Updating a bathroom yourself can be a rewarding experience, but what are best things to DIY that won’t drain your wallet?
The cost to move plumbing in bathrooms is one of the biggest budget drivers in any remodel. Fortunately, there are DIY bathroom upgrades you can do without touching a pipe.
Moving plumbing isn’t something you want to figure out halfway through a reno. If you’re on a budget, talk to a plumber and get a quote before you go smashing tiles.
If you’re considering a DIY approach, this blog outlines bathroom upgrades that won’t compromise your plumbing system or get you in trouble with local regulations.
Contents
Replace a Single Flush Toilet with a Dual-Flush Conversion Kit
A dual-flush conversion kit upgrades a single-flush toilet into a water-saving two-button system. It’s a beginner-friendly DIY that takes less than an hour and requires no special tools.
- Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate the valve behind the toilet and twist it clockwise to stop the water flow.
- Flush the Toilet: Hold the lever down to fully drain the tank, then sponge out any remaining water if needed.
- Remove the Tank Lid: Lift lift and set it aside on a towel to prevent cracking.
- Disconnect the Old Flapper and Flush Valve: Unclip or unscrew the flapper, flush handle, and flush valve mechanism from inside the tank.
- Install the Dual-Flush Valve Assembly: Drop the new valve in place and tighten it with the provided nut; make sure the rubber seal is seated correctly.
- Attach the Buttons or Lever: Install the top-mounted buttons or side-mounted lever through the lid or side hole.
Turn the valve back on and let the tank fill. Make sure to check for leaks.
Upgrade the Toilet Seat to a Bidet Attachment with an Existing Water Line Splitter
A bidet improves hygiene and cuts back on toilet paper. Here’s how to install one yourself:
- Turn Off the Water Supply: Find the valve behind your toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water.
- Remove the Toilet Seat: Unscrew the bolts holding your current toilet seat and lift it off.
- Install the T-Valve: Attach the T-valve to the toilet’s fill valve (where the water line connects). Tighten it well to avoid leaks.
- Connect the Water Hose: Connect one end to the T-valve and the other to the bidet seat. Use a plumber’s tape to help seal the threads.
- Attach the Bidet Seat: Slide the new seat onto the toilet and secure it using the provided bolts. Slowly turn the water valve back on and check for leaks.
Use a Pop-Up Drain Stopper Conversion Kit
Installing a pop-up drain stopper conversion kit is one of the easiest DIY projects on this list. Best for beginners who want a quick bathroom upgrade without touching any major plumbing lines.
For a start, loosen and remove the curved pipe (P-trap) using your hands or pliers. Then, disconnect the lift rod from the faucet and unscrew the small pivot rod underneath the sink to take out the old stopper.
Next, unscrew the nut holding the drain in place and remove all the old drain parts. Open your new drain kit and check if the tailpiece (the long pipe part) needs trimming to match the old one.
Roll some plumber’s putty into a thin rope and press it under the new flange (the top drain piece). Push it into the sink drain opening. From underneath, slide on the gasket and washer, then screw the new drain body in place. Make sure the small hole for the pivot rod is facing the back of the sink.
Drop the new stopper into the flange from above, then insert the pivot rod into the hole and tighten it. Reconnect the lift rod to the pivot rod using the clip and test the movement. Adjust it until the stopper opens and closes smoothly.
Reattach the P-trap, turn the water back on, and test the drain.
Apply Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Behind the Sink
- Measure the Area: Use a tape measure to get the exact height and width of the wall section you’ll cover.
- Plan Your Layout Before Sticking: Lay out a few tile sheets on the counter to see how they align. Use a utility knife and straight edge to trim any tiles that won’t fit full size.
- Peel Off the Backing: Gently remove the paper backing from the first tile or panel/
- Stick the Tile Onto the Wall: Press the tile firmly onto the wall, starting from the bottom and working upward. Smooth it out from center to edges to remove air bubbles.
- Continue Installing Row by Row: Apply the next tile and align it tightly with the edge of the first. Repeat until the area is fully covered.
- Seal Edges: For moisture-prone areas, run a thin line of clear silicone caulk along the bottom edge and corners to prevent water intrusion. Use a clean cloth to wipe off any fingerprints or adhesive marks.
DIY Has Its Limits. It’s Time to Call a Pro
DIY upgrades are great way to stay hands-on and keep your renovation budget in check. But they may seem simple until you’re in the middle of it all, as plumbing involves technical factors that require expertise. Ignoring these can result in expensive repairs later on. Here at Reasons to Skip the Housework we’re all about making home projects achievable, but when pipes and water lines are involved, it’s best to leave it to the experts.
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