Improper plumbing & trying to remodel bathroom/laundry

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the VB that you show can not be used where water is under pressure all the time
like under the toilet attached to the supply line.
they are used at the nipple on the shower head, where they are not exposed to pressure all the time

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CF51ZJ2/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Ah. Ok. Well, I already have the sprayer but I don't think it has a built-in vacuum break. If I have to buy the vacuum break separately, which on would you recommend and where would I put it?

I intend to keep the water to the bidet off when not in use via the 3-way T-adapter.
 
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Ah. Ok. Well, I already have the sprayer but I don't think it has a built-in vacuum break. If I have to buy the vacuum break separately, which on would you recommend and where would I put it?

I intend to keep the water to the bidet off when not in use via the 3-way T-adapter.

need to know the hose size of the sprayer
i would put it after the shut off valve before the hose

so you need to know the size of those 2 threads
 
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Thanks. I actually was not planning to move the water supply for the toilet and I was not planning to cut in to the wall behind and next to the toilet. I planned to cut the wall where the showerhead will be and the wall inside/behind and above the vanity.
tumblr_opyla3ISWs1qkwd9ao1_1280.png


Does this help?

I've already cut the hole in the floor and the sheet vinyl for the water supply from the floor.

If I'm going to keep the water to the sprayer turned off except when I go to use it, could I get away with using the Hansgrohe 06510000 External Vacuum Breaker?
tumblr_opylsvMwo01qkwd9ao1_1280.png
 
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sense you know you are going to install one, and your walls will be open
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LDLTVK/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
i would use this type, with the piping inside the wall



View attachment 14008

My brain didn't process the picture properly the first time I looked at it. Could I still use the atmospheric vacuum breaker on the braided steel or flexible hose inside the room instead of inside the wall?
Could I use this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/T-S-Brass-Vacuum-Breaker-1-2-Inlet-B-0969/100088418
OR https://hdsupplysolutions.com/shop/...pheric-vacuum-breaker-chrome-body-1-2-p620843 ?
Since it is 1/2" and screw it on to the tee adapter outlet and then run the hose from it to the sprayer?
 
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My brain didn't process the picture properly the first time I looked at it. Could I still use the atmospheric vacuum breaker on the braided steel or flexible hose inside the room instead of inside the wall?
Could I use this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/T-S-Brass-Vacuum-Breaker-1-2-Inlet-B-0969/100088418
OR https://hdsupplysolutions.com/shop/...pheric-vacuum-breaker-chrome-body-1-2-p620843 ?
Since it is 1/2" and screw it on to the tee adapter outlet and then run the hose from it to the sprayer?

https://www.screencast.com/t/wuqsCtVwYR87

it need to be 6'' above the bowl/flood level
 
https://www.screencast.com/t/wuqsCtVwYR87

it need to be 6'' above the bowl/flood level
Ohhh! Ok! That makes sense.

And it needs to be oriented with the lid thingy at the top?
Arrows indicate direction of flow to the sprayer?

I could find a way to mount the vacuum breaker to some sort of bracket or holder a few inches away from the wall (making sure it is stable) and then run flexible hose to it from the shutoff and more flexible house from its outlet to the sprayer. I'll have to find short enough hose.

But, basically, something like this?
tumblr_oq3g2mWaC91qkwd9ao1_1280.png


Would you recommend any particular brand? I've seen Apollo and T&S.
 
exactly correct. T&S, love that soft ware jelly I am

for mounting. if, you pipe it in the wall, it will be mounted

Annotate.jpg
 
exactly correct. T&S, love that soft ware jelly I am

for mounting. if, you pipe it in the wall, it will be mounted
What software? What I'm using to draw the stuff? It's MS Paint. I used shapes and lines and then color fill tool. I just used pencil and dragged the mouse for the hoses. I did take art class in high school so I learned a little about perspecive and shading, but I suck at it. Tub spout and levers ended up looking like a duck face though. LOL.

