Bathroom Plumbing Explained — What Happens Behind the Walls
Understanding the basics of bathroom plumbing helps you make better decisions during a renovation. Here is what happens behind the walls and why it matters.
Most homeowners have little idea what is happening behind their bathroom walls — and that is fine, until something goes wrong or a renovation reveals unexpected problems. Understanding the basics helps you make informed decisions.
A bathroom has two separate plumbing systems: the supply system (which brings hot and cold water in) and the waste system (which takes water away). Both need to be considered when planning a bathroom renovation.
The supply system in most UK homes uses 15mm copper or plastic pipe for individual fixtures. The main concern is water pressure — if your home has low mains pressure, you may need a pump or pressurised hot water cylinder to achieve a satisfying shower.
The waste system connects to the soil stack — the large vertical pipe that runs from the ground floor to above the roof. The closer your bathroom is to the soil stack, the simpler and cheaper the waste connections will be.
IK Master Build Ltd carry out all plumbing in-house with Gas Safe and qualified plumbers. Call 07402 059 555 to discuss your bathroom plumbing requirements.