Dont Know Remodeling

If you’re planning to do your own plumbing, you’ll need some materials, supplies, and various tools. Which ones? How can you select the right ones for the job?

Selecting materials may be made easier by your local building department. They probably will require a detailed remodeling plan for your project including what type and size of pipes you’ll be installing. In fact, they probably won’t issue you a building permit without knowing that what you install will conform to local building codes. So you or your designer will have to specify the materials you’ll install.

Fortunately, building codes are relatively standardized so you won’t have to guess too much. They may tell you that “copper is required for all new water lines and PVC is okay for waste lines, but make sure that you use the correct couplers to the existing system.” That means you will have to identify the type and location of connection points in the existing system where you can install a new branch, then find plumbing couplers that will match up the old and new systems. Plumbing supply stores can help you select the correct components.

The materials from which you will build or remodel your plumbing system include plastics, copper, steel, and other components. Here is an overview:

* Galvanized steel pipe was previously the standard material for household plumbing to distribute supply water. It is primarily used today for repairs to existing systems.

* Cast iron pipe was previously used for drain and vent systems, now replaced by PVC in most applications.

* Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic pipe is the preferred material for drain and vent installations. It typically is white in color.