Bathroom Sink Water Line Height
Bathroom Sink Water Line Height
What Is The Rough-In Height For Sink Drains?
Installing a sink can be difficult, especially if you aren't sure how exactly how the layout should be set up. The rough-in height for sink drains varies, but it is generally at least 20". Follow along as we explore the factors that determine the height of your sink drain rough-in.
The stage in building where the plumbing fixtures and pipes are all connected but not sealed, or the rough-in, can be tricky. That is because there are several factors in the rough-in height for sink drains, such as the base floor height and the height of the counter fixture itself. But what is the rough-in height for sink drains?
The rough-in height for a sink drain is 20"-24" and depends on the counter, vanity, or trap. Bathroom sinks can have an 18" rough-in but should not exceed 24". You can adjust sink drain height and depth during the installation process.
Let's explore the rough-in height for sink drains and why it matters.
Related Content: Cost To Rough-In Plumbing For A Bathroom | Kitchen Sink Plumbing Rough-In Dimensions | How To Rough-In A Double Sink Vanity | Bathroom Sink Dimensions | Bar Sink Dimensions
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Table of Contents
- What Is A Rough-In?
- Factors In Sink Drain Rough-In Height
- Kitchen Sink Drain Rough-In Height
- Bathroom Sink Drain Rough-In Height
- How Does A Plumbing Rough-In Affect Permits?
- Rough-In Sink Drain Through Floor
- How To Connect Drain Line To A Sink
- Should I Do A Rough In Job On My Own Or Hire A Professional?
- The Cost To Hire A Professional
- Related Questions
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- How tall are sinks on average?
- Can sink drain heights be adjusted?
- How can I tell if my sink drain is too low?
-
- Summing It Up
What Is A Rough-In?
A rough-in is a crucial part of building and renovating where you have fixtures connected within the proper framing. Before you can seal everything up and finish the wall or fixture, an inspector has to examine the rough-in installations.
Plumbing rough-ins, such as sink drains, are just one of many things inspected throughout the building/renovation process. Electrical and drywall must also be inspected in regard to your permits. Staying on top of everything and getting your sink drain rough-in height can mean the difference between being passed or failed.
Factors In Sink Drain Rough-In Height
There are a few factors to help determine your sink drain rough-in height, including:
- P-trap location
- Vent height (if any)
- Pipe connections
- Type of sink
If the space under your sink fixture is "busy" or cramped, you may want a lower height for your sink drain rough-in. Commonly, builder-owners with more cramped and crowded sink vanities choose a sink drain rough in of 14"-16". However, the most common sink drain rough-in height is 20".
You need to be sure that there is enough room to have the P-trap located no more than 24" below the sink drain. The rough-in height for sink drains can also vary based on what type of sink fixture it is, i.e. bathroom, kitchen, etc.
Kitchen Sink Drain Rough-In Height
For kitchen sink vanities measuring 40" in height with an 8" sink depth, the sink drain would have 32" of space between it and the floor. However, the rough-in height varies based on the vanity height as well as sink depth. The sink is usually deeper than a bathroom sink since you need the kitchen sink to be able to function when it comes to household chores, cooking, and other activities.
Bathroom Sink Drain Rough-In Height
If your bathroom sink vanity is 40" tall and has a 6" deep sink, 18"-20" from the floor is a perfect rough-in height for a bathroom sink drain. That way, you have enough space to clear the P-trap. If you were to go below the 18" minimum, or higher than 24" above the ground, the sink drain would be too high or low, respectively.
How Does A Plumbing Rough-In Affect Permits?
The condition and efficacy of your sink drain plumbing rough in can help determine whether you pass or fail for a permit. Usually, once a builder-owner already has their electrical rough-ins approved, the inspector will check out all plumbing rough-ins and fixtures.
The inspector will check all of the plumbing vents, P-traps, connections, sanitary tees, sink drains, and backwater valves. If any of those plumbing essentials are improperly installed or not working well, it could result in a failure for the permit. The same can be said for electrical or drywall rough-in inspections as well.
