Plumbing a House

It is time for plumbing a house, typically after the frame is completed. During the stage when you are plumbing a house, the plumber is to be responsible for furnishing all of the materials for this work. Typically when you are plumbing a house, you are going to use Plastic – CPVC Schedule 40 equivalent and copper lines/gas lines.

When you are plumbing a house the plumber is going to vent all of the plumbing out of the rear side of the roof if possible, and where permitted. Also when he is plumbing your house he is going to install the tubs and shower pans at this stage, and protect them with plastic or corrugated liners to prevent construction damage from occurring. Also when plumbing a house, you need to stub out for all of the plumbing fixtures and drains. It is going to be important to know what fixtures, cabinets, sinks, etc you plan on using at the time you begin plumbing a house because it might dictate the location of the drains and water lines. Also, it is going to be your plumbers responsibility at the time he begins plumbing your home, to provide the roofer with the appropriate roof flashing that will be required for each of his sewer vents. Your payment to the plumbing contractor for his work plumbing your house should not be made until the following checklist has been fully completed. Early payment can result in work taking extended times to complete, and can be detrimental to the schedule.

Plumbing a House Checklist

• When plumbing a house, you need to confirm that all of the water lines are strapped, if they extend 1 foot above the bottom plate, with copper or brass straps. Galvanized metal straps touching copper pipes will cause electrolysis.
• As you are plumbing a house, you need to check that all elbows are properly secured on copper with lead-free solder.
• Make sure all stub outs are properly secured
• When the contractor is plumbing the house, make sure all exterior hose bibs are blocked and strapped.
• Make sure that the plumber does not leave any pipes exposed and sticking out of the walls (bowed out). Pipes that are not adequately lined up with the walls could require jack hammering.
• When plumbing a house after frame, it is common for the tubs to be installed and blocked (prior to sheetrock).
• Confirm that the water heater pop off line has been roughed in
• The contractor is responsible at the time he is plumbing the house, to install stud shoes where studs are notched or where 1 1/2″ holes have been drilled.
• When you are plumbing the house, make sure that all water lines on exterior walls have been adequately insulated.
• Fill all of the tub boxes with the required substances of your municipality (tar, cement, grout)
• When you are plumbing a house, you need to pay special attention to the location of commode drain pipes. Improperly located drains can cause problems later down the line at inspection. You need at least 15″ clear on both sides of the commode drain.
• Make sure when you are plumbing the house, that all clean out plugs have been capped off.
• Make sure, that when possible, all vents have been terminated through roof at rear of house.
• Make sure that the plumber hasn’t carelessly ran pipes through open attic space you intend to use.
• When your contractor is plumbing the house, make sure that all damage to sheathing has been properly repaired to prevent water leaks from occurring.
• When plumbing the house at frame stage, you are also going to need to test the gas lines before sheetrock. You need to run at least a 15 PSI test on the pipes and make sure they hold for at least one hour.
• If you have a fireplace, the gas will be ran when plumbing your house. Make sure that the shutoff is in a location acceptable to you, and that it works with the mantel you have anticipated.
• If you are using a pedestal sink, make sure the water lines are appropriately roughed in to hide behind the leg.
• Typical shower head heights are around 6′9″ in height. You need to confirm this location works for you, and also make sure that they are secured with brass screws. Remember, galvanized might cause electrolysis.
• When plumbing a house, you need to know what to expect during inspections. Your inspector is going to want to see a water test. After successful completion of the plumbing inspection, make sure all test balls are pulled.
• Finally, before drywall – scrutinize all PVC pipes for possible signs of damage, and make sure pipe adhesive is visible at all joints.