There are standard dimensions of drain and vent pipes and common plumbing codes that must be followed to make sure your bathroom plumbing is functioning safely and at optimal capacity. When a drain line is properly sized, the line will only be half full under full load which provides a sufficient water level to move and carry any solid materials that may be at hand in the waste. When the upper half of the pipe is open for the free transfer of vent air, this helps facilitate the proper velocity of the flow. If you plan on doing any major plumbing renovations in your bathroom, at the very beginning of your planning process you should get the latest information on local plumbing codes from your municipal building department. These codes were established to ensure your safety and proper installation of the plumbing materials. If you do not follow these plumbing codes, your bathroom reno project may turn out to be unhealthy and potentially dangerous as well. Read the rest of this entry »