Plumbing Rough-In Dimensions | |
Fixtures and appliances often require more space by code than they do from a strictly mechanical standpoint. Moreover, many fixtures and appliances have specific rough-in requirements, which you'll need to follow at the piping stage of your upgrade. Some of these measurements vary with make and model, but many others are universal. The more exotic the fixture, the less likely it will conform to standard rough-in guidelines. As such, check all product literature before you begin to install piping. The following is a list of standard measurements for standard fixtures. Toilet Measurements: A standard floor-mounted toilet requires a toilet flange positioned 12 in. from the finished wall. This measurement should be taken from the center of the flange opening, so that both closet bolts are 12 in. from the finished wall, or 2-1/2 in. from the stud wall. While toilets generally do not require more than 22 in. of wall space, most codes require a 30-in. opening to allow for easier servicing. Space-saving corner toilets, with wedge-shaped tanks, require a rough-in 12-in. from the center of the flange to each corner wall. Kitchen Sink Measurements: Kitchen sink drain rough-ins should be made 16 inches from the kitchen floor to the center of the drain. In a 36-in. cabinet, the drain should be positioned 12 in. from either side of the cabinet, depending on which side of the sink you plan to install the disposer. If the disposer will hang in the left compartment, the drain should be aligned with the center of the right compartment. In the case of a single-compartment sink, move the drain fitting about 3 in. off-center in the opening. Water supply pipes that enter through the floor should be placed several inches away from the back wall and centered, with an 8-in. spread. If the water piping will be in the wall, place the stub-outs 20 in. above the kitchen floor. Lavatory Basin Measurements: Lavatory basin drains are usually centered in their cabinets and should exit the wall 18 in. above the floor, as measured from the center of the drain pipe. When installing 2 basins in a single cabinet, divide the cabinet into 4 equal sections and rough-in drain pipes at the second and third dividing lines. Tub/Shower Measurements: Standard tubs measure 30 x 60 in., while plastic or fiberglass tubs often measure 32 x 60 in. To provide access and working room for the drain connection, cut a rectangular opening in the bathroom floor. This opening needs to be 8 in. wide by 12 in. long, centered 15 in. from the back wall. Some codes specify exact tub and tub/shower valve positions, but a workable arrangement will have the valve centered 28 in. above the floor. The shower head rough-in should not be lower than 6 ft. from the floor, (76 in. is better) and the tub spout should extend only six in. below the valve. If you take more showers than baths, consider raising the valve to 36 in. When plumbing a shower stall, position the valve 48 in. above the floor and the shower head rough-in 6 ft. above the floor. Again, taller people should consider raising the shower head accordingly. The shower head should be installed on a side wall, so that it doesn't spray toward the door or shower curtain. Laundry Stand Pipes: Laundry stand pipes may be installed in one of two ways. The first has a below-grade (floor) trap with a 36-in. riser, either vented or unvented, according to code. The second has a trap entering the branch of a vertical tee, spliced into a vented stack. In this piping arrangement, the stand pipe should terminate 36 in. above the floor but must not exceed 24 in. in length. Laundry lines and traps must be plumbed in 2-in. piping with 1-1/2 in. vents. Install the water supply faucets (hose-bib valves) 6 in. above the stand pipe. Laundry Sinks: Laundry sinks require a drain connection lower than that of kitchen sinks and lavatory basins. Center the drain pipe 13 in. above the floor and the water supply stub-outs 16 in. above the floor, centered six in. apart. Written by Merle Henkenius. Reprinted with permission. Copyright HouseNet, Inc. |