Renovations or remodels are an exciting time to give your home a facelift and make it more functional. However, ensuring the plumbing system is protected during construction is essential.
Damaged pipes and fixtures can lead to costly repairs, causing project timelines to extend and budgets to skyrocket. This blog post will discuss the importance of plumbing protection during renovations and provide tips and tricks on protecting your plumbing system and fixtures.
Why is plumbing protection important during renovations?
Plumbing protection is critical during renovations to maintain the longevity and functioning of plumbing systems. Experienced plumbers know that shielding pipes and fixtures from corrosive elements and preventing accidental damage is vital during construction. Failing to protect them can lead to leakage, burst pipes, or even complete system failure, triggering costly repairs and replacements.
Tips to protect plumbing systems and fixtures during renovations
Oatey offers several solutions to protect your plumbing pipes and fixtures during renovation.
1. Pipe Guards, Pipe Wrap, Tape, and Stud Guards
Pipe guards/Plastic sleeves provide excellent protection for plastic and copper pipes. These guards shield the pipes from corrosive elements in the surrounding soil, minimizing the risk of leaks and damage. Investing in pipe guards can ensure pipe longevity and reduce the need for future repairs.
Oatey Pipe Guard sleeving is used primarily in concrete-slab construction when pipes are set into the concrete. Pipe Guard accommodates 1/2", 3/4", and 1" piping and is color-coded red for hot water piping and blue for cold water piping.
Pipe wrap is another pipe protection solution, as it acts as a protective layer against moisture and potential damage in various construction scenarios. Foam wraps protect drainage pipes during concrete or cement board installation and offer optimal insulation and protection when dealing with large drainage pipes passing through cement. They help maintain the integrity of the pipes during construction, safeguarding them from potential damage caused by heavy machinery or materials.
Foam wraps are a reliable solution for ensuring the long-term functionality of these pipes. Foam wrap can also create a clearance for flanges during toilet installations.
Oatey Foam Closet Spacers or Foam Closet Wraps are designed to allow for easy removal from concrete pours. The Foam Closet Spacer is pre-formed to fit around the closet riser, and the Foam Closet Wrap must be wrapped around the closet riser.
To protect pipes that go through surfaces prone to corrosion, such as concrete or metal, pipe wrap tapes are highly recommended. These tapes act as a barrier, preventing contact between the pipe and the corrosive material. By utilizing pipe wrap tapes, you can efficiently safeguard pipes and reduce future maintenance needs.
Stud guards prevent accidental damage to water pipes, drain pipes, and other fixtures by installing on studs before drywall installation. These protective measures ensure that water pipes and other crucial plumbing components remain intact during and after construction, preventing costly repairs or replacements.
Oatey Stud Guards and FHA Plates are designed to protect pipes and wiring from nails and screws after installation. Made of durable galvanized steel, stud guards and FHA plates offer easy installation. Stud guards are installed on rough studs before drywall placement.
Exposed pipes can also be protected by painting them, preventing corrosion and extending their lifespan.
2. Heat Tape for Cold Areas.
Protecting pipes from bursting is essential in locations prone to freezing temperatures, such as attics and crawl spaces. Properly applied heat tape offers an effective solution by wrapping around pipes in exposed areas and regulating the temperature of the wrap to prevent freezing.
3. Protect your tub and other fixtures.
Sinks, urinals, tubs, and other fixtures should also be protected during renovations. Oatey Bath Tub Protectors are ideal for safeguarding tubs during construction, especially when tubs are installed before the surrounding walls.
Oatey Bath Tub Protectors are manufactured from semi-flexible plastic to provide durable protection during construction and remodeling. They are designed specifically to protect tubs from common damages such as scratches or dents.
Plastic or cardboard covers can protect fixtures such as sinks and urinals from debris and damage during construction.
4. Water-absorbing crystals to prevent mess or damage from toilet drips.
Water-absorbing crystals such as Oatey Liquilock can solidify water within minutes to prevent mess or damage caused by drips and leaks when removing toilet fixtures.
Oatey Liquilock Water Absorbing Crystals solidify water in four to five minutes to help prevent drips and leaks when removing toilet fixtures or replacing old water heaters. The non-toxic, biodegradable gel dissolves when additional water is added. It is septic tank-friendly and flushes away with water once toilet repair is complete.
5. Pipe plugs and solvent weld caps to keep debris from entering pipes.
When it comes to protecting pipes and fixtures during construction, pipe plugs are a valuable tool every plumber or DIYer should have in their arsenal. One popular type of pipe plug is the Cherne Gripper Plug, which keeps debris out and ensures a clean construction process. However, it’s important to note that pipe plugs, in general, offer versatile solutions for various plumbing scenarios.
Solvent weld caps provide secure and reliable seals, preventing water or debris from entering pipes during construction or testing. Similarly, rubber pipe plugs like Cherne Test-Kap caps are reusable and can keep holes free from debris during construction.
Renovations can be an exciting yet daunting process. Protecting the plumbing system during renovations is crucial to maintaining functionality and longevity, avoiding costly repairs or replacements. Following the tips outlined in this blog, you can complete your renovations knowing that your plumbing system is protected and will function seamlessly for a long time.
