According to Remodeling Magazine, the average kitchen renovation in 2021 cost $18,927 for a minor remodel and as much as $149,079 for an upscale major remodel. If you’re going to splash that kind of cash on a kitchen renovation, you best put it to good use.
A large chunk of the renovation cost goes towards your kitchen plumbing. Giving this part of your reno some careful consideration can go a long way in helping you to save money.
Here are eleven kitchen plumbing tips and tricks that will help to save you time and money.
1. Use Your Existing Plumbing As Much As Possible
Often the biggest cost of your kitchen renovation is moving the plumbing fixtures and fittings around. On top of the cost to supply the parts, you’ll also be up for some considerable labour costs here.
Using your existing plumbing and just updating the look and feel of the fixtures can reduce your kitchen plumbing cost significantly.
2. Consider the Layout
Sometimes your existing kitchen layout just won’t cut it. If you’re opting for a new kitchen layout, here are a few things to consider:
- Follow the kitchen triangle layout for ease of movement while cooking and cleaning.
- Position the dishwasher next to the sink so there is minimal additional plumbing required.
- Place gas appliances on external walls so they can be easier ventilation installation.
3. Gas or Electric?
Most plumbers are also fully qualified gas fitters. Depending on the cost to hire a tradesperson in your area, it might be worth going all gas in the kitchen as opposed to hiring a separate electrician to fit electrical appliances.
4. Make Sure You Have Enough Water Connections
From plumbed fridges to butler’s pantries, modern kitchens need a lot more water connections these days. It’s often more cost-effective to install these connections during the kitchen rough in of a renovation rather than after it’s done. So even if you’re unsure about plumbing in an appliance, it might be worth having the water connection already installed.
5. Install a Stop Tap Under Your Sink
Has the flexi hose of your kitchen sink ever burst and gotten water everywhere? Install a stop tap under the sink during your renovation and you can quickly shut the water off here to minimize the cleanup.
6. Measure Everything Twice
While you might know the average kitchen bench height or the standard size of appliances, you should be sure to double-check the dimensions of your appliances and fixtures.
There’s no regulated standard size and so what might be listed as “standard” might vary by a few millimeters or even centimeters. You’ll also need to allow for any plumbing fittings required to connect your appliances. This might mean your dishwasher sticks out further than anticipated or worse yet, doesn’t fit at all.
7. Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Have you been eyeing off one of those commercial faucets thinking it’ll make cleaning up after dinner a breeze? While it might do just that, this type of faucet is considerably more expensive than domestic ones and needs more bench support and room for installation.
Likewise, we all want a big kitchen sink but it’s best not to sacrifice much-needed countertop space. You need to find a balance between size and practicality.
8. Function Over Aesthetics
No matter how beautiful your kitchen might look, if it isn’t functional, you won’t enjoy using it. That matte black kitchen faucet might fit perfectly with your style, but if you’re not up to the task of maintaining it, it’s not worth installing.
Trends come and go, but if you’re able to choose kitchen plumbing fixtures that are relatively neutral while also remaining functional, your kitchen will never go out of style. Finding the perfect fixtures that meet both your aesthetic and functional needs might take more time but is well worth the effort.
9. Choose the Perfect Sink
Your kitchen sink is arguably the most important fixture in your kitchen save for the stove and fridge. Many designers will tell you to start by selecting your sink and its position, then planning the rest of your kitchen around it.
If space permits, it only makes sense to go with a large double bowl sink. These come in a range of different colours, finished and sizes and so can fit almost any kitchen.
A qualified and professional plumber such as those at Metropolitan Plumbing will be highly experienced in installing and repairing these types of sinks so you’ll never be left with plumbing problems for long.
10. Do You Really Need a Food Waste Disposal?
When you’re renovating your kitchen, you might be tempted to include a food waste disposal system. While it might make the post-dinner clean up easier, disposal systems like this are often more effort than they’re worth.
You’re limited in which sinks you can install as these systems need a larger drain outlet than is typical. More often than not, you’ll end up needing to replace the whole thing when you run into problems, rather than repair it.
Left unmaintained, you run the risk of smelling out your kitchen with rotten food that’s not been disposed of properly. The better option for both your wallet and the environment is to scrape your food waste into a compost bin.
11. Upgrade to Efficient Appliances and Fixtures
While you’re upgrading the kitchen plumbing and aesthetics, if there’s room in your budget to upgrade your appliances it’s a worthwhile investment. While modern appliances might cost you more upfront, you’ll save money in the long run with their greater energy efficiency.
Not only that, but you’ll be able to feel good about doing your part for the environment and cutting down your carbon footprint.
Using these eleven kitchen plumbing tips you’ll ace the kitchen renovation process for your home. Your dream kitchen is within arm’s reach.
Photos by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash
