Howdy all,
Is there a minimum depth that copper pipe must be installed within walls? In other words, minimum clearance between the pipe and the drywall?

I know there is for electrical lines, so somebody hanging a picture doesn't drive the nail in and electrocute themselves.

I have an installation situation where it'll be very easy for me to install the pipe about 1/2" deep from the drywall.. or, alternatively, about 50 times harder for me to get it to the other side of the existing pipes, making the depth about 2" (in a 2x6 framed wall).

Thanks for the advice! I'll wait to hear before I solder them in.

- james

Howdy all,
Is there a minimum depth that copper pipe must be installed within walls? In other words, minimum clearance between the pipe and the drywall?

I know there is for electrical lines, so somebody hanging a picture doesn't drive the nail in and electrocute themselves.

I have an installation situation where it'll be very easy for me to install the pipe about 1/2" deep from the drywall.. or, alternatively, about 50 times harder for me to get it to the other side of the existing pipes, making the depth about 2" (in a 2x6 framed wall).

Thanks for the advice! I'll wait to hear before I solder them in.

- james


Hi James,

I go for door #1. Notch the studs 1/2", run your copper, cover it up and fotget it. Although to be on the safe side I'd cover the notches with nail plates so a drywall screw doesn't hit it when you install the drywall. Good luck, Tom