Trusted Bathroom Remodel Plumbing in Melrose Park, IL
Behind every well-functioning bathroom remodel is solid plumbing hidden within the walls. If plumbing isn’t done right, problems like slow drains, hidden leaks behind tile, or temperature inconsistencies at the shower valve can surface weeks or months later. Making sure the plumbing is done correctly before drywall goes up is key to avoiding headaches down the road. If you notice any moisture damage when opening walls, give us a call — a remodel is the perfect time to perform leak detection and fix hidden leaks before sealing everything back up.
When you reach out to us at 708-726-0013 about your bathroom remodeling plans, here’s how we approach the job: for a simple update, like replacing a faucet, toilet, or showerhead in the same spot, we can usually get everything done in a day. But if you want to rearrange fixtures—moving the toilet, turning a tub into a walk-in shower, or adding a double vanity—that means rough-in plumbing work involving drains, vents, and supply lines that require permits and inspections. We handle it all from start to finish.
One piece of advice I give to homeowners planning a remodel: pick out your fixtures before rough-in begins. Toilet rough-in measurements, shower valve depths, and tub filler placement can vary between models. Finalizing your selections early helps avoid costly and frustrating adjustments to plumbing locations later on.
Our Bathroom Plumbing Services
Shower & Tub Plumbing
Installing shower valves is a vital part of bathroom rough-in. The valve needs to be positioned correctly in height and depth, and connected to properly sized supply lines to ensure consistent water flow. We install pressure-balance valves—which Illinois code requires to prevent scalding in showers and tub/shower combos—as well as thermostatic valves for precise temperature control. We also set up multi-outlet valve systems for features like rain shower heads, body sprays, and handheld wands.
Converting a tub to a shower means coring the slab or subfloor to install a new drain, relocating or adding a shower pan drain with the correct slope, building up the floor for waterproof membranes, and rerouting supply lines from the tub filler to the shower valve. It’s a big task, so we’ll review the full plan and timeline with you before starting. We also handle supply rough-ins for freestanding tubs, including floor- or wall-mounted fillers.
Toilet Installation & Relocation
Replacing a toilet in the same spot is a simple fixture swap covered under our fixture installation service. But moving a toilet to a new wall or position involves rerouting the drain line—which may require cutting concrete or subfloor—installing the flange at the correct finished floor height, extending or relocating the soil stack connection, and verifying proper venting. This kind of job requires permits and inspections before closing walls and floors.
We install all types of toilets: standard height, ADA-compliant comfort height, wall-mounted, and dual-flush models. If you’re adding a new bathroom or upgrading your existing one, it’s a good time to check if your water heater can handle the extra demand. Also, if accessibility upgrades like grab bar reinforcements or curbless showers are part of the plan, we can coordinate those with your general contractor during rough-in.
Vanity & Sink Plumbing
Whether you’re switching from a single to a double sink, changing from pedestal to a vanity, or moving the vanity to a new location, we handle the necessary adjustments to supply and drain piping. Adding a second sink means extending hot and cold water lines and configuring the drains with shared or independent P-traps depending on your layout. Changing vanity size often requires repositioning supply stub-outs and drain lines to fit the new cabinet.
We take care of installing faucets, drain assemblies, supply connections, and P-traps. While the vanity cabinet is open, we recommend upgrading old gate valves to modern quarter-turn ball valves to prevent future leaks. If your remodel involves moving drain lines, we handle those changes and the associated drain cleaning as part of the rough-in.
Full Rough-In Plumbing for New Bathrooms & Additions
Adding a bathroom—whether finishing a basement, building a half bath, or creating an en-suite—calls for comprehensive rough-in plumbing. That means running supply lines from the nearest main, connecting drain pipes to the existing system or building drain, installing vent stacks through the roof or hooking into existing vents, and setting floor flanges at the accurate finished floor height. This phase requires permits and inspections before walls are sealed. We handle the coordination with your general contractor and manage inspections to keep things moving smoothly.
Bathroom Plumbing Checklist
- Installation of shower valves, trim, and showerheads
- Connecting tub drains, overflow, and fillers
- Toilet removal and setup including wax ring and water supply
- Vanity faucet, drain, and water line connections
- Replacing old shutoff valves (gate valves replaced with ball valves)
- Rerouting drain pipes when changing fixture locations
- Installation or modification of vent piping
- Hookups for bidet seats or standalone bidets
- Handling permits and inspection scheduling
Tips for a Trouble-Free Bathroom Remodel
- Choose fixtures before rough-in: Fixture-specific rough-in measurements vary, so pick toilets, tubs, and valves before pipe placement
- Maintain existing layouts when possible: Moving plumbing is more costly and complex than replacing in place
- Upgrade valves while walls are open: Old gate valves often fail; switching to ball valves now saves repairs later
- Verify water heater capacity: Bigger tubs or multiple showers increase hot water needs—check your heater’s size
- Plan for permits early: Rough-in inspections must happen on schedule to keep your GC’s timeline on track
Bathroom Remodel Plumbing FAQ
If you’re just swapping fixtures in the same place, usually no permit is needed. But if you’re changing drain or water lines, moving fixtures, or installing new plumbing, permits are almost always required in the Melrose Park area. We handle all the paperwork and inspection scheduling so you don’t have to worry about it. Skipping permits on plumbing rough-in can cause trouble with insurance or home resale later on.
Yes, we can move toilets and showers. It involves rerouting the drain line, which may require cutting into the concrete slab or subfloor, relocating vent connections, and extending supply pipes. This work adds to the cost compared to just replacing in place, but lets you freely design your bathroom layout. We’ll provide a detailed quote so you can decide if it fits your budget.
As soon as you can—ideally before demo or opening walls. Early involvement means we can help determine fixture rough-in sizes, evaluate your existing vent and drain stacks, and advise on permits and timing. Waiting until the last minute can cause scheduling conflicts and rushed decisions that impact your remodel.
Yes, we frequently work alongside GCs, designers, and homeowners. We manage the plumbing aspect as a subcontractor and coordinate rough-in inspections to align with your overall project schedule. Call 708-726-0013 to discuss how we can integrate smoothly with your team.