Bathroom remodels are exciting—but when you’re upgrading your Sammamish home, plumbing should be at the top of your priority list, not an afterthought. Whether you’re installing a luxurious rainfall shower or updating decades-old piping, ignoring the plumbing behind your beautiful new finishes can lead to costly issues down the road.
Here are the must-know plumbing essentials for a successful Sammamish bathroom remodel.
🔧 1. Update Old or Outdated Pipes
Sammamish homes built before the 1990s may still contain galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes, both of which are prone to corrosion or failure.
Why it matters: Remodeling is the ideal time to replace aging plumbing since walls and floors will already be open. Modern PEX or copper piping offers better longevity and fewer risks of leaks or water pressure issues.
📚 Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
🚿 2. Plan for Proper Drainage Slope
An aesthetic shower floor means nothing if water pools or drains slowly. Make sure your remodel includes proper drainage slope, especially for:
- Walk-in showers
- Linear or hidden drains
- Dual shower heads or body jets
Improper slope can result in standing water, mold, and damage to subflooring—especially dangerous in Sammamish’s damp climate.
📚 Source: International Plumbing Code – Drainage Standards
🌡️ 3. Upgrade to a Thermostatic Mixing Valve
To avoid scalding or freezing surprises, consider installing a thermostatic mixing valve. This device keeps water temperatures steady, even if someone flushes a toilet or runs a dishwasher while you’re showering.
This is especially important for families with children or older adults, and it ensures your remodel is both luxurious and safe.
📚 Source: Water Heater Best Practices
💧 4. Check Your Water Pressure
Sammamish homeowners often experience fluctuations in water pressure, especially if your home is on a hill or far from a main line. During your remodel, check:
- Incoming pressure from your main water line
- Water pressure after installing new fixtures
- Functionality of pressure-reducing valves (PRVs)
Ideal water pressure for homes is between 40–60 PSI.
📚 Source: American Water Works Association
🛁 5. Choose Fixtures That Fit Existing Plumbing—Or Be Ready to Move It
Dreaming of a freestanding tub or wall-mounted toilet? That’s great—but know that it may require moving plumbing lines, which adds both time and cost.
Before purchasing high-end fixtures, consult a licensed plumbing expert to determine:
- Compatibility with existing lines
- Floor joist and wall cavity access
- Venting requirements
Even small design changes can impact vent stacks or drain locations.
🧼 6. Add a Shower Niche with Waterproofing and Drainage
Custom tiled shower niches look amazing—but they need to be properly waterproofed and sloped to avoid pooling water and future leaks inside your walls.
📚 Source: Building America Solution Center – U.S. DOE
🛠️ 7. Don’t Skip the Permit
In Sammamish, all plumbing modifications during a remodel require permits and inspections—even small jobs like moving a toilet or adding a new sink.
Permits help ensure your remodel meets local plumbing codes and won’t lead to future insurance or resale issues.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Trust Einstein Pros!
Your bathroom remodel should look beautiful and function perfectly. By handling plumbing essentials early in the process, you avoid headaches like leaks, poor drainage, or water pressure problems later on.
Need help planning your remodel plumbing in Sammamish?
👉 Contact Einstein Pros – Sammamish Plumbing Experts for trusted, local guidance and remodeling support.
🔍 Bonus Checklist: Plumbing Essentials for Your Remodel
✅ Replace old pipes (galvanized/polybutylene)
✅ Install thermostatic mixing valve
✅ Verify water pressure and drainage slope
✅ Waterproof all wet zones (especially niches)
✅ Ensure all plumbing upgrades are permitted
✅ Coordinate fixture locations with plumbing layout