Bathroom Plumbing
Any homeowner that is remolding their bathroom will need to hire a plumbing contractor. This plumber will be able to let the home owner know the best way to get the job done, and if the remodel will be possible.
It is best if you call a licensed plumbing contractor before you start the job, and you will see that this will save you time and money in the long run. This is in case you have already done something to the remodel that the plumber advises against. You will not have to go back and redo anything that you have already done.
At Marin County Bathroom.com, we have licensed plumbers we use to assist with any bathroom plumbing that you need and can handle your entire bathroom remodeling requests. 
Our bathroom plumbers tackle all types of plumbing installation from new to revising your existing installation. We also specialize in bathroom remodeling projects and do complete new custom and existing home installations. We only use the best products to ensure that our plumbing systems for your remodeling projects work out. Our bathroom plumbers can fix and install: 
- Bathtub & Shower units installed
- Bathtub & shower valves installed
- Bathtub & Shower valves repaired
- Custom countertops
- Custom Cabinets
- Glass tub & shower doors supplied & installed
- Leaking faucets, toilets and valves
- Steam shower units installed
- Toilets & bidets-supplied & installed
If plumbing will be part of your bathroom renovation design, this would be the perfect time to replace old plumbing with new. This would avoid the possible inconvenience and costs incurred by a bathroom plumbing problem at a later time.
Bathroom renovation cost, tools, materials, time involvement, and project complexity will be determined not only by the extent of your bathroom renovation, but also by the type pipe used in plumbing.
Plastic Pipe
Lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to use, plastic pipe is popular for residential plumbing purposes. Available in PVC, ABS, PE, and CPVC forms. There is also PB, but its use is prohibited in many local codes.
Available as rigid and flexible plastic pipe. PVC pipe resists chemical damage and heat better than ABS, and meets all plumbing code requirements for above ground use. CPVC withstands the high temperatures and pressure of water supply systems.
Use plastic pipe for the following purposes:
- ABS or PVC pipe with a drain-waste-vent (DWV) NSF rating; use for sink traps and as plastic drain pipe for bathroom sink plumbing
- CPVC pipe with a PW rating as plastic water pipe for bathroom plumbing fixture water supply lines
Pipe type and grade ratings are stamped on each pipe for easy identification. Please note: ABS use is restricted in some local plumbing codes.
Check with a licensed plumbing contractor , certified building inspector, or local residential plumbing code guidelines before beginning any renovation project that includes plumbing.
Copper Pipe
The best material available for water supply pipes. Available as rigid and flexible pipe; chromed copper is also available and a popular choice for exposed areas. Copper pipe resists corrosion; sweat-soldered joints are durable.
Rigid copper pipe is approved for home water supply systems by all local codes and is available in 3 wall thicknesses:
- Type M - thin and inexpensive; a good choice for bathroom plumbing do it yourself projects
- Type L - strong, easily soldered; preferred choice of the home renovation contractor who wants top-notch quality bathroom plumbing
- Type K - the heaviest wall thickness of all copper pipe for plumbing; used most often for underground water service lines.
Flexible copper pipe comes in 2 wall thickness grades; types L and K. Although approved for most home water supply systems, type L is used primarily for gas service lines
DWV copper pipe is for drain systems, but is seldom used because most codes allow low-cost plastic DWV pipe.
Galvanized Iron Pipe
Often the type water supply and small drain line pipe found in older homes; identified by a zinc coating and iron pipe thread fittings.
Iron pipe is strong, but difficult to cut; it corrodes with age and eventually needs replacement. Low water pressure is often a sign that rust has built up inside the pipe.
Old galvanized iron pipe systems can be difficult to work with; they are not recommended for new bathroom renovation purposes. These type bathroom plumbing repair and alterations are best left to a plumbing contractor.
Cast Iron Pipe
Rarely used in new bathroom plumbing, cast iron pipe can be identified by its dark color and rough surface. It is strong, but difficult to cut and fit pieces together. Hubbed fittings can develop leaks, and pipes can rust through.
When the plumbing code book allows, plastic pipe replacements should be made. Use a special fitting called a “banded coupling” to connect new plastic pipe to existing cast iron. Cast iron pipe repair is another bathroom renovation project best left in the hands of a reliable bathroom remodel contractor.
