Plumbing Considerations When Remodeling Your Kitchen or Bathroom

A kitchen or bathroom remodel is one of the best ways to boost your home’s value, functionality, and comfort. But before choosing the perfect tile or countertop, it’s crucial to address what’s behind the walls: your plumbing. In Billings and Laurel, where homes range from historic properties to new builds, plumbing systems can vary greatly—and overlooking them during a remodel can lead to expensive surprises.

At Brown Plumbing & Heating, we help homeowners plan smart, safe, and future-ready remodels by prioritizing plumbing from the start. Here’s what you need to know before you swing the first hammer.

1. Know Your Plumbing’s Age and Condition

Older homes in the Billings and Laurel area may still have galvanized steel or even cast iron pipes, which are prone to corrosion and buildup. Before installing new fixtures, it’s important to inspect existing supply and drain lines. If your pipes are outdated, this is the perfect time to upgrade to PEX or copper for better reliability and water quality.

Replacing aging pipes during a remodel saves money long-term by preventing future leaks or costly tear-outs later on.

2. Check Water Pressure and Flow

New fixtures like rain showers, deep sinks, and multi-function faucets often require higher water flow. If your current plumbing can’t deliver the pressure these modern features need, you might be disappointed with their performance.

A licensed plumber can test your water pressure and recommend adjustments—like larger pipes or improved valves—to ensure everything works the way you expect.

3. Plan Fixture Layouts Carefully

Changing the location of a sink, toilet, or shower sounds simple, but it often requires moving water lines and drains—which can increase labor costs and complexity. In multi-level homes, upstairs plumbing changes may even impact the ceiling below.

That’s why we help homeowners create layout plans that balance aesthetics, functionality, and budget. Whenever possible, keeping major plumbing features in their original positions reduces both cost and construction time.

4. Venting Is Just as Important as Water Flow

A well-ventilated plumbing system prevents foul odors, slow drains, and dangerous gas buildup. When remodeling, it’s essential to ensure that any new fixture has proper venting—especially when installing new toilets, tubs, or kitchen islands.

Improper or unvented additions are common mistakes in DIY remodels, but can lead to big problems later.

5. Factor in Water Heater Capacity

If you’re adding a soaking tub, luxury shower, or additional bathroom, your existing water heater may not be up to the task. Billings winters demand efficient hot water delivery—and an undersized heater could leave you in the cold.

We evaluate whether an upgrade to a larger tank or a tankless system makes sense for your household’s needs and remodel plans.

6. Include Shut-Off Valves and Access Panels

Don’t forget practical plumbing features during design. Adding new shut-off valves under every sink and toilet gives you control in case of leaks or maintenance. Installing access panels behind tubs, showers, or appliances allows for easier service in the future.

These simple additions can save time, stress, and money when something needs repair down the road.

7. Always Work with a Licensed Plumber

DIY can seem tempting, but plumbing mistakes can lead to water damage, failed inspections, and insurance issues. In Billings and Laurel, building codes and permit requirements must be followed—and only a licensed plumber ensures your remodel meets local standards.

Brown Plumbing & Heating brings decades of experience and can coordinate directly with your contractor or designer to streamline the process.

Start Your Remodel the Right Way

Your remodel should be beautiful—but it should also be built to last. At Brown Plumbing & Heating, we’re proud to serve homeowners in Billings and Laurel with expert plumbing services that support safe, efficient, and successful remodels. From small bathroom refreshes to full kitchen overhauls, we help you avoid surprises and enjoy peace of mind.

Visit https://brownplbg.com to schedule a consultation or get a project quote today. Let’s build your dream space—starting from the pipes up.