Articles By Syndicated Columnist
Dan Thomas
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Improvement Inside And Out
Installing
Copper Plumbing
Project Overview:
Running new supply lines requires planning in order to choose the best
route for the pipes and break the job down into manageable phases. Hot and
cold supply lines can be either copper (as shown here), CPVC, or, if code
allows, PEX.
Step 1
DRILL HOLES FOR THE RISERS
Drill holes for the risers. Drill riser holes through the
stud wall into
the basement. The diameter of the holes should be at least 1/4 inch larger
than the diameter of the riser to allow some flexibility when hooking up the
supply lines. The type of faucet you're installing will determine the spread
and placement of the riser holes.
Step 2
INSTALL THE VALVE BODY
Install the valve body. Make sure the faucet controls are centered and
level. Do a dry assembly to make sure everything fits. The heat of soldering
may damage the valve's internal parts; to prevent this, remove them if
possible. If the valve attaches to a screw-in fitting, solder the first piece
of pipe to the fitting before screwing the fitting to the valve.
Step 3
INSTALL THE TOP BLOCKING
Install the top blocking. Blocking for a tub spout should be centered 6
inches above the top of the tub.
Faucets installed more than 6 inches above
the spout need separate blocking. The blocking should be level, at the correct
depth inside the wall, and toe-nailed firmly to the studs. Blocking for the
showerhead is usually about 6 1/2 feet above the floor, but you can adjust the
height to suit your needs.
Step 4
SECURE SPOUT AND SHOWER RISER TO BLOCKING
Secure the spout and shower riser to the blocking. Connect all the pipes
and fittings.
Screw any brass fittings to the framing with brass screws to prevent the
corrosion that occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact with each other.
Step 5
RUN SUPPLY LINES TO THE RISERS
Run supply lines to the risers. Cut pipe lengths. Test-fit each supply
line, and mark adjustments on the piping. Take the runs apart and make the
changes. Anchor the pipes securely to the joists as you make the runs, and
solder in place.
