Ever wonder what happens when someone with no plumbing background takes on a full-scale basement remodel? In this post, we’ll dive into a fascinating story of two individuals tackling a massive plumbing project in a historic $7,000 mansion. As a professional plumber with decades of experience, I’ll review their methods, point out key lessons, and discuss what they did right—and where they might have missed crucial steps.
1. Understanding the Project Scope
The pair set out to fully plumb a basement that included drains, future bathroom fixtures, floor drains, and connections for a boiler, dehumidifier, and more. This meant:
- Adding new drain lines in the basement floor.
- Connecting the existing upstairs plumbing through vertical stacks.
- Planning for floor drains in separate rooms.
- Ensuring correct pitch or slope for proper water flow.
Despite lacking professional plumbing experience, they sought information online, including one of my YouTube videos, to guide them on setting the correct slope (commonly a quarter-inch drop per foot run).
2. Basement Drain Challenges
One key aspect of any basement plumbing job is dealing with potential drainage issues. From installing a sump pump to hooking up French drains, they took care to route water away from the foundation. However, the code and venting details for each fixture (especially floor drains) were not entirely clear in their approach. In plumbing, insufficient venting can lead to sewer gas odor or slow drainage.
3. Trap Primers and Vents
Floor drains in a basement, which rarely get used, tend to dry out. That’s why trap primers or specific vents are commonly required to keep sewer gases sealed away. These DIYers did mention leftover openings for trap primers but didn’t show a final vent or primer solution. A professional plumber typically ensures a direct path for air (vents) and that every seldom-used drain has a primer or consistent water source.
4. Observations on the Work
- Grade and Slope: They began with one-percent slope (an eighth-inch drop per foot), then switched to a quarter-inch drop per foot. In most codes, a quarter-inch drop per foot is correct for three- or four-inch pipe, but verifying local code is key.
- Concrete and Chipping: They had to chip part of the basement floor and navigate existing grade beams or thickened slabs. This demands caution to avoid structural issues.
- Fitting Choices: Some long sweeps, multiple 45° offsets, and large-diameter pipes for a single sink might be overkill but does reduce the chance of clogs.
- Testing: A missed step in the demonstration was any water or air test prior to backfilling. Standard practice is to fill or pressurize the system to spot leaks early.
5. Could This System Pass Inspection?
They never mentioned an official inspection, so it’s unclear if a local authority verifies their work. Most places require an inspection to confirm correct venting, pitch, and fixture connections. Without it, even well-intentioned or seemingly neat plumbing could lead to failures later.
6. Key Takeaways for DIYers
- Research Local Code: Online videos are helpful, but local plumbing code is mandatory.
- Plan for Vents: Every major fixture or drain line must be adequately vented.
- Trap Primer for Floor Drains: Keep that P-trap wet to block sewer gases.
- Perform a Water Test: Fill with water or conduct an air test before burying lines.
- Don’t Skip Professional Input: Consider at least a short consultation with a licensed plumber when large structural or code-compliance questions arise.
Conclusion
For non-plumbers, these two individuals did an impressive job tackling a complex basement plumbing project. They used references from online sources (including my YouTube channel) and applied logical thinking to slope, layout, and connections. While there are important missing pieces—like confirmed venting, trap primers, and a formal leak test—the overall effort highlights how carefully done research and deliberate planning can produce decent results in a DIY setting.
Still, for anyone looking to replicate or surpass these feats, remember: thorough knowledge of local codes, verified tests, and professional oversight can prevent hidden future problems.
