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+--- Thread: installing a new bathroom sink, should I replace the water valves? Raise the drain pipe? (/showthread.php?tid=264480)
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installing a new bathroom sink, should I replace the water valves? Raise the drain pipe? - mattkime - 02-23-2022
Here's my current project. I removed the old cracked sink and I'm replacing the whole setup with something at least 50 years newer. I'm tempted to replace the water valves in this house tend function poorly after half a century. I also want some storage in drawer form under the sink so I'm considering raising the entry point of the water valves and the drain. Yes, I know this will be work but I've yet to determine whether its work I'm willing to do. This is a first floor bathroom and I have access to pipes directly below in the basement. PEX seems like a reasonable option for replacing a length of copper, although I've yet to determine the correct way to terminate it at a valve - seems like it would need to be mounted to a stud. The drain pipe would be the more difficult part - I think its iron, definitely threaded...maybe it wouldn't be so bad to join it to a short length of pvc, just haven't thought it through yet. Obviously this would involve some drywall work but I wouldn't mind it. This is an exterior wall, if it matters. And I can take my time on this - we have other bathrooms.
The new sink will sit roughly inside the outline of the old one, minus the parts that hang down lower on each side. The former sink's basin also came down a number of inches. The new sink will be higher and shallower overall.
Oh, I'm curious if there's a standard height for water lines and drains. Google didn't reveal anything.
Anyway, tell me why this is stupid, aside from the obvious. I know its more work than strictly necessary but I want to ensure that each step is manageable in itself.
Re: installing a new bathroom sink, should I replace the water valves? Raise the drain pipe? - Racer X - 02-23-2022
if you replace the valves, go 1/4 turn ball valves, and made in america.
Re: installing a new bathroom sink, should I replace the water valves? Raise the drain pipe? - mattkime - 02-23-2022
Racer X wrote:
if you replace the valves, go 1/4 turn ball valves, and made in america.
Not sure if its possible, but all metal would be preferred as well.
Re: installing a new bathroom sink, should I replace the water valves? Raise the drain pipe? - Racer X - 02-23-2022
mattkime wrote:
[quote=Racer X]
if you replace the valves, go 1/4 turn ball valves, and made in america.
Not sure if its possible, but all metal would be preferred as well.
Yes, 1/4 turn brass ball valves, hopefully made in america.
Re: installing a new bathroom sink, should I replace the water valves? Raise the drain pipe? - Michael - 02-23-2022
I'd do it.
If the water lines are copper, I'd just sweat new piece onto existing to extend them and then use copper pipe straps to connect them to the stud. I'm sure that PEX is fine but I don't want to connect dissimilar materials behind a wall. That's just me. I agree with using the quarter turn ball valves.
You can get PVC connectors that has a threaded end. I don't know if they're the right size to connect to old steel but I'd bet they are. If not, there are clamps connectors to go from iron to PVC. I think the most difficult thing would be to take off the 90 degree elbow at the top of the drain. I'd imagine you'd need a couple of pretty big pipe wrenches to unscrew it. Or cut it off and use a clamp connector to go from the old to the new PVC.
Re: installing a new bathroom sink, should I replace the water valves? Raise the drain pipe? - gadje - 02-23-2022
I'll be the dissenting voice here and say that I prefer the old fashion gate valves.
I had a few ball valves get stuck open. I did not install those, they came with the house. I didn't try to apply brute force to see if they close or not.
every shut off valve that I came across I was able to renew by inserting a new stem from a nee valve. Around $7 in material and 3 min in labor. No need to call a plumber.
if I wanted to cut the pipes off and install new 1/4 turn valves, it would take longer and cost more, possibly even involve a plumber.
Re: installing a new bathroom sink, should I replace the water valves? Raise the drain pipe? - ztirffritz - 02-23-2022
If you can, yes replace the valves. Replacing them now, in a planned controlled manner is far better than replacing them later in an unplanned uncontrolled manner. You KNOW that leaks only form at 11pm and valves fail at 11:03pm.
Re: installing a new bathroom sink, should I replace the water valves? Raise the drain pipe? - Bernie - 02-23-2022
SharkBite Universal 20-in Braided Stainless Steel Flexible Faucet Supply Line
PVC Drain lines for sure. Those old metal pipes are like sandpaper at best, trying to catch every hair and whatever to slow things down to a craw.
Re: installing a new bathroom sink, should I replace the water valves? Raise the drain pipe? - cbelt3 - 02-23-2022
always replace shutoff valves after 50 years.
Also... what kind of pipe is in your walls ? Copper.. generally okay except for the lead solder question. Although exposure is minimal. Some people get very worried and start replacing everything. Scrapping the copper pipes will pay for the replacement materials. Galvanized steel ? rust never sleeps...
A definite agreement on metal drain lines... those snazzy chromed lines will have rusted into cheesecloth by now.
I did a lot of work on my inlaws house from Circa 1963. "Fortunately" my father in law kept everything, so I was able to prove that lead based paint was never used in the house.
Re: installing a new bathroom sink, should I replace the water valves? Raise the drain pipe? - Fritz - 02-23-2022
what racerx said.
Exterior wall, make sure you have a decent amount of heat pads or asbestos shingles. And an extinguisher, jic. And an assistant if at all possible.
If you haven't pipe soldered in a while, take 15 to practice outside the project.
I'd stick to copper K (also hopefully US made).
I don't care what they say, Homies and Lowes K is not the same as a quality pipe from a good supply house.
I think of pex for heating only. PVC drains OK.
Flexi SS supply lines as bernie showed.
Iron drains can be cut and extended with a rubber coupler to PVC.
I will drop the coin on these kind of projects as I don't want a repeat issue, especially inside a wall.
Someone in the house asked me "to just do it fast and not think about it". I obliged and did it again 3 years later.
That someone was scarce for a week after my loud potty mouth ended.