Out of the whole plumbing picture, the kitchen is one of the most prominent areas. It is the heart of it. One mistake in the kitchen plumbing can lead to several disasters and needing your 24/7 plumber in Geelong. That is why your plumbing in the kitchen needs your utmost care and focus.
Here’s a list of dos and don’ts for kitchen plumbing renovation
1. Place the Dishwasher close to the Sink
Dishwashers are essential parts of kitchens. If these are installed in the wrong place, it will only cause problems later on. It is better to have the dishwasher next to the sink in your kitchen. You should place it on the drainer side, especially when you have a double bowl sink.
This placement is beneficial in many ways.
- Eases installation process
- Reduces costs
- Eliminates the need for extra piping fixtures
- Makes everyday usage easier
2. Install a Food Waste Disposal Only if Necessary
People often go for a food waste disposal system without considering the needs, drawbacks, and utility. For instance, a food waste disposal system needs a large drain outlet. In simpler terms, you can only have certain specific sinks when you have food waste disposal.
Another limitation is if it breaks down, you need to replace it entirely instead of repairing it. Also, it makes your kitchen clouded in foul odour if not regularly maintained. Therefore, have a food waste disposal only if it is necessary. Otherwise, using compost bins is good enough for most kitchens.
3. Double-check if You Have a Stop Tap Installed
A stop tap allows you to block the water flow to the kitchen area in emergencies. You will still have the water flow in the rest of the house, so your day goes without a problem. Imagine if you had a hose burst in your kitchen and flooded the entire area with water, you can simply use the stop tap to minimise the damage.
Ergo, you should consider installing a stop tap under your sink if you haven’t already.
4. Ensure Your Kitchen Layout is Functional
No matter how much you upgrade your kitchen, if it is not functional enough for you, it is nothing but a waste of resources. Hence while renovating your kitchen, you should ensure your new layout achieves the following.
- Provide enough space for easy movement and installation of appliances.
- Minimise space between fixtures and appliances.
- Install stove over on the exterior wall for easy ventilation.
- Keep all fixtures close to one another, reducing the cost of extending the pipes.
Visualising is one way to ensure your new layout is functional. Compare your old layout to the new one and communicate the changes clearly to your plumber in Geelong – for example, where the gas fixtures need to be moved in the new layout, etc.
5. Energy and water-efficient Upgrades
You do not renovate your kitchen every day. It only happens once in a decade, more or less, so make it count. Replace any outdated appliances in your kitchen with new energy-efficient ones. Not only does it protect the planet, but it also saves money on repairs and bills. Along with appliances, you can also choose water-saving taps for your sinks to further reduce your monthly water bills.
You can check the water rating label and energy rating label before you buy any new appliances. It lets you compare different appliances and find the best one.
6. Determining the Suitable Sink
Unlike many think, sinks are no minor fixture. Do a good job with it, and it will add a lot of functionality to your kitchen. For example, you can have a double bowl sink for different functions. One bowl for cleaning the dishes and the other for draining.
There are more ways you can utilise sinks in your kitchen. You may also choose another filter water tap installed on the benchtop. Communicate your needs to your plumber, and he will be able to help you more based on your specific needs and possibilities.
7. Ensure Sufficient Water Connections
Does your refrigerator have an ice maker? Then you must ensure the fridge has access to the water from the sink. For this reason, it is better to have the refrigerator placed near the sink.
This is only one example. There are more to consider water points for, such as:
- Dishwashers
- Filtered water taps
- Butler’s pantry (if there’s a sink in there)
8. Choose the Right Kitchen Taps
When it comes to many things, including your kitchen sink tap, bigger is not always better. Heavy-duty taps may seem the best, but they may not be appropriate for your needs. Large mixer taps typically cost more money and require more space to install and adequate bench support. So, a mid-range mixer tap that will readily fit in your domestic kitchen might be better for you.
The same goes for selecting a tap based on how well it complements your design style. Despite how trendy it may be, functionality must come first.
Final Say
Kitchen plumbing renovations can be complex and expensive, but if done properly, they can add value to your home and improve its functionality at the same time. By following our 10 Dos and Don’ts, you can ensure that your kitchen plumbing renovation goes smoothly and exactly as planned!
One caution is not to try your hand at any plumbing or electrical work. Some may seem easy enough to DIY, but we can assure you they are not. Even a simple problem can have a disaster underneath.
Therefore, it is always advised to go for a professional service. Try Your Local Plumbing, for instance. They are experts at several plumbing works, from renovation projects to blocked toilet specialists in Geelong.
Hire a professional plumber, and you do not have to worry about anything.
Also read: Plumbing DIYs That Could Save You Money
