Connecting Water Pipes the Right Way

Connecting water pipes the right way is crucial to prevent leaks, contamination, and other issues. This is especially important in areas with high water pressure.

You should always use the correct type of pipe for the job, as mentioned in the article section "Choosing the Right Pipe Material". For example, copper pipes are a popular choice for their durability and resistance to corrosion.

Adequate pipe sizing is also essential to ensure water flow and prevent pressure drops. According to the article section "Pipe Sizing 101", a general rule of thumb is to use a pipe size that is one size larger than the water meter.

Proper pipe connections can also help prevent leaks and other issues. As explained in the article section "Pipe Fittings and Adapters", using the correct type of fitting and adapter can make all the difference in a successful connection.

Rigid copper pipe is a popular choice for water supply piping due to its sturdiness and durability, making it resistant to mineral buildup and able to handle both cold and hot water.

Rigid copper pipe comes in three thicknesses: M (thin wall), L (medium wall), and K (thick wall), with most above-ground plumbing being Type M.

Soft copper pipe, on the other hand, is more expensive but offers flexibility, allowing it to be routed without needing as many fittings as rigid copper.

Soft copper pipe is often used for above-ground applications, particularly Type L, which is more commonly used than Type M.

Copper pipes can be joined with permanently soldered fittings or flare/compression fittings that can be disassembled.

Black iron pipe is similar to galvanized steel but doesn't resist corrosion, making it primarily used for gas lines in homes.

Plastic pipe is a cost-effective option for plumbing applications, being easy to install and impervious to corrosion.

However, plastic pipe may not be allowed by code for water supply piping in some locations, so it's essential to check with your building department.

Rigid plastic pipe may be PVC, CPVC, or ABS, with PVC typically used for DWV drain, waste, and vent pipes, while CPVC is used for hot- and cold-water plumbing.

Flexible plastic tubing is made from PE, which is rated for the pressure it can handle and is stamped on the outside of the pipe.

Cast-iron pipe is a strong, durable material used for DWV plumbing, with two common types: the older "hub" or "bell-and-spigot" type and the newer "no-hub" or "hubless" pipes.

Your main water supply pipe is connected to the water company's main or a well on your property, and it supplies water to your house with a lot of pressure.

The main supply pipe divides into two systems: one for cold water and another connected to the water heater for hot water. These two systems often run parallel to each other.

Waste drainage systems rely on gravity to channel waste to the sewer line, and the soil stack is a vertical run of pipe that carries waste to a main drain.

The main drain is usually underneath the house and empties into a sewer or septic tank. Vent pipes prevent sewer gases from seeping into your house.

Traps, which are water-filled bends in pipes, keep gases from escaping up the drain. Vent pipes may connect with the soil stacks or vent directly through the roof.

To size water supply pipes, you need to consider your water pressure and the fixture unit ratings of appliances and fixtures. Fixture units represent the cubic feet of water used per minute.

Local building codes can help you determine the right size pipe based on fixture unit ratings and the length of distribution pipes. In most cases, the main pipeline from the street to your home is either 3/4 or 1 inch in diameter.

Supply branches use 3/4-inch-diameter pipe, and pipes for individual components are 1/2 inch.

DIY plumbing can be a great way to save money and develop a new skill, but it's essential to do your research first. Understanding the types of pipes, skills, and tools you'll need is crucial for a successful project.

Improper techniques for soldering copper or joining dissimilar pipes together are common mistakes that DIY plumbers make. A helpful video from Julio Caluori at Go2Learn can show you how to avoid these mistakes.

Before installing new water lines, check the building codes in your town to ensure you use the correct sizes and materials. This will save you from costly rework or even worse, a leaky pipe.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when installing new water lines:

Don't forget to "sweat the joints" before soldering to ensure the pipes and joints are clean and ready to be sealed correctly.

Do your research before taking on a plumbing project, especially if it's as complex as installing new water lines. Understanding the types of pipes, skills, and tools you'll need can make all the difference in getting the job done.

Don't be discouraged if you're a beginner; with the right guidance, you can tackle DIY plumbing projects. A helpful video from Julio Caluori at Go2Learn can show you common mistakes to avoid, such as improper techniques for soldering copper or joining dissimilar pipes together.

Before soldering copper pipes, always "sweat the joints" to ensure they're clean and ready to be sealed correctly. This simple step can save you from costly mistakes and make the process much smoother.

Check your local building codes to ensure you're using the correct sizes and materials for your plumbing project. This is especially important when installing new water lines throughout your house.

Here are some essential tools you'll need for DIY plumbing projects:

Remember to dry-fit your pipes before permanently installing new water lines, and make sure to apply glue or solder correctly to fix any leaks.

Your pipes mostly lie behind walls and fixed materials, but there are ways to deduce the likely condition your water lines are in without breaking down walls or waiting for a leak.

