Minimize the risk of remodeling surprises with this guide to creating and following a plumbing plan.
A well-planned diagram is essential for any remodeling project that involves significant plumbing work.
Professional plumbers usually map a plumbing job meticulously to prevent surprises during the project.
Credit: Adam Albright
You should, too, if you plan to DIY the work.
A plumbing plan illustrates the system that will bring water in and take waste back out.
Making detailed drawings will save time and expenses later.
A clear, professional-quality plan can also benefit projects requiring a plumbing permit.
Be sure tocheck your local plumbing codesbefore you begin.
Use color codes and these universally recognized symbols on your drawings to denote each component of your plan clearly.
Credit: Dave Toht
If you have architectural drawings, make several photocopies of them.
If not, make several copies of an accurate scale drawing of the room.
A gridded straightedge will help you draw parallel lines.
Credit: Dave Toht
You’ll also need colored pencils, an eraser, and a 30-60-90-degree triangle.
Use grid paper and establish a scale, such as 1/2 inch equals 1 foot.
Drawing to scale makes it easy to note any problems with the layout.
It also helps in estimating materials.
Its primary purpose is to showhow the fixtures will be vented.
It doesn’t have to be drawn over an architectural drawing, although that can be helpful for reference.
Supply Drawing
A supply drawing indicates the estimated length of supply pipes.
Be sure to include the pipe size as well.
The primary purpose of this drawing is to determine the minimum size of the pipes.
