What You Need to Know About Plumbing For Your Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is the heart of your home, and many of us are dreaming of a kitchen upgrade that will elevate the space where their family spends the most time. While plumbing design may not be as exciting as new cabinets or paint colors, an efficient kitchen plumbing layout will ensure functionality while helping you achieve your aesthetic goals. Also, a kitchen or bathroom remodel is the perfect time to make sure your plumbing is in good condition while the pipes are already exposed.

The Basics of Kitchen Plumbing

Your kitchen relies on a network of pipes connected by various fixtures and appliances that make it operational. Supply pipes are how potable water is delivered to your kitchen; they are typically made from copper, PVC, or PEX and need to be leak-proof. Waste pipes dispose of used water and waste and need to be designed to prevent clogs and backups. Faucets, sinks, dishwashers, and other fixtures are the elements you’ll interact with the most in your kitchen and need to be both high-quality and functional.

Assessing Old Pipes and Vents During a Kitchen Renovation

If you’re already doing plumbing work during your kitchen remodel, it’s a good time to replace pipes if needed. Your plumber will evaluate your lines and let you know if anything needs to be replaced. They’ll check gas lines that run to the stove and thoroughly examine the pipes and joints for drips and leaks. If your home was built before 1960, or even up until 1980, you may have galvanized steel pipes that will corrode and clog over time. You won’t be able to connect a new sink to galvanized plumbing as it will cause leaks and damage.

You’ll also need to confirm with your plumber that your plumbing system has vents. Plumbing vents send built-up sewer gases outside the home, preventing unwanted odors from drifting back out of the pipes. They also prevent an airlock in your pipes by helping bubbles that get trapped in the drains to make their way out of the system.

How Do You Move Kitchen Plumbing During a Remodel?

Consider the fixtures and appliances you want to include in your kitchen remodel. Are you adding an ice maker? A garbage disposal? Are you hoping to move your kitchen sink beneath a picture window or to a kitchen island? Neil Kelly’s designers will map everything out, consider where the existing water lines are, and provide several scenarios for what’s possible with your kitchen layout. Keep in mind that moving water-dependent appliances more than a few inches will typically require running new water lines.

Moving your sink from a wall to a kitchen island isn’t that difficult from a plumbing perspective, it’s the associated venting that can be tricky. Your plumber will either need to install an island vent that loops as high as possible in the cabinet before connecting to a vertical vent or add an air admittance valve (AAV), a gravity-operated valve that might not be able to keep up with a large sink or dishwasher. 

Further reading: Choosing Quality Kitchen Cabinet Material.

Designing a Kitchen Plumbing Layout

An ideal kitchen plumbing layout will maximize the kitchen’s available space, allowing you to easily and efficiently navigate the area. Water-dependent appliances like the sink and dishwasher should be positioned in a way that aligns with the overall layout and the specific needs of your family. A good plumbing layout also makes sure that shut-off valves are easily accessible for emergencies and maintenance.

A few layout considerations:

• Most designers recommend following the “triangle” rule, which places the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangular formation for optimal efficiency.
• Separate clean and dirty areas, with the dishwasher and sink on one side for washing and preparation and waste disposal on the other.
• Allow plenty of clearance for cabinetry and appliances to make sure that doors and drawers can open without interference.

Work with Neil Kelly to Plan Your Kitchen Remodel

Count on Neil Kelly’s remodeling experts to guide you through the plumbing needs of your kitchen remodel. From examining the way you use your kitchen to considering the overall layout, the Neil Kelly team combines function and style when designing the kitchen of your dreams.

Schedule your complimentary design consultation today.