Trusted Bathroom Remodel Plumbing in Harvard, IL
When remodeling your bathroom, the plumbing work hidden behind the walls is crucial. Mistakes may not surface immediately, but slow drains, leaks inside walls, or inconsistent shower temperatures can appear months after finishing. Proper plumbing installation before closing walls ensures your bathroom performs flawlessly for many years. If your renovation uncovers water damage or leaks, give us a call — addressing hidden issues early with leak detection saves you headaches down the line.
Contact us at 815-770-5806 to discuss your bathroom project. For simple fixture swaps like replacing a toilet, faucet, or showerhead in the same spot, we can often complete the plumbing in a day. Bigger changes like moving the toilet, turning a tub into a walk-in shower, or adding a second sink require a full rough-in with drain, supply, and vent rerouting, which must be permitted and inspected. We cover all these jobs with professionalism and experience.
Here’s advice I share with every homeowner planning a remodel: finalize your fixture choices before we set rough-in pipe locations. Toilets, shower valves, and tub spouts all have specific rough-in requirements. Locking in fixtures early prevents costly rework when rough-in dimensions don’t match the products you ordered. It’s a simple step that can save big trouble.
Our Bathroom Plumbing Solutions
Shower & Tub Plumbing Installation
Installing shower valves with precision is key. We position valves at the correct height and depth from the finished wall, and connect supply lines sized for optimal water flow. We install pressure-balance valves required by Illinois code to prevent scalding, thermostatic valves for exact temperature control, and multi-outlet valve setups for rain shower heads, body sprays, and hand showers.
Converting a tub to a shower means coring the slab or subfloor for a new drain, setting the shower pan drain with proper pitch, building up the base for waterproofing, and rerouting supply lines to the new valve location. We explain the full process and timeline upfront. We also handle rough-ins for freestanding tubs including plumbing for floor- or wall-mounted fillers.
Toilet Installation and Relocation
Replacing a toilet in the same spot is a simple process covered under our fixture installation services. Shifting a toilet to a new location involves rerouting drain piping — cutting into concrete or subfloor as needed — installing a new flange at the right height, and connecting to the soil stack with proper venting. This work requires permits and inspection before closing walls.
We install all types: standard height, comfort height (ADA compliant), wall-hung, and dual-flush toilets. If your remodel adds a bathroom or upgrades existing fixtures, it's also a good time to check if your water heater can handle the extra demand. For accessibility upgrades like grab bars or curbless showers, we coordinate with your GC to place blocking behind walls before drywall is installed.
Vanity and Sink Plumbing
Whether you’re upgrading from a single to a double sink vanity, switching from a pedestal sink to a cabinet, or relocating the vanity entirely, we handle all the related plumbing changes. Adding a second sink means extending hot and cold water lines and configuring the drain system with shared or individual P-traps depending on your layout. Cabinet size changes may require adjusting drain and supply stub-out heights.
We install faucets, drains, supply lines, and P-traps during vanity setups. We also swap out old gate valves for modern quarter-turn ball valves while the cabinet is open — a small upgrade that prevents many under-sink leaks. If your remodel changes drain locations, we include drain and P-trap connections in the rough-in phase.
Full Rough-In Plumbing for New Bathrooms & Additions
Adding a new bathroom in your Harvard home — whether a basement bath, half bath, or master suite — requires a full rough-in plumbing setup. This includes running supply lines from the nearest main, connecting drain lines to existing plumbing stacks or building drains, installing vent pipes through the roof or tying into existing vents, and setting floor flanges at finished floor level. This phase requires permits and inspections before walls and floors are sealed. We work closely with your GC and manage inspection scheduling to keep your project on track.
Bathroom Plumbing Checklist
- Installation of shower valves, trim kits, and showerheads
- Tub drain assemblies, overflow, and filler connections
- Toilet removal and installation including wax ring and water supply
- Vanity faucet, drain, and water supply hookups
- Replacement of old shutoff valves with modern ball valves
- Rerouting drain pipes for new fixture locations
- Installation or modification of vent pipes
- Hookups for bidet seats or standalone bidets
- Handling permits and arranging inspections
Tips for a Successful Bathroom Remodel
- Choose your fixtures before rough-in: Pipe placement depends on your toilet, shower valve, and tub spout specs — finalizing early avoids costly rework
- Keep fixture locations when possible: Moving plumbing adds significant labor and cost compared to replacement in place
- Update valves while walls are open: Replacing worn shutoff valves now saves money and prevents leaks later
- Verify your water heater capacity: A soaking tub or an additional shower may require a larger water heater
- Plan for permits early: Scheduling rough-in inspections affects your GC’s timeline — involve your plumber early
Bathroom Remodeling Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re swapping fixtures in the exact same spots, you usually don’t need a permit. But if you’re moving drains or supply lines, changing vent stacks, or altering rough-in layouts, permits are required in most Harvard municipalities. We take care of the permitting and inspections so everything is up to code — it’s important to avoid future problems with insurance or selling your home.
Yes, we can relocate toilets and showers, but it involves rerouting drain piping — sometimes cutting through slab or floor — repositioning vents, and extending supply lines accordingly. This adds labor and cost compared to replacements in place but offers more layout options. We’ll provide a detailed quote so you can weigh the benefits and budget.
The sooner, the better — ideally before walls are opened. Early involvement helps us guide you on rough-in dimensions for your chosen fixtures, assess existing drain and vent placements, and plan for permits. Calling a plumber late in demolition can cause scheduling headaches and rushed decisions on pipe placement.
Yes, we regularly partner with GCs, designers, and homeowners. We manage the plumbing scope as a subcontractor and coordinate rough-in inspections to fit your project schedule. Give us a call at 815-770-5806 to discuss your timeline and collaboration needs.