Plumbing is one of those systems where a fault is noticed last and costs the most. A small leak inside a wall stays invisible for months; by the time it surfaces, it appears as damage to the flat below, damp, mould and stripped tiling. This guide explains when plumbing should be renewed and how the process runs.
Signs that plumbing needs renewing
- Falling pressure or irregular flow at the taps
- Colour, smell or sediment in the water (common in old steel pipes)
- Blistering paint, damp patches and recurring mould on walls
- The meter turns when nobody is using water (hidden leak)
- Unexplained damp at the neighbour below
- Frequent blockages and odours from drains
A single symptom may just be a fault; several together mean the age and type of the installation need assessing.
Clean water versus waste lines
Clean water lines carry mains water to the kitchen, bathroom and WC and work under pressure. Waste lines carry used water to the building drain by gravity — there is no pressure, but fall and pipe diameter are critical. The two systems differ in material, installation rules and testing method.
The renewal process step by step
- Consultation: existing routes, leak points and the hot water system are examined.
- Planning: the pipe layout is drawn to suit the new sanitaryware positions.
- Strip-out: tiles and, where necessary, screed are removed; old pipes are taken out.
- Installation: clean water lines are laid with welded or push-fit systems; waste lines are set at the correct fall.
- Pressure test: the clean water system is held at pressure; if there is no drop, the lines are closed up.
- Waterproofing: wet areas receive floor and wall-base waterproofing.
- Closing and tiling: screed, tiling and sanitaryware installation follow.
Skipping the waterproofing step can lead to damp problems later even with brand-new pipework.
Pipe types and where they are used
| Pipe type | Use | Key property |
|---|---|---|
| PPR | Clean water (hot/cold) | Welded joints, widely used, economical |
| PEX | Clean water | Flexible, fewer joints, quick to install |
| PVC | Waste water | Rigid, chemical resistant |
| Copper | Clean water (special projects) | Long life, higher cost |
The choice depends on the building, the boiler or water heater system and the budget. Reducing the number of joints lowers the long-term risk of leaks.
How sanitaryware choices affect the plumbing
Wall-hung WCs, concealed cisterns and walk-in showers instead of shower enclosures all change where the lines run. These decisions must be settled before the strip-out begins; changing them afterwards means re-running the pipework. The same rule applies to kitchen renovation.
Demgirişim plans plumbing renewal together with pressure testing and wet-area waterproofing. Scope and duration are confirmed in writing after the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does the bathroom have to be stripped out to renew the plumbing?
Because the lines run inside walls and floors, the tiles usually have to come off. This is why plumbing renewal is normally planned together with a bathroom refit.
Why does pressure testing matter?
A pressure test carried out before the lines are closed up reveals any leak before tiling. A leak in an untested line means breaking out and rebuilding later.
Which pipe type should be used?
PPR and PEX are common for clean water; PVC is used for waste. The choice depends on the building, the hot water system and the budget, and is decided during the consultation.
The initial consultation and written quote for Plumbing are free within Istanbul. Scope, duration and cost are confirmed after the consultation.