What should I know before replacing kitchen plumbing in an older home?

Replacing kitchen plumbing in an older Metro Vancouver home requires careful planning around outdated systems, permit requirements, and potential code upgrades. Most homes built before 1980 will have galvanized steel or cast iron pipes that need complete replacement, not just repairs.

Understanding Your Existing System

Older Vancouver homes typically have galvanized steel supply lines and cast iron drain lines that are likely corroded after 40+ years. Vancouver Specials (1965-1985) and character homes in Kitsilano or Commercial Drive often have original plumbing that's reached end-of-life. When you open walls for kitchen work, you'll frequently discover leaking joints, reduced water pressure from mineral buildup, and drain lines with root intrusion or bellied sections.

The biggest surprise for homeowners is discovering that a "simple" kitchen renovation triggers much larger plumbing upgrades. Once you're into the walls, it often makes financial sense to repipe the entire house rather than patching old systems. In Metro Vancouver's market, expect $8,000-$15,000 for whole-house repiping versus $3,000-$6,000 for kitchen-only work.

Permit and Code Requirements

Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture swaps requires a licensed plumber and permits through your municipal building department. In Vancouver, call 311 or visit vancouver.ca/home-property-development/building-permits. Surrey, Burnaby, and other municipalities have their own processes — expect 2-4 weeks for simple plumbing permits.

Under the BC Building Code (BCBC 2024), your new plumbing must meet current standards even in older homes. This means proper venting, appropriate pipe sizing, and seismic restraints for water heaters. If you're in a strata building, get written approval from your strata council before starting — most require proof of contractor insurance and restrict work hours to weekdays 8am-5pm.

What to Expect During the Project

Plan for 3-7 days of kitchen downtime depending on scope. Your contractor will need to shut off water to sections of the house, which affects other fixtures. In older homes, expect some drywall repair as accessing pipes often requires opening walls. Budget an extra 20-30% for unforeseen issues — it's rare to open walls in a 50+ year old home without discovering something that needs attention.

Professional Requirements and Safety

This is absolutely not DIY work. All plumbing rough-in must be done by a licensed plumber and inspected by your municipality. Improper installation can cause flooding, mold, or insurance claim denials. Licensed plumbers carry WorkSafeBC coverage and liability insurance — verify both before hiring.

Get quotes from at least three licensed plumbers who can assess your entire system, not just the kitchen.