There comes the importance of new construction plumbing. Various things come into play while building a new home from scratch, like choosing colors, cabinets, and more. One of the essential things that you need to consider is setting up running water.
It instals pipes, fixtures, faucets, and vents in the building .
We all use plumbing almost every day, but unfortunately, most of us are not aware of the plumbing systems that help to work properly. When something goes wrong, like pipe leakage or drainage issues, we think about the plumbing systems and look for a good plumber.
Whenever you build a new home, you require a good contractor and plumber. A good plumber will help install components like pipes and other elements in their proper place and according to the code.
New construction plumbing involves using plastic or metal alloy pipes because they are durable and affordable compared to other materials.
The article discusses new construction plumbing in detail. Read this article to learn more about it.
Importance Of Plumbing In New Construction
A plumbing system involves pipes, fittings, and faucets that can provide smooth water to a building’s citizens. It is the lifeline of the building.
Imagine you live in a house where there is no water coming from the pipes or no water to flush the toilet. It adversely affects your daily routine. Again, if unhygienic water comes from your faucet, it will affect your health badly. So, a sound plumbing system is quite essential when building a house.
Now, let’s discuss some other important aspects of plumbing in new construction.
1. Ensure The supply of Clean Water
If you don’t install proper plumbing while building your house, it can pose problems. Poor plumbing can connect sewage pipes to clean water pipes, which can further cause serious health hazards.
A well-designed plumbing system provides clean water which you can use for cooking, drinking, or bathing.
2. Efficient Disposal Of Waste Water
A properly installed plumbing system helps to dispose of wastewater from the building.
3. Long Term
If pipes leak, it may demand wall or floor repairs. Mold can even grow because of the water leaks, which can further cause respiratory problems.
A well-installed plumbing system will demand fewer repairs. Hence, it saves you money.
Critical Components Of New Construction Plumbing
The essential components of a new construction plumbing are as follows.
1. New Construction Plumbing Pipes
The plumber will install various pipes in the newly constructed house. Some pipes will supply clean water, which you can use for various purposes, like drinking and cooking. There will also be drainage pipes whose main work is to dispose of wastewater from the building.
The type of pipe used anywhere in your building depends on its purpose and location. For example, if you want to transport hot water in a pipe, use copper pipes as they are heat resistant.
Gas supply lines can consist of black steel because of its robustness properties. The drainage system pipes used in the building consist of PVC or ABS because they are durable and strong.
2. Fixtures
You interact directly with plumbing fixtures in your building. I am listing below some of the fixtures
- Sink
- Toilet
- Appliances in your building that use water of your building like washing machines, dishwashers
- Faucets
- Bathtub
The plumber must correctly install these faucets and connect them further to the home pipes.
3. Sewer Lines And Septic Tanks
Sewer lines and septic tanks are the next aspects of the plumbing system. The plumber installed the septic tanks 10-25 feet deep into the building’s ground. A septic tank separates solid and liquid waste. The solid waste stays in the tank and is removed, while the liquid waste is transported to the leach field.
4. Shut off Valves
Every building has shut-off valves that control the entire water supply of a house. But in some houses, you will find shut-off valves for various appliances like toilets. If a plumbing emergency arises, you can quickly turn off the shut-off valve. It will disconnect the water supply from your entire house.
Building Codes And Regulations Of Plumbing
Plumbing or Building codes regulate the design and inspection of various plumbing systems. Most residential buildings follow these codes to ensure that the plumber will adhere to the safety and structural integrity of the building.
The building codes regulate almost everything, i.e., from the pipe depth to the type of trap used in your building. The primary purpose of building codes is as follows.
- Building codes specify materials and methods for governing them, helping prevent leakage and water contamination. The plumber must follow the design standards to use the proper pipes, fittings, vents, and other plumbing appliances.
- The building code provides a technical framework to ensure that the plumbing system installed in your building will work effectively.
- The building code provides specifications for pipe diameters, pressure limitations, and many more to optimize the performance.
- The building codes regulation will urge plumbers to use water-efficient fixtures and environmentally friendly installation techniques.
If the plumber does not follow the rules associated with building codes, it may result in legal penalties and fines. The building owners will face various problems, such as getting insurance or selling.
Again, the building may lead to expensive repairs and potential health risks to the occupants. The inspector will inspect the building from the installation stage to the maintenance stage.
Plumbing System Design Considerations For New Construction
1. Research Local Guidelines
First, you must be aware of the plumbing guidelines in your locality. This will give you a brief idea about the standards you must follow during plumbing installation. Remember, the guidelines will vary from one locality to another.
Permission to install plumbing fixtures may take time. However, you need to understand that it suits the building’s occupants and will even prevent plumbing malfunctions and expensive repairs.
2. Number Of Occupants
You need to consider the number of occupants living in the building and their water usage, as well as the number of bathrooms, laundry facilities, and water appliances.
3. Proper Venting
Proper venting is essential when installing plumbing systems. It helps prevent sewer gas backup and clogged drains.
4. Choose Durable And Corrosion Resistant Pipes
You must choose pipes that are durable and corrosion-resistant. For example, you can select copper pipes, as they last longer.
5. Consider Your Plumbing Needs Both For Present And Future
You need to consider the plumbing needs for both the present and future. For example, you have to keep the weather conditions of your locality in mind when installing pipes outside. Additionally, ads factor in installing plumbing fixtures if you plan to add rooms to your house.
