Moving a Bathtub Drain Line

jhawkdc · 02-21-2011, 03:06 PM

I am replacing a soaking tub with a clawfoot tub, and the drain line needs to be moved about 3'. I would have no trouble repiping to the existing trap, but how far away can the trap be from the actual tub drain? Moving the trap itself would be dificult. Assuming I slope the 1 1/2 line from the overflow to the trap (approximately 3' away), will this be acceptable? It is in a straight line and would require no bends.

**oh'mike** · 02-21-2011, 08:35 PM

You must move the trap---trap must be on the vertical pipe from the tub----What you are describing is a trap in the line--running trap---bad plan--Mike--

jhawkdc · 02-21-2011, 09:40 PM

Maybe I wasn't clear on my description, or maybe I'm just clueless. The trap would still be in a vertical pipe.....just one that is after a 3' sloped horizontal pipe run to it. Does this make a difference, or do I need to find a way to move the trap? If it matters....I'm in Colorado.

Alan · 02-21-2011, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhawkdc

Maybe I wasn't clear on my description, or maybe I'm just clueless. The trap would still be in a vertical pipe.....just one that is after a 3' sloped horizontal pipe run to it. Does this make a difference, or do I need to find a way to move the trap? If it matters....I'm in Colorado.

Terminology lesson :

Pipe from fixture outlet to trap inlet : Tailpiece

Pipe from Trap outlet to vent pipe : Trap arm

Pipe from vent to mainline : Drain

Your tailpiece must be vertical from the fixture outlet to the trap inlet. 45* is considered vertical still, but that doesn't give much room for movement, only a few inches perhaps.

Again, what you describe above is an "S" trap or a running trap and those are no-no's.

the_man · 02-21-2011, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan

Terminology lesson :

Pipe from fixture outlet to trap inlet : Tailpiece

Pipe from Trap outlet to vent pipe : Trap arm

Pipe from vent to mainline : Drain

Your tailpiece must be vertical from the fixture outlet to the trap inlet. 45* is considered vertical still, but that doesn't give much room for movement, only a few inches perhaps.

Again, what you describe above is an "S" trap or a running trap and those are no-no's.

just to add to this... my code limits tailpiece length to 24", like Alan said it must stay vertical all the way to the trap unless it's picking up a second drain

Alan · 02-22-2011, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_man

just to add to this... my code limits tailpiece length to 24", like Alan said it must stay vertical all the way to the trap unless it's picking up a second drain

Same here, except we can only have one fixture on a trap arm, so i'm not sure how that applies to what you said. I forgot to mention your max distance for that 1-1/2" trap arm is 3'6".

the_man · 02-22-2011, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan

Same here, except we can only have one fixture on a trap arm, so i'm not sure how that applies to what you said. I forgot to mention your max distance for that 1-1/2" trap arm is 3'6".

basically i meant continuous waste for a kitchen sink or something like that

Dougtheplumber · 02-22-2011, 09:40 PM

Perhaps the poster should check on local codes before beginning as I notice differences between the codes where I am and the codes posted.
The distance of a trap arm is 5' on 1-1/2" pipe in our code, as well as a running trap is acceptable here with the proper cleanout installed, which would probably not be possible in this case, but I do agree with Mike, most likely a bad plan that you would regret once complete.