Plumbing How-To Guides

Step-by-step guides to help you size pipes, calculate flow rates, design systems, and complete plumbing projects. Each guide includes calculators and code compliance information.

Size Water Pipes: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to size water pipes correctly for your plumbing system. Step-by-step guide with pipe sizing calculator, formulas, and code compliance.

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Size a Water Heater

Learn how to properly size a water heater for your home. Step-by-step guide with water heater sizing calculator, formulas, and capacity requirements.

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Size a Gas Line

Learn how to properly size gas lines for appliances. Step-by-step guide with gas line sizing calculator, NFPA 54 standards, and safety requirements.

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Calculate Water Flow Rate

Learn how to calculate water flow rate through pipes. Step-by-step guide with flow rate calculator, formulas (Hazen-Williams, Darcy-Weisbach), and examples.

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Calculate Fixture Units

Learn how to calculate fixture units for plumbing system design. Step-by-step guide with fixture unit calculator, IPC/UPC code tables, and pipe sizing.

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Size a Septic System

Learn how to properly size a septic system. Step-by-step guide with septic system sizing calculator, tank size, drain field area, and code requirements.

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Calculate Drainage Slope

Learn how to calculate proper drainage slope for sewer lines and drains. Step-by-step guide with drainage slope calculator, code requirements, and installation tips.

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Size a Tankless Water Heater

Learn how to properly size a tankless water heater. Step-by-step guide with tankless water heater calculator, flow rate calculations, and BTU requirements.

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Calculate Water Pressure Drop

Learn how to calculate water pressure drop in pipes. Step-by-step guide with pressure drop calculator, Darcy-Weisbach formula, and friction loss calculations.

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Estimate Plumbing Cost

Learn how to estimate plumbing project costs. Step-by-step guide with plumbing cost calculator, material pricing, labor rates, and markup calculations.

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Why Use Our How-To Guides?

Step-by-Step Instructions

Clear, detailed steps that walk you through each calculation and design process from start to finish.

Integrated Calculators

Each guide includes direct links to our professional calculators for instant, accurate results.

Code Compliance

Learn about IPC, UPC, and NFPA code requirements to ensure your projects meet standards.