|
|
 Residential Plumbing Systems:
All the plumbing in a home (bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens) are tied to one common plumbing system which is the water supply and sewage/waste system.
The water comes in from a well or municipal supply. The hot water is then supplied by a water heater. The hot & cold water mains are usually ¾” pipes. The water supplies are then reduced to ½” branches that go to each individual faucet.
New and larger homes often have 1” main lines with ¾” supplies going to bathrooms / whirlpools.
Sink faucets are designed to be installed to ½” water lines (through a ½” stop valve and a 3/8” OD supply tube). Most bath and shower faucets are supplies by ½” water lines. Larger whirlpools & custom showers have led to the introduction of some “fast fill” or “high-flow” ¾” whirlpool valves.
High capacity whirlpools faucets and custom shower systems often require large volumes of water and pressure. Be sure to confirm the following:
The capacity of your water system (gallons per minute or GPM) especially with well systems The capacity of your water heater – especially if you’re installing a large whirlpool The size of your water lines feeding your whirlpool faucets
Each individual plumbing fixture requires a sanitary water trap (P-trap) to separate the fixture from the sewage/vent system. Different fixtures have different size and type drains.
Sink traps are installed below the sink and can be easily accessed Tub and Shower traps are installed below the floor and are installed as part of the plumbing system Toilets have built in trapways
Kitchen Drains:
Drains fit a standard 3-1/2” wide opening and connect to a standard 1-1/2” tailpiece. Most sinks do not come with drains but some do.
All drains are not created equal:
Brass vs. plastic Type and quality of finish Depth and quality of drain/seal
Drain color/finish is usually matched to the sink (though it can be matched to the faucet). You can use any drain with any sink – but it’s easier to stay with the same brand. Garbage disposals come with chrome flanges. Special finish options can be ordered but will cost extra.
Bar Drains:
Most sinks do not come with drains (check individual specs).
Smaller bar sink drains are often called “Jr. basket strainers”.
Bar drains fit a standard 2” wide opening and connect to P-Trap with a:
1-1/2” tailpiece 1-1/4” tailpiece
Drain either has a standard grid cover or can have a “pull-out” plug
Kohler and some bar sinks use a conventional 3-1/2” sink drain opening – check specs
Kitchen & Bar Supplies and P-Traps:
These are always concealed in a kitchen cabinet so finish and style are not important.
1-1/2” P-Traps - can be plastic, rough brass or chrome
3/8” OD supply tubes - can be plastic, metal or braided (flex)
All sink faucets have one of two types of supply connections:
1/2” male thread (often referred to as with fitting)
3/8” OD copper tubing
They are usually already in place – or plumber can supply
Faucet Hole Covers:
Cover extra holes in sinks
Come in most popular colors/finishes
Dishwasher Air Gaps:
Code requirement in certain communities
Separate dishwasher drain from potable (drinking) water
Prevents drain water from being siphoned back into you water supply
Bathroom Sink Drains:
All bathroom drains fit a standard 1-3/4” opening
Almost all faucets come with a pop-up drain
Sinks with overflows need a pop-up drain with an overflow (standard)
Vessel sinks do not have overflows so they require special order drains (less overflow)
Bath sink drains usually have 1-1/4” tailpiece
Bath Sink Supplies and P-Traps:
Self-rimming, drop-in and vessel style sinks:
1-1/2” P-Traps with 1-1/2” x 1-1/4” washers
3/8” OD supply tubes
Can be plastic, rough brass or chrome
They are usually already in place – or plumber can supply
Pedestal, wall hung and console style sinks:
1-1/2” P-Traps with 1-1/2” x 1-1/4” washers or 1-1/4” P-Traps
3/8” OD supply tubes – can be metal or braided flex
Shut off valves (stops) can be:
Straight (through the floor)
Angled (through the wall)
The extension can be 1/2” copper connection
or
3/8” or 1/2" IPS Threaded pipe nipple
Need to match faucet finish if possible
Need escutcheon plates for water supplies and for P-Trap
Existing parts will need to be replaced – plumber may not supply
Tub Drains:
Also called: Trip Levers, Waste & Overflow, Trip Waste
Are 1-1/2” to fit standard 1-1/2” P-Traps
Fit Standard 14” – 16” deep bathtubs
Do not come with tub or with faucet – must be ordered separately
Are usually purchased from the same mfg as the faucet
Are usually color/finish matched to faucet
The P-Trap is normally already installed or supplied by the plumber
Whirlpool & Soaking Tub Drains:
Are 1-1/2” to fit standard 1-1/2” P-Traps
Fit Standard 17” – 26” deep baths
Do not come with tub or with faucet – must be ordered separately
Can be color/finish matched to whirlpool and monochromatic tub trim
Or
Can be color/finish matched to faucet and the metallic trim kit
Can be standard lever style or twist & turn cable operated
Are usually purchased from the same mfg as the faucet OR from the whirlpool mfg
The P-Trap is normally already installed or supplied by the plumber
Leg Tub Drains:
These are 1-1/2” OD Brass
Are finished on all sides to match faucets
Come with stopper and chain
Mount through the floor w/escutcheon
Check manufacturer tub specs
Shower Drains:
Fit a standard 3-1/4” opening and connect to a 2” P-Trap
Most shower bases come with a standard Chrome Drain (or stainless steel)
Kohler bases come less drain
You can either order special finish drains
OR
Sometimes you can order an optional finish drain plate
Custom “Tiled-In” shower based will require a special shower drain
The P-Trap is normally already installed or supplied by the plumber
Shower Supplies:
Most shower faucets come with ½” supply connections either:
Copper (cc or swt) Threaded (IPS)
Some larger “Hi-Flow” and Thermostatic valves come with ¾” connections
These are connected directly to the plumbing system – no “finished” parts
Whirlpool Supplies:
Most whirlpool faucets come with 3/4” supply connections either:
Copper (cc or swt) Threaded (IPS)
Some larger “High-Flow” valves come with ¾” connections – no “finished” parts. |
| |
| Back to The Main Info Center |
| |
|
