Spring is upon us, which means it’s the perfect time to give your bathroom a refresh and tackle some long-neglected tasks, like those plumbing repairs or maintenance that’s been causing you grief.
While we always recommend consulting plumbing experts like Holland Kitchens & Baths for major remodels or bathroom installations, we understand the DIY spirit. However, before diving in, it’s important to understand potential plumbing code violations. Violating these codes can lead to headaches down the road—not only forcing you to update everything when you sell but also causing problems in the short and long term, like leaks or slow drains.
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Read on to learn about the most common bathroom plumbing code violations you should avoid when working on your DIY project.
1. Improper Materials
There are materials you can and cannot use to keep your home up to code. Just because a material might seem to work now, there could be problems ahead. Rubber fittings and corrugated piping are two materials you should avoid. Make sure to do your research before installing new fittings, pipes, or other parts into your plumbing system.
2. Improper Sink Trap Installation
Get the right type of sink trap, or you could be in trouble. There are code violations for using the wrong type of sink trap in your bathroom. Stay away from S-traps, which can siphon the trapped water and allow sewer gases to enter your home. Venting enables sewer gases to escape the drain system and prevents them from entering your home. Additionally, a properly vented trap helps prevent slow drains and drain backups.
3. Poor Sizing for Drainage Piping
Drains need a specific size of pipe to work properly. Problems with code violations arise if the pipe is too small for the drain, as it can’t handle the water flow leading to backups and clogs. Oversized pipes, while uncommon, can also cause issues like slower drainage due to increased water volume within the pipe. Ensure your piping is in the sweet spot and sized appropriately for the drain you attach it to.
4. Not Enough Room Around the Toilet
Everyone wants to be comfortable when they are using the toilet. There are minimum clearance requirements around a toilet for your bathroom to follow plumbing codes. This spacing is even more important if you decide to set your toilet off in a nook in the bathroom. Keep your vanity or other bathroom furniture spaced out correctly as well. Make sure to look up the standards in your area space requirements so you can be both comfortable and safe from violations.
5. Improper Drainage Pipe Sloping
There is a right way to set up the slope grade for drainage pipes. When set correctly, the sloping will help you prevent clogs and keep everything flowing as it should. There may be different slope requirements in your area, but most times, between 1/8” and 1/4” per foot is a good standard.
Bathroom Design, Remodeling, and Installation Experts
Use these common code violations to guide your home repairs or installations. Your home should be a comfortable place, and that includes your plumbing. If you run into problems during your DIY project, or you are ready for professional help, consider the bathroom installation and remodeling experts at Holland Kitchens & Baths. We can help you redesign and layout the bathroom you have always wanted.
Work With Holland Kitchens & Baths on Your Bathroom Remodel
Avoiding plumbing code violations during your DIY bathroom remodel can save you time, money, and frustration down the road. Holland Kitchens & Baths’ top-rated bathroom professionals have created award-winning bathroom designs since 1986 and are ready to answer your questions. Create your dream bathroom from top to bottom today, including stunning bathroom floors, and contact us today at (860) 236-3111 to discuss your bathroom renovation!