Hmm.. You know, I think 6-inches above the flood level is within that area where I painted and it didn't turn out so great. I've been thinking of covering it with beadboard. I could cut a chunk out of the paneling on the bottom part of that wall to access inside, and cover it with beadboard.

I want to make sure I get this right.. I would use the flexible steel braided hose from the 3-way, run it to the wall to the chrome nipple and escutcheon, then have solid pipe of some sort in the wall, and secure it somehow. Wall behind is the same 1/8" thick paneling (Did I mention the builders were so cheap they just put 1/8" thick paneling over the studs in the entire house?) so I'd probably have to put it against a stud if there is one close enough.

I know I'm asking for a lot of handholding, but do you have any links to the chrome nipples and elbows? And what would the loop be made from?

Also, because I got bored, I filled in more details (but didn't draw stuff being inside the wall).
tumblr_oq3g2mWaC91qkwd9ao2_r1_1280.png


I wonder if there would be a way for me to adapt the sign of the crab escutcheons to be put on the wall there-- but I think the top openings are too small. Would be cool if I could pull it off though. I'll have to post closeup pics of them showing measurements to see if there is a way to figure it out. I heard back from the mfr on the sign of the crab stuff and they sent me what I would need to make those escutcheons and levers work. I found the cartridges online but couldn't find the other stuff.
tumblr_oq7fppglUC1qkwd9ao1_1280.png

Cartridges I found for around $28 on doplumb.com but I can't find out the shipping info bc the page has errors and I don't want to order until I know I can find all of the parts and hopefully for cheaper. I also wonder if some of the stuff can be replaced with cheaper generic things. Also wondered if I could just use different levers that have more readily available parts for a lower price.

Meanwhile, I also sketched more on the layout for the plumbing. Still not finalized. I was too lazy to sketch the plumbing for the lavs in B2 and B3 but it's pretty much the same as the other lav.
tumblr_oq7fvu6DQL1qkwd9ao1_1280.png


What do you think?

And thank you so very much for helping me with this.

In a bit of good news, the less expensive tub/shower surround I wanted for B1 came back in stock. If it's still in stock next month, I might see if I can go buy it when my brother pays me his monthly installment for the loan for his truck. But I don't want to put the horse before the carriage and I need to fix up my bathroom to be usable first. So, getting the floor fixed and toilet installed take priority. I can do other finishing touches like the vanity light and tub surround later. Current one sucks, but is still ok. I really need to focus on one task at a time.
 
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Cat stepped on my keyboard and erased my post. LOL.
Since I'm trying to stay off my feet while my ankle recovers, I've got a lot of stuff spinning around in my head.

I know some people can't load pdf files so I got images of some of the specs for the tub and shower units I plan to use. My problem is there are so many lines all so close together I have a hard time getting my brain to visualize it in 3D.

For B1 there is the Sterling Advantage.
tumblr_op10snM1qF1qkwd9ao1_1280.png

Am I just blind, or does it not show how thick the edges of the tub are? I *think* the tub drain is 14-1/4" from the back wall (from the studs). I'm actually hoping to get the version of this without the backers so I won't have to worry about them conflicting with oddly placed studs. I know that one of the studs for the south wall is about 21-1/2" from the edge instead of 16".
Am I interpreting it correctly that the lip above the overflow is about 2-1/4" and the drain is 5-1/2" horizontally from the overflow & 7-3/4" from the side wall? Front tub lip is 3-1/2"? Surround walls 1-5/8" thick?

Then there is the shower for B2. Sterling Ensemble.
tumblr_onogmm4sO51qkwd9ao1_1280.png

I was trying to figure out how much space was between the raised portions of the shower pan but fortunately Sterling CS answered my question about that. They said that the direct-to-stud walls are 1-5/8" thick and the front threshold is 3" wide; this leaves an interior measurement of approximately 56-3/4" L x 25-3/8" W for shower seat.
From what I can tell from the specs, the shower drain is 13-7/8" from the back wall & 8-1/2" from the side wall. And it looks like the minimum span from open studs from side to side is 60-1/8". Which means I'm going to have to notch the studs in the left wall a bit since it's only 59" with the super thin wall panels on.

