New Addition- Tips When Adding a Bathroom

Daniel N.

Adding a bathroom to your house is helpful for growing families or when you want more from your current bathroom. It’s possible to do it yourself, but it’s important to plan correctly and to remember the tips we’ve included here.

Planning

This is quite possibly the most important part because if you don’t plan well, you could run into some serious issues too far into the process. And issues equal more money. Go ahead and plan for the renovation to take 4-9 weeks, depending on the size of your project and your available time. If you are designing your new bathroom, use Google and Pinterest to your advantage for some inspiration on layout, styles, colors, and fixture types. Here are a couple of things to consider while planning your bathroom addition: 

–   The right location. Before getting started, you have to pick the right location- the bathroom must have ventilation. Try to find a space with a window already built-in or you’ll have to install in a duct fan or a new window. Next, make sure your floor joists can handle the potential weight of your new bathroom fixtures, which can weigh up to 20 pounds per square foot. For a low-cost addition, it’s important to choose an area of your home that has easy access to drainage system lines and electrical wiring- think kitchen, laundry room, or even existing bathroom. If you’re wanting a bathroom addition that’s not near the systems you need, we’re able to come in and install new plumbing and drainage system lines.

–   Finances. Is this a DIY project because you want to save a few bucks? Do the math. Consider all the tools, equipment, and supplies you will need to purchase and then the amount of time you need to dedicate to the project outside of your other work. It’s a good idea to call us, All City Plumbers, your Birmingham residential plumbing company first for an estimate to make sure you’re not spending way too much time and money by remodeling on your own.

 

Tips

·  Use copper, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), PEX (cross-linked polyethylene). Don’t use PVC, as it is not suitable for indoor, residential plumbing.

·  Connect directly off the supply line if at all possible. Connecting elsewhere can create a “competition” for hot water between fixtures.

·  Don’t use galvanized pipes for your new bathroom, but don’t feel like you have to replace current galvanized piping (if it’s in good shape). Copper or plastic pipes are more hygienic and easier to install and they last longer.

·  If your new bathroom needs a door, make sure to install one that swings out or even a sliding door. This will make it easier to get in and out of the bathroom while leaving plenty of room to access everything.

·  The correct order is everything. Once the major parts are done, the plumbing is set up, and the sheetrock is up, make sure you go in this order: bathtub, flooring, then the toilet, cabinets, sinks, mirrors.

Plumbing from the Professionals

Maybe taking on a bathroom addition seems like too much to take on or maybe you want to do it yourself, but need guidance on the plumbing system. Plumbing is an integral part of your bathroom addition. All City Plumbers offers bathroom plumbing services from shower and toilet installations to drainage system line installation. You could make it a DIY project, but when you have access to professionals who will do the job correctly, efficiently and at a reasonable price, why would you? If you’re interested in adding a half-bath or a full bathroom to your home, contact All City Plumbers for Birmingham residential plumbing. We’ll give you guidance on all of your plumbing projects or simply do them for you.

We understand that plumbing disasters can happen any time of day or night, so remember we are available 24/7 for emergency service at  855-266-7682.

Benefits of Having an Expansion Tank Installed in Your Home

by Youmna Rehman • 23 April 2025
Plumbing might not be the flashiest part of homeownership, but it sure plays a starring role in your day-to-day comfort. You turn on the tap, flush the toilet, take a hot shower—and it all just works. Or at least, it should. Behind the scenes, however, your water heater is constantly adjusting to temperature changes, and when that pressure builds up, it needs somewhere to go. That’s where an expansion tank comes in. Not the most talked-about upgrade, but absolutely one of the smartest ones you can make. Let’s dive into what expansion tanks do, why they matter, and how they protect your home (and wallet) from some seriously sneaky damage.

