10 plumbing tips when constructing a new home
By Evan Crowther•Last updated Feb 6, 2024
Last updated Feb 6, 2024
Table of Contents
- 1. Start with a solid plan
- 2. Choose fixture placement wisely
- 3. Secure any necessary permits
- 4. Learn about the rough-in process
- 5. Incorporate shared wet walls
- 6. Install plumbing appliances together
- 7. Don’t neglect insulation
- 8. Consider future additions
- 9. Make the shutoff valve easy to access
- 10. Know when to hire a professional
- Common new construction plumbing issues and how to prevent them
- Hire pros on Thumbtack
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For anyone looking to build a home, installing new construction plumbing can be exciting and daunting. At the same time, it can be difficult to know where to start.
In this guide, we’ll provide 10 helpful tips for installing the plumbing for a new home.
1. Start with a solid plan
Before the first pipe is laid, create a detailed plan. Decide in advance where every line and plumbing fixture should go, and know the order in which you want everything installed. A clear plan helps the installation go smoothly.
Your general contractor and builder should already have a plumbing plan for your new home. If you're taking a more DIY approach, consider hiring a plumber, especially if you have little plumbing or construction experience.
2. Choose fixture placement wisely
When plumbing a new home, strategic placement of water fixtures can improve efficiency. A more efficient plumbing system can reduce water and energy waste and may lower utility costs, so it’s important to centralize fixtures like faucets.
- Trunk and branch: It's the most common type of fixture layout, but it can be difficult to centralize.
- Core: It's often inexpensive to install, but it requires intense planning.
- Whole-house manifold: It's easy to install and more efficient, but it can be expensive.
- Demand-initiated recirculation: It's very efficient, but it requires specialized knowledge.
3. Secure any necessary permits
Any new construction project will require some level of permitting. Requirements vary by state and county, so check with local officials to determine what permits you’ll need. Familiarize yourself with local building codes to make sure you aren’t in violation.
4. Learn about the rough-in process
“Rough-in” refers to the installation of every part of a plumbing system that can be installed before fixtures like toilets, tubs, and sinks. This includes drainage and water supply.
Drainage rough-in
To give water a way out of your home, your plumbing system uses drains and vent pipes. The vents allow air to flow to each fixture to prevent negative pressure. This part of the installation involves connecting your plumbing to the sewer lines.
Water supply rough-in
The water supply rough-in gives your fixtures a steady flow of water. At this stage, the plumber connects the home to water supply lines.
Both phases of the rough-in involve routing pipes throughout the home to create a direct path for water to flow.
5. Incorporate shared wet walls
One way to make your home’s plumbing more efficient is with a shared wet wall. This involves putting two showers or baths on opposite sides of a single wall. They can then share the same pipes, reducing water waste and the amount of piping needed.
6. Install plumbing appliances together
To help centralize your plumbing, it’s best to install all your major plumbing appliances, like water heaters, in one place. It’s also a good idea to keep water softeners and other machines in this central location. A centralized plumbing system can help reduce waste.
7. Don’t neglect insulation
Especially in cold climates, insulating your pipes can help prevent issues like freezing or even burst pipes. Insulation helps protect pipes from extreme temperatures. It also prevents condensation, which can cause water damage.
8. Consider future additions
When you install plumbing in a newly constructed home, keep in mind any additions you may want to make later. Try to make your designs flexible so you won’t have to undo all your work to add something later. Save all records of pipeline locations for easy reference.
9. Make the shutoff valve easy to access
In an emergency or during extensive repairs, you’ll need to shut off the water supply to your home using the main water shutoff valve. Make sure the valve is easy to access. It’s typically located along the perimeter of the home near the water meter.
10. Know when to hire a professional
While a DIY installation can be an exciting undertaking, it’s important to know your limits. A mistake in a new home’s plumbing installation can lead to disaster later on. Problems like mold, flooding, and water damage can result from faulty plumbing, and there are municipal code considerations.
If you aren’t completely confident in your ability to tackle a plumbing installation, it’s best to hire a pro.
Common new construction plumbing issues and how to prevent them
Faulty plumbing can lead to a host of issues down the line. These issues include:
Leaks
For your pipes to carry water without leaking, every joint has to be solid and watertight. Errors in plumbing installation can lead to unexpected leaks that waste water and damage your home. Throughout the installation, inspect every joint.
Water damage
If enough water collects somewhere it shouldn’t, it can damage your walls, floors, and ceilings. Over time, this water can cause rot and even mold, which can create health and safety risks. Have your home regularly inspected for undetected leaks and water damage.
Fixture and appliance malfunctions
If water can’t flow properly through your home, your appliances and fixtures may not function properly. Having a professional install your appliances can help ensure they work properly.
Hire pros on Thumbtack
For those looking to install plumbing in a new construction home, the task is often too involved for a DIY plumber. Proper installation is essential for plumbing to work properly and safely, so errors can be disastrous.
To reduce the risk of plumbing system failure, it’s usually safest to hire a professional. Download the Thumbtack app to get a free quote on plumbing for new construction homes.
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