Now my problem is figuring out what drain to get. I'm a bit confused by the measurements in their drawings. I know it will need a round drain, but I have no clue what drain to get other than that. I've asked about it but am still waiting for a response from Sterling. They will probably recommend a Kohler drain.

I'm going to try to accumulate a list of stuff to buy and figure out how much it is going to cost and then if it is too expensive, I will figure out where I can substitute cheaper stuff. My tastes in the fixtures is a bit pricey. LOL. There's a really cool Kohler PureFlo overflow cover and drain that requires the PureFlo overflow kit and both are over $40 each. I'll probably end up getting a Danco or something instead.

Also, just for fun, here are the specs on the toilet for all 3 bathrooms:
tumblr_ono16aEYl81qkwd9ao1_1280.png


Edit: Found the specs for the tub-- although they are shown for the right-hand drain-- it's basically the same but mirrored.
tumblr_ore37hOnd51qkwd9ao1_1280.png
 
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Here is what I have so far of my "master post".

Bathroom 1
Dimensions: ~ 94.5"W x 61"Dx 104"H (~ 8'x 5' x 9' suggest >=50CFM fan)
Bath Fan: NuTone 665RP Heat-A-Ventlite 70CFM 4.0Sones 1500W fan w/ 100W bulb 4" duct (already purchased)
Tub/Shower: Sterling Advantage left drain 61030116-0 $547.76 http://www.homedepot.com/p/STERLING...-Left-Hand-Drain-inWhite-61030116-0/202952655
OR Sterling Advantage 61030110-0 $493.69 http://www.homedepot.com/p/STERLING...Left-Hand-Drain-in-White-61030110-0/202952648
Showerhead: Moen Attract 6-spray Magnetix hand shower & showerhead combo $88 http://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Att...o-Kit-with-Magnetix-in-Chrome-26008/207032918
Shower Arm: Moen Waterhill S113 or similar S-shaped arm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012C5136/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Shower Trim Kit: Moen Kingsley Moentrol T3111 w/ Moentrol 3570 CC valve http://www.moen.com/products/Kingsley/Kingsley_Chrome_MoentrolR_valve_trim/T3111 OR Moen 3510 IPS OR Moen 3520 CC (I want to avoid having to sweat copper).
Tub Spout: Moen Monticello 3807 (CC slip fit) or 3806 (IPS threaded) Diverter Spout http://www.moen.com/products/Monticello/Monticello_Chrome_diverter_spouts/3807
Toilet: Toto Drake 1.6GPF Model #CST744SG-01 $309.96 https://www.lowes.com/pd/TOTO-Drake...ted-Standard-Height-2-Piece-Toilet/1000094811 Specifications: https://68.media.tumblr.com/0f587dd6a29b99911ae9b5f4990f210b/tumblr_ono16aEYl81qkwd9ao1_1280.png
Vanity: Euro-Style vanity 26"Wx19"D. Already purchased. Will bump out from back wall about 2" to 3" & bump out from west side wall 3").
Lavatory faucet: Possibly Glacier Bay Mandouri high arc LED https://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier...throom-Faucet-in-Chrome-67513W-6401/206390786
Flooring: sheet vinyl (not yet selected)
Window: 23.5"Wx35.5"H ~(2'x3') custom order Ply Gem single Hung vinyl window w/ screen & tempered glass $121 http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ply-Gem-23-5-in-x-35-5-in-Single-Hung-Vinyl-Window-White-510/204293170
Door: 32"x80" hollow core door prehung. (already purchased)
Flooring: sheet vinyl (not yet selected)
Will get shims 1/4" thick for under the window and 1/8" to go behind the lower flange
Will build wall-mount medicine cabinet/mirror above vanity on south wall.
GFCI 15amp outlet & light switch/rocker will be installed on west wall. Rocker will serve vanity light above medicine cabinet on south wall.
Will build or purchase space saver for above toilet
Will fill in and cover hole for dryer vent on both interior and exterior

