How to stablise water pipes under house?

[jd15]

 

Hi, 

I have been cleaning out the subfloor of my house and noticed that a water pipe has been secured via a bracket to a rotten piece of wood.
To avoid the risk of termites, what would be the best option to replace this with or does it even need to be secured? 
In addition, do you know why there would be this black tarp under here? 

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @jd15,

I imagine this was a bit of a rough method that the plumber used to keep the pipe at the correct angle and location. It's not ideal, but if it is working, it's probably best to just leave it as it is or replace it without altering the height or location of the pipe in any way.

If you were to replace the timber, then you should use H4 treated timber, such as a Treated Pine Sleeper or use a material that is not susceptible to rot or insect damage, such as a brick or block.

In regard to the black plastic, it is often used as a vapour barrier, or simply to cover the ground to prevent weeds. Seeing that it is only covering part of the area underneath your house, I doubt it is serving much of a purpose and it could just be leftover construction waste. 

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[jd15]

Hey Jacob,

thanks for the reply, I could imagine what you said is true given some of the other plumbing work around the house.

I got the H4 sleeper and will cost it in waterproof membrane and replace it as suggested.

thanks again