Why does water piping always go in the slab?

15 years ago

I'm wondering why doesn't the piping go in the attic? How does it matter, other than avoiding leaks. Obviously I understand that the sump line must go into the slab as there is no back pressure for waste water.

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Comments (3)

aidan_m
15 years ago
1. Cost to build: It is much cheaper to fit metal pipes before pouring a slab rather than after the structure is completely framed.

2. Cold water pipes are prone to condensation when the dew point is above the water temperature. Many parts of the country experience dew points in the 70's all summer long, and the cold water temperature is in the 60's or colder. Put the water pipe in the attic, where the temperature and humidity are not controlled, and you will have big time condensation issues. Inside the house or inbetween floors, the air conditioning dries out the air and lowers the dewpoint so the condensation is not an issue as often. But in warm moist places like bathrooms it is common to have condensation issues with the toilet tank and line. You do not want condensation in the attic.
User
15 years ago
Supply lines don't "always" go in the slab. Most of the time around here, they DO go in the attic. Proper pipe isulation stops all of the condensation issues and keeps them from freezing in winter. Plus, it keeps heat transfer to a minimum on your hot water pipes. Pipes that go in slabs should be properly insulated too!
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rogerv_gw
15 years ago
We have a slab, and most of our piping is in the floor/ceiling, walls, and attic. Very little if any supply piping in the slab.

-Roger

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Why does water piping always go in the slab?

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aidan_m

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