plumbing for a new house

[ultravox]

Does anybody have any experience in plumbing? I'm not talking about connecting up a dishwasher or repairing a leaky solder but the whole enchalada. I'm considering doing the plumbing in my new home. Those plumbers are real sharks.....$$$$$ !

I have a pretty good idea of what I'm trying to accomplish but a few things have my confused....specifically, the air vents that go to the roof. Where they are connected to the drain pipes , their size and how many are needed in a typical installation. I plan to go the abs route as it seems that most new plumbing is no longer using copper. Easy to install and join, easy to repair and as an added plus, no creaking of water pipes when the hot water is being used.

Anybody??

 

[bmacd]

bumpage.

-=bmacd=-

 

[Geekbabe]

I know nothing about plumbing but here's a bump for you Vox !

 

[BenRosey]

I don't know, but with things like this I think you could probably find some good books at the local library.

 

[cavingjan]

Find out what the local building codes are and how much inspections and permits cost (if anything).
Plumbers do charge a lot but its better than spending your time to do it and then chase down problems and leaks later on.
Plus they will probably get it done in half the time which can be expensive with a construction loan.

 

[wedi42]

go to home depot and buy a book or two.
this small investment will pay off big time.

you dont want to be done w/ all the plumbing only to have the inspector say:
"you messed up. start all over buddy"

 

[ultravox]

^ Bump

 

[ultravox]

(gasp) ^ Bump (gasp)

 

[RossMAN]

I recommended this plumbers forum to another ATer who had some plumbing issues, they posted their question and within hours had 15 very helpful replies from professional plumbers (not ATers who are lawyers/doctors/car salesman/porn addicts/plumbers).

Just make sure your post is very detailed.

 

[dman]

Our new home has PVC type pipes for the plumbing. In many places they had to fasten the pipes so they were secured between the metal studs using 1x6 boards between the studs and some kind of U brackets to hold the pipes to the board. So, they must still vibrate. Not sure if it was code (I assume it was 'cuz the builder was not likely to do anything that is extra and is not to code.).

 

[Ornery]

My hat's off to you for attempting this project without much experience. Here's a link to get you started:

Drain Waste Vent System

I used to be in the building trade 25 years ago. Only dabble in it on and off now. We once had a discussion about which tradesman required the most tools. In the end, plumbers won hands down. They need almost all the tools of carpenters, electricians and assorted other trade tools including masonry and even roofing! Not to mention their own plumbing tools and oodles of fittings to avoid mega trips to the supply house.

Speaking of noise, pay careful attention to anti knock valves and routing of water supply lines to avoid God awful knocking, squeaking and water rushing noise for the next ten years. Buy quality diverter valves and fixtures for the same reason. More linkage...

Do your homework!

 

[ultravox]

Thanks for the tips......and links. I might pass on this. Saving $$ could be better served elsewhere perhaps.

 

[Ornery]

It doesn't hurt one bit to actually know what needs to be done, even if you don't do it. It's a good idea to make sure the plumber does use quality fixtures and know what the difference is. He'll get a discount on that stuff, which may be passed on to you if you play your cards right. That is, be a smart consumer, but don't try and tell him how to do his job. Take bids for the work, then talk about the "bump ups" to better grade stuff later. Take a look at some of their work in progress if you can. Some of these guys can be real butchers to the joists and other framing.

One thing a plumber told me, is to put your sinks and tubs where you want. Don't let ease of plumbing dictate where stuff goes. The extra material expense and effort is worth it in the end. You're the one that has to live there!