Bathroom 2
Dimensions: ~ 140"W x 72.125"L x 104"H (~ 11.7'x6'x9' suggest ~90CFM fan) Undecided on which fan to get.
Bath Fan: (still deciding) Currently has non-funcitonal Heat-A-Ventlite
Shower: Sterling Ensemble Model #72170126-0 60x30x75.25 $767.29 Lowes https://www.lowes.com/pd/Sterling-E...-Actual-72-5000-in-x-60-in-x-30-in/1000160031 specs:https://68.media.tumblr.com/38ee8d16e6934ebb87e740b2a4049307/tumblr_onogmm4sO51qkwd9ao1_1280.png
Back will face south exterior wall. Will be ~17" from edge of lav. Plumbing will go to west interior wall.
Showerhead: Undecided
Shower Arm: Moen Slide Bar #A735 $76 (or similar cheaper one) http://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Slide-Bar-in-Chrome-A735/202506284
Shower Trim Kit: Moen Kingsley Moentrol T3111
Toilet: Toto Drake 1.6GPF Model #CST744SG-01 (already installed)
Vanity: 72.125"x24" w/ lav in center. Will run trap arm to north wall behind vanity to B3.
Lavatory faucet: Aquasource 24151 high arc swivel spout
Flooring: sheet vinyl (already purchased)
Window: 23.5"Wx35.5"H ~(2'x3')
Will replace subfloor in room or at least under tub and toilet due to damage.
Toilet drain center is about 32" from the east wall and about 74 1/4" from the west wall.
Will add 2x10s in back wall of shower (east wall) to add 36" grab bar.
Might change toggle switches for light/vent/fan to rocker switches
Might replace window with Ply Gem single hung http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ply-Gem-23-5-in-x-35-5-in-Single-Hung-Vinyl-Window-White-510/204293170
Sterling Ensemble The walls are 1-5/8" thick and the front threshold is 3" wide; this leaves an interior measurement of approximately 56-3/4" L x 25-3/8" W.

Bathroom 3
Dimensions: ~ 105.25"W x 80.625"L x 104"H plus 34.75" x 29.75" x 9 (~ 8.8'x6.7'x9' plus 2.9'x2.5'x9' suggest ~90CFM fan)
Bath Fan: (still deciding) Currently has non-funcitonal Heat-A-Ventlite
Tub/shower: cast iron 60"x? (Need to measure) Considering Vesuvia easy up adhesive walls $199 http://www.homedepot.com/p/Vesuvia-...Adhesive-Tub-Wall-in-White-39744-HD/202204836 (better than what I currently have)
Showerhead: Moen Attract 6-spray Magnetix hand shower & showerhead combo $88 http://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Att...o-Kit-with-Magnetix-in-Chrome-26008/207032918
Shower Arm: Moen Waterhill S113 or similar S-shaped arm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012C5136/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Shower Trim Kit: Sign of the Crab Sacremento 2-lever porcelain & chrome P0388C escutcheon http://www.homeclick.com/sign-of-th...cheon-with-brass-ring-in-chrome/p-458271.aspx
with P0214 levers http://www.homeclick.com/sign-of-the-crab-p0214-porcelain-diverter-handle/p-458217.aspx
Tub Spout: Moen Monticello 3807 (CC slip fit) or 3806 (IPS threaded) Diverter Spout http://www.moen.com/products/Monticello/Monticello_Chrome_diverter_spouts/3807
Toilet: Toto Drake 1.6GPF Model #CST744SG-01 (already purchased)
Vanity: 48"W x 22"D against south wall with edge against west wall
Lavatory faucet: Pfister Sonterra F-WL2-45pc #64758 high arch with porcelain levers https://www.lowes.com/pd/Pfister-So...rSense-Bathroom-Faucet-Drain-Included/4740756
Vanity Light: Derby Collection 20 3/4" Wide Chrome Bathroom Light Fixture - Style # 96197 (already purchased) will be on south wall. Plan to add switch next to GFCI 15amp outlet.
Flooring: sheet vinyl (already installed)
Window: 23.5"Wx35.5"H ~(2'x3') (might replace with Ply Gem window)
Need to figure out if existing valve/connection for spout is CC or IPS
Toilet drain center is about 17 1/4" from the east wall and approximately 41 3/4" from the edge of the vanity.
Need to find correct cartridges/valves for shower levers
Will add shattaf with 3-way tee & vacuum breaker to toilet line for cleaning toilet
Will try to add rocker switch for vanity light next to existing GFCI outlet or will tie it to overhead light so both will be on at same time.
Might change toggle switches for light/vent/fan to rocker switches
Might replace window with Ply Gem single hung http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ply-Gem-23-5-in-x-35-5-in-Single-Hung-Vinyl-Window-White-510/204293170
Will use existing mirror to make either recessed or wall/mount medicine cabinet (would prefer recessed if studs and plumbing allow)
Need to remedy notched floor joist under tub drain
First priority is to repair botched self-leveling flooring job and level the floor

