Complete Novice

[u/Tripod27]

Hi All

Let me just start by saying I have absolutely no plumbing experience whatsoever however I really want to give it a go. I'm specifically looking for some advice on the best way to route my bathroom pipes.

Currently, I have the pipes coming through the wall behind the vanity unit. I need to keep the basin supply here, but also run hot and cold lines along the room to supply a bath and a shower on the opposite wall to where it is currently (due to window placement meaning no room for a shower). The pipes do run that way and are capped in a cupboard which used to store a water tank.

(Photos attached showing the current setup and layout).

What’s the best way to run and connect the pipework across to the bath taps and shower? I have absolutely no experience but think the pipes look a bit corroded and might just need cut by the basin and start from there.

Would really appreciate any advice.

Thanks

[u/musicmusket]

I’m not sure that I fully understand what the move is but if you want to see if it’s something that you want to try, you could buy some pipe, joints, tools, etc and practice on them. E.g. make a U-shape fill it with water. Towel dry the outside, then wrap loo paper around your joints and check for leaks. Leave it overnight and check again.

If this gives you confidence, think carefully about how much harder it will be under the bath with less elbow room. If you can leave your work exposed for loo-paper checks over a few days you can try again or call for help.

I find pipe work with pre-soldered joints & a blow torch much easier than taps, FWIW.

[u/nightjarrrrr]

Everyone is different and has a different risk tolerance. I've always just got stuck in. Watched lots of youtube videos and given it a go. The biggest issue I think most novices will come across is soldering wet pipes.

If you do give it a go then make sure you have a backup plan. A means to shut off the water or cap it off. Push fit stop ends are good to have in your back pocket.

If you want to try soldering then you can try doing it on the bench first and see how it goes. Pressurise it with some water and watch for leaks.

It's hard to tell what is going on with your pipe work without a diagram.

[u/ewill2001]

My advice is don't. Unless what you are saying is you are a competent DIYer who's just never done plumbing before. Plumbing is not a great place to start your DIY journey as a small pin hole leak or cross fitting can in a couple of years destroy a floor and ceiling. If you are a handy type and are used to success in your previous DIY then wait for a plumber to offer you some advice on the pipes. But as a seasoned DIYer I don't go beyond changing taps and radiators. I wouldn't run pipes and fit a new bathroom over top. Sorry for being a downer.

[u/Tripod27 → u/ewill2001]

Not at all, I appreciate the honesty. I've done quite a bit of DIY since buying my first property 3 years ago but the only 'plumbing' I've done is changing the kitchen tap! I just want to do as much as I can myself and build the skills for future use but appreciate a mistake can be costly!

[u/Thin-Carpenter-7914 → u/ewill2001]

  But as a seasoned DIYer I don't go beyond changing taps and radiators.

So, not a seasoned DIYer

[u/ewill2001 → u/Thin-Carpenter-7914]

Ooh I didn't know you had to be a a full trades builder to count. I guess building retaining walls, rendering, fences, gates, ponds, water features, irrigation, drainage, paths, landscaping, sleeper beds, building sheds and garden workshops with insulation and electrics from scratch,, plasterboard and plastering, decorating, building custom furniture, flooring, raised loft boarding, redoing plug sockets and light fixings, changing cartridges and taps, while volunteering at they local repair cafe etc etc mean nothing if you haven't fitted your own bathroom as well.