New inside plumbing question

[Link]

This time I have IBOATS <br />Had to replace my water main in 2002<br />Joined IBoats in 2003 just to find out the junk I bought at Lowes wasnt really the best schedule 20 in the world. I think that is what its called.<br />Homeboy ain't diggen it back up!<br /><br />Plastic or steel pipe inside the house?<br />Or would copper work?<br /><br />I had to bring the water line into a front bedroom and up the wall and across the ceiling. When we hang new sheet rock it will out of sight.<br /><br />I'm installing all new pipes as the house is 70+ years old.<br /><br />I'm also going to install a pump to boost the pressure. If thats a factor.<br /><br />Thanks for your input.<br /><br />Already had to edit <br />PS its a small house so cost of materials doesnt matter.<br />I already have all tools needed for PVC, copper or pipe treading.<br />Labor is my own time and I have lots of it

 

[ob]

Re: New inside plumbing question

Down here ,on newer homes,copper pipe is standard.I've got flexible thru slab into the house,and risers are 18" with exception of walk in shower and water heater.There is a percentage of older homes with overhead plumbing as well.Good idea to insulate the line you'll be running overhead if freezing concerns you.Not sure what code is in your neck of the woods.

 

[20/20]

Re: New inside plumbing question

Not sure where you live but most everyone up here is going to the flex pipe or PVC. Easier to work with and less chance of breakage during a freeze. I have used both{the above} and have had awsome luck{no problems at all{even in a heavy frost}}. I have also used copper, but highly doubt I ever will again. To much jerking around and way to time consuming, better things to do with my time.

 

[Bondo]

Re: New inside plumbing question

Copper Tubing,+ fittings installed with Lead-free solder is the Cadilac of Plumbing.............<br /><br />Everything Else is a compromise in 1 way or another..............

 

[Ron G]

Re: New inside plumbing question

I would go with pvc 3/4 inch reduce to 1/2 at the fixture.insulate really good in the wall and ceiling should save you alot of time and money and will last our life time.yea copper is the caddilac but who wants to pay for a name when you can get just as good results with something else

 

[Link]

Re: New inside plumbing question

Thanks for the input people.<br />After being given a bum steer on the water main I was afraid that you guys would say PVC was the worst to use.<br />I've (as mentioned) have already plumbed in 35 feet of 3/4" PVC to the hot water heater. Tied it down every 12" and on every joint. Then foamed it with that 2X expanding stuff and steel plates covering everything.<br /><br />I wish I had thought of copper in the first place.<br />DUH! <br />Nothing happens by accident. (except accidents ) I call them kids <br />Anyway I ran into a guy I've known for 25 years today. A 67 year old pipe fitter! Haven't seen him in 5 years. (after he retired) <br />I told him what I was doing and this post.<br />He really only wanted to see the computer!<br />He read the post and said that, that BONDO Guy knows his stuff! (omit potty word)<br />Then he looked at what Ive done (and had sayings of overkill and youngters) <br />Nice guy!

 

[Bondo]

Re: New inside plumbing question

Originally posted by Link:<br /> He read the post and said that, that BONDO Guy knows his stuff! (omit potty word) <br />

Well,..... I'm Glad SomeBody is paying Attention.......................................

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: New inside plumbing question

Link, <br /><br />Using PVC to the hot water tank is okay, but using it for the hot water line is not a good idea unless it is rated for it. There is a certain PVC that is rated for hot water. I think it is called CPVC. <br /><br />The only place I use PVC is in the waste/soil lines. All my pressureized plumbing is copper. I like my copper, but with todays prices,,,,,,yikes! <br /><br />If you have a frozen copper line, you can use a battery charger to thaw them out. BTDT and it works. Can't do that with PVC.

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: New inside plumbing question

I don't believe you can use plastic pipe on either side of the water heater for 18". SS is correct on the CPVC. I believe it is rated to 180 degrees F, but still can't be within 18" of the water heater output. You're supposed to use copper and trransition to the CPVC if you go that route.<br /><br />You can use PVC (white) for cold water only. You must use CPVC for any hot water lines if you are going with rigid plastic type pipe.

 

[Ron G]

Re: New inside plumbing question

I did'nt mean anything by what i said i always listen to bondos suggestions.and strange is right cpvc is for inside use hot or cold.we use 18"flex stainless hoses at the heater.copper is the best but time consuming and more expensive.Most all houses here are done in cpvc and pvc outside to the main i put 1" to the main.good luck.

 

[roscoe]

Re: New inside plumbing question

I spent a couple days this week running new copper in part of my house. Will do the rest when the new bathroom gets in, hopefully soon.<br /><br />Was eazier than I expected. I already had a pile of fittings and valves, so $100 of pipe and I was set to go.<br /><br />Now, how do you get that flux residue taste out of the water?

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: New inside plumbing question

In your climate with the high humidity you will want to insulate the pipe in the wall and celing to prevent sweating and causing water damage to your new drywall. Also check my post on booster pumps if you are installing one and it will help you eliminate some of the mistakes I made!

 

[rolmops]

Re: New inside plumbing question

Copper is the best way to go unless you have to go in between ceilings.There are 2 grades of copper in the market.One is coded red and the other blue or black.The red is for hot water heating systems and cannot stand up to high pressure.If you need it for your plumbing always use the blue or black.<br />If you use plastic(pvc) for your water supply,make sure you use schedule 80 because it will stand up to pressure shock.A big problem with flex hose is not knowing exactly where it goes and because of that drilling into it when hanging up mirrors or pictures.<br />Do not use galvanized inside or outside.It reacts to the water.Ususally it grows calcium deposits on the insides and tends to rot from the inside out.<br />If you go through concrete with copper,make sure to use a sleeve because copper reacts to the caustic concrete and will rot.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: New inside plumbing question

I much prefer the PVC and CPVC stuff here.<br /><br />No idea how it handles the freeze, but if it does, it takes very little time to repair.<br /><br />Ken

 

[20/20]

Re: New inside plumbing question

Originally posted by rolmops:<br /> Copper is the best way to go unless you have to go in between ceilings.There are 2 grades of copper in the market.

There are more then that and they are labeled by letters L,M, etc...

 

[mattttt25]

Re: New inside plumbing question

copper for domestic supplies, pvc or cast iron for waste. pvc is ok, but never use it where it will see sunlight (uv rays degrades it over time). btw, pvc has a higher coefficient of expansion and will actually expand more than copper. don't tie it down if you are running long runs.

 

[flashback]

Re: New inside plumbing question

Mayfloat, You knew I'd bite, ...The battery charger to thaw a pipe is beautiful.. how do you do it and keep from frying the charger?

 

[Link]

Re: New inside plumbing question

Wow a lot of advice here.<br />Only have about 5 minutes so I will check back this evening when we get back home around 10pm west coast time.<br />Thanks

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: New inside plumbing question

Link, if it makes you feel any better, I had copper service. It got a hole in it where it enters the foundation. I now have pvc.

 

[Mark42]

Re: New inside plumbing question

I would do it in copper. I think L grade is what is used for water lines. Buy the best hangers, be sure to use lead free solder, and don't forget to insulate the hot line. I like to insulate both because it makes for a quieter system.