Rough-In Sink Drain Through Floor
Drains that are on the floor are quite common. Your P-trap, the U or J shaped pipe, is connected to the drain tailpiece. That drain tailpiece runs from the sink to the drain.
If your sink drain is located on the floor, all that you need to do is reposition the P-trap slightly. Depending on what type of P-trap you have, i.e. a J, C, or U-shaped trap, you will need to adjust its positioning. P-traps are easy to work with, and you can simply move the trap with your hand and add additional piping with connectors if need be.
As long as your P-trap is connected to the tailpiece that is connected to the drain, your sink floor drain rough in should pass inspection.
How To Connect Drain Line To A Sink
Connecting a drain line to a sink is one of the easier plumbing jobs and can be done on your own in a few simple steps.
1.Connect the tailpiece with the sink drain by carefully fastening it together with a nut and washer. You'll want to ensure that both are in the right place as if you don't tighten it enough, the tailpiece will slip. However, if you over tighten, you run the risk of other challenges as well.
2.Attach the tailpiece to the P-trap so that the P-trap has an end pointing to the drain line.You don't want to do this backward or have it facing the wrong way as it will not function the way that it is supposed to. So many people rush this step and wonder what is still causing issues in their systems.
3. Measure and cut a length of piping the same size as the gap between the P-trap and drain line, and the pipe to the open end of the P-trap.It's always a good idea to measure twice and cut once to ensure accuracy. If you get two different measurements then you'll want to measure a third time to see what's the most accurate number.
4. Make sure that the tailpiece is connected to the P-trap, and the P-trap to the drain line The average rough in height for the sink drain is roughly 20". However, there is not much of a difference in how you connect the drain line to a sink based on the height of the sink drain.
Should I Do A Rough In Job On My Own Or Hire A Professional?
Rough in jobs are fine to do on your own, as long as you take your time and do the job correctly then there is no need to call a professional, or hire help. However, sometimes there may be a snag that you hit that you can't get yourself out of. Maybe you are having trouble making a certain connection, or finding the proper equipment which you would need a professional for.
The Cost To Hire A Professional
For a job like this, you are looking at about $45 to $75 per hour for labor charges. However, the overall total really depends on the number of man hours that go into the project as well as any additional material you may need. When searching for professional help make sure you ask them what is all included in the quote. You should shop around and get at least three to five different quotes before making your official decision on who to hire.
How tall are sinks on average?
Generally, sinks are between 30" and 45", but they can be as tall as 50" sometimes. Sinks made especially for children, however, are usually 20" to 24" tall. Average sized sinks typically have 20" to 28" high drains, with child-sized sink drains sitting at 15" to 17".
Can sink drain heights be adjusted?
During the installation process, yes, you can adjust your sink drain height. While connected the P-trap, drain line, and tailpiece, you can cut the tailpiece as needed. Typically, you would only need to make cuts to the tailpiece if the sink is quite low, or even if it sits high.
How can I tell if my sink drain is too low?
If your sink drain is below the drain line, that means it is too low. That can cause a serious back up in your drain line because your sink drain will have to force its contents upwards through the drain line. Luckily, this problem can be identified easily if your sink drain is struggling or clogged often.
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Summing It Up
On average, the rough-in height for sink drains is 20" above the floor. Of course, the height can vary based on the sink size and the cabinet space in the vanity beneath the fixture. It is quite critical that you get your sink drain rough in correct as it is a part of the plumbing inspection process during building and renovation.
Kitchen sink drains may have a height of 30" as they sit taller than say, bathroom sinks which have an average height of 18" to 20". Doing the actual installation of all of the plumbing itself is not that hard and can save you money on a plumber. Don't forget to put your P-trap no more than 24" below the sink drain.
Good luck passing your plumbing rough-in inspection.
Nick Durante
Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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Bathroom Sink Water Line Height
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