Plumbing installation is complicated and requires specific building codes and regulations to be followed. Even the most experienced plumber may struggle without the right tools and knowledge.

There are a few key measurements that every plumber needs to know. This article will cover what they are and how to use them.

OD (Outer Diameter)/What Are the Plumbing Installation Measurements?

The OD measurement is a straight-line distance from one edge of the outer surface of the pipe to its opposite edge, passing through the center of the line. This measurement is used in engineering, manufacturing, and construction to specify the size of pipes and other cylindrical objects.

It is important to note that a pipe’s OD is not the same as its Nominal Pipe Size (NPS). This is because a pipe’s OD will vary depending on its wall thickness, which is represented by its schedule rating. A higher Schedule Rating means a thicker wall and, thus, a smaller inside diameter.

You must use an OD tape or measuring instrument to measure a pipe’s OD. Most OD tapes will have standard imperial inches on one side and decimal inches on the other (usually broken down into 100ths). Wrap the OD tape around the pipe, measure the circumference, and divide that number by pi, usually rounded to 3.1415.

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NPS (Nominal Pipe Size)

Most plumbing pipes are made of metal and come in various materials. The most common measurements that plumbers are concerned about are the outside diameter (OD) and the nominal pipe size or NPS.

The NPS system uses a dimensionless designation where the number corresponds to the pipe diameter but not the wall thickness. This is why the NPS numbers don’t match precisely with the OD values – the differences are in the wall thickness.

Finding a pipe’s NPS measurement can be done with a ruler or measuring tape by stretching across the open end of the line. You can also find this information printed or labeled on all the fittings and plumbing pipes. For instance, copper piping will have the type of copper and the NPS printed. The NPS measurement can then be cross-referenced with the charts below to determine the OD.

Centerline/What Are the Plumbing Installation Measurements?

One of the most important measurements when installing plumbing is the “centerline.” This imaginary vertical line is put through a critical point, usually the drain pipe. Centerlines make it easy to standardize measurements without considering other factors like pipe width or schedule.

For example, a 45-degree elbow has a centerline radius (CLR) of 1.5 times the OD of the pipe or tube it connects to. This is easier to understand if you consider how the CLR is determined: The center point of the elbow’s curve intersects where the’ degrees of bend’ lines cross, measured from the elbow’s centerline axis.

This dimension is also helpful in determining bathroom rough-in dimensions for toilets, sinks, and shower/tubs. This ensures these features are placed correctly before the walls are closed. However, these dimensions are only guidelines and should be double-checked against the manufacturer’s specifications.

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Base Floor Height

This is the distance from the base floor to the top of any vertical pipes. It can vary based on the purpose of the room and plumbing codes. This measurement refers to the subfloor, whether new construction or the finished flooring for remodeling work. These dimensions should be considered guidelines, so you’ll want to check the instructions with your fixture for more precise measurements.

Considering these measurements will ensure your bathroom plumbing rough-in is completed correctly and safely for years. This is important because if it isn’t done properly, it can lead to leaks down the road and other problems that may be difficult to fix. If you’re unsure where to begin, contact a professional plumber for help. They can plan your space layout and help you select the right pipes and fixtures. They can also help you meet local plumbing code requirements. https://www.youtube.com/embed/bbqZ12QhoY4