It Needs to Make Sense
As an interior decorating enthusiast, you've
spent the last several weeks perfecting your kitchen's new design.
You've hired a contractor, selected new appliances, and you're just
about ready to pick up your hammer and checkbook. Before you tear down
your sink and buy a new refrigerator that only fits on the other side of
the room, answer the following question: have you given your plumbing
the attention that it needs?
Prior to beginning any kitchen remodeling job, make sure that your
plumbing configuration supports your (expensive) plans. You should also
double check that all of your pipes, valves, and tubes are leak-free and
in working order since you don't want to undertake any additional
plumbing projects until the next time that you remodel.It's an undisputed fact that over time, hardware needs replacing. Prevention is your best guard against the inevitable, so tackle problems before they can creep up on you. When you're remodeling, make it a priority to set aside a portion of your budget for plumbing expenses. Have a plumber stop by to evaluate the visible and hidden places in your kitchen to see what needs replacement and what is working just fine. Ask your plumber to assess whether there is blockage, leaking faucets, or anything present that could interfere with the safety of your drinking water.
Rule #1: Your kitchen plumbing is not an area where you should be slashing your budget. Yes, it's possible to save money by finding deals and installing your own equipment, but you want to be completely sure that you're equipping your kitchen with the high quality that it requires.
Your plumbing is the bare bones for everything that you will ever do in the kitchen. By making an investment right now, you will be in a better position to save time, avoid hassle, and prevent unnecessary expenses down the road.
The Big Picture
Your kitchen's design needs to be streamlined with your plumbing. Even if you have no plumbing experience, you'll be one step ahead with a simple tool: common sense.Don't install your dishwasher 20 feet away from your sink, and make sure that all of your appliances have the right hookups. It would be a shame to pour money into an expensive refrigerator with a shaved ice maker if you have no idea that you're going to need to install a water supply. And what good is an oven or stone that can't connect to a gas supply line? It's no good at all.
Before you set down your appliance over there, make sure that the relevant water and gas hookups are easily accessible. To the best extent possible, you want to keep all of your pipes and tubing hidden behind walls and within cabinets. You probably don't want pipes running across your kitchen. If you do not have a crawl space or basement, it will be impossible to run pipes underground.
Permits
If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen, make sure that you research whether you need to get a permit to remodel your home. Usually, you will need to present a government office with detailed plans. In each city, the permit-issuing office is different. In some cities, it may be the development office, while in other municipalities, you will need to get in touch with the planning department. Call the city clerk or city manager's office to determine who you need to contact.If you do not obtain a permit, you may be subject to fines if you are caught with anything that's not allowed. You may also have problems with passing a home inspection when you try to sell your home. Play it safe by following the rules in your area.
The Basics
Every kitchen needs a water supply line and a system for draining. If you plan to use a gas oven or stove, you will also need a gas supply line. The frameworks for these two lines tend to be hidden within the kitchen walls or underground, but the visible parts are located under the sink. Typically, there will be at least two valves: one for cold water and one for hot water. If you have gas-powered appliances, then you may also have a gas valve.You should be able to shut off each off your valves when necessary. Usually, you can shut off valves by turning them clockwise. You may notice additional valves located by the cold water valve if you have additional kitchen features such as an instant hot water faucet, for example.
At least one pair of water supply pipes is necessary: one pipe is for the dishwasher and the other is for the sink. All other appliance that require a water supply line such as ice makers and water machines may be configured using flexible tubing that does not run through the walls.
Pipes & Tubing
Gas pipes require flexible supply tubes. These are usually stainless steel pipes that are coated with PVC. Pipes that are made from other materials may be dangerous and may interact with the flowing propane or natural gas.Water pipes are commonly made from PVC or copper. In older homes that are above the age of 50, copper is the norm, and it has probably reached a point where it is causing substantial plumbing problems. Over time, copper can become corroded and cause problems such as scaling and pitting. These damaged pipes will need to be replaced.
PVC, on the other hand, lasts a significantly long time, even if there is a substantial amount of mineral deposits in the flowing water. Plastic is less expensive than copper, and the installation process is less intensive.
PVC is also quieter than copper. When water flows through pipes, copper pipes may rattle very loudly. PVC pipes are made from plastic, so they do not make the same rattling noise.
Air Admittance Valve
When water and waste flow down the drain, the pipe experiences negative air pressure as a result. The negative air pressure causes the sealing washer to rise so that waste can freely drain. When the negative air pressure stops, the sealing washer returns to its place. If you have an air admittance valve, you will reduce the need for venting materials that are typically required. Most plumbing systems use water trap seals to divert sewage gas away from the kitchen. Air admittance valves are usually made from PVC piping. Operating standards require air admittance valves to open & shut problem-free for at least 30 years.Garbage Disposals
When cooking and cleaning, scraping your food and scraps can be extremely tedious. Install a garbage disposal to help you reduce the time that you spend doing dishes. For $80-$300, you can make your time in the kitchen more efficient.Garbage disposals are electrically powered and located between the sink's drain and tap. Its motorized blades shed food waste into pieces that are small enough (about 2 millimeters) to flow through the plumbing without causing any obstruction
Garbage disposals vary in terms of their strength and quality. Some high-end models are strong enough to grind bone and glass without becoming jammed. Some basic models jam easily. Regardless, keeping an L-wrench on hand will help you turn a stuck flywheel.
While running your garbage disposal, be sure to run cold water into it while it's grinding waste. This practice can help you prevent long-term damage and temporary clogging.
Kitchen Islands
As you move further away from the wall, plumbing becomes more complex. For most fixtures such as dishwashers, sinks, and refrigerators, pipes, drains, and lines are located behind the wall. For kitchen islands, there may not be a wall, line, or hookup close by.If you have a kitchen island, you may want an additional sink or garbage disposal in your kitchen. Even if your kitchen island is located in the middle of the room, setting up a plumbing framework is still doable. If you have a basement or crawl space under your home, you can run pipes through the floor. If your foundation is built on the ground without any space, then a kitchen island may not be realistic.