Why Your Plumbing Remodel Matters More Than the Tile You Pick
If you’re planning a bathroom or kitchen remodel in Wheeling or Mount Prospect, here’s an uncomfortable truth: the pipes behind the walls matter more than the fixtures you see every day. A beautifully tiled shower installed over corroded galvanized pipes is a ticking time bomb. A stunning kitchen island with undersized drain lines is a future headache.
At MMDS, we’ve handled hundreds of plumbing remodels across the northwest suburbs of Chicago. This guide covers everything Wheeling and Mount Prospect homeowners need to know — from rough-in planning to final fixture installation — so your remodel looks great and works flawlessly for decades.
Kitchen Plumbing Remodel: What’s Actually Involved
Moving the Sink or Adding a Second One
Relocating a kitchen sink isn’t just about connecting a faucet. It requires extending or rerouting supply lines (both hot and cold), installing new drain and vent piping, and ensuring proper slope for drainage. In many Wheeling homes built in the 1970s–1990s, this also means transitioning from older galvanized or copper drain lines to modern PVC or ABS.
Dishwasher and Garbage Disposal Connections
A kitchen remodel is the perfect time to upgrade your dishwasher connection with a proper high loop or air gap (required by Illinois plumbing code) and install or replace a garbage disposal. We recommend InSinkErator Evolution models for their quiet operation and longevity.
Gas Line Work for Ranges and Cooktops
Switching from electric to gas — or moving your gas range to an island — requires professional gas line work. This is not a DIY project. In Cook County, gas line modifications require a licensed plumber and a permit inspection.
Kitchen Plumbing Remodel Cost Breakdown
| Service | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Sink relocation (within 5 ft) | $800 – $1,500 |
| Sink relocation (major reroute) | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Garbage disposal installation | $250 – $500 |
| Dishwasher hookup/replacement | $200 – $400 |
| Gas line extension for range | $500 – $1,200 |
| Water filtration system under sink | $400 – $1,200 |
| Full kitchen rough-in (gut remodel) | $3,000 – $7,000 |
Bathroom Plumbing Remodel: Beyond the Cosmetic
Shower and Tub Rough-In
Converting a tub to a walk-in shower — one of the most popular remodels in Mount Prospect — requires modifying the drain location, installing a new shower valve (we recommend Moen or Delta pressure-balancing valves for safety), and potentially adding a linear drain system. If you’re going curbless, floor slope and waterproofing become critical.
Toilet Relocation or Upgrade
Moving a toilet even a few feet requires cutting into the floor to reroute the 3″ or 4″ drain line and connect to the main stack. This is significant work. If you’re keeping the toilet in place, a remodel is a great time to upgrade to a WaterSense-certified model (1.28 GPF or less) — Mount Prospect and Wheeling water rates make this upgrade pay for itself within a few years.
Double Vanity Installation
Adding a second sink means additional supply lines, a wider drain configuration, and proper venting. In older Wheeling homes, we often find the existing vent stack is too far from the new sink location, requiring an air admittance valve (AAV) or additional venting.
Bathroom Plumbing Remodel Cost Breakdown
| Service | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Tub-to-shower conversion (plumbing only) | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Toilet relocation | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Double vanity plumbing | $800 – $1,800 |
| Shower valve replacement | $400 – $800 |
| Full bathroom rough-in | $3,500 – $8,000 |
| Radiant floor heating (hydronic) | $1,500 – $3,500 |
Common Issues We Find During Remodels in Wheeling & Mount Prospect
About 60% of the remodels we handle uncover at least one hidden plumbing issue. Here’s what we see most often:
- Galvanized steel pipes — Common in homes built before 1980. These corrode from the inside out, restricting water flow and eventually leaking. A remodel is the ideal time to replace them with PEX or copper.
- Polybutylene (PB) pipes — Found in some 1980s–1990s homes. These are prone to sudden failure and should be replaced during any renovation.
- Improper venting — Slow drains, gurgling sounds, and sewer gas odors often trace back to missing or undersized vent pipes. We see this frequently in DIY additions and finished basements.
- Code violations from previous work — Unlicensed plumbing work is surprisingly common. During a remodel, inspectors will flag anything not up to current Illinois Plumbing Code, which can add unexpected costs if not planned for.
Permits and Inspections: What Wheeling and Mount Prospect Require
Both the Village of Wheeling and Village of Mount Prospect require plumbing permits for any work that involves modifying, extending, or replacing drain/waste/vent piping or water supply lines. Simple fixture swaps (replacing a faucet or toilet in the same location) typically don’t need a permit.
The permit process usually involves:
- Application submittal with a scope of work description
- Rough-in inspection (before walls are closed)
- Final inspection (after fixtures are installed)
Working with a licensed plumber in Mount Prospect who handles permitting ensures your project passes inspection the first time — and protects your home’s resale value.
How to Plan Your Plumbing Remodel for Maximum Value
1. Get the Plumber Involved Early
Don’t wait until the demo crew has already torn out walls to call a plumber. We should be part of the planning phase to identify potential issues, advise on fixture placement, and coordinate with your general contractor.
2. Bundle Work to Save Money
If you’re remodeling a bathroom, this is the time to address anything else behind the walls — replacing old supply lines, adding a whole-house water shut-off valve, or installing a water filtration system.
3. Choose Quality Fixtures
Budget fixtures fail faster. Moen, Delta, and Kohler offer excellent mid-range options with solid warranties. The labor to replace a failed faucet or valve is the same regardless of the fixture cost, so spending an extra $100–$200 upfront saves significantly in the long run.
4. Consider Future Needs
Planning to age in place? A curbless shower and comfort-height toilet are worth installing now. Thinking about a basement bathroom? Running the drain line during your main-floor remodel is far cheaper than breaking concrete later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a plumbing remodel take?
The plumbing portion of a bathroom remodel typically takes 2–4 days for rough-in and 1 day for fixture installation. Kitchen plumbing rough-in is usually 1–3 days. These timelines don’t include wall closure, tiling, or other trades.
Do I need to replace all my pipes during a remodel?
Not necessarily. If your home has copper supply lines in good condition, they can stay. However, galvanized steel drain lines or polybutylene supply lines should be replaced whenever walls are open — it’s significantly cheaper during a remodel than as a standalone project.
Can I move my bathroom to a different room?
Yes, but it’s a major project. Moving a bathroom requires extending drain lines (including proper slope), supply lines, and venting to the new location. Cost depends heavily on distance from the existing main stack and whether the floor needs to be opened.
Should I get a tankless water heater during my remodel?
If your current water heater is more than 10 years old, a remodel is a great time to upgrade. A tankless unit can provide endless hot water for that new rain shower head you’re installing. Read our plumbing services guide for more details.
Ready to Plan Your Remodel?
Whether you’re updating a half-bath in Wheeling or gutting a master bathroom in Mount Prospect, MMDS provides expert plumbing remodel services with transparent pricing, proper permitting, and quality craftsmanship. We coordinate with your general contractor or handle the project independently.
Financing available through Sunbit and PowerPay — get flexible payment plans that fit your budget.
📞 Call us at (847) 221-6280 or request a free estimate online.