Pre Planning - The First Step !

By Scott Rodgers

Before taking up any plumbing project, you first have to decide about the pipe arrangement. Pipes are mostly covered behind the walls and usually people do not prefer changing their locations as it will add to the amount of work. Moreover it is much easier to install the new pipes in the same place as everything is already designed as per the requirements.

If there are some changes required for the new plumbing design, then it is better to run the pipes up from the basement. Like, you can get the bathroom drain line be dropped into the basement and then connected to the main line under the joists rather than running them over the floor joists.

Do not try to modify the floor joists or the support beams as this can be very dangerous and can weaken the entire building. The local building codes have to be followed for any issues with support beams. Here are some tips that can help you while taking up any plumbing remodeling project.

One option is to build a chase wall. It is a false wall that is used to hide plumbing connections. It can be used from floor to ceiling allowing plumbing to run from basement to attic. A wall chase is mostly used for running new vent stacks.

Besides a wall chase, you can go for another option and that is a soffit. Unlike a wall chase it runs across the top of a wall instead of running from floor to ceiling. So, the inner pipes can run vertically to accommodate new plumbing pipes.

Another place that can be used for running new plumbing in the home is an unused laundry. They often run through most of the floors, but usually end up in the basement area as it is easier to make connections there.

You can use a long pipe to check any plumbing routes. If the route is unobstructed, the guide pipe can be used for running plumbing pipes with larger diameter by placing the larger pipe over the guide pipe.

These are some possible ways to introduce a new plumbing scheme to your home. Keep the work to the open areas instead of switching to the dark areas behind the walls. Any uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of the plumbing design can be sorted out with the concerned officials to keep the things going. - 33393

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