If you change the location of the sink in the bathroom, you need to install a bathroom sink plumbing system. This isn't the most challenging plumbing problem, but it requires that you measure carefully at least twice before you cut any of the PVC waste pipes or water feed pipes. Once the PVC glue sets for 30 seconds, it creates a chemical weld. If you install the sink where no vent pipe exists, you'll either need the services of a plumber or check with local code. Most of the time, a 2-inch stack vent is appropriate.
Instructions
1. Measure the distance to rough-in the water pipes. Run the pipes to the appropriate openings, 20 inches from the floor to the center of the pipe; sweat a dog-ear elbow fitting onto the water pipe. Stabilize the fitting with a board. Sweat another pipe onto the other end of the dog-ear that allows for 3 inches out of the wall. Attach the shut-off valves using the compression fitting.
2. Check your local code for the length allowed from the stack to the trap. Many codes allow for a 1-1/2-inch diameter arm, the size for sink waste pipes, to extend 5 feet from the stack to the trap. Some areas, however, limit the length to 3-1/2 feet. You'll need to create a 2-inch stack vent for the waste pipe. If you're simply moving the plumbing for the sink, make sure that the drain isn't further than code allows. If you stack vent then you'll need larger PVC pipe.
3. Bring the drain out from the wall at a height of 19 inches on center and 8 inches from each of the water pipes. There are two different options available for draining the sink. The S trap connects at the floor level and often isn't allowed on new bathroom installations but is grand fathered many places. The P-trap comes from the wall and is the most code worthy type of trap. Bring the drainpipe to the location where you'll attach the P-trap. The easiest type of material to work with is PVC, but if you have the pipes exposed, you may want chrome.
4. Attach the faucet on the sink. If you have a two-handle faucet, create an outline of plumbers putty or use a plastic seal that comes with some faucets. Put the nuts on the threaded area that fits through the holes to tighten down the faucet.
5. Install the drain into the sink. Put plumbers putty around the opening before inserting the drain. Tighten it underneath. Create the dry run of the P-trap to fit into the wall pipe. You may need to add a slip joint extension piece if the pipe doesn't fit into the wall properly. Tighten at the drain. Once properly in fitted, spread thread compound onto the area where the P-trap fits with the wall plumbing. Hand-tighten it if it's PVC. If it's chrome, then a use a hand-tighten plus a turn with a channel lock. Test for leaks. Fill the basin with water and release.
6. Insert the plastic supply lines into the shut off and tighten it down. Insert the other end into the faucet and tighten it by hand. It's a good idea to use Teflon tape on the threads before you tighten it. Turn on the main water supply and check for leaks. If you find a leak, shut it off at the new shut off valve and re-tighten the plumbing.
Tags: stack vent, 2-inch stack, 2-inch stack vent, from stack, from stack trap, from wall