I’m wondering about the feasability of tackling a plumbing job myself. I am remodelling my kitchen and have uncovered some pipes that were previously hidden in a closet. They jut out into the room where I now want to put my fridge. They are pipes from the kitchen sink and the basement bathroom and include a pvc vent pipe. I am thinking that the horizontal pipes could be rerouted into the basement and the vent pipe moved closer to the wall? Could this be a do it yourself job? I have no experience with plumbing, but I’m determined and ambitious. I’m basically doing the entire remodel myslef. But I just paid a lot of money for an electrician, so I’m hesitant to pay out for another pro. Are there any good resource books out there on do-it-yourself home plumbing?
Thanks,
Kris
Replies
If you are sure of your mechanical ability there is no reason that you can't do your plumbing, take it slow, study out what you plan to do, don't rush, and plan to make mistakes [even the pro makes mistakes]. Information comes from the old way, library, you would not believe what is available, and its free, hope this helps. Lots of luck
Yes, this could be a DIY project, if you have some time and patience.
You did not mention the piping material - this will influence the number of "skill sets" you will need to develope in a very brief time. You said the vent pipe was PVC ( I assume that is the vent pipe from the basement bathroom ). That is not a hard skill to learn to produce a good cement weld in order to move it closer to the wall. Basically, this can be learned by reading the directions on the cleaner,primer and cement cans - then you need to follow the directions.
The horizontal pipes are what? Sink drain and supply? Copper, cast iron, galvanized, PVC, CPVC, PEX?
Most of the DIY books will definitely provide you with enough information to get in trouble, while providing basic information. I'm sure the money "saved" will not be a great consolation to the DW if the kitchen is flooding at 10pm on a Sunday night or there is a strange unpleasant odor which is permeating the whole house.
I would suggest you get a basic plumbing book of your choice from one of the Big Box stores - read it, then be more specific in your questioning. Browse a bit and find a text which is readable and perhaps has decent illustrations pertaining to the specific work you will be attempting.
DISCLAIMER: Be advised that in many locales, plumbing, especially piping which will be concealed behind walls/ceilings, is a licensed trade.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Peter Hemp, "Plumbing a House". One of the "for pros/by pros" series from Taunton.
If the only thing you are changing on the vent is part of a vertical run, you will have no problems. The books will tell you the slopes of the drain pipes to use. Our library has tons of books. When I was a kid (20's) even the local plumbing inspector would help - one of the items needed for a permit was an isometric dawing of what you were going to do (you likely can get by without a permit for this type work). He would check and correct it (only thing in first house was one vent) and explain the whys. That was 60's/early 70's, no idea what they do in your local or now, probably too busy to bother?
Just remember that _ _ _ _ runs downhill, you dont want any running into and clogging a vent<G>
See you are new here, Welcome if not said before.
Welcome to BT! If you have decent mechanical skills & a calm temperment, you can do it.
I taught myself out of the Time-Life Home Repair & Improvement series, back about 1977. You should have seen my hands shake the first time I tried soldering!
Good luck, & keep us posted.
Thanks everyone. I'm encouraged. The pipes are PVC. I'll look more closely at what exactly they are doing when I get home. And I'll keep you posted.
Kris