How to Find Travel Using Set and Advance Plumbing on YouTube

If you’ve ever tried installing or repairing pipes and found yourself guessing how much space to leave for fittings, you’re not alone. Many DIYers and even seasoned plumbers struggle with accurately calculating travel distance in offset pipe runs. Fortunately, the “set and advance” method—widely demonstrated in plumbing tutorials on YouTube—offers a reliable, geometry-based solution. In this guide, you’ll learn how to find travel using set and advance plumbing YouTube videos as your visual aid, with clear steps, expert-backed tips, and real-world applications.

What Is “Travel” in Plumbing?

In pipefitting, travel refers to the actual length of pipe needed to connect two points when navigating around an obstacle—like a wall stud or ductwork—using angled fittings (typically 45° or 22.5° elbows). It’s not the straight-line distance; it’s the diagonal path the pipe takes between fittings.

Understanding travel is crucial because:

• Incorrect measurements lead to wasted materials.
• Poorly fitted pipes cause leaks or system inefficiencies.
• Precision saves time during installation.

According to the Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association, over 30% of rework in residential plumbing stems from miscalculated offsets—a problem easily avoided with proper travel calculation.

Why Use the “Set and Advance” Method?

The set and advance method is a practical technique used to determine the travel distance in an offset without complex trigonometry. It breaks the problem into two measurable components:

• Set: The vertical or horizontal distance you need to bypass (e.g., 6 inches to go around a beam).
• Advance: The horizontal or vertical distance the pipe moves forward while making the offset.

Together, these form a right triangle, where travel is the hypotenuse.

💡 Pro Tip: This method works best with common angles like 45° and 22.5°, which have known travel constants (more on that below).

Unlike guesswork or trial-and-error cutting, set and advance gives you accuracy on the first try—especially when paired with visual guides from trusted YouTube channels like This Old House, Home Repair Tutor, or The Plumbing Doctor.

Step-by-Step: How to Find Travel Using Set and Advance (With YouTube Help)

Follow these concrete steps to calculate travel using the set and advance method. We’ll reference typical YouTube demonstrations for clarity.

Step 1: Measure the Set

Determine how far you need to move perpendicularly to avoid the obstacle.
Example: You need to rise 8 inches over a floor joist → Set = 8″.

Step 2: Choose Your Fitting Angle

Most DIYers use 45° elbows because they’re widely available and create manageable offsets.
Common angles and their travel multipliers:

🔍 These multipliers come from the cosecant of the angle (1 ÷ sin θ). For 45°, sin(45°) ≈ 0.707 → 1 ÷ 0.707 ≈ 1.414.

Step 3: Calculate Travel

Use the formula:
Travel = Set × Travel Multiplier

For a 45° offset with an 8″ set:
Travel = 8 × 1.414 = 11.31″

So, you’ll need 11.31 inches of pipe between the centers of your two 45° fittings.

Step 4: Determine Advance (Optional but Helpful)

Advance = Set × Cotangent of the Angle
For 45°, cot(45°) = 1 → Advance = 8″

This tells you how far forward the pipe will extend while rising 8″.

Step 5: Verify with a YouTube Tutorial

Search YouTube for:

“How to calculate plumbing offset 45 degree”

Channels like Home Repair Tutor often show real-time measuring, cutting, and dry-fitting. Watching these helps you visualize:

• Where to measure from (center of fitting vs. end of pipe)
• How to account for take-off (the hidden length inside fittings)
• Common mistakes (e.g., forgetting thread depth in galvanized pipes)

📌 Note: Always dry-fit before gluing or threading!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with YouTube guidance, beginners often make these errors:

1. Measuring from the wrong point – Always measure from the center of the fitting, not the end of the pipe.
2. Ignoring fitting take-off – A ½” PVC 45° elbow may have a ¾” take-off. Subtract this from your cut length.
3. Using the wrong multiplier – Double-check your angle. A 22.5° offset requires nearly 2.6× the set—not 1.4×!
4. Not accounting for pipe diameter – Larger pipes need more space; always mock-up in tight areas.

For deeper understanding, refer to the Wikipedia page on plumbing fittings, which explains standard dimensions and connection types.

Real-World Example: Bathroom Reroute

Imagine rerouting a shower drain around a new vanity cabinet:

• Obstacle height (Set): 6″
• Chosen angle: 45°
• Travel = 6 × 1.414 = 8.48″
• Advance = 6 × 1 = 6″

You mark 8.48″ between fitting centers, cut the pipe, and dry-fit. The pipe rises 6″ while moving forward 6″—perfectly clearing the cabinet base.

A popular YouTube video by The Plumbing Channel demonstrates this exact scenario with ABS pipe, showing how a small error in travel leads to a ½” gap—enough to fail inspection.

Tools You’ll Need

To apply this method effectively, gather:

• Tape measure (preferably laser for long runs)
• Pipe cutter or hacksaw
• Fittings (45°, 22.5°, etc.)
• Marker or chalk
• Smartphone (to watch YouTube tutorials on-site)

Many pros keep a printed cheat sheet of travel multipliers in their tool pouch—save one from a trusted YouTube description box!

FAQ Section

Q1: What does “travel” mean in plumbing?

A: Travel is the diagonal length of pipe required to connect two fittings in an offset configuration. It’s calculated based on the set (offset distance) and the angle of the fittings used.

Q2: Can I use the set and advance method for any angle?

A: Technically yes, but it’s most practical for standard angles (22.5°, 30°, 45°, 60°) because their trigonometric values are well-documented. Custom angles require a calculator or app.

Q3: Do YouTube plumbing videos teach accurate methods?

A: Reputable channels (e.g., licensed plumbers or trade schools) provide accurate, code-compliant techniques. Always verify the creator’s credentials—look for certifications or professional affiliations in their bio.

Q4: How do I account for pipe material (PVC vs. copper vs. steel)?

A: The set and advance math is the same, but take-off lengths vary by material and fitting type. For example, threaded steel fittings have longer engagement than slip-fit PVC. Always check manufacturer specs.

Q5: Is there an app to calculate plumbing travel?

A: Yes! Apps like Pipe Trades Pro or Plumber’s Calculator automate set/advance/travel math. But learning the manual method (as shown on YouTube) builds foundational skills.

Q6: Why is my offset not lining up even after correct travel calculation?

A: Likely causes: incorrect take-off deduction, misaligned fittings, or pipe spring-back (in flexible materials). Always dry-fit and use alignment tools like lasers or levels.

Conclusion

Mastering how to find travel using set and advance plumbing YouTube tutorials empowers you to tackle offsets with confidence—saving time, materials, and frustration. Whether you’re rerouting a kitchen sink drain or installing a new gas line, this method ensures precision every time.

Now that you understand the math, the measurements, and the mindset, why not try it on your next project? And if this guide helped you, share it with a fellow DIYer or tradesperson on Facebook, Pinterest, or Reddit—they’ll thank you later!

✅ Remember: Great plumbing isn’t just about pipes—it’s about planning, precision, and learning from those who’ve done it before. YouTube is your virtual mentor. Use it wisely.