How to Run Plumbing Pipes through Studs

Installing plumbing pipes can be a challenge, especially if you have studs to deal with. Working with a house that is still in the framing stages will make things a lot easier, but you can tackle this project at any stage. Below is a guide to make sure your project goes the way it should.

Step 1 - Get the Right Pipes

Make sure that you have the right size piping, usually made from copper. This helps prevent corrosion and rust. You will use 3/4 inch copper pipe to come away from the main shut off. It will connect to 1/2 inch copper pipe that will go to the point to where the water is used.

Step 2 - Practice Soldering

You should practice soldering because this is how you will connect the copper pipes. You should take a few pieces of scrap pipe and try soldering them together outside. If everything goes well, you should be fine for the project

Step 3 - Plan for the Pipe

One of the most important things to remember when you are installing your piping, especially when it comes to drainage, is to make sure that it runs downhill. You should also make sure that you check your local city codes to find out what the minimum and the maximum drop for waste is. If you are going to have a basement, then you will need to hang drain lines so they will still have the slope that is required for proper drainage.

Step 4 - Install a Drainpipe

Install a drain valve where the lowest part of your installation is. This is just in case you have problems with the pipes later on.

Step 5 - Prepare the Studs

Before you start running your piping through the studs, you will need to drill 1 inch holes on either side of your studs. You can also make holes that go through the top and bottom plates of the walls of the house. Those would then go through the sub floor if you have a two-story home. You will also need to use 3/4 x 1/2 inch reducing tees so they can branch off to the individual fixtures that will be found in the home. Secure the stub outs to studs with some plumber's tape.

Step 6 - Install Plastic

Install 3 inch black plastic for bathroom waste lines and 2 inch plastic for all sinks, showers, and tubs. Then connect all of these to the main drain line and then to sewer lines. If your pipes are going in a lateral direction, make notches in the studs instead of drilling holes in them.

Step 7 - Vent the Waste Lines

Vent the waste and drain lines when you are installing the piping in a vertical direction. You need to make sure that you use black plastic that is 1 1/2 inch in size. This needs to extend through to the roof. This will help prevent waste gases to build up in the pipes.

Step 8 - Run the Pipes

Once you have everything in place, simply run the pipes as you need to and solder them together.