Sweating a supply line over a few days...

Hey Guys.

I'm planning on grabbing some supply lines for an upstairs bath. I'll use 3/4" pipe and I'm grabbing the pipes off the water heater (see previous post if you're interested).

What I'm wondering is how I can cap off the new supply lines so we can turn the water on before the job is complete. Basically, I've got two young daughters, one only a few weeks old. This job has to get done and I may only have 3 hours a day to spend on it.

So what's the best way to cap the lines so I can turn the water on for the family at night, then get at the pipe sweating again the next day? Should I just put in a ball stop valve right away as I start?

That seems like the best plan, but I don't want to ruin my water pressure by installing too many. Seems like my basement is full of them.

Pressure's okay right now. Just checking with all the smart pros to be sure. I can't start for a few more weeks so I'm still planning and planning.

Thanks for your advice and time.

I'm no 'smart pro', but I think putting a valve in before your work would be the best idea. That way you could keep the water out of the pipes you are working on which is a plus and have now interuption to the rest of the house. That said, to cap them off, you just sweat a cap on. Then either sweat it off, or cut it off. Cutting it off is easier, cleaner and quicker, but a little more expensive.

Rich

One full-port ball valve at each line will not add a lot to pressure drop.

Think about the 3/4" hot water pipe before you run it. It will require a lot of water to waste before it gets hot.

If it is a long line, you might consider adding a point-of-use heater in the new bathroom; something like the Ariston GL 2.5, which requires only a 115 Volt 15 amp circuit. I think they are a much better option than circulator systems to deliver immediate hot water.

water lines

Like Cass said, install valves where you make your tie-in. Full port ball valves will have minimal resistance in your system. by doing this you can turn your water back on as soon as you get the valves in.

cap

A good plumbing supply store should have "Sharkbite" caps that you push on, and can remove with a special tool to depress the locking collet.