Should water pipes run thru the celling or thru the crawlspace?

Question

3po3 · Answer

Hi Jeanne,
Welcome to Hometalk.
Water pipes can be run through the ceiling and I don't think it's all that unusual, but you have to be especially careful to avoid freezing because it can obviously cause more damage and more expensive damage than frozen water pipes in a crawlspace.

Jeanne L · Answer

I think they were run thru the ceiling to keep them from freezing. I bought an old house (fixxer upper) and it has a very small to non-existent crawl space. The kitchen & back bedroom have drop ceilings and I am in the process of removing them and putting in a sheetrock/drywall ceiling. My neighboir is a contractor and he mentioned that I should re-pipe the pipes ( they are small) to under the house. Our county code does not say this is mandatory so I am worried about borrowing more trouble if I do move tjhme.

3po3 · Answer

Pipes are typically more likely, not less likely, to freeze in an attic, so that shouldn't be a concern for you. I think if the pipes are insulated, they should be OK up there. Moving them won't be cheap, but it could avoid some costly repairs later if they do freeze.

Nichter's Home Services Corp · Answer

Steve, Sorry but that blanket statement is not always true, esp given the small amount of information given here.Climate, Crawlspace conditions, whether the pipes are above or below the insulation and how the attic is vented are variables that effect this. Some attics are conditioned space as well, so pipes can be far less likely to freeze there

Nichter's Home Services Corp · Answer

Jeanne, Since your neighbor is a contractor and has seen this, it is likely that he is right, but is he at arms length or is he trying to sell you a job?
If these have been there for a few heating seasons, they are time tested and OK - probably
If you are gutting and redoing everything anyways, now is a good time to make the decision tho.
If you re-run the supply lines, consider PEX which is flexible and easier to run, and is more freeze resistant

HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC · Answer

What kind of pipes and how old are they?  If they are galvanized, get rid of them now.  In your part of the country, pipes can free in the crawlspace but if you insulate them well and remember to let the faucets drip slightly on those super cold night...you'll never have a problem.

We try to advise clients against installing drywall ceilings here in GA because eventually...EVERYTHING leaks.  They make some awesome tiled ceilings now that are perfect for basements.  Here, you are updating the kitchen and bedroom ceilings so may as well rework the pipes while you are at it!

3po3 · Answer

Good points, Nichter. Thanks for the clarification. I wasn't really thinking about all that.

Jeanne L · Answer

Thanks to every one for responding. The pipes are water line  pvc  and they are routed thru the walls and ceilings in several rooms. this was a foreclosed home and according to my neighbors there had been several families living in the house. So I am guessing that is why the pipes were routed the way they were. 
I am going to have the pipes re worked to go under the house(if possible) I have a few more big projects with my home and I am trying to do it correctly as I go.

Amir Hyman · Answer

It is generally best to run water pipes through the ceiling or above the floor, rather than through the crawlspace. This is because pipes that are located in the crawlspace can be more susceptible to damage, such as from water leaks or freezing. Additionally, pipes located in the crawlspace may be more difficult to access and repair if a problem does occur. By running the pipes through the ceiling or above the floor, they will be more easily accessible and less likely to be damaged.

Mogie · Answer

Use spray foam on the interior of the perimeter crawl space walls, sill plate and rim joist area. You will have a much warmer floor and your pipes won't freeze.

Be sure to insulate your hot water lines to reduce wait times for hot water.

PEX plumbing can also reduce the threat of broken pipes due to freezing. PEX can be chewed by rodents though.

Either can freeze so insulate.

Should water pipes run thru the celling or thru the crawlspace?

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Should water pipes run thru the celling or thru the crawlspace?

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