Understanding the basics of bathroom plumbing is of vital importance whether you are planning to renovate your current bathroom, install a new bathroom, or performing simple bathroom repairs and maintenance. There are so many opportunities for problems to occur, such as a bathtub that can’t hold water or a toilet that won’t flush, that at least a basic education in the subject is required if you plan on doing any plumbing work. The basic bathroom plumbing jobs include: setting a toilet, installing a sink, connecting vanity sinks, hooking up a tub and/or shower, and connecting tub/shower water lines. Here is a basic overview to give you an idea on what to expect.

Toilets are usually made up of two pieces- the tank and the bowl. Attempting to set them both at the same time can prove difficult. Instead, set them separately- first the bowl, then the tank. The first thing you have to do is fit the closet flange which connects the toilet to the waste pipe. Dry fit it into the waste pipe so that it’s level to the floor. Glue it into place so that the slots line up with the bolt holes on the toilet. Place the bolts into their slots and affix a wax ring gasket onto the toilet’s outlet. Now set the toilet over the bolts and make sure it’s on properly by rocking it into place. Make sure the toilet is level and adjust it as needed. You can now tighten the bolts; make sure they’re tight, but do not over tighten them. Attach the tank to the bowl and hook up the water line. Don’t forget to caulk around the base.

When installing a sink, you have two main options: a pedestal sink, and a vanity sink. A pedestal sink will save space, while a vanity sink will provide you with an extra cabinet for storage space. For this example, it’s assumed you are installing a vanity sink. The roughed in stub should have a threaded adapter glued on. Make sure that the line is plugged in order to stop sewer gases. Make sure that when installing that you’ve measured the water and drain locations and mark them on the wall in their proper location. Cut holes for them when you’re certain you have everything lined up correctly. Cut the sink’s opening if needed and set it over the lines on the wall. Make sure the cabinet is level and securely in place.

The method of installing a tub is the same whether you are installing a stand alone tub, or a tub/shower combination unit. First, measure the tub’s outline and mark it on the floor accordingly. If your tub already has the drain and overflow installed, fine. Otherwise make sure you do so before setting the tub. Always try to run the pipes along side your joists. Otherwise you’ll have to drill holes in the joists to assure proper flow. Run the drain line to the soil sack, and then glue a tee to the waste line. Add a trap below the tee and locate it between joists. Dry fit the tub, set it, and make sure it’s level. Nail the tub flange to the supports and make sure it’s secure. Now you just have to connect the drains to the tee.

Dade (305) 424-5014 • Broward (954) 949-0507 • Palm Beach (561) 340-2738