Kitchen Remodel Plumbing in Bellevue: Where Things Go Wrong

Planning a kitchen remodel in Bellevue? Whether you’re upgrading appliances, adding a new sink, or going for a full renovation — the plumbing behind the walls can make or break your project.

Most homeowners focus on cabinets and countertops first. But if your plumbing isn’t planned and executed properly, even the best design can turn into an expensive headache.

Let’s look at where remodel plumbing commonly goes wrong — and how to keep your new kitchen running smoothly for years to come.

During a remodel, plumbing tends to get overlooked until the last minute — and that’s usually when problems pop up.

Here are the most common issues we see in Bellevue kitchen remodels:

1. Incorrect drain or vent placement
Cabinets and islands get installed before plumbing adjustments are made — leaving no room for proper drain lines or venting.

2. Undersized supply lines
New fixtures like pot fillers, dishwashers, or large sinks may need stronger water supply lines than the old system can handle.

3. Poorly relocated gas or water lines
When moving appliances, DIY reroutes or shortcuts can cause leaks or fail to meet code requirements.

4. No shut-off valves
Skipping shut-offs under sinks or behind appliances might seem minor — until you need to fix a leak fast.

5. Hidden leaks after installation
Even small drips behind new cabinetry can lead to warped wood, mold, and costly repairs down the road.

Many Bellevue homes were built between the 1970s–2000s — which means the plumbing systems are often outdated or weren’t designed for modern appliances. Add in the area’s hard water and you’ve got even more stress on pipes and fittings.

Here’s what can go wrong if plumbing isn’t handled right during a remodel:

• Old galvanized or copper pipes can crack or corrode when disturbed.
• Hard water buildup restricts flow to new fixtures, reducing performance.
• Improper venting or slope in new drain lines can cause slow drains or backups.
• Code violations can delay inspections and add unexpected costs.

We’ve seen beautifully remodeled kitchens in Bellevue get torn apart again just to fix plumbing that wasn’t addressed correctly the first time.

Before your remodel gets too far along, take a few smart steps to avoid those pitfalls:

1. Have your plumbing inspected before demo
A quick inspection can identify old pipes, poor venting, or leaks that should be replaced before walls and cabinets go in.

2. Coordinate with your plumber early
Your plumber should work directly with your contractor or designer to plan fixture placement, drain layout, and water line reroutes.

3. Upgrade where it counts
If your kitchen is more than 20 years old, it’s worth updating shut-offs, supply lines, and drains now while everything’s open.

A little planning upfront can save thousands in damage, rework, and delays later on.

At McIntosh Plumbing, we help Bellevue homeowners and remodelers plan and execute kitchen plumbing the right way — safely, efficiently, and up to code.

We’ll walk you through what needs to be upgraded, what can stay, and how to keep your remodel on schedule without costly surprises.

Schedule a remodel plumbing consultation today — and let’s make sure your dream kitchen works as good as it looks.

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