Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom? Your plumbing plan matters as much as your tile.
A plumbing remodel is one of the best times to fix the “invisible” issues that cause the biggest headaches later—slow drains, inconsistent hot water, weak shower pressure, noisy pipes, or supply lines that are near the end of their useful life. For Nampa homeowners, a smart plumbing scope can also reduce water waste and help your remodel perform better for years to come. Cloverdale Plumbing has served the Treasure Valley since 1953, and we see the same pattern again and again: the remodels that feel effortless later are the ones with a clear plumbing plan up front.
What “plumbing remodels” really include (and what homeowners often miss)
Most people think “plumbing remodel” means moving a sink or installing a new shower valve. That’s part of it—but the real performance of your remodeled space depends on what’s behind the walls:
- Supply piping decisions (materials, pipe sizing, isolation shutoff valves)
- Drain, waste, and vent (DWV) layout (slope, venting, trap arms, cleanouts)
- Water heater capacity for new fixtures (bigger tub, rainfall shower, additional bath)
- Fixture selection compatibility (valves, cartridges, trim kits, pressure balance/thermostatic)
- Water quality planning (softening/filtration to protect new fixtures and appliances)
If you’re changing the layout—even slightly—it’s worth having a plumber confirm drain routing, venting options, and water line sizing before you finalize cabinetry and tile.
Helpful pages if you’re scoping a project:
A remodel-first checklist: decisions to make before demolition
Use this checklist to avoid expensive change orders and “surprises” after walls are open:
- Confirm your layout (sink, toilet, shower/tub, dishwasher, fridge water, laundry, etc.). Moving drains usually costs more than moving supplies.
- Choose your key fixtures early (especially shower valve/trim, tub type, and kitchen faucet). Many trims require specific rough-in valves.
- Decide if you want a single-handle “pressure balance” or thermostatic shower control for comfort and scald protection.
- Plan access for shutoff valves, cleanouts, and service panels—your future self will thank you.
- Assess pipe condition (corrosion, past leaks, aging shutoffs). If your home has a history of pinhole leaks or recurring repairs, partial or full repipe may be smarter during a remodel.
- Think through drainage performance (especially if you’ve had slow drains). A remodel is a great time to add cleanouts or correct problem runs.
Did you know? Quick facts that can influence remodel choices
- Bathrooms are the biggest indoor water users in many homes, and water-saving fixtures can make a real difference over time. (epa.gov)
- WaterSense-labeled bathroom sink faucets are designed to use up to 1.5 gallons per minute while maintaining performance. (epa.gov)
- WaterSense-labeled toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less (and replacing older toilets can significantly reduce water use). (epa.gov)
- ENERGY STAR heat pump water heaters can save a household of four about $550/year on electric bills compared to a standard electric water heater (typical estimate). (energystar.gov)
- Federal tax credits for heat pump water heaters (up to 30% of project cost, max $2,000) are listed as available for qualifying purchases/installs through December 31, 2025 on ENERGY STAR’s guidance. (energystar.gov)
Table: Common remodel upgrades and what they solve
| Upgrade | Best for | What it helps prevent | When to prioritize |
|---|---|---|---|
| New fixture shutoffs (angle stops) & accessible service points | Kitchens, baths, laundry | Water damage from small leaks; hard-to-service fixtures | Any time cabinets/vanities are being replaced |
| Updated shower valve (pressure-balance or thermostatic) | Showers/tubs | Temperature swings; scald risk; hard-to-find parts later | When walls are open—this is not a fun retrofit |
| Drain cleanout additions / corrected drain runs | Older homes; recurring clogs | Backup events; repeated snaking costs | If you’ve had slow drains or a past mainline issue |
| Hot water jetting (hydro jetting) for problem lines | Grease, scale, roots, heavy buildup | Repeat clogs and reduced pipe capacity | Before finishing a remodel if drains have been unreliable |
| Water heater sizing or upgrade | Multiple showers, bigger tubs, growing families | Running out of hot water; long recovery times | If you’re adding fixtures or upgrading to higher-flow features |
Related services from Cloverdale Plumbing:
How to protect your remodel investment: drainage, venting, and water quality
1) Drainage that stays fast
If your home has ever had gurgling, slow tubs, or recurring kitchen clogs, your remodel is the ideal time to correct underlying issues. A new sink or shower doesn’t fix a partially blocked or poorly vented line. When appropriate, professional drain cleaning or hot water jetting can restore pipe capacity so your remodel performs like it should—especially important if you’re upgrading to a bigger shower or adding a second sink.
If your home has ever had gurgling, slow tubs, or recurring kitchen clogs, your remodel is the ideal time to correct underlying issues. A new sink or shower doesn’t fix a partially blocked or poorly vented line. When appropriate, professional drain cleaning or hot water jetting can restore pipe capacity so your remodel performs like it should—especially important if you’re upgrading to a bigger shower or adding a second sink.
