​Plumbing

Introduction

Plumbing can seem daunting at first, but it can actually be broken down into a
few basic components. Here's a guide for new home builders installing a
plumbing system.

Setting the sewer accommodation stubs—that is, where the home's sewer line
connects to the municipal sewerage system—marks the beginning of the
plumbing system installation. This happens before the concrete foundation is
poured.

The Rough-In Phase

What's called the rough-in plumbing phase—where the basic lines are laid
without making the final connections—happens when the framing is complete,
but before hanging the drywall. The main drains are all installed and
connected to what's called the stack.

The stack​ is the vertical drain pipe that other drain pipes feed into. Waste or
water flows downward, and a vent at the top allows air into the system, which
enables the water to flow freely.

Rough-in drain fittings for sinks and bathtubs are also installed at this stage,
as are the water supply pipes and toilet flanges.

Setting Large Plumbing Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures like showers and bathtubs are often too large to set once
doorways and walls are framed. Any fixtures larger than sinks generally get
set before the walls are framed.

Connecting the Fixtures

Sinks and toilets are set to last, after finishing the walls and flooring. From
there, all the fixtures can be connected to the supply and drainage systems.
Water Supply System
The pressurized water supply enters the house through one main line. This
must be set below the frost line—the depth to which groundwater will
freeze—to keep the line from freezing and damaging your pipes.

Once the main line has entered the house, it's split into two lines. One
supplies cold water while the other connects to the hot water system. From
there, each appliance or fixture is supplied hot and cold water.

Drainage System
The drainage system consists of the main vent-and-soil stack (already
mentioned) and the waste drains that connect to it. The stack directs waste to
the main sewer drain, which exits the house below the frost line. From there it
can tie into the municipal sewer system or run to a personal septic tank.

Vent Pipes

If you've ever tried to tip a bottle of liquid out by holding it vertically, you'll
know why vent pipes are essential.

A constant source of air prevents water locks from forming in drainpipes,

which can cause clogs. Most fixtures and appliances can share a common
vent so long as they're connected within 10 feet of each other. If not, a
separate vent pipe must be installed.

All vent pipes generally connect to the stack, allowing ventilation through the
main stack vent. Sometimes separate vents must exit the home separately if
the house's layout doesn't allow for easy connection.

Traps

Traps are generally the most recognizable part of the plumbing system.
They're the U-shaped pipes that connect to the bottom of showers, sinks, or
bathtub drains. Their role is to retain a small amount of water to prevent sewer
gasses from backing up into the house.