Plumbers and Plumbing Contractors

Plumbing contractors are required for several important aspects of home improvements, including bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects. Here is an overview of jobs you’ll need to hire a licensed plumber to do.

Rough plumbing: Plumbing contractors will run water lines to all areas in the kitchen that may need them, including each sink, the dishwasher, the refrigerator and a sprinkler system. If the kitchen remodel is in a very timeworn home, the plumber may need to replace all the water lines, instead of just adding some new line to an existing system. When you get to the bathroom, tubs, showers, and vanity will need to be plumbed and all water lines may need to be replaced there also.

Drain lines: The sinks, tubs, showers, and the dishwasher will need a drain line to carry gray water out of the house. This is a job for the plumbing contractor also.

Gas line installation: Running a gas line to a range, cooktop, oven or tankless water heater must be done with the greatest skill and care. Also, if you are building an outdoor grill or firepit, a plumber can run the gas line for you. Most plumbing contractors have the training and experience to install and connect gas lines where needed.

Water heater installation: If you are having a dishwasher installed when your home did not have one before, it may be necessary to install a new water heater to handle the increased demand. Plumbing contractors can install traditional tank-style hot water heaters or energy-efficient tankless water heaters. Some homeowners choose to install tankless heaters for sinks too, in order to enjoy immediate, continuous and cost-effective hot water in their newly-remodeled kitchen.

Finish plumbing: Once the cabinets have been installed, the plumbing contractor will return to install the sinks and faucets and run hot and cold water supply lines to them. The sink drains will also be connected. During this visit, plumbing contractors usually install the dishwasher, connecting the water supply line as well as hooking up the drain. Connecting the supply line to the refrigerator, if it has an ice maker and/or water dispenser, is also part of the plumbing work. Handy homeowners often enjoy doing some of the plumbing tasks themselves, but if they prefer, plumbing contractors can finish these jobs quickly and affordably.