08 Plumbing
Introduction
This list of selections serves as a supplement to the Construction Documents (CD’s). Some of the selections below may be difficult to find or omitted on the CD’s. Check the CD’s for consistency with this list. Clarify with your contractor which document takes precedence for any inconsistencies.
Rough Plumbing
There are three common options for water supply pipes in a house: PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene), Copper and CPVC. All three options have pros and cons; there is much debate over which is best or worst. Consult with your Architect, Builder and Plumber before making a decision. PVC is used for waste pipes in most homes without much debate so alternatives are not listed here. Black iron is used for gas pipes in most homes without much debate so alternatives are not listed here.
Select water supply pipe material:
__ PEX __ Copper __ CPVC
Equipment
Water Heater
Determine if you want a traditional hot water heater or a tankless hot water heater.
Manufacturer and model number of hot water heater ___________________
Manufacturer and model number of tankless water heater ________________
Sump Pump
Select Sump Pump Manufacturer & Model # ____________________________________
Kitchen/Bathroom Sinks
Kitchen and bathroom sinks come in a variety of styles, sizes and materials. The size of the sink will impact the size of the cabinet it sits in, so select the sink prior to or in conjunction with selecting the cabinets.
Select from the following sink styles:
__ Drop-in __ Undermount __ Integral
__ Farmhouse __ Vessel __ Pedestal
__ Console __ Wall Hung
Select from the following sink materials:
__ granite composite __ stainless steel
__ integral solid surface __ enameled cast iron
__ Vitreous china, Porcelain, Ceramic
Indicate the model numbers:
Kitchen sink Manufacturer, model #, size and material: _______________________
Select Kitchen disposal manufacturer & model # _____________________________
Select Kitchen faucet manufacturer & model # ________________________________
Select Master Bathroom sink manufacturer & model # _________________________________
Select Master Bathroom faucet manufacturer & model # _______________________________
Select other bathroom sink manufacturer & model # _________________________________
Select other bathroom faucet manufacturer & model # ________________________________
Bathroom Toilets
Select bath toilet manufacturer & model # ________________________________
Bathroom Tubs
Select tub manufacturer & model # ________________________________
Bathroom Shower Base
The floor of your shower deserves some thought and research. If you want a stylish, upscale shower floor, you will likely consider a site built shower pan because it gives you the greatest flexibility with regard to size, shape, color and patterns. There are two significant drawbacks: first, it is the most expensive option, and second, it can be more susceptible to leaking. There are several different methods to waterproof a site built shower pan. Whichever waterproofing option you select, be sure to conduct a flood test prior to installing the ceramic tile on top of it.
Select shower base material
__ Fiberglass __ Acrylic __ Marble __ Solid surface __ Site built shower pan
If opting for a site built shower pan, select the water proofing material:
__ Kerdi __ Wedi __ Liquid applied
If opting for a site built shower pan, select type floor entry condition:
__ No curb (may require dropped floor joists) __ 4” curb
__ ramp __ other: _________________
Bathroom Shower Head
Select type of Shower Head in Master Bathroom:
__ wall mount shower head, indicate # heads, manufacturer & model #: _____________
__ ceiling mount rain shower, indicate manufacturer & model # ____________________
__ hand held hose/head, indicate manufacturer & model # ____________________
Other Shower Accessories:
Diverter Manufacturer & Model # _____________________________
Faucet Manufacturer & Model # _____________________________
Drain Manufacturer & Model # ________________________________
Steamer Manufacturer & Model # _______________________________
Laundry Room
The washer does not require a sink, however, either a free standing utility sink or a sink mounted in a countertop over a base cabinet is very common in the laundry room. A floor drain is recommended, but not required, for a laundry room on the first or second floor.
Select free-standing utility sink Manufacturer & Model # _______________________
Select countertop mounted sink manufacturer & model # _________________________
Select faucet manufacturer & model # ________________________________
Verify washer box location _____________________
Select floor drain finish, manufacturer & model number _______________________
Hose Bib
Make sure that a freeze-proof hose bid is specified
Select number and location(s) of hose bibs: _________________________________
Introduction
Once the rough framing is complete, work can begin on the rough plumbing. Rough plumbing and plumbing fixtures are very expensive to alter once installed, so the majority of time you spend on the plumbing phase should be on management as opposed to inspection. Confirm your plumbing selections prior to meeting with your plumber.
Review Scope Of Work with Plumber
- Verify any existing plumbing items or systems that need to be removed or replaced.
- Conduct a thorough “walk-thru” with your plumber and mark centerlines of sinks and toilets on the rough framing.
- Mark centerline and height of shower heads and shower controls for plumber. If you don’t, your plumber’s preferred location may not match yours.
- Make sure there is enough room between rough plumbing for sinks and adjacent cabinet drawers.
- Verify location of recessed shower box and grab bars (if applicable) and coordinate with location of shower controls.
- Verify sufficient floor cavity depth for trap.
- Verify location of washer wall box and floor drain at the clothes washer.
- Verify location of gas supply system to the following appliances and/or equipment: clothes dryer, oven/range, hot water heater & furnace.
- Verify location of water line to new refrigerator.
- Verify location of underground storm drains (to connect to downspouts).
- Verify location of hose bib.
Organization of Materials & Delivery Dates
- Confirm who is responsible for ordering, purchasing and delivering plumbing fixtures and accessories. Some of the accessories may be needed at time of rough plumbing, especially at showers. By giving your plumber these responsibilities, you can save yourself several trips to the vendor.
- Confirm delivery date and safe location to store plumbing fixtures, including tubs, shower enclosures, toilets, sinks and faucets. Some of these items are large, taking up a significant amount of space and some of these items are small and can be lost easily.
Inspect For Correct Installation
- Verify sinks, tubs, showers and clothes washers have vents that connect to a roof vent.
- Verify round insulation is installed at hot water pipes.
- Confirm that all rough plumbing is completed prior to installation of insulation and drywall.
- Check that sealant is installed at faucets and escutcheons.
- Check that all fixtures work: flush toilets, run hot and cold water at faucets.
- Check that water is hooked up to refrigerator.
- Check that dishwasher functions properly.
- Check that drains work.
- Detect any leaking and report any problems to plumber.
- Perform flood test at shower base.