2) Venting that prevents sewer smell and “glug-glug” drains
Venting is one of the most misunderstood parts of plumbing. It’s what helps drains flow smoothly and keeps sewer gases where they belong. Changing fixture locations can change vent requirements. Getting this right during remodel planning can prevent odors and slow drains later.
Venting is one of the most misunderstood parts of plumbing. It’s what helps drains flow smoothly and keeps sewer gases where they belong. Changing fixture locations can change vent requirements. Getting this right during remodel planning can prevent odors and slow drains later.
3) Water quality that keeps fixtures looking new
If you’re investing in new faucets, showerheads, and appliances, water treatment can reduce mineral buildup and help everything run cleaner. For many Treasure Valley homes, softening or targeted filtration can improve soap performance, reduce spotting, and support longer fixture life.
If you’re investing in new faucets, showerheads, and appliances, water treatment can reduce mineral buildup and help everything run cleaner. For many Treasure Valley homes, softening or targeted filtration can improve soap performance, reduce spotting, and support longer fixture life.
Local angle: what Nampa homeowners should consider before a plumbing remodel
Nampa’s mix of established neighborhoods and newer construction means remodel needs can vary widely—even on the same street. A few local, practical considerations we see often:
- Older homes: If shutoff valves are stiff, pipes show corrosion, or you’ve had past “mystery leaks,” opening walls for a remodel can be the best time to address supply piping and add smart access points.
- Busy family schedules: When a bathroom is down, life gets complicated fast. Planning temporary water shutoffs and staging work (rough-in, inspections, finish) keeps disruption lower.
- Water-saving upgrades: WaterSense fixtures can reduce usage while keeping performance high—especially useful when you’re upgrading multiple fixtures at once. (epa.gov)
- Hot water demand changes: If your remodel adds a second showerhead, a soaking tub, or an additional bathroom, it may be time to talk about water heater capacity and recovery.
Ready to plan your plumbing remodel in Nampa?
Whether you’re remodeling one bathroom or reworking a kitchen layout, a quick conversation early can prevent delays, rework, and surprise costs. Cloverdale Plumbing can help you plan fixture rough-ins, drain routing, water heater considerations, and long-term reliability.
FAQ: Plumbing remodels (Nampa, ID)
Do I have to move plumbing to get a better layout?
Not always. Sometimes you can improve function with better fixture placement inside the existing “plumbing zone” (same wall or same general drain location). Moving drains typically adds more complexity than moving water lines, so it’s worth pricing options before you commit to a layout.
Should I replace old shutoff valves during a remodel?
If you’re replacing cabinets, vanities, or fixtures, it’s usually the most convenient time to install new, reliable shutoffs and ensure they’re accessible. This makes future service much easier and can reduce the risk of a small valve failure causing damage.
What’s the difference between snaking a drain and hot water jetting?
Snaking often punches through or pulls out a blockage. Hot water jetting (hydro jetting) uses high-pressure water to scour buildup from the pipe interior. Jetting is often helpful for grease, scale, and heavy residue where recurring clogs are common.
Will water-saving fixtures feel weak?
Many modern water-efficient fixtures are designed to maintain good performance while using less water. For example, WaterSense-labeled bathroom faucets are limited to a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute but are tested for performance. (epa.gov)
Should I upgrade my water heater during a remodel?
Consider it if your water heater is aging, you’re adding fixtures, or you want better efficiency. ENERGY STAR notes substantial potential savings for heat pump water heaters in many households, and there have been federal tax credit programs available for qualifying units (eligibility and deadlines vary—confirm before purchase). (energystar.gov)
If I discover a leak mid-remodel, is that an emergency?
Active leaks, water coming through ceilings, or any sign of water near electrical components should be treated as urgent. If you need immediate help, Cloverdale Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency plumbing.
Glossary (helpful remodel terms)
DWV (Drain, Waste & Vent)
The system of pipes that carries wastewater away and uses venting to keep drains flowing and odors out of the home.
Cleanout
A capped access point on a drain line that allows plumbers to clear clogs and inspect the line without removing fixtures.
Pressure-balance valve
A shower valve that helps limit sudden temperature changes when other water fixtures are used in the home.
Thermostatic valve
A shower control that allows you to set a target temperature; it maintains temperature more precisely than basic mixing controls.
Hot water jetting (hydro jetting)
A drain-cleaning method that uses high-pressure water (often heated) to remove buildup like grease, hair, roots, scale, and sediment from the inside of pipes.
WaterSense
An EPA program that labels water-efficient products designed to reduce water use while maintaining performance. (epa.gov)