Anyone know a thing about plumbing?

[RevolutionNeo]

My father and I were working on rebuilding an apartment, we took down all the old plasture and lath, put in new windows, new insulation, new dry wall, new electical (lights, plugs, fire/co detectors). Things were going real well since my father knew what he was doing and I was ready to help him.
My father was recently diagnosed with cancer, and cannot do any work because the chemo is too tolling. We were planning on putting a washer/dryer in, but there is no plumbing as of yet. The washer is going next to the bathroom (I think they call it the 'wet wall'). I have a good mechanical sense of how things work, but I have never done plumbing before, any advice?

Outside contractors are not a viable option.

 

[bradruth]

Originally posted by: RevolutionNeo
any advice?

Yeah, don't eat yellow snow.

Other than that I can't help you.

 

[Ornery]

"Outside contractors are not a viable option."

You know this is just the beginning? If your dad isn't going to be able to help, it may be best to give up this venture.

Here's a start...

If it's all cast iron (it probably is), you're in for a struggle. Open the wall up and take pictures. Take those pictures to the plumbing supply store, and tell them what you want to do. They can sell you the adapters and tools needed to get it done... I hope!

 

[fredtam]

All you need is to bring the Hot and Cold water supply up to a spigot. Then add a drain line made of about 1 1/2 pipe with peatrap (prevents smell) to the main drain line. They have cutouts that are inserted into the drywall to house everything (will post pic. Of course you will also need a 110v outlet for power. What is your drain line? ABS, PVC, Cast Iron? Water line pvc/cpvc or copper?

Edit: Ornery is right about the hardware/home improvement store. If you have measurements and pics they will tell you what you need and how to do it.

 

[Ornery]

No, not a home improvement store. Their employees run away as soon as they see somebody in need of help in plumbing. They also have nothing to tie PVC or ABS to cast iron. A true plumbing supply is your only hope. They charge more, but their wealth of knowledge is well worth it. Buy lots of extra stuff. You can always return what you don't use. Nothing worse than having to make extra trips for small fittings and what not.

 

[fredtam]

Originally posted by: Ornery
No, not a home improvement store. Their employees run away as soon as they see somebody in need of help in plumbing. They also have nothing to tie PVC or ABS to cast iron. A true plumbing supply is your only hope. They charge more, but their wealth of knowledge is well worth it. Buy lots of extra stuff. You can always return what you don't use. Nothing worse than having to make extra trips for small fittings and what not.

I guess it depends on where you are. The plumping people at Lowes seem to be quite knowledgable even though I don't need their help. They also have plenty of parts. I use them and Apex. Something to tie pvc/abs to cast iron is one thing they usually have- a simple rubber T.

 

[Ornery]

Tying into Old Cast Iron

Our Lowes is pathetic when it comes to construction materials, let alone plumbing supplies. Home Depot is only slightly better.

 

[fredtam]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Tying into Old Cast Iron

Our Lowes is pathetic when it comes to construction materials, let alone plumbing supplies. Home Depot is only slightly better.

I'm right outside Atlanta so I guess they carry more inventory. I can get any of the pvc(dwv), rubber adapters and other supplies shown in that link. They will also rent me a chain cutter. I'm not disagreeing with you. Plumbing supply stores usually have employees from the trade and carry a lot more stuff. Around here though I find Lowes to be well stocked and open later which comes in handy for emergencies. I do however have to go to the plumbing supply for large pressure rated pvc ( 4"+ schedule 40) and fittings.

 

[Spencer278]

Just rember sh!t flows downhill when your installing drain pipes.

 

[PowerEngineer]

First...sorry to hear about your Dad's health problem.

I think I might take on this kind of a project because I have a very good plumbing supply store (Moeland Plumbing) near me that not only has everything I might need, but is also staffed with experienced plumbers who are only too happy to share their knowledge with do-it-yourself'ers like me. You might want to look for a specialty store like this (instead of just one of the giant hardware chain stores).

I'm thinking that tapping into the existing hot and cold supply lines should be relatively easy (assuming the lines are in that wall behind the washer/dryer location). I'd be more worried about providing an adequate drain for the washer.

Good luck!

 

[Ornery]

I can't picture our stores having those riser clamps, but they do have some rubber boots... sometimes. I can't really count on them for anything. Sure as hell, any project I do will require a trip to HD or Lowes AND a hardware store to get what they didn't have.

I'm trying to picture what else Adam will be getting into. I wonder if it has a proper vent? The supply lines may be galvanized with no shutoffs, or valves in need of attention. What about the dryer vent? Will he need a gas line or 220V line run there? Probably need to upgrade the electric service too...

 

[fredtam]

I didn't even see the dryer. That will be the more complicated of the two. What amp service do you have, will it need upgrading to accomodate an additional 220V circuit? Electric is easier to run than gas unless you have threading/cutting equipment. Is there easy access to the outside for the dryer vent? I know Ornery already brought these questions up. For anyone to be able to help more needs to be known about the layout of the apt.

 

[Armitage]

Ouch ... sorry to hear about your dad. Good luck to you all.

As others have said, the specific situation is going to dictate alot about how feasible this is for a newbie DIYer. If it's a cast iron drain and galvanized supply pipes ... quite likely if it's old enough to need the kind of rebuilding you're describing, I'd really think twice. Cast iron in particular can be tricky/difficult to cut. I've only seen it done once, but of the 2 cuts the guy (and experienced plumber) had to make, one of the pieces basically shattered.

Anyway, if it's copper or plastic ... piece of cake if everything is reasonably the right place. Need to make sure the drain & vent are big enough. I have some tables that can help with that

More information & pics!