Can I run bathroom pipes in the ceiling instead of in the wall?

1/6/2014 at 6:23:53 PM

When you say main stack I assume you are talking about drainage lines. All drainage lines must be run at a minimum grade of 1/4" per foot back towards the main stack. A bathroom also requires venting and minimum drain line sizing. The standard rough-in for a basement bathroom usually calls for you to hammer out the floor to install the rough-in.

You want to run the water lines in the basement ceiling and NOT in an outside wall (interior walls are okay). If you place the water lines in a outside wall behind vapor barrier you run a very good chance of freezing the pipes in the winter.

1/7/2014 at 3:59:27 PM

As James said, it is best to keep plumber away from the outside walls. As you suggested, you can run the pipes in the ceiling and if possible down an interior wall. If this is not possible, I often frame a larger 2x6 stud wall, spray foam, VB and have the pipes run on the warm side of the VB.

Regards,

Kingsway Construction Inc

Glenn Rosborough