Foundation Plumbing

When building your own home, the plumbing grounds stage of construction will come after the forms have been set, and a load of sand has been delivered and spread out inside of the form boards for cushioning. At this time you will schedule the plumbing contractor to come out to the house and install the foundation plumbing.

For this stage of construction, all materials should be provided by the plumbing contractor. He is also responsible for the trenches needed for the sewer drain, installing plastic piping, and stubbing up the pipes in the foundation where necessary. The plumbing contractor is responsible for all changes if the system is not properly installed. The plumber will install Tub Buckets for sump pits at each tub and shower. The water service line will be stubbed up in the form and secured with a length of steel rebar below the edge of the top form board. Tub buckets will be secured in the same manner. All trenches will be backfilled to ensure their security when the form make-up crew arrives to cut beams. A trench will be cut at the front of the form to allow for rain water drainage.

Note: Some cities require a plumbing ground inspection before the contractor backfills trenches and form make-up begins. Be familiar with all requirements in your community.

Build Your Own Home

Foundation Plumbing Checklist

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  foundation plumbing locations

  Check for all specials (and additions) such as utility sinks, garage sinks, etc to ensure they have been installed as specified

• Confirm that the homes address is posted at the job site and visible from the street
• Check the location of all stub-outs and tub buckets against the framing plan
• Check all stubouts were installed using measurements from the rear of the slab and the closest side. The addition of a brick ledge or an elevation change will alter overall dimensions, therefore never check from the front! Check stub-outs are at least 12″ above the top form board and properly using steel rebar.
• Check for proper pipe size (ie, vents 2″ pipe and commodes 4″ pipe)
• Check that all stub-outs are capped to prevent concrete or other foreign objects from entering the sewer line.
• Check for proper number of vents
• Check for purple primer use at all PVC joint welds
• Check all water closets (commode drains) offsets are constructed using a long sweeping 90 degree configuration or two 45 degree fittings.