Home Renovation Blog

Common Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid in a Kitchen & Bathroom Remodel

Renovating your kitchen or bathroom is a great way to enhance your home’s functionality, aesthetics, and value. However, even small plumbing mistakes can lead to major headaches—from leaks and water damage to costly repairs. At M & K Renovations, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to share the most common plumbing mistakes homeowners make during renovations—and how to avoid them for a smooth, stress-free remodel.

1. Ignoring Proper Planning

Starting a bathroom and kitchen renovation project without a good plumbing plan is one of the worst mistakes you can make. Moving plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, dishwashers, or showers, requires careful consideration of drainage, water pressure, and existing pipelines. If this step is skipped, there may be code violations or inadequate water flow.

How to Avoid It: Before renovation begins, plan out your plumbing arrangement with the help of a qualified plumber or contractor, such as the staff at M & K Renovations.

2. Choosing the Wrong Pipe Materials

Not all pipes are created equal! Choosing the wrong materials during a remodel can lead to corrosion, leaks, and premature wear. For example, mixing copper pipes with galvanized steel can cause galvanic corrosion, leading to long-term damage. 

How to Avoid It: Depending on the requirements of your project, use contemporary, long-lasting materials like PEX or PVC. Our experts at M & K Renovations provide the best solutions for a seamless, durable, and stylish kitchen or bathroom remodel.

3. Overlooking Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial for your plumbing system. Without it, you may notice gurgling drains, slow water flow, or even sewage gas backups—especially when adding new fixtures during a renovation.

How to Avoid It: Ensure each drain has a vent pipe that meets local building codes. Not sure if yours is up to standard? M & K Renovations can assess your setup to keep everything running smoothly!

4. Skimping on Shut-Off Valves

Trying to save money by reusing old shut-off valves—or skipping them altogether—might seem like a good idea until a leak happens. Without them, turning off the water quickly can be a challenge, leading to costly damage.

How to Avoid It: Always install independent shut-off valves for each fixture. At M & K Renovations, we make this a priority—it’s a small investment that brings big peace of mind.

5. Incorrect Fixture Placement

A freestanding bathtub or kitchen island sink can elevate your space, but placing them too far from existing plumbing lines can lead to installation challenges and system strain.

How to Avoid It: Keep fixtures close to existing water supply and drainage lines or plan for proper rerouting. At M & K Renovations, we help you find the perfect balance between style and functionality for a seamless remodel.

6. DIY Without Expertise

DIY projects can be tempting, but when it comes to plumbing, even small mistakes can lead to big problems—leaks, misaligned pipes, and poor sealing can turn your dream remodel into a costly headache.

How to Avoid It: Leave the plumbing to the experts. At M & K Renovations, we ensure every pipe is properly installed, every connection is secure, and your remodel meets the highest standards.

7. Forgetting About Water Pressure

If your home’s water pressure isn’t strong enough to support a high-powered kitchen tap or a rainfall showerhead, you’ll end up with a trickle rather than a torrent.

How to Avoid It: Before choosing fixtures, check your water pressure, and if necessary, think about getting a pressure booster. M & K Renovations can assess your plumbing system to ensure your new setup runs smoothly, efficiently, and without issues. 

Let M & K Renovations Handle Your Next Project

A great remodel isn’t just about design—it’s about proper planning and skilled execution, especially when it comes to plumbing. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or bathroom, avoiding common mistakes is key to a smooth, stress-free project.

At M & K Renovations, we handle every detail with precision and quality craftsmanship, ensuring your vision becomes a reality.

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Michael Gerace

Michael Gerace was the founder of M&K Renovations in March of 2008. He believes that every home tells a story, and M & K Renovations is here to enhance that narrative through thoughtful design and remodeling. M & K Renovations is focused on transforming homes into beautiful functional kitchens, bathrooms, basements, garage conversions, and additions.