How to Run Copper Supply Lines

Follow this copper supply line installation tutorial to repair or replace water supply lines in your home.

trough sink in bathroom
Project Overview
  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Skill Level: Intermediate

Running supply lines is a tough, but important job for a homeowner to understand. While it may seem intimidating at first, with the right tools and tips, this is a job that doesn't require professional help. Follow along with our step-by-step instructions to get the job done right, the first time!

Copper is the preferred material for supply lines in most locales, although flexible or rigid plastic is permitted in some areas. Practice cutting copper pipe and sweating joints before you start.

Copper supply lines are usually routed so they do not cross drainpipes or vents. In most cases, it's easier to make the horizontal runs in the crawlspace or basement. Long runs and bends lower water pressure slightly.

Hammer arresters (Step 3) prevent banging noise when you turn off a faucet. Copper pipe is easily punctured or dented, so position it out of harm's way and install nailing plates to the studs to protect pipes against errant nails. Hot water is always on the left, cold water on the right.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Drill
  • Bit and bit extender
  • Propane torch
  • Fiber shield
  • Tubing cutter
  • Multi-use wire brush
  • Groove-joint pliers
  • Carpentry tools for installing braces
  • Damp rag

Materials

  • Copper pipe and fittings
  • Flux
  • Solder

Instructions

  1. drill holes in floor for pipes

    Drill Holes For Copper Supply Lines

    Consult the manufacturer's instructions to position pipes for the shower faucet, sink, and toilet. For example, the shower faucet in this plan calls for vertical pipes 10 inches apart. Use a spade bit attached to a bit extender to drill holes in the center of the wall plate if possible.

  2. man placing pedestal sink brace

    Install Braces for Supply Lines

    Install crossbraces so you can anchor the pipes firmly. Cut pieces of 2x4 or 1x4 to fit snugly between studs and attach them by drilling pilot holes and driving screws. If you plan to install a pedestal sink, attach a 2x6 or a 3/4-inch plywood brace (shown) for its bracket.

  3. man placing copper pipes

    Arrange Copper Supply Lines

    Tie into existing copper supply lines. Hot and cold stub outs are usually 8 to 10 inches apart and 19 to 23 inches above the floor; consult the manufacturer's instructions to be sure. A toilet stub out is usually 8 inches above the floor.

    Dry-fit a complete assembly for the sink and the toilet. For each stub out, use a tee fitting, a 6-inch length of pipe (which you will cut off later), and a cap to protect the pipe. Install a hammer arrester to each.

  4. screw on pipe clamp

    Sweat the Pipes

    Sweat all the parts. Anchor the pipes with at least one clamp―preferably two―at each stub out as shown.

  5. Attach Copper Supply Strap

    A copper supply strap attaches to the face of the studs. Pipes fit into notches or holes, sized and spaced for correct placement. The pipes can be soldered onto the strap using the same techniques as for sweating fittings.

    A drop-ear elbow makes the most secure attachment. If you use one, the hammer arrester must be connected to a tee and an elbow just below the drop-ear elbow. Insert a brass threaded nipple into the elbow.

  6. forty five degree elbow around pipe

    Use Elbows

    To run copper supply lines around an obstruction such as a drain or vent pipe, use four 45-degree elbows. This arrangement makes for smoother water flow and less loss of water pressure than using 90-degree elbows.

  7. man placing protective nailing plate

    Cut Notches

    Another option is to cut notches rather than holes and run copper supply lines in front of the vent pipes. If you do this, be sure to install protective nailing plates, or else the pipes could be punctured by a nail when the drywall is installed.

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