Kitchen renovations tend to focus on the visible decisions first — cabinetry, benchtops, appliances — and plumbing often gets treated as an afterthought. But a few plumbing-related decisions made early can save significant cost and disruption later.
Sink and dishwasher placement
If the new kitchen layout keeps the sink in roughly the same spot, plumbing work is straightforward — existing supply and drainage points are reused. If the sink (and therefore the dishwasher, which connects to the same area) moves to a different wall or to an island, that means new drainage and water supply runs, often through the slab or floor — a bigger job that’s worth knowing about before the layout is finalised.
Islands in particular are a common source of unexpected cost: running plumbing to an island bench usually means going under the floor, which is far more involved than running it along a wall.
Gas cooktops and gas lines
If the renovation includes a gas cooktop — whether replacing an existing one or adding one where there wasn’t one before — this needs to be planned early. Gas line work has its own compliance requirements, and if the cooktop is moving to a new location, a new gas line run needs to be factored into both the budget and the schedule.
Hot water for new appliances
Adding a second sink, a boiling water tap, or upgrading to a larger dishwasher can all add demand to the hot water system. Worth checking as part of the renovation plan, particularly if the household has also renovated bathrooms recently and the hot water system is already working harder than it used to.
Filtered water and instant hot water taps
These have become a common kitchen renovation addition. They’re relatively simple to install during a renovation when the cabinetry is already open, but much more disruptive to retrofit afterward — so if there’s any chance of wanting one, it’s worth deciding before the cabinetry goes in, even if the unit itself is purchased later.
Sequencing with other trades
Kitchen plumbing rough-in typically needs to happen before benchtops are templated and installed, since cut-outs for sinks and taps need to be accurately positioned. Getting the plumbing finalised — including any layout changes — before benchtop measurement avoids the common (and expensive) problem of a benchtop cut-out that doesn’t quite line up.
Planning ahead saves money
The theme across all of this is the same: plumbing decisions are cheap to change on paper, and expensive to change once cabinetry, flooring or benchtops are in. A short conversation with a plumber during the planning stage — before the kitchen design is finalised — is one of the highest-value (and lowest-cost) steps in a kitchen renovation.
Sedcon Plumbing helps Melbourne homeowners plan the plumbing side of kitchen renovations from the layout stage through to rough-in and fit-off. Get in touch to talk through your kitchen renovation plans.
Planning a renovation or new build? Our Builders & Renovations page covers how we work with builders and homeowners on rough-ins, fit-offs, bathroom and kitchen plumbing.
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