Installing plumbing drains and vents for your waste system can be quite a challenging process. Nonetheless, you can do this project on your own if you pay special attention to common mistakes and use the appropriate tools.
Typical Errors
Although not commonly considered, plumbing must follow specific code requirements. Consult with your local plumber or department of water and power to determine the code requirements for the piping that you intend to install. Make sure that when installing the piping for drains and vents that each pipe has at least a ¼-inch slope to ensure that the water properly drains. Additionally, many do-it-yourself projects tend to add too many fixtures to the drain and vent system, which will clog it. Finally, errors occur when installing the piping by either cutting the pipe too long or using thinner piping at the end of the drain and vent system.
Planning the Piping
As a general proposition, before installing drains and vents in your plumbing system, you must know the code requirements for your piping. You must also ascertain the different types of fittings you will need, depending on the different angles and turns your piping will undergo as you route the plumbing system. The key here is to spend time studying how your plumbing should be installed given the code requirements and the design of your home.
Installing the Piping
Once you have made this determination, the process is a matter of measuring and cutting the piping. Typically, the plumbing will be made from a plastic that you can cut with a fine-toothed saw. Use sandpaper to remove "burrs" from the recently cut material. Keep in mind that once you apply the plumber's glue to the pipe, it cannot be removed. In turn, attach the pipes and fittings together without applying the glue first, making sure it fits your plumbing system. Make marks on each piece of pipe so that you know how the system fits together. Then you can glue the pieces together.
Additional Tips
When installing the drains and vents in a plumbing system, create specific "venting" holes to make the drains properly run. This will require a special type of drill bit designed to create specific 2- to 3-inch holes. These bits are notched to fit 1½-inch and 2½-inch pipe, which is typical of drains and vents in a plumbing system. You will also need a heavy-duty drill to accomplish this task because the bits tend to "grab" the plastic if the drill does not have enough torque. Local department stores will rent this equipment for your project.
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