You can check existing water lines by doing a visual inspection, looking for signs of corrosion, leaks, or mineral buildup on the pipes.

Copper pipes can be joined to PVC pipes by gluing an adapter piece to the PVC and then screwing it to a copper adapter piece.

Different types of pipes can be connected to each other, but it's not foolproof, so make sure you have the correct male or female adapter and the correct size for each pipe you're connecting before putting it together.

If you're joining copper with steel, a dielectric union made of brass with a rubber washer separating the two metals should be used to prevent corrosion.

Always be aware of how different materials react with each other and plan your connections accordingly.

Testing is a crucial step in any DIY plumbing project. You've made it this far, and now it's time to ensure everything is working as it should.

First, turn off the main water supply to prevent any accidental flooding. Then, inspect all connections for any signs of leaks.

As you test the connections, start by slowly opening the shutoff valve or main water valve. This will help you verify if there are any leaks on the main water line.

Inspect all connections you made to ensure there aren't any small leaks.

Pipes and Fittings are crucial components of a plumbing system. Copper pipes are more expensive than hard copper pipe, but they are flexible enough that they can be routed without the need for as many fittings as rigid copper.

PVC pipe is another option, it's relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and impervious to corrosion, but it's not allowed by code for water supply piping in some locations. You'll need to check with your building department before using PVC pipe for water supply piping.

The choice of pipe also depends on the type of application. For example, flexible plastic tubing made from PE (polyethylene) is used for outdoor water service lines, water mains, and the like, but it's not allowed for hot- and cold-water plumbing inside a building.

Here are some common types of pipes and their characteristics:

Galvanized steel pipes used to be used often for installing new water lines in homes, but they are hard to cut and can eventually corrode to the point of blocking water flow or even allowing lead into the water supply.

Rigid copper pipe is a popular choice for water supply piping due to its sturdiness and durability. It resists mineral buildup, making it a low-maintenance option.

This type of pipe can handle both cold and hot water, making it suitable for a variety of plumbing applications. It's a great choice for above-ground plumbing, where it's often used.

Rigid copper pipe is sold in three thicknesses: M, L, and K, with Type M being the thinnest and most commonly used for above-ground plumbing.

A Push-On Fitting is a great option for plumbing projects, especially when you need to connect pipes without soldering.

These fittings are available for various types of pipes, including copper, PEX, and CPVC. They're often used for icemaker hookups, but you can also find them for other applications.

To install a push-on fitting, you'll need to shut off the water supply and drain the pipe. This is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require some planning ahead.

One of the benefits of push-on fittings is that they can be disassembled, making it easier to make repairs or changes down the line. This is a big advantage over soldered fittings, which can be more difficult to work with.

Here are some common uses for push-on fittings:

• Sinks

• Showers & Tubs

• Toilets

These fittings are a great option for DIY plumbing projects, and they're often less expensive than soldered fittings. With a little practice, you can become proficient in using push-on fittings and take your plumbing skills to the next level.

PVC pipe is a lightweight and inexpensive option, but it's more fragile and prone to leaking if the joints aren't put together correctly.

Rigid copper pipes are more expensive and harder to install, but they handle heat and pressure well and can be recycled.

Flexible copper or plastic tubing is used for water supplies to ice makers, hot water dispensers, and water filters, and is often made from PE (polyethylene) or flexible copper.

PE (HDPE) piping is not allowed for hot- and cold-water plumbing inside a building, but is used for outdoor water service lines and water mains.

Copper pipes can be joined to PEX pipe, making it ideal for DIY projects, but PEX pipe is not recyclable and requires specialized tools.

Galvanized steel pipes are extremely strong, but hard to cut and can corrode over time, allowing lead into the water supply.

PVC pipe is often used for outdoor water service lines, especially in warm climates where the water won't freeze.

Flexible PEX pipe is a highly flexible type of plastic that's easily cut and inexpensive, but not recyclable and requires specialized tools.

Cast iron pipe is a strong and durable material used for DWV plumbing. I've seen it in older homes, where it's been holding up for decades.

The older type of cast iron pipe is the "hub" or "bell-and-spigot" type, which is joined together with lead and oakum. This type of connection is less common today.

The newer "no-hub" or "hubless" pipes are joined with special rubber gaskets and stainless-steel band clamps called "no-hub couplings". These couplings provide a tighter seal and are more resistant to leaks.

Saddle T valves can work fine if done right, but they're not as strong flowing or reliable as re-piping.

They're easy to install, and you don't need to shut off the water to the pipe, though some people do so just to be safe.

Saddle Ts work best on copper or CPVC pipe. If you want to install one on galvanized steel pipe, you'll have to shut off the water and drill a hole first.

Here's a quick rundown of the best pipe types for saddle T valves:

To install a saddle T valve, find a nearby location on the pipe and clean away any corrosion or gunk from where the valve will go.