Plumbing Basics Every Homeowner Should Know

When you think about a kitchen or bathroom renovation, your mind likely goes straight to the finishes. Tile, vanities, faucets, lighting, and layout usually take center stage. What many homeowners do not realize is that behind every beautiful space is a carefully planned plumbing system that makes it all function properly.

Your home’s plumbing may seem complicated at first, but once it is broken down, it becomes much easier to understand. Every home relies on three main plumbing systems that work together to deliver water, remove waste, and in some cases power your appliances.

Understanding these systems before you renovate helps ensure smarter planning, fewer surprises, and a smoother construction process.

The Three Main Plumbing Systems in Your Home

The plumbing in your home may seem complex but when you break it down into the 3 different systems, it becomes easier to understand:

1. Water Supply System: Pex or copper pipes which bring hot and cold water to all of the fixtures and appliances throughout the home.

2. Drain System: Comprised of waste & vent pipes which remove the water and waste leading it to the sewer or cesspool.

3. Gas Piping: Brings natural gas or propane to specific appliances and mechanicals (not every house has gas piping).

Plumbing Fixtures and Decorative Components

The decorative elements including:  tubs - shower bases - tub spouts - shower heads - vanities - faucets - sinks - toilets.

Each of these items need to be plumbed specific to the selection.

Some fixtures require an accompanying valve which is installed behind the sheetrock & purchased separately.   

Additional Decisions That Impact Your Plumbing Plan

Beyond kitchens and bathrooms, several other factors affect your plumbing layout and should be considered early in the design process.

Blueprints for the Job

Plumbing layouts are built directly from your architectural plans. These determine where pipes run, where fixtures connect, and how systems are vented and drained.

Hose Spigot Locations

Exterior hose spigots are often overlooked but play an important role in daily convenience. Common locations include:

• Front of the home for car washing

• Back of the house for filling pools

• Near planting beds for irrigation

  
  

Irrigation Systems

If a new system is being installed, the plumber will install an additional shut off valve & check valve for the irrigation to be connected

Water Filtration Systems

There are many different types of water filtration systems available. Each system has specific requirements that determine how it gets piped into your supply lines.

Appliance Specifications

Appliance specs tell the plumber:

• Where water lines must be run

• Where gas lines may be required

• 2nd floor laundry's may require a washing machine pan to meet local codes

  
  

Planning for a Future Basement Bathroom or Bar

If you are planning on finishing your basement, it may be more cost effective to run the waste & water lines before the basement floor is poured to avoid the expense of saw cutting the floor down the road

Gas vs Oil and Propane Options

Many homeowners now choose gas appliances over oil when possible. Gas is cleaner, often more efficient, and widely used for cooking, heating, and fireplaces.

If gas service is not available in your area, propane may be a viable alternative. A large outdoor propane tank can supply gas cooking, fireplaces, dryers, and heating systems.

Examples of gas appliances include:

• Cooktop / Range

• Dryer

• Fireplaces

• Bar-B-Que

• Hot Water Heater

• Boiler

• Furnaces

  
  

Plumbing Is the Foundation of Every Renovation

Plumbing may be hidden behind the walls, but it is one of the most important systems in your entire home. From the water you drink to the appliances you rely on every day, proper planning ensures your renovation functions as beautifully as it looks.

Understanding how your plumbing systems work allows you to make informed design decisions and avoid costly surprises down the road.

If you are planning a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or full home renovation, having a clear plumbing plan in place from the start is one of the smartest investments you can make.

See you in the next post!

– 

Jennifer DeVito

Founder, Evolution General Contracting