FAQS About Plumbing

by Youmna Rehman • 23 April 2025
Let’s face it—plumbing is one of those things we only think about when something goes wrong. And when it does? You’re suddenly drowning (sometimes literally) in questions. From odd gurgling noises to DIY repairs, plumbing mysteries can make even the most confident homeowner feel clueless. This guide answers the top 15 most searched plumbing questions, the kind people are constantly Googling under the “People Also Ask” section. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or curious mind, these answers will help you stay prepared, avoid expensive mistakes, and know when to call in a pro.

Four Ways to Handle a Broken Sewage Pipe

by Youmna Rehman • 23 April 2025
There’s nothing quite like the panic that hits when you suspect—or worse, know—you’ve got a broken sewage pipe. Whether it’s a slow, foul-smelling leak under the house or a sudden backyard swamp that wasn’t there yesterday, broken sewage lines can escalate from gross inconvenience to full-blown health hazard in no time. The key to avoiding disaster? Acting quickly, smartly, and with a clear understanding of what you’re dealing with.

What You Need to Know About Garbage Disposals

by Youmna Rehman • 23 April 2025
Leftovers pile up, food scraps linger, and the trash bin starts to smell a little too familiar. But there’s one unsung hero in your kitchen that can make cleanup smoother, faster, and more hygienic: the garbage disposal. If you've ever wondered how it works, whether it's worth installing, or how to keep it running like a champ, you’re in the right place.

How to Detect a Water Leak Without Destroying Your Home

by Youmna Rehman • 23 April 2025
Whether you’re dealing with suspicious stains, musty odors, or unexplained spikes in your water bill, this guide will walk you through how to detect a water leak while keeping your home intact. We’ll explore common causes, smart methods for locating leaks, the risks of leaving them undetected, and the best steps to take before calling in a pro.

5 Ways of Removing Hard Water Stains From Your Shower Glass

by Youmna Rehman • 18 April 2025
Hard water stains may seem like a cosmetic issue, but they’re more than just an aesthetic nuisance. If left untreated, they can etch into the surface of your glass, permanently dulling its clarity. But don’t worry—there’s hope. With the right knowledge and consistent care, you can banish these stains and restore your shower to its former gleaming glory.

What Temperature Should Your Water Heater Be Set At?

by Youmna Rehman • 18 April 2025
It’s one of those settings in your home you probably haven’t thought about—until your shower is either scalding hot or disappointingly lukewarm. The temperature on your water heater might seem like a minor detail, but it has a big impact on your comfort, your wallet, and even your health. So, what temperature should your water heater actually be set at? Spoiler alert: there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The “right” temperature depends on your household needs, your risk tolerance for bacteria like Legionella, your energy-saving goals, and even the age of your plumbing system. Let’s break it all down in simple terms and help you find the sweet spot that keeps your showers steamy, your bills low, and your family safe.

How Hard Water Could Be Harming Your Home

by Youmna Rehman • 18 April 2025
You’ve probably heard the term hard water tossed around, especially in home maintenance circles or plumbing advice forums. But unless you’ve directly dealt with the effects, it might just sound like another boring utility issue that can wait until later. Here’s the truth: hard water isn’t just a minor annoyance—it could be quietly wrecking your home from the inside out. From damaging your appliances and pipes to irritating your skin and costing you money, hard water is more than just a water quality problem—it’s a home health issue. And the worst part? Most people don’t even realize they have it until the damage is done.

Ways Your Bathroom Could Be Costing You Money

by Youmna Rehman • 17 April 2025
Toilets, too, are frequent culprits. A worn flapper or faulty fill valve can cause the toilet to run continuously, pushing your water consumption sky-high without you even noticing until the bill arrives. Many people don’t realize they have a toilet leak until they add food coloring to the tank and find color seeping into the bowl without a flush

5 Signs Your Property Needs Repiping

by Youmna Rehman • 17 April 2025
Repiping sounds like a big deal because it is. But ignoring it when your property truly needs it? That can lead to even bigger, costlier, and more destructive issues down the line. Think of your plumbing system like the veins of your property. If those pipes are corroding, leaking, or under pressure from age and wear, the entire system can begin to break down from the inside. And most of the time, it doesn’t happen all at once—it starts with subtle clues.
More posts