Consider trees near your house. If you install drainage or any sewer line near a growing tree, its roots may damage the pipelines in the future. You should have a physical barrier between the roots and pipes.
6. Rely On professionals
You are going to build a building from scratch. If you don’t have enough plumbing knowledge and start installing all the fixtures, pipes, and other components, it may lead to water leakage.
So, I recommend that you always depend on professionals. You can consult a good plumber with many years of construction experience.
7. Choose Qualitative Plumbing Materials
You must choose qualitative plumbing materials. For example, if you prefer plastic pipes, they are DIY-friendly, but you cannot use them to pass hot water. Hence, they are not very suitable for outdoor applications.
If you want pipes for hot and cold applications, you must prefer steel pipes.
8. Always Install Plumbing In An Easily Accessible Area
When planning for the plumbing system, you must decide its location. Remember, you should always install it in an accessible area.
Types Of Pipes Used In New Construction Plumbing
There are various types of pipes that can be used in new construction plumbing. I am listing some of them below.
1. New Construction Plumbing PEX pipe
PEX pipe is gaining popularity and is used in most houses because it is simple to install and is resistant to freezing temperatures. You can find them in colors like blue and red. Hence, you can easily differentiate between hot and cold water.
2. New Construction Plumbing PVC Pipe
PVC pipes can be used in commercial and residential buildings. They are strong, durable, nontoxic, and cheaper than copper. PVC pipes can be used indoors, outdoors, and underground.
3. New Construction Plumbing ABS Pipe
ABS pipe is a black plastic pipe that can be used as a vent pipe or a drain. It is lightweight and simple to connect. You can use this pipe both indoors and outdoors.
4. New Construction Plumbing Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are durable and will last for almost 50 years. They are mainly used to supply hard water. Copper pipes are also corrosion-resistant and can tolerate both hot and cold water.
5. New Construction Plumbing Cast Iron Pipe
Old buildings usually have cast iron pipes. They are heat resistant, strong, and durable. However, they also have a few disadvantages, like being a bit heavy and prone to rust. Additionally, rust and minerals easily build up in these pipes.
Step By Step Guide To New Construction Plumbing
1. Planning
You must review the building plans and find where the plumbing system should be installed.
You should also familiarize yourself with your local building codes. These codes will tell you everything from materials to pipe length and diameter.
You must also obtain permission for plumbing installation from your city, the type of permission of which will depend upon your project. You must also hire a plumbing professional to install all the pipes or fixtures in your newly constructed building.
2. Plan Layout
The second step is to develop a plumbing layout. It means planning the placement of pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing appliances.
3. Rough In Stage
Your plumber will start the rough-in stage after the plan layout procedure. This means your plumber will cut holes in the walls or floor for pipe installation.
4. Installation
At this stage, the plumber starts installing various plumbing components. He will connect the home plumbing to the water and sewage lines.
5. Testing
The plumber will do a test after he installs all the plumbing components. It will ensure that all the elements are working effectively.
6. Final Touches
The plumber will now add all the finishing touches, such as installing a faucet handle or toilet seat, and clean up all the mess from the installation process.
What Are The Common Issues In New Construction Plumbing?
1. Slow Moving Drains
If your toilet or sink is draining slowly, it indicates that there is a blockage in the plumbing system. The blockage can happen for numerous reasons, such as mineral buildup or debris. You need to address this issue instantly; otherwise, it can lead to pipe damage or complete blockage.
2. Gurgling Noise
Are you hearing gurgling noises from the toilet? If yes, it could be caused by trapped air.
Air can become trapped in the plumbing system for various reasons, such as blockage or improper venting.
It is pretty common in most households, but you need to pay attention to it as it indicates plumbing problems.
3. Foul Odors
If a foul odor constantly comes from the drain, it indicates sewer line problems like blockage. The smell can be unpleasant and harm your health, so address it immediately.
4. Water Back Ups
Sometimes, water does not flow properly in the plumbing system, leading to sink or toilet backups. This usually happens due to a blockage in the plumbing system.
5. Mold Growth
If mold is observed near plumbing fixtures or walls, it indicates plumbing problems. Leakage or fault drainage systems can lead to constant moisture on walls.
Frequently Asked Questions about new construction plumbing
1. What is plumbing work in construction?
Plumbing work in construction means installing all the pipes, fixtures, and various plumbing systems in a newly constructed building according to the local codes. The plumber installs various pipes to provide drinkable water or remove water-borne waste.
2. What are the three main types of plumbing systems?
The three main types of plumbing systems are portable water, sanitary water, and stormwater systems. It will play an important role in keeping the city clean.
3. Which pipes are top for house construction?
PVC pipes are mainly used for house construction as they are durable, versatile, and affordable. Solvent cement can be used to connect the pipes.
4. What tools do plumbers use?
The plumbers use various types of tools, which are listed below.
- Pliers
- Pipe wrenches
- Plumbers putty
- Hack saw
- Plumbers putty
- Basin wrench
- Pipe inspection camera
5. What size is the water line for a house?
A one-family house requires an inch water supply line.
Conclusion
New construction plumbing is complex and requires various planning. You must get a permit from your locality and know the local codes. This will ensure that all the plumbing equipment, such as pipes and fixtures, is installed according to the specifications.
I have discussed a step-by-step guide on new construction plumbing and hope the information is helpful.
