Articles

Draw Riser Diagram

By: Tim Carter

You need to draw a riser diagram to get a plumbing permit. This drawing is a good idea because it proves to the plumbing department that you have a clear idea of the correct pipes to put in your home.

You should follow all of the code requirements in the Uniform Plumbing Code when you draw your riser diagram.  A building inspector will FAIL your drawing if you draw the wrong drain, waste, and vent pipes.

What Does a Riser Diagram Look Like?

A riser diagram is a three-dimensional drawing that shows all the drain, waste, and vent pipes in a home or business. The pipe sizes are all shown on the drawing.

It is a good idea to have general notes on the drawing that speak to the slope of drain pipes, the height of toilet flanges above a finished floor, and the proper way to support pipes so they don’t act as beams.

Who Draws Riser Diagrams?

I happen to draw them. I love doing it. I’ve been a master plumber since 1981 and to me drawing a riser diagram or plumbing isometric drawing is like solving a crossword puzzle.

Call Tim Carter now if you want me to draw your riser diagram in days: 603-470-0508

What do Riser Diagrams Show?

A riser diagram for plumbing drain, waste, and vent (DWV) piping shows:

• all drain pipes
• all waste pipes
• all fixture vent pipes
• the building drain
• general notes
• pipe sizes
• code-approved pipe connections

How Long Does it Take to Draw One?

I can draw a riser diagram in as little as 24 hours if you have an emergency. It normally takes five business days to draw a riser diagram because of the other orders already in the queue.

Mechanical engineers might take weeks to produce this drawing.

Are Building Drain Layouts Important?

Yes, a building drain layout is very important. Non-plumbers almost always install the wrong fittings that cause serious clogs.

If you’re a DIY plumber, you should seriously consider asking me to draw your Building Drain Layout drawing.

Where Can I Get DIY Phone Coaching Help?

I offer DIY phone coaching. I’ve helped many homeowners over the phone install all the pipes in their homes. My favorite job was helping Zoe, a 28-year-old woman, in New Mexico with all the plumbing in her rural new home.

You can hire me for 15 minutes at a time and do either a voice or video call. Using video, I can see exactly what you’re up against to give you the best advice.

 

What is a Plumbing Isometric Drawing?

By: Tim Carter

A plumbing isometric drawing, or riser diagram, is a three-dimensional illustration that shows all the drain, waste, and vent plumbing lines in and under a building. These drawings are required for both residential and commercial plumbing. If you’re going to open a restaurant, you must produce a Restaurant Riser Diagram.

I draw residential riser diagrams each day for homeowners all across the USA. My plans cost 50-70% less than all my competitors. CALL ME NOW to discuss your project:

603-470-0508

I can complete your drawing in days, not weeks. I offer a special 24-hour expedited service should you be in a bind.

Your plumbing isometric drawing must meet all standards that are published in the Uniform Plumbing Code that is in force all across the USA.

Why is a Drawing Needed?

These drawings are required to get a plumbing permit in just about every city and town in the USA. The drawing indicates to the plumbing and building department that you understand the following:

• the correct size of drain pipes for each fixture
• the correct size of the vent pipe to each fixture
• the correct size of the building drain
• the correct orientation and connection of pipes within a fixture group
• how to minimize friction loss in the system
• how to collect vents

The inspector wants to make sure you know all of the above information so they don’t have to tell you to rip out all the pipes and start over when they show up for an inspection.

What Does a Riser Drawing Look Like?

Here’s a typical plumbing isometric drawing created by master plumber Tim Carter. Call him at 603-470-0508 if you want him to draw yours:

 

Who Can Draw the Riser Diagram?

Mechanical engineers can draw these plans but you’ll discover you may pay more than $3,000.00 (2024 prices) for one. These companies have lots of overhead costs.

Tim Carter, a master plumber who works out of his central New Hampshire house, has little overhead. He can draw a riser diagram for an average 3-bedroom home for less than $400.00 (2024 prices).