Where does plumbing upgrades fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Plumbing Upgrades
Planned for the home you live in, with the work done in order and the site kept clean.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For custom homes: Plumbing Upgrades
Included in the full new-build plan, with the trades coordinated under one lead.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial spaces: Plumbing Upgrades
Scheduled around occupancy, built to the commercial code and the building use.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For high-rise buildings: Plumbing Upgrades
Planned for vertical access, fire separation, sound and the building schedule.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For renovations: Plumbing Upgrades
Scoped with the rest of the renovation so the trades work in the right order.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
Plumbing Upgrades
Supply lines, drains and fixtures updated by licensed plumbers, planned with the renovation so the walls are opened once.
How this guide works
Plumbing is the hidden part of a renovation. Old lines and drains are found once the walls are open, so it is planned in from the start. Work through the decisions in order.
Decision 1: Where plumbing upgrades are used
Plumbing upgrades go into kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions and commercial fit-outs. The fixtures and the drain layout decide the work.
| Use | Typical upgrade | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchens and bathrooms | New supply and drain for fixtures | Slope, vents, fixture location |
| Basements | Ejector or drain lines | Gravity fall, backwater protection |
| Additions | Tie-in to the existing system | Pressure, slope, venting |
| Commercial | Larger supply and drain | Code, fixture count, access |
Our pick: Plan the fixture locations before the walls are framed. Moving a drain later is expensive.
Decision 2: Supply lines
Old galvanised or failing supply lines restrict flow and leak. Replacement is planned with the renovation.
| Material | Life | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanised steel | Failing, restricts flow | Replace |
| Copper | Long life | Standard |
| PEX | Long life, flexible | Common in renovations |
Our pick: Replace galvanised lines during a renovation. They are the most common source of low pressure and leaks.
Decision 3: Drains and venting
Drains need the right slope and vents so the water flows and the traps hold. Cast iron and old drains are checked on camera before the work.
| Element | Check |
|---|---|
| Slope | Correct fall, usually 1/4 in per foot for small pipe |
| Vents | Connected and clear |
| Cast iron drains | Checked for cracks and root intrusion |
Our pick: Check the drain before you finish the room. A slow drain behind new tile is a costly fix.
Decision 4: Fixture and layout
Fixture location decides the supply and the drain. The layout is planned against the framing and the finish.
| Fixture | Layout point |
|---|---|
| Toilet | Drain and clearance |
| Sink and tub | Supply and drain together |
| Dishwasher and fridge line | Supply and shut-off |
Our pick: Mark the fixtures on the framing before the walls close. It keeps the plumbing where it should be.
Decision 5: Testing and inspection
Plumbing is pressure-tested and inspected before the walls close. The test is what confirms the work is sound.
| Stage | What is checked |
|---|---|
| Rough-in | Pressure test, slope, venting |
| Final | Fixtures, shut-offs, operation |
Our pick: Pressure test before you close. A leak behind a wall is found late and costs more.
Decision 6: Warning signs and timing
Plumbing problems show as slow drains, low pressure, water stains and noise. Small signs usually mean a leak is starting.
| Sign | Act by |
|---|---|
| Slow drain across the house | Checking the main drain and vent |
| Low pressure at all fixtures | Checking the supply line and the valve |
| Water stain under a fixture | Checking the joint and the shut-off |
Our pick: Act on the first stain under a fixture. A small leak behind a wall gets large quickly.
Decision 7: Permits and inspection
Plumbing work is permitted and inspected. New drain lines, new supply lines and new fixtures usually need a permit.
| Scope | Check |
|---|---|
| Replacing a fixture in place | Usually no permit |
| New supply or drain line | Permit and inspection |
| Relocating a drain | Permit and inspection |
Our pick: Confirm before the walls are opened. A relocated drain needs an inspection before it is covered.
Decision 8: Coordination with the other trades
Plumbing runs through the framing, the insulation and the tile. The rough-in is tested before those trades cover it.
| Trade | What plumbing needs |
|---|---|
| Framing | Holes and bays planned on the drawings |
| Electrical | Separated from the supply and drain lines |
| Insulation | Installed around the pipes, with freeze protection |
| Tile and waterproofing | Tested before the tile goes on |
Our pick: Pressure-test the rough-in before the walls and the tile are closed.
Decision 9: Warranty and maintenance
Plumbing lasts when the drains are kept clear and the supply is checked. A yearly look at the valves and the drain catches problems early.
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Drains | Cleared before they slow down |
| Shut-off valves | Turned and checked yearly |
| Water heater | Flushed and checked on schedule |
Our pick: Check the shut-off valves yearly. In an emergency, you need them to turn.
Questions
Do you do the plumbing yourselves?
Licensed plumbers do the work. We coordinate and schedule it.
Is it better to do plumbing during the renovation?
Yes. Opening walls later is far more expensive.
Will I need an inspection?
Yes. Plumbing work is inspected.
Talk to the Plug
Tell us the fixtures, the age of the pipes and the renovation. We arrange the licensed plumber, the layout check and the tests.
Related: Bathroom RenovationsKitchen RemodelsAll contracting
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