We're remodeling everything and have decided on the Sterling Ensemble tub/shower for upstairs (it was nice to see most here think Vikrell is decent). It is now just a question of getting the standard version or the above floor drain (AFD) version to gain more altitude.
It's an old house that used 2x8 joists for upstairs. Because of that, I'm determined not to cut into the joists for any drains. The old toilet with 3" outlet worked fine so we're keeping it. It's 3" line will run about 3.5' toward (and under) the tub to get to the wall below. It will use a low heel 90 with 2" outlet that will have a street 90 to run the 2" vent back past the toilet about 3.5' (7' total) and then up.
The tub drain will parallel those 2 for about a foot and then drop into the wall under it where I'll wye into the 3" line. I showed my plans to our local inspector and he had no problems. My concern is having enough room to work with these 3 drains (all PVC) in the same 2x8 joist bay (no access below though if I really have to I will). There will also be 3 pex lines but they can go wherever there's space once the drains are in.
Anyway, I wondered if it's worth the minimal extra cost to get the tub 2" higher to make working underneath easier? Does that make it more challenging for a mortar pillars? We also thought having a 20" apron might be helpful down the road when we're old and arthritic.
It's an old house that used 2x8 joists for upstairs. Because of that, I'm determined not to cut into the joists for any drains. The old toilet with 3" outlet worked fine so we're keeping it. It's 3" line will run about 3.5' toward (and under) the tub to get to the wall below. It will use a low heel 90 with 2" outlet that will have a street 90 to run the 2" vent back past the toilet about 3.5' (7' total) and then up.
The tub drain will parallel those 2 for about a foot and then drop into the wall under it where I'll wye into the 3" line. I showed my plans to our local inspector and he had no problems. My concern is having enough room to work with these 3 drains (all PVC) in the same 2x8 joist bay (no access below though if I really have to I will). There will also be 3 pex lines but they can go wherever there's space once the drains are in.
Anyway, I wondered if it's worth the minimal extra cost to get the tub 2" higher to make working underneath easier? Does that make it more challenging for a mortar pillars? We also thought having a 20" apron might be helpful down the road when we're old and arthritic.