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Plumbing has undergone a radical transformation since the turn of the century. While plumbing fittings and pipes were earlier made from metal, today’s plumbing relies on a healthy blend of modern plastics and alloys. In addition, construction raw materials have become much more expensive, especially with metals such as copper. In such a scenario, a single mistake in plumbing work during the construction stage can prove to be extremely costly.

Here, we have mentioned the most important things to consider during the plumbing stage of your home construction.

1. Underground pipes and stormwater drains

Once these have been successfully laid, your plumber will need to test the system to check for water tightness. After this, the area will be filled back with the excavated earth. Backfilling of plumbing works must be done with extreme care because debris or rocks that are backfilled into trenches must not cause any damage to the buried piping. A mixture of backfill needs to be used. For example, if lumpy clay is excavated, then the first 300-500 mm (millimetres) of backfill must consist of sandy, loose earth. On the contrary, if concrete needs to be paved at the top, then crushed and compacted earth should be used, especially when it comes to a deep excavation.

2. Pipes

Clean water enters the plumbing pipe from the primary water supply line. Unclean water is successfully pulled down by gravity to exit the system of pipes. Air blowing through all the vents ensures that the pipes stay clean and clear. This is a simple and self-sustaining setup that should survive the test of time, when done correctly.

3. Plumbing items and fixtures

If you are carrying out plumbing in a new house, you need to install plumbing items and fixtures before the completion of the house’s interiors. Showers, sinks, and tubs are easier to install when the doorways and walls have not yet been installed.

4. Sewer lines and septic tanks

Installing sewer lines and septic tanks is extremely challenging when it comes to a home’s plumbing system. Firstly, you need to know the septic tank’s size. This can be calculated by the total number of bedrooms in your house. The venting system of your septic tank must be flawless.

5. Placement and positioning of the main stack

The main stack is basically a pipe with a diameter of approximately 3-4 inches. It typically runs from your home’s basement to the terrace or roof. The lower section of the main stack is responsible for collecting wastewater from several other plumbing fixtures. The upper section is used for venting. While you are installing plumbing in your new house, you will need to find a spot where the main stack runs without interruptions. 

6. Installing drains and vents

Drain and vent pipes are generally 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Pipes must slant at a quarter of an inch per foot to drain efficiently. Bends, where the pipes eventually join the main stack, must be smooth and not be angled sharply. Every plumbing fixture must have a trap beneath it, which will catch water and prevent obnoxious gases from gaining entry into your living quarters. Moreover, every fixture needs to be vented. 

7. Waterproofing and final testing

Your plumber will most likely carry out waterproofing of retaining walls, lower rooms, and basements, where an underground sump is generally constructed to store water. Roofs, too, need specialised treatment, and plumbers need to take into account gutter overflows in regions that receive heavy rainfall.

After the complete plumbing has been installed in your new home, every single thing should be tested to ensure adequate functionality and immaculate efficiency. This includes all water supply sources, bathroom fixtures, and sewerage.