How to Add Water Lines to Existing Plumbing

It’s possible to install a water line to an existing plumbing system. However, it’s fair mentioning that the task is overwhelming. Certain steps need to be taken in advance to create a successful outcome. First, we’ll always say call a plumber. But if you want to follow along with what we’re doing, keep reading.

Naturally, the top priority is to plan thoroughly before taking action. Immediate action before planning is a recipe for disaster. Once you know which steps to take and in which order they must be taken, you’re ready to cut into the walls and dig up your front yard.

Measuring the Water Line

First, measure the water lines, taking the time to decide where the new water line will run. Not to mention, you still need to know other relevant facts, such as the type of pipes you’ll be using (the types of your current pipes) and the tools you’ll need for the job.

Regarding tools, you’ll get by with a pipe wrench, a basin wrench, plumber’s tape, tape measure (or ruler), and an adjustable wrench. Of course, these tools are the basics and could vary according to your settings.

Dry-fit a piece of pipe to a tee fitting and the existing pipe, then mark the currently installed pipe with a marker. Naturally, you want to mark the area in which you’ll make the cut. However, we recommend marking some extra centimeters from the part you want to make the cut. That way, you’ll fit in the neoprene sleeves on the banded couplings.

Time to Work

Now that you’ve measured everything, it is time to get your hands dirty. Begin by shutting off the water supplier unless you want to make a mess. Dismantle the old line and clean everything up. Cleaning everything means focusing both on the outside and the inside of the pipe. Pipes tend to gather rust, filth, or grime, so get rid of all of them.

Use water and any cleaner, but before installing the pipes, dry the pipes. The reason is that in case you plan on soldering, you’ll need the pipe to be as dry as possible. Otherwise, the vapor could interfere with reaching the right temperature to do the job.

Once you solve that, fit the new pipe into the old one, and apply flux to the two of them. Then, solder the pipes by applying heat to them. A word of warning, though. Make sure you can solder properly. Although soldering the water pipes is an easy job, doing it wrong will bring negative results like a water leak, and solving a poorly fixed pipe is even harder.

If you are unsure about the job, practice prior. This is both a time saver and money saved, since mending bad soldering can be a daunting task. Again, there is no need to reach that limit. Either practice before soldering or find a professional to help you.

Testing

Once you have installed the water lines to the existing plumbing, it’s time to test their functionality. Open the water supply and do a thorough analysis. Check for possible leaks or any other potential issues. When in doubt, always contact professionals to tackle problems before they escalate.

Installing new water lines requires planning, knowing what to do, and having the right tools are the three main things to consider. Doing it by yourself could indeed be a daunting task and one that, if done improperly, will create more problems.

Therefore, it is wise to count on the help of professionals to save you from regret. Call Sunrise Heating & Plumbing at 616-293-9326 for questions regarding this topic.