Water lines thru finished ceiling

[rvr6000]

What options do I have in running a couple water lines for a future 1/2 bath in the basement that already has a finished ceiling?

Total length will be about 16 feet with 8 feet being above the ceiling. I plan to use pex tubing and will have easy access to each end of the lines.....I'm just concerned about water lines sitting on top of the drywall on the ceiling....not so much the weight but the cold line sweating and staining thru.

I'm not sure if pex lines sweat like copper. Have thought about insulating both lines and then fishing them thru. Thoughts?

 

[Greatbear]

Pex does sweat like copper when conditions are right. I would insulate both pipes.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Minnesota ? Those water lines my freeze and break during the winter in an attic. It has happened in Ohio, so I know it can happen there.

 

[fireguy]

You can run the water lines under the insulation, next to the sheet rock. For more freeze-proofing, tent plastic sheeting on the top of the trusses, then blow insulation on the plastic.

Pex can withstand some freeze/thaw cycles w/o problem.

 

[Frank The Plumber]

The ceiling is finished. If you are crossing studs, that is not nice. If you are traveling parallel that would be better but I think you are not. If you are worried about condensation you will end up using a covering that is about 1 1/4" when installed. Pretty big hole to try any sort of magic drilling technique.

Sadly, I think you are going to have to patch a few holes where the joists are.

 

[rvr6000]

Sorry everyone....been away for a few days.

I should have been a little clearer; this is actually in the basement running parallel with the floor joists of the main level of the house so freezing isn't an issue. It'll be reletively easy to run the two lines from the laundry room (unfinished ceiling) over to the new bathroom (finished ceiling but will cut the ceiling out of the closet that will be framed up next to the bathroom.) Like I said, I just don't feel good about having them resting on top of the sheetrock....even if they are insulated.

Thanks all for your help.

 

[anthony666]

8 feet is nothing to worry about, but if you're losing sleep over it hang a piece of abs from the joists with allround and run your pex through that

 

[mike_s]

since you say it's for "future use, why not just put a valve on them downstairs and when you plumb them, leave them off with no water in them?

if you want to get them out for leaks, you can always put another valve above it that will T-off and allow you to drain them.

just an idea.