Tips And TricksUpdated June 29, 2026
Changing your bathroom layout almost always means moving plumbing. In Homewood, most homes are 50 to 70 years old, with plenty of mid-century bungalows and ranches. These houses often have original supply lines, cast iron or galvanized drains, and older fixtures. If you're thinking of shifting a toilet, tub, or sink, a little planning saves a lot of headaches.
Why Moving Bathroom Plumbing Matters in Homewood
When you change where fixtures sit, drain and supply pipes need to move too. That sets off a chain reaction behind the walls and under the floor. These projects expose old piping, sometimes made of materials prone to corrosion like galvanized steel or cast iron. Bringing everything up to code gives you not just a nicer looking bathroom, but a system that works reliably for years to come. In older Homewood homes, updating pipes during a remodel often makes sense, since you already have access.
Watch For These Plumbing Pitfalls
- Old drain lines. Many area homes still use cast iron or galvanized drain pipes. These often show rust, scale, or pinhole leaks once you open the walls. Clay tile sewer lines may be present and are vulnerable to root intrusion near the house.
- Water supply routing. Supply lines may run through uninsulated exterior walls or crawlspaces. With cold Illinois winters, any new lines need insulation and careful routing to avoid freezing.
- Poor venting. Changing fixture locations requires rethinking vent pipes. A misrouted vent can cause slow drains or sewer odors.
- Drain slope and layout. Bathroom drains need proper pitch for flow. Flat clay-rich soil in Homewood means you can't rely on gravity alone if you change the elevation or run.
- Shutoff and isolation valves. Many old setups lack accessible shutoff valves at each fixture. It's smart to add them during a remodel.
Steps for Safe and Effective Bathroom Plumbing Moves
Relocating drains and supply lines isn't just about running pipes from point A to point B. It calls for careful sequencing, especially in older Southland homes. Here are tried-and-true steps for a smooth remodel:
- Map out the new layout. Mark where each fixture will sit. Consider wall thickness and floor joist direction. Remember that toilets, tubs, and showers have fixed rough-in dimensions that control where waste pipes can run.
- Shut off water at the main valve. Before cutting or capping any lines, make sure you know where your home's main shutoff is located. This is a great time to replace an old or unreliable shutoff.
- Remove the old fixtures and open walls/floors. Demolition gives you a clear view to assess pipe condition. If you see corrosion or scaling inside supply or drain lines, consider professional repiping at this stage.
- Plan vent and drain routing. Each new fixture must connect to a vent to prevent siphoning. Double-check code requirements for vent sizing and location, especially if combining vents for sinks, tubs, or showers.
- Address drainage and sewer connections. If moving or adding fixtures far from the original stack, you may need to upgrade the main drain. Homes with clay tiles or root problems often need attention here, and our sewer line services can help.
- Run water supply lines with insulation. Use PEX or copper rated for potable water, and add insulation anywhere pipes may touch exterior walls. With our winters dipping below zero, frozen pipes are a real threat in Homewood homes.
- Pressure test and inspect new piping. Before closing walls, make sure every joint is watertight. Check all new valves for leaks under pressure.
- Install drains and traps correctly. P-traps under sinks and tubs must be properly vented and sized to code. Sheetrock and tile can hide mistakes, so get it right before you close up.
Don't Ignore Underlying Issues
Bathroom remodels provide a chance to address long-standing plumbing problems. If your pipes show leaks or poor water pressure, handling upgrades now can save future trouble. For stubborn blockages or slow drains, it may be time for a professional drain cleaning before you build over new lines. Persistent leaks should be tracked down and repaired, and we often see hidden problems surface once walls come down. Our leak detection and repair techs can help spot hidden trouble before it becomes expensive damage.
Fixture Upgrades That Make Remodeling Easier
Replacing old fixtures like faucets, toilets, or tubs often pairs well with moving plumbing. Newer low-flow toilets and efficient shower valves need solid, modern supply lines to work right. Our faucet and fixture installation crew can help you select models that fit your new layout and Homewood's moderate water hardness.
When to Call a Professional
Many homeowners start a remodel thinking the plumbing changes will be small. In practice, even moving a shower a few feet involves rerouting drains, checking venting, and making sure everything meets code. Mistakes might not show up right away, but leaks, slow drains, or frozen pipes can be costly down the line. For complicated changes, especially in older homes with original pipes, hiring experienced plumbers leads to fewer surprises and long-term savings. Our local crew knows what to watch for in Homewood's neighborhoods, from clay-rich soil drainage quirks to old galvanized lines hidden in the walls. If you also use the project as a chance to upgrade a water heater or aged supply lines, our water heater services can keep things running efficiently for years to come.
If you're planning a bathroom remodel in Homewood and need help moving plumbing for a new layout, call us at 708-332-1773. Our team can spot hidden problems, explain your options, and make sure your new bathroom works as good as it looks.