7 Plumbing Considerations When Building a New Home

Building a new home can be exciting but it can also be nerve-wracking. From deciding on the floor plan to the paint colors to use in different parts of the house, it can be a lot. However, you need to stay on top of things by being informed. This is especially important for aspects of the home that could cause major restructuring if they needed to be changed. Plumbing is one such aspect of homebuilding. You need to get it right from the very first steps of planning. A poorly working plumbing system can be a nightmare in the future. From blocked drainage to floods and everything in-between, you need to prevent all issues. How can you do this? By bearing the following considerations in mind as you build your home.

Current and Future Plumbing Needs

You may just be a small family now but what about in the future when the members increase? Do you plan on moving to another home? If not, bear in mind what your future plans are. Think of the number of bathrooms you need. How many rooms in the house will need a water supply? The pipes, drain lines, and sewers need to be installed in such a way that they ensure utmost functioning. Outdoor plumbing needs should also be considered and plans made appropriately.

It is good to discuss with your contractor about your plumbing needs at the early stages of planning. Determine how well the desired plumbing will work with the floor plan you choose and make changes if necessary. Good home builders in NC will allow you to alter the floor plan as necessary to suit your plumbing needs.

Required Permits

Plumbing work is governed by strict regulations that differ from one state to the other. In most states, plumbing work will require one to have a permit before commencing operations. Find out what the specific qualifications are in your state. Apply for permits early to allow time for processing.

Talk to your plumbing contractors about whether they can get the permits for you or not. Do not just assume that they will only be frustrated later.

Conveniently Place Plumbing in a Central Location

Placing plumbing fixtures in one place makes it easy to carry out repairs and maintenance. The water heater, sump pit, sewage ejector pit, water softener, and main water shut-off valve should be placed in one place. Remember that these are not the most beautiful sights in your house so it is best to keep them hidden. The basement is a perfect location because it has enough space and stays out of sight. If you do not have a basement, a hidden part of the home (such as a utility closet) will work just as fine.

Save Money with Wet Wall Sharing

A wet wall is a side of a room’s walls that houses the water pipes, vent stacks, and sewer lines. Having different rooms share the same wet wall will save you money and time. You will need to buy fewer supplies and put in less work. To achieve this, have kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms share walls.

The materials for constructing a wet wall will differ from those used in making other walls. Having as few wet walls as possible will save you money on these special materials.

Use Quality and Water Saving Materials

Only high-quality materials should be used to install your home’s plumbing system. Find the best quality pipes that will serve you for a long time without requiring repairs.

A leaky tap can cause you to lose gallons of water even if that leakage is only a drop at a time. Invest in high-quality plumbing fixtures that ensure effective water usage and minimal wastage. Consider using low-flow showers, toilets, and sinks. These will reduce water consumption significantly which means lower utility bills. Plus, mother nature will be happy as well.

Keep the Shut Off Valve within Reach

The last thing you want to do is to swim across the basement to shut off the water supply in a flooded home. Hopefully, this will not happen but it is better safe than sorry. Place the shutoff valve near the basement’s entrance or at a location that can be easily accessed from outside. This is to allow easy shutoff if the need ever arises. Shutting the main water supply off quickly when a pipe bursts may save you from property damage worth hundreds of dollars.

Work with a Professional Plumber

You do not want to make the plumbing of your new home a DIY affair. You do not want to risk safety issues with your new home, right? Get a qualified plumber to do all the plumbing work for you. He or she understands the requirements and workmanship best. Offer the best support you can but let the contractor take charge of the entire process.

With these considerations in mind, you will be able to build a home that is not only functional but efficient as well. Your plumbing needs are very crucial and nothing should be left to chance.

Guest Contributor: Elizabeth Howard