See http://cdn.houserepairtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13792&stc=1&d=1490602394 for layout of B2&B3.

Laundry Room
Dimensions: ~52"W x 72.5"L x 104"H (~4' x 6' x 9') usable space. With hallway 94.5"W (but trying not to block door to B1)
Washing machine: Electric Electrolux IQ touch on pedestal
Dryer: Electric Electrolux IQ touch on pedestal
Window: Ply Gem single Hung vinyl window http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ply-Gem-23-5-in-x-35-5-in-Single-Hung-Vinyl-Window-White-510/204293170
Exterior Door: (undecided)
Will move wall outlets for washer & dryer from north wall of B1 to south wall of laundry room
Will put plumbing box for laundry on partial wall just north of washing machine next to exterior door
Will move ceiling fan from B1 to laundry room
Will make new hole in wall behind dryer for vent
Might make fold down table on south wall that can be used to fold clothing
Bin for lint will be between side of dryer & south wall
Back door Masonite 36x80 steel door $128.00 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Masonite-F...in-x-80-in-Actual-37-5-in-x-81-5-in/999918544 (already purchased during a special sale)

Kitchen
Dimensions: (Need to measure)
Sink: Double stainless steel with garbage disposal (right basin center ~39" from south wall)
Faucet: Currently a Delta higharc w/ side sprayer
Dishwasher: Freestanding/rolling junk- connects to sink faucet
Will eventually re-route drain from going east to west to go north to south to meet main soil pipe.
 
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good to see you finally nailed down your trim.
I'm waffling on some choices. It would cost over $200 I think for the parts I need (and I would need to special order them from Coburn's-- if they even let me) for the Sign of the Crab stuff. Unless I can find some universal valve bodies and use different cartridges, I will either have to abort that plan. I may go with the moen kingsley trim after all, although I might just have to find different levers. I think the current tub has 3 levers (one is a diverter).
I would love to figure out how to make the sign of the crab escutcheons work with different levers. I think I have info on that topic in another thread. If I can't make the escutcheons work for something in the shower, I wonder if I could repurpose them for something else. I need to find a way to make the porcelain part stay tight to the chrome trim.

I also need to decide between CC fittings or IPS. I know the IPS is threaded, but I don't know if either require sweating copper. And I need to figure out how to set things up for the bathtubs and overflow things. I have a general idea of what I want for the overflow stuff. Bad news is, Homedepot is out of stock on some of the tubs and surrounds I wanted and Lowes charges at least $200 more for things. The shower I wanted for my mother's bathroom is straight up discontinued at HD. Although, I wonder if they would still price match if I show them the screenshot.

