Plumbing Remodeling
Pre planning is the most important step before taking up any plumbing remodeling project. Plumbing is all about piping so the very first thing is to decide is where to run the pipes. Many people usually prefer to use the same old cavities for new plumbing as they are already designed so no effort has to be put in again.
If the new plumbing plans call for changes in the fixture layout, it may be easier to run them up from the basement. For example, instead of running a bathtub drain over floor joists, the drain line can be dropped into the basement and connected to the main drain line beneath the joists.
Never try to cut into the floor joists or support beams as this can be risky and can weaken the whole structure. You should always consult a professional because it is important to follow the local building codes for safety. Below are some useful tips for starting your new plumbing project.
You can build a wall chase. It is a temporary wall used to cover plumbing pipes. It can be built from floor to ceiling of the home. So this plumbing can run from basement to the attic. For running new vent stacks, a chase is a good option.
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.
An unobstructed, unused laundry chute is perfect for running new pipes. They often run through most of the floors, usually terminating in the basement where connections are easier to make.
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.