The Importance of Thorough Plumbing Planning in New Home Construction

As a plumbing and heating professional, J Griffin Heating and Plumbing recognizes the importance of thorough planning and considerations throughout the construction of a new home. It is essential to examine not only the interior design, but also the plumbing, HVAC, and structural materials that will be utilized. Leaks and significant water damage caused by a defective plumbing system could be unpleasant and troublesome occurrences in a poorly-prepared home. To avoid these concerns, it is crucial to ensure that plumbing systems are installed appropriately.

To assist with the process, we have compiled a list of considerations for establishing the plumbing system in a new home:

Getting and Maintaining Permits: Obtaining and acquiring the required permits is the initial stage in creating a plumbing system. Obtaining permits may be a time-consuming process, but it is necessary to ensure that the property conforms with all applicable building codes and safety laws. A permit also allows professionals to evaluate and verify for any mistakes in the plumbing design, so eliminating future pipe problems.

Consider Your Plumbing Needs: It is essential, while constructing a plumbing system, to consider both present and future plumbing needs. To ensure functionality, this includes determining where to install drain lines, plumbing, and sewage. To prevent future repair expenses, it is essential to incorporate all present and future water requirements into the plumbing system while it is still easily accessible. Additionally, external plumbing requirements should be evaluated to ensure that there are sufficient outdoor faucet connections throughout the property. Seasons should also be taken into account to ensure that the pipes are durable and will withstand bad weather conditions, particularly in the winter.

To make future maintenance and repairs simpler, all plumbing appliances should be located in a single location. These devices include the water softener, water heater, furnace, sewer connection, sewage ejector pit, and sump pump. These can be built together in the basement because it is the most practical spot for the system to be installed without becoming an eyesore. If there is no basement, they can be installed on the main level and within a utility closet to keep them inconspicuous.

Consider Adding Water Softeners: If your property has hard water, it may be beneficial to install water softeners. Even if there are no present issues, it is recommended to install one so that any future issues can be remedied. Water softeners may be difficult to install in the future, therefore it is best to install one at the time of construction.

Wet Wall Sharing: When building a home, sharing a wet wall can help you save money. Behind a wet wall are concealed the sewer pipes, water supply lines, and exhaust stacks. Most houses have separate wet walls for each room, such as the bathroom and kitchen, to house the pipes; however, sharing a wet wall could save money. This can be accomplished by constructing a plan in which the kitchen and laundry room share a wet wall or the bathrooms share a wall. Because the pipes will be located in a centralized location, the labor and materials necessary to install them will be decreased, and maintenance and repairs will be simplified.

List Rooms Requiring Water Access: When creating the layout of the plumbing system, it is necessary to consider all of the rooms that require water access. The three most critical locations to consider are the toilets, kitchen, and laundry room. Examine the quantity and placement of bathrooms, as well as the kitchen layout and appliances, as well as the location and appliances in the laundry room.

Accessible Location of Shut-Off: The main shut-off valve must be easily accessible in the event of an emergency. While some may choose to situate it in difficult-to-reach areas, we recommend selecting a more accessible site. This allows you to immediately shut off your plumbing system in the event of a leak, a broken pipe, or even periodic maintenance checks. Having easy access to the primary valve of your plumbing system will prevent costly water damage and save you money.

It is essential to avoid unnecessary expenditures by ensuring that the plumbing system design of your new house meets all of your current and future plumbing requirements. This involves obtaining the relevant approvals, constructing a centralized plumbing system, and, if required, installing backup water softeners. These simple recommendations can help you create a durable plumbing system. As expert plumbers, we advise our clients to adhere to these principles to ensure the efficiency and avoidance of future plumbing issues in their homes.