Remodeling a kitchen is not like preparing breakfast, something you just wake up and do; it requires prior planning. It involves processes that must be granted permission for by the county, which is why experts should be consulted for professional advice.

According to Dean Johnson, remodeling a kitchen usually involves more than just repositioning the appliances and furniture. You can find that you need to extend or move the existing interior wiring system and the plumbing system too. You have to understand that different counties have different local building codes; there are specific code issues for health and safety that have to be observed during remodeling of a kitchen.

Before you do anything, it is advisable to consult with your local building officials for advice. At the end of your inquiry, you may realize that you have to hire a plumber for the work to be done properly. You may also learn that the codes and regulations dictate the size of pipes and wires, color of wires, how deep you can drill into a wall, etc. Here are procedures involved in kitchen remodeling to help you decide whether you will hire out the job or do it yourself.

Locating Fixtures

Lay out your rough-ins to determine whether you will need a new fitting or settle for the old ones. For example, if you have decided that you are going to move the kitchen appliances, then you will have to lay out rough-ins for the electrical circuits of the main appliances required in the kitchen. This also applies if you are going to reposition the sink; you have to know if you need new pipes or if the old ones will do.

Drain-Waste-Vent (DWV) Rough-Ins

DWV pipes are generally bigger in size, which means it advisable to lay it first before other pipes. Plumbers also find it easier to fit electrical cables and plumbing pipes when they lay the DWV pipes first. In most cases, plastic pipes are used for drain and vent pipes, which are usually black for the ABS and white for the PVC.

To avoid leaks in your plumbing system, you should avoid the mixed use of the ABS and PVC pipes. This is because the two pipes have different contraction and expansion rates. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to use both jointly, then the use of mechanical fittings is advised rather than use of glue.

Make sure your rough-ins are economical when you lay them. For example, you can use the same DWV pipes when installing a new sink at an unchanged position, or use short extensions in cases where you reposition it just a bit.

Water Supply Rough-Ins

In the case of water supply, copper pipes are usually used for both the cold and hot water pipes. In areas where codes allow, you can find plumbers using plastic pipes. Water supply pipes mostly run through walls to an accessible system of pipes mostly located at the basement. The pipes are commonly fitted through holes drilled in the wall, which are about one foot in depth. One end of the pipe is left out just a few inches into the room and shut with the lid. If you want to avoid extra costs, you can prevent damage to walls by running pipes beside the walls.

If you need any help with your plumbing while remodeling, call us. We serve Denver, CO and the entire Denver metro area, including Aurora, CO, Morrison, CO, Evergreen, CO, Broomfield, CO, Arvada, CO, Northglenn, CO, and Commerce City, CO.

(Article excerpt and image from Remodeling Kitchens: Plumbing, Hometime)