bathroom darkroom plumbing question

[Chester McCheeserton]

I'm in the process of putting together a darkroom in my bathroom for making 11x14 enlargements from 35mm negs and some contact prints from big negs. I've been reading through a bunch of threads on this. I have an enlarger on the way, plan to put it on cart and have found a fish cleaning sink that will fit perfectly next to my shower and fit 3 11x14 trays. The sink has a hose that I think I can run into the toilet for a drain. This is my only bathroom so I'll be breaking it down when not in use and will still need to have access to the toilet, sink, and shower when I leave the darkroom set up for a few days at a time.

My question involves water/hose. It could be possible to screw a long hose onto my bathroom sink spigot and run it the 6-8 feet horizontally across the space to provide water in the fish cleaning sink. However it seems like it's asking for a big spill. Could it be possible/a good idea to to try split or tap into the cold water line that runs from the wall into the back of the toilet? I'm not planning to process film so Temp control is not an issue. Not worried about water filter either. Just wondering if I could split that line and run it up the 2 feet vertically into the sink without messing up the pressure/integrity of that water line. (i'm also a renter so trying not make any huge alterations)

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[xkaes]

It's easy to do if you have the right tools, and if that is a standard water pipe (ex. 1/2") that runs to a shut-off valve to the toilet. All you need to do is get a Y-joint between the water pipe and the valve to the toilet.

BUT in order to do that you have to have access to a shut off valve BEFORE the valve to the toilet. You shut that valve off, drain the water pipes (at the lowest point possible), install the Y-joint, and turn the water back on.

The end of the Y-joint going to your sink can be just about anything, but add another shut-off valve in that line.

[Tin Can]

What floor, basement?

Use New PCV WHITE PIPE
Very cheap

Renting?

[Michael Rosenberg]

If it is a tear down when needed situation, you may want to consider putting the sink over the bath tub to drain the water. Then use a splitter for a shower head and a separate hose. More mistake proof. Also, easier to adjust water flow.
My first darkroom was in my bedroom, and used my dresser covered with a shower curtain for the enlarger and trays. Once the prints were fixed I moved them into the shower to wash. My current darkroom has a 20 foot sink - compensation.
Mike

[Chester McCheeserton]

Thank you Xkaes, that's exactly the info I was looking for.

Tin Can - Ground floor - no basement.
Thanks Michael, no tub, shower only situation. But maybe shower head splitter makes sense for print washer.

[Fred L]

Agree with draining into the shower. Also, if you're a renter, I would strongly advise against doing any alteration of plumbing. If there are water issues because of this work, you may end up looking for a new apartment. If your landlord is cool, I'd bring it up with them and do the shower Y tbh. Lastly, do you also really need running water or can water in a container that you scoop from, suffice for most of the process ? Good luck and happy printing.

[j.e.simmons]

I have a tub and use a shower head splitter from home depot. It was a simple install and the hose is removable.

[Chester McCheeserton]

Thanks Fred and j.e.

I don't really need running water except for the print washer, and I'd like to have it in the holding bath as well if I can figure it out. But it would also be great to be able to rinse the trays in the sink other than my bathroom or kitchen one and mix the chemistry there as well.

Separate question – how crucial do people feel that painting the walls black is? right now the wall is white, painting it back from black whenever I move out doesn't sound that fun

[xkaes]

The only place where black on the walls/ceiling CAN be useful is around the enlarger -- to capture light leaks. Other light leaks (doors, windows, etc.) are dealt with differently -- caulking, towels, etc.

So instead of painting around the enlarger, cover light leaks with black felt, etc. -- and/or hang black trash bags, plastic, etc.

Check your "darkroom" for light leaks, fix them, and then check your enlarger for light leaks -- and fix them.

Testing your safelight is separate, but any wall color is fine. Actually white is better because you can use a weaker safelight.

[Pieter]

Thanks Fred and j.e.

I don't really need running water except for the print washer, and I'd like to have it in the holding bath as well if I can figure it out. But it would also be great to be able to rinse the trays in the sink other than my bathroom or kitchen one and mix the chemistry there as well.

Separate question – how crucial do people feel that painting the walls black is? right now the wall is white, painting it back from black whenever I move out doesn't sound that fun
No need to paint anything black. If you are getting stray light from your enlarger, just tape or pin some black paper/mat board on the wall behind it. As a matter of fact, light-colored walls will make the darkroom brighter and easier to work in as they reflect the safelight.

[Fred L]

The most comfortable darkrooms I have worked in had light coloured walls. usually some type of pale yellow. As mentioned above, if there are any leaks, just cover it with tape etc.. As you mention, having to repaint if you leave can be a pita and imo not really worth the aggravation/expense etc.

Also, do you really want to live with a bathroom with black walls haha ?

[ic-racer]

Use caution with those valves as they are not so good for repeated on-off use. The packing on those valves can go bad. Then they leak around the rotating shaft.
I had to replace all of them in my house. Some of them were not so easy to remove and replace. You can see in this case I had to carefully cut the compression ring off with a cutting wheel.

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[ic-racer]

Rather than paint the walls around the enlarger, try to seal leaks in the enlarger head with neoprene rubber and or little skirts of opaque material. Another option would be to have a large sheet of black poster board to place behind the enlarger when using it.

[Chester McCheeserton]

Thanks everyone. Very Helpful.

[devb]

You can get dual valves so you can supply the toilet and an accessory at the same time. For example:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dual-Compression-Outlet-Angle-Stop-Valve-Plumbing-Fitting-Quarter-Turn-Single-Handle-Independent-Multi-Select-Positions-Water-Valve-Shut-Off-1-2-NOM-/888008086

[angusparker]

My two cents is to worry about the vertical height needed to enlarge 35mm to 11x14" using your enlarger. You may well find you need to cut a hole in your ceiling and orient the head of your enlarger in a particular direction to fit between the joists.