I ran out of space to include stuff about the bidet sprayer in bathroom 3 (I had to cut a LOT of stuff out to fit it in a single post). Also ran out of space for alternative shower arm for B1 and B3-- This s-shaped one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MNJJ66/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 that apparently comes with teflon tape. There was a cheaper one, but reviews said that one was flimsy.

Since my mother needs her shower done before the other things are done, I need to figure out what to get for her showerhead. The plan is to put a portable adjustable shower seat inside the shower (Sterling was kind enough to give me the inner dimensions so I would know how wide the leg base can be). Since she will be sitting, she wants a slidebar for the showerhead. The Moen 2-sprayer thing I wanted will not work on a slidebar. Anyone have much experience with installing slidebars? I'd consult someone at a store, but I've found that I tend to know more about plumbing than the employees do-- at least at the local places.

I'm also trying to keep track of the notes I was given on how to do water supply lines-- bridging some stuff with PEX-- and figuring out exactly what to use to hook it all up. Will need to figure out how far to stub out all of the rough-in plumbing to fit the trim and account for the depth of the shower surround walls.

And I still need to fix my bathroom floor. I think may just try to remove the luan piece I put in with the messed up stuff on it (if I can get it out) and put a new piece in and then find some way to smooth any difference in the seam (any suggestions)?

So, priority (right now)
1. Fix B3 floor & install toilet
2. Install new faucets in B2 & B3
3. Replace floor in B2, install vinyl sheet, & install new shower
4. Install shower/tub surround in B3
5. Replace laundry room floor, install finished floor of some sort, move appliances to laundry room and hook them up.
6. Install new back door
7. Replace floor in new B1 (if not done at same time as laundry room flooring)
8. Do electrical, replace window, rough in plumbing, install vinyl sheet, and install fixtures in B1.

Other than cosmetic stuff, the guest bathroom is lower on the priority list. B2 is the main concern, but B3 needs to at least have an active toilet while B2 is being worked on.

Edit: Forgot to update that we've already purchased the back door during a sale event. Just need a cat door (slightly larger than what we have so the fat little dog an squeeze through more easily) and she would like to get an awning of some sort.

Wish I hadn't run out of space and had to delete stuff in master post. I was like 8k characters over.
 
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.............
Thank you!

Do you think there would be any way to make the sign of the crab escutcheons work with different levers? (if I provide some measurements)? or do you think I'm s.o.l. on that front?
 
Thank you!

Do you think there would be any way to make the sign of the crab escutcheons work with different levers? (if I provide some measurements)? or do you think I'm s.o.l. on that front?

I dont even try to get involved in making different stuff fit different stuff
it will make you pull your hair out.

only way i would do it, is if i had the valve in my hand while at the store
fitting the handles onto the stem.
 
I dont even try to get involved in making different stuff fit different stuff
it will make you pull your hair out.

only way i would do it, is if i had the valve in my hand while at the store
fitting the handles onto the stem.
Thanks.
That makes perfect sense. You'd need to be able to examine and compare in person.
Maybe I can sell it on craigslist or repurpose it then. LOL. I was thinking of using the escutcheons to mount something to a wall. Maybe make a wall-mount shower caddy (mounting above the surround) or something and use those as part of the anchors.
 
I just looked at some of the reviews for the lavatory faucet I was going to get. Realized it was made of plastic and had quite a few complaints about it breaking. So, my alternative is the Glacier Bay Mandouri high arc one with LED (don't care about the LED, but the style is nice and it has ceramic disc cartridges). https://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier...throom-Faucet-in-Chrome-67513W-6401/206390786

glacier bay is crap, jmo :) buy a moen or a delta

we had a storm, lights been of for 2 days
 
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