Custom designing a new home is exciting, but also challenging due to the volume of decisions you have to make. Something basic like plumbing can easily escape your attention, costing you a lot of money in repair costs over the long run. Follow these five steps to ensure your new construction plumbing is installed successfully and hassle-free.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
It’s never too early to start thinking about your future home’s plumbing system. Variables such as existing sewage structures and an area’s plumbing codes can be examined even before a site is selected. It is best to contact an experienced professional plumber while your project is still in the design phase. This way, you can ensure that the plumbing work will not interfere with the electrical or carpentry components of the build.
When your site and design are further along in development, you should seek out expert advice on the type of plumbing services you need. Possible options include copper or plastic piping, pipe size, choice of hot water system, and the style of the gutters and down-pipes. Local regulations and the details of the site will determine which options are best for you. We offer free consultations to help you discover exactly what your project requires.
Once the plumbing plan is in place, your plumber should give you a hard estimate for all of the work to be performed. You do not want to be hit with any surprise charges at the end of the project, do you?
Plumbing installation during build process
Step 2: Setting A Schedule
When you are happy with the work to be performed, you need to determine when the work will take place. We will advise you on how long the work will take and allow you to choose the dates we will be on site. Various checkpoints will be mutually agreed upon, allowing you to keep tabs on how your plumbing project is progressing.
You will also have access to a site manager who will be able to answer any questions arising over the course of the work. As the owner of the property, you should never hesitate to ask about anything you are unsure about.
Step 3: The Actual Work
The first step in any new construction plumbing project is to lay all of the underground piping and storm water drains. We arrange all of the plumbing fixtures beforehand to help visualize where the piping needs to go. We also ensure that every drain pipe has enough “fall,” or the slope that makes sure water flows through the system as intended. These details may seem minor, but they prevent costly repairs from becoming necessary.
The system is then tested for water tightness before being back-filled, or re-covered with the earth that was moved to install the system. This process sounds simple, but can actually be quite complex. Any debris in the back-fill could damage the piping, while the wrong back-fill material could cause garden beds and paths to shift away from their desired locations or even sink into the ground. Only an experienced plumber should be trusted with this important task.
Waterproofing is also required to ensure that your home avoids water damages. This is generally done using gutters, eaves, and drain-lines to guide excess water away from the building’s interior. Some municipalities have special regulations regarding the types of gutters and eaves that are allowed. Failure to follow these instructions could void your insurance policy in the event of a flood, making it important to get right on the first attempt.
The West End Plumbing WA team are ready to help you with your new construction project.
Step 4: Testing The System
When the entire system is in place, it should be tested to make sure that everything is working properly. First, the entire system must maintain consistent pressure to ensure that there are no leaks. This can be done with water or air, with any leaks being discovered and repaired before testing the system again.
After that, the water supply, sewage, rainwater, and storm water systems are double-checked by whoever was in charge of their installation. When everything passes, your site manager will walk you through the entire system before calling the project complete. You will be provided with paperwork that proves your plumbing is expertly installed and compliant with all relevant local regulations.
Step 5: After Service Support
We back our work, so we are happy to answer any inquiries you have about your plumbing system even after you give your site manager your seal of approval. If anything goes awry, we will be there to fix it free of charge at your earliest convenience. In all probability, that will not be necessary though. Your plumbing will work exactly as you want it to.
Conclusion
Plumbing can turn into a nightmare on any new construction project, but it does not have to. Following the five steps above will help ensure that your plumbing system meets your every need and expectation.
For a free no obligation quote, contact our team of friendly, licensed plumbers today.
