When homeowners plan a remodel, the focus often goes to flooring, cabinets, and finishes. But what’s hidden behind the walls can be far more costly in the long run. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage accounts for nearly 24% of all U.S. home insurance claims. Many of these incidents could have been prevented if plumbing had been addressed during renovations.
That’s why planning for plumbing during renovation isn’t just a good idea—it’s a financial safeguard. Let’s break down why you shouldn’t skip the pipes when upgrading your home.
Why Renovation Is the Best Time to Fix Plumbing
Tearing out walls and floors for remodeling gives direct access to old pipes. Replacing them later means ripping out finished work, doubling your expenses. A simple pipe upgrade that costs a few thousand during a remodel can balloon into a five-figure repair if ignored.
For example:
- Galvanized steel pipes used in older homes often corrode and clog. Renovation is the perfect chance to swap them for copper or PEX.
- Cast iron drain lines commonly found in homes built before the 1970s tend to crack. Once you’ve updated the bathroom, fixing it afterward means redoing tile work.
When walls are already open, local plumbers can re-route lines, add shutoff valves, or upgrade the water heater connection with minimal disruption.
Signs Your Plumbing Should Be Replaced During Remodeling
Not every renovation requires a full plumbing service overhaul, but ignoring warning signs can lead to costly damage down the road. When walls and floors are already being opened, it’s the perfect chance to address issues that might otherwise stay hidden. Keep an eye out for:
- Discolored water: If your taps run with a rusty or brown tint, it often means corrosion inside old steel or galvanized pipes. This not only affects water quality but can also lead to leaks or bursts if left untreated.
- Low water pressure: Weak flow in sinks and showers is usually more than just an annoyance. It can signal mineral buildup inside aging lines, especially galvanized pipes, which restricts water flow.
- Leaks or damp spots: Even a minor drip behind the wall or a damp patch on drywall points to weakened joints, failing seals, or pinhole leaks. These problems often get worse when construction disturbs nearby piping.
- Frequent clogs: If drains back up often, the problem may go beyond surface blockages. Old drain lines can sag, collapse, or be invaded by tree roots, leading to recurring issues that won’t be solved with plungers or quick fixes.
If any of these signs appear, adding pipe replacement to your renovation budget is far cheaper than waiting until a hidden issue floods your new space.
Budgeting Plumbing Into Your Remodel
Plumbing service during a remodel doesn’t have to derail your budget. Costs vary depending on the scope, but here’s a practical breakdown:
- Replacing main water supply lines: Average $1,713, depending on the size of the home.
- Drain line repair: $800–8,000 for major work.
- Water heater replacementduring renovation: $1,400 to $3,900.
These numbers may sound steep, but compare them to the $12,000 average for water damage claims—and the math is clear. Planning for plumbing during renovation actually saves money long-term.
How Local Plumbers Add Value to Remodeling Projects
Hiring local plumbers during renovation ensures the work meets current building codes, which is especially important when selling your home later. A professional plumbing company can:
- Replace aging pipes with copper or PEX for a cleaner, longer-lasting supply.
- Upgrade drain systems to PVC or ABS for fewer clogs.
- Install pressure regulators to protect appliances and fixtures.
- Add shutoff valves for easier future maintenance.
These upgrades don’t just protect against leaks—they also improve water quality and increase property value.
Don’t Forget Hidden Upgrades
Many homeowners budget for new appliances and fixtures, but skip hidden upgrades that make daily life easier. During renovation, consider:
- Water-efficient fixtures: Lower your monthly utility bills.
- Tankless water heater installation: Saves space and provides endless hot water.
- Water filtration systems: Ensure clean drinking water straight from the tap.
These small additions, when installed by a professional plumbing service, maximize the value of your remodel.
The Real Cost of Skipping Plumbing During Renovation
Here’s the bottom line: skipping plumbing during renovation is like installing hardwood floors over a rotting subfloor. The finish may look beautiful, but the foundation is weak. When a pipe bursts behind your brand-new walls, you’re not just paying for plumbing service—you’re paying to redo the entire remodel.
Consult Emma Plumbing and Drain Services For Plumbing During Renovation
At Emma Plumbing and Drain Services, we understand that remodeling is more than just aesthetics—it’s about protecting your investment. Our local plumbers in Boston, Quincy, Brockton, Cambridge, Brookline, Braintree, and other areas of Massachusetts work with homeowners to upgrade pipes, reroute lines, and modernize plumbing systems during renovations.
From pipe replacements to water heater installs, we ensure your new space isn’t just beautiful but built to last. Contact us today and let our plumbing company safeguard your remodel from hidden plumbing problems.
