is the modern standard. It is flexible, highly resistant to scale and corrosion, and significantly less expensive to install than copper. Copper remains a premium choice, offering longevity and natural antimicrobial properties, but with a higher material and labor cost.
- Our Recommendation: PEX is usually the most economical and efficient choice for supply lines in a residential remodel.
2. Fixtures that Define Performance and Style
Once the rough-in plumbing is finalized, selecting your visible fixtures determines the daily experience of your bathroom.
The Shower System
- Thermostatic Valves: Essential for luxury and safety. Thermostatic valves hold the water temperature constant, regardless of pressure changes elsewhere in the house.
- Low-Flow vs. Performance: Modern low-flow shower heads vs performance debate is mostly moot. Look for models with high-efficiency labels (like WaterSense) that use less water but are engineered to maintain high pressure and a satisfying spray experience.
Faucets and Sinks
- Faucet Trends: Modern bathroom faucet trends favor single-handle levers or wall-mounted faucets. Wall-mounted models are stylish, free up counter space, and make cleaning easier.
- Undermount vs. Vessel Sinks: Undermount sinks (sunk beneath the counter) are the preferred choice for seamless aesthetics and easy cleaning. Vessel sinks (sitting on top of the counter) are dramatic but can be less practical for everyday use.
Modern Toilets
- Water Efficiency: All new toilets must meet modern water conservation standards. Look for dual-flush models that allow you to choose between a full flush and a light flush.
- Concealed Trapway: Choosing a toilet with a fully smooth, skirted base looks modern and is much easier to clean than a traditional toilet with visible nooks and crannies.
3. Protecting Your Investment with Quality Installation
The final quality of your plumbing system relies entirely on expert installation. Issues like slow drains, leaky shower pans, or poor water pressure often stem from shortcuts taken during the rough-in phase.
Varilko Remodeling prioritizes:
- Waterproofing: Using multi-layered membrane systems for showers and tubs to ensure long-term, fail-safe waterproofing.
- Drain Pitch: Ensuring all shower floors and tub areas have the correct, slight pitch needed for immediate and effective drainage, preventing standing water.
A well-executed Bathroom Plumbing Upgrades Atlanta project sets the stage for decades of reliable use and enjoyment.
Ready to Upgrade Your Bathroom’s Core Systems?
Don’t let aging plumbing hold back your dream design. Varilko Remodeling offers transparent guidance on layout changes and implements modern, high-performance plumbing systems.
Click here to start your project
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