Bath Plumbing: Taking the Right Approach

When designing or refurbishing your bathroom, making mistakes could result in money swirling down the drain. So it’s crucial to take the right steps, to ensure that everything (including the bath plumbing) is done properly. Although the process isn’t rocket science per se, it requires taking the right approach to the task-at-hand.

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One of the main options that you’ll have is whether to install the plumbing for the bathtub yourself, or to hire a professional. While turning the project into a DIY one can be cost-effective, the opposite can be true if you lack the knowledge or equipment for the task.


Yes, hiring a plumber to install the bathtub plumbing would have a higher price tag. But you should also consider the opportunity cost of attempting to task when lacking everything you need.

However, if you decide to install the bathtub plumbing yourself, here are mistakes to avoid, or minimize the chance that a problem could spring up:

1. Using pipes that aren’t large enough.

Before installing bath plumbing, do the measurements to determine the size of the pipes that you need. Then avoid using pipes that aren’t large enough for your plumbing needs. This could result in future problems, such as them clogging up.

2. Failing to adhere to local code restrictions.

It’s important to adhere to such codes, in order to keep you and your household safe. Of course, you’ll need to learn those codes first, so you can avoid breaking them. Basically, if you have any doubts about the local codes, then ask questions!

3. Cutting the supply stub outs at the wrong length.

Avoid cutting them too short when installing the shutoff valves.

4. Lining up tubing improperly into stop valves or fittings.

Never use an angle to force a nut onto a compression wing, when the tubing is angled. The reason is that this could create a leak, which is definitely something that you want to avoid!

5. Lacking the right equipment needed for the installation.

Before starting your DIY project, make sure to gather all of the equipment that you need. This will make the entire process faster and more efficient. On the other hand, using the wrong equipment or using faulty equipment could result in the plumbing being improperly installed-or even in injuries!

6. Failing to turn on the water properly.

When you’re ready to take this step, it’s crucial that you run the hose valve on the outside. This will help to remove air and dirt from the lines. Such remains can cause various problems with your bathroom plumbing, including sink faucet problems. This will help to ensure that the process is done properly.

7. Failing to attach copper to galvanized steel properly.

This is yet another mistake that you’ll want to avoid when installing your bathtub’s plumbing. Instead, make sure to use a diaelectric or brass fitting between the two pieces of metal.

If you decide to install the plumbing for your bathtub, knowing what not to do is just as crucial as knowing what to do. Follow these tips to get it done correctly.