When talking about any profession, most people tend to focus on the here and now. That's understandable. it's really important to know what's going on in the present tense. But you are missing out on some vital information if you never read and learn about the history of a profession. This applies to plumbing, in particular. You can really further your understanding of the profession by knowing how it began and what changes have been made over the years. That's why we sometimes reference the history of plumbing on this blog. We'll also dive into the future of the profession from time to time because, after all, you have to know where you're headed.
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A major remodeling project can boost your plumbing system's efficiency, safety, and lifespan. Below are tips for remodeling your plumbing system on a budget.
Schedule the Project
Plumbers are busier on some days of the year than others. Understand your area and schedule your plumbing project when plumbers in your area have their low season.
For example, the days after Thanksgiving tend to be busier than other days for most plumbers. Overnight guests tend to generate more cooking waste, washing, and toilet waste than usual, overwhelming the plumbing systems. Thus, you might pay higher than average labor rates if you schedule your plumbing project around the same time.
Plan the Design
Work with your plumber to design the remodel before the work begins. Otherwise, you might be tempted to change the design once the plumber begins the work. Changing the design midway through the project will be costlier than sticking to the same plan.
Say you want to add a bathroom to your house. Know where you want the sink, toilet, and bathtub before the work begins. That way, you won't have to relocate the toilet midway through the project.
Work with One Contractor
Get one plumbing contractor to handle the entire renovation project, even if the project is relatively big. Using one plumber means they can plan the work and organize themselves for efficient and fast completion. Your remodeling project might balloon if you approach the work piecemeal using different plumbers.
Don't Modify the Basic Footprint
The plumbing footprint or layout refers to the design and location of the major plumbing elements, such as drainpipes, water pipes, vents, and toilets. If possible, maintain the layout and plan the new design to incorporate them. Modifying the layout will cost you more money than living them in place.
Supplement with DIY
A professional plumbing contractor should be in charge of the remodeling, but that doesn't mean that they should handle every aspect of the work. Use DIY services to lower the overall cost. Ensure the contractor only handles plumbing tasks. A good tip is to use DIY for tasks that don't require specialized skills, tools, or experience. For example, you can handle cleanups as DIY projects.
Choose Materials Wisely
Material costs differ a lot, so choose your materials wisely. For example, pipe materials range from $0.4 to $8 per linear foot. The difference is huge, especially for dozens or hundreds of feet of materials. However, cost should not be the only factor to consider. Talk to a plumber about the durability and suitability of the materials.
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