Do you want to install water pipes and connect taps yourself? This really isn’t as difficult as it seems. You do need to know which pipes you use when and you need to take the correct diameters into account. Here is some basic information that will help you on your way.
When will your dream bathroom become reality? Modern plumbing is easy for do-it-yourselfers to install. The secret lies in pre-wall constructions and distribution boxes, which can be mounted in front of or on the wall without laborious hacking. Compared to traditional installations, the costs are slightly higher, but complete sets are easy to install yourself, which saves you a lot on labor.
The supply and discharge of water
Did you know that tap water – and therefore the flushing water for the toilet – is a foodstuff and must therefore meet strict quality requirements? That is why pipes, sealants and other materials must be processed in such a way that they do not endanger health. Therefore, only use material that is approved for use as a drinking water supply. Pay attention to the KIWI label (KIWI is the inspection institute for Dutch water companies).
The materials for the drainage and water pipes
Drinking water pipes, or water pipes for short, now consist of copper or plastic. With plastic pipes you have to make sure that they are sufficiently heat resistant. All drain pipes nowadays consist of heat and shape resistant, break-resistant plastic. Bends in drinking water pipes are usually made with solder or compression fittings. For discharge pipes with branches and elbows.
The diameter of a tube
Depending on the material, the dimensions of the pipes are indicated differently. Threaded pipes and fittings are stated in inches, while plastic pipes have the inside diameter in millimeters. Copper pipe is named with outer diameter and wall thickness. The different sizes correspond as follows:
The most commonly used pipe thickness for drinking water pipes are 12X1, 15X1, 22X1 and 28X1.5 (outer diameter x wall thickness in mm). Plastic drinking water pipes also follow these dimensions.
Dimensions of the water pipes
The diameter of water pipes decreases step by step from the water meter to the tap. The down pipes that supply the various floors with water are at least 20 mm. This is the same as 22X1. 15 mm tubes are sufficient on the first floor. This in turn equals 15X1. This can be done up to the wells, if no more than three points are connected. If you are in doubt about how to proceed in your specific situation, be sure to inquire at the hardware store first.
The maximum dimensions for water drainage
Basins, washbasins and bidets must be connected to a 40mm drain pipe. Sinks, washing machines and dishwashers, bath and shower already require a 50mm drain. 110 mm pipe is used for toilet drain and downpipes. If more than three outlets converge, the pipe makes several bends, or the vertical gradient is more than 50 cm, take the pipe one size wider.
Soft and hard soldering
Copper pipes are soldered together with tin couplings, so-called soft soldering. However, for joints of pipes with a diameter greater than 25 mm soft soldering is not sufficient and brazing is necessary. For this you use a little copper-zinc alloy. However, as these sizes are not normally used indoors, we will disregard their processing. For larger diameters, it is best to ask a professional for advice in advance.
Some terms from the professional jargon
- Heart to Heart: the distance between two pipes is measured between the centers of those pipes.
- Down pipe: vertical discharge pipe for waste water.
- Fittings: copper connectors – couplings – to connect pipes.
- Blackberry: rough edge that occurs when cutting to size.
- Meter reading: marking at a height of 1 meter above the finished floor that serves as a benchmark for the other heights.
- Down pipe: vertical cold or hot water pipe, which transports water to the different floors.
