Bathroom Installation in Essex, Kent & East London

What does a bathroom installation involve?

A bathroom installation from Essex Home Plumbing covers the plumbing work, in two main stages. We start by isolating the water and removing the old toilet, basin, bath or shower. Next comes first-fix plumbing: moving or adding supply and waste pipes to suit the new layout, and making sure waste pipes have the right fall so water drains away properly. Your tiler, plasterer and electrician then complete their work. In the second fix, we fit the toilet, basin, bath or shower, taps and valves, connect everything, and test the whole room for leaks and drainage. We focus on plumbing only, so tiling, plastering and electrics are arranged separately with those trades. We also fit individual items on their own, including toilet installation, shower installation and washing machine installation, if you don't need a full bathroom.

When is it time to replace a bathroom?

It's usually time to replace a bathroom when repairs stop making sense. Signs include leaks around the bath or shower that keep coming back after resealing, cracked or chipped sanitaryware, loose or cracked tiles, mould that returns however often you clean it, poor shower pressure, and a layout that doesn't work for how you live. Replacing a bathroom also makes sense before selling or letting a property, as a tired bathroom is one of the first things buyers and tenants notice.

Why do bathrooms develop leaks and damp?

Bathrooms develop leaks and damp mainly because water gets past seals and into places it shouldn't. Silicone around baths and shower trays breaks down over time. Grout cracks and lets water behind tiles. Shower trays that weren't bedded firmly can flex and break the seal. Waste pipes that weren't fitted with enough fall drain slowly and can leak at joints. Poor ventilation adds condensation to the mix. Getting the plumbing, waterproofing and seals right during installation is what keeps a new bathroom dry for years.

Can I change my bathroom layout?

You can usually change a bathroom layout, but some changes are simpler than others. The toilet position is the most restricted, because it needs a large waste pipe with enough fall to reach the soil stack. Moving a basin or bath is often easier, as their waste pipes are smaller. Swapping a bath for a walk-in shower is a common change, but the shower needs enough drainage fall, which can mean raising the tray or adjusting the floor. We'll look at your existing pipework and tell you what's practical before you commit to a design.

What affects the cost of a bathroom installation?

The cost of a bathroom installation depends on the size of the room, the suite and fittings you choose, and how much the layout changes. Keeping everything in the same position is quicker than moving the toilet or converting a bath to a shower. The condition of the floor and walls once the old bathroom is removed can add work. Our price covers the plumbing only; tiling, electrics and decorating are priced separately by those trades. Our standard hourly call-out rates, excluding parts, materials and VAT, are:

Emergency callouts may vary, so ask us for details. There are no hidden charges, and we always confirm a fixed price for your job before we start.

Should I refurbish or fully replace my bathroom?

Refurbishing makes sense if the layout works, the pipework is sound and only some items need changing, such as a new basin, toilet or taps. A full replacement is the better choice when there are recurring leaks, damp behind the tiles, old pipework, or a layout you want to change. A full replacement lets the hidden pipework and waterproofing be renewed properly, which is what protects the rooms below. We'll give you an honest view of which suits your bathroom.

Bathroom installation FAQs