Weather does the rest. The bluff above the Narrows takes the wind, and homes along Grandview and Soundview froze lines in December 2022 and January 2024 that homes a mile inland did not. Heavy winter rain runs off the plateau into the canyons and overloads old storm and sewer connections. At about 40 minutes from Port Orchard, over the Narrows Bridge and south on Bridgeport Way or Jackson Avenue from Port Orchard, University Place is a regular line on our schedule, not a special trip.
Why bathroom remodel plumbing is a little different in University Place
Second sinks, bidet seats and wall-hung toilets are popular upgrades in University Place remodels. Each has specific rough-in requirements, and we plan them with you before cabinets and carriers are ordered.
What is behind the drywall in University Place matters more than most people expect. Post-war ramblers and split-levels from the 1950s through the 70s make up the heart of UP, with 1920s to 40s cottages near Day Island and Sunset Beach, and 1990s to 2000s homes near Chambers Bay and on infill lots. That era mix means copper reaching the end of its life, original cast iron under slab-on-grade houses, and plenty of 1970s galvanized still in service.
Local conditions that affect bathroom remodel plumbing in University Place
In University Place specifically, one issue comes up more than most: Pinhole leaks in 1960s and 70s copper, often in slab-on-grade ramblers
Many University Place residents are remodeling specifically to stay in their homes as they age. We rough in showers with handhelds on slide bars, valves within reach of a bench, and solid blocking for grab bars where they will actually be used.
Ask a University Place homeowner what goes wrong with plumbing here and you will usually hear a version of this: Galvanized supply in older cottages near Day Island and Sunset Beach
Newer tract homes around University Place often have a builder-grade tub and surround that owners replace within ten years. A tub-to-shower conversion with a tiled surround and a thermostatic valve is one of our most common Pierce County projects.
Signs University Place homeowners call us for bathroom remodel plumbing
Worth a call
- A second sink is going in and the existing drain and vent cannot serve it
- The remodel opened a wall and exposed cast iron, galvanized or corroded copper
- Your contractor needs a licensed plumber for rough-in and trim-out
- You want a wall-hung toilet, bidet seat, freestanding tub or steam shower
- The old toilet flange sits below the new finished floor height
How we handle bathroom remodel plumbing in University Place
For bathroom remodel plumbing in University Place the order of operations is layout review before demo, disconnect and cap, rough-in, rough inspection, trim-out after tile, then final walkthrough. That sequence keeps the work predictable and the price honest.
Read the full step-by-step for bathroom remodel plumbing →
University Place neighborhoods and areas we serve
Call from Cirque Drive and 27th Street, Narrowmoor and the Narrows bluff or anywhere else in University Place, including the places near Curran Apple Orchard Park and Chambers Creek Canyon Trail that other outfits treat as a long drive.
Bathroom Remodel Plumbing questions from University Place
What if you find bad pipes behind my University Place bathroom walls?
We photograph the problem, send you a flat price to replace the section while it is exposed, and let you decide. We do not cover up pipe we know is failing without telling you.
How far ahead should I schedule you for a University Place remodel?
A couple of weeks is usually enough for the layout review and rough-in. Once we are on the project, we coordinate the rough and trim visits with your contractor's schedule.
Can you add a second sink or a bidet seat during my University Place remodel?
Yes. A second sink needs its own trap and may need its own vent; a bidet seat needs a cold supply tee and usually an outlet. We plan both into the rough-in.
Do you handle the full bathroom remodel in University Place or just the plumbing?
We do the plumbing: disconnect, rough-in, inspection and trim-out. We work alongside your general contractor, tile setter and electrician, or with you directly if you are managing the project.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel?
If drains, vents or supplies are being moved or added, yes, and the rough-in has to be inspected before it is covered. Swapping a faucet or toilet in the same location generally does not require one. We pull the permit when the work calls for it.
Washington Plumbing & Drain serves University Place from our base in Port Orchard, a reasonable drive over Highway 16. We schedule Pierce County work in clusters so arrival windows stay honest.