Building a new home is a dream come true for many people. However, it would be best to consider certain aspects of your home to avoid future problems once it’s built. One of the crucial things you’ll have to consider is what goes into plumbing.
The plumbing system in your home will most likely be affected by your design choices. Hence, it’s essential to understand how it works. A plumbing design includes two systems: one that supplies water to your home and the other that gets rid of wastewater.
A good design should save you energy resources and water with short runs from one plumbing fixture to the other. Pipes run from different fixtures such as showers, sinks, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines.
On the other hand, did you know that a plumbing code is implemented in Australia to ensure your plumbing system’s safety? So, if you need help, it’s best to reach out to reputable plumbing companies like Sydney’s Maintenance Plumber. They can help you map out your plumbing layout to ensure every fixture is connected and that they’re up to the code.
Here are some tips on designing your plumbing system for a new home.
Research And Secure Permits
The first step in planning a new plumbing system for your home is to acquire the necessary permits. You’ll need them to avoid legal issues. The requirements for the licenses and the costs may vary considerably, depending on your location and the kind of work involved.
Failure to acquire the necessary permits might lead to legal proceedings. Consequently, this may result in removing the new plumbing system and changing the layout, which can be an extensive and expensive job.
Meanwhile, insurance providers don’t cover workers on an installation without permits. Thus, you’ll be liable for accidents and injuries in such a scenario. The insurance provider won’t pay for any damages caused by a plumbing system installed without the necessary permits.
To avoid this, it’s best to ask the local authorities in your area for the required permits to avoid legal issues and financial loss.
Figure Out Your Plumbing Needs
It’s essential to assess your needs and wants when it comes to installing a new plumbing system so that it can meet your expectations. Some factors that determine your needs include tastes, budget, the number of people in your home, and the number of bathrooms.
Different people have different desires. Some will want fancy features to impress guests, while others have more specific needs for the plumbing system functions. The number of bathrooms and appliances—such as washing machines, dishwashers, and outdoor water faucets—must be considered in your planning.
Centralize The Plumbing System
Installing the plumbing system in one place makes it easy for repairs and maintenance in the future. For easy access, it helps to install appliances such as a water heater, furnace, water softener, and sump pump in one area.
These appliances can be installed together in a basement because of the convenience of space, and they won’t be an eyesore. On the other hand, you can install and tuck them away in a utility closet on the main floor if there’s no basement.
Consider Water Treatments
Installing water softeners is a good idea for your home if you have issues with hard water. It would also make more sense to install them sooner instead of having to solve the problem in the future.
Installing one in the future will be challenging and cost you more than when you’re building your new home. It’s always best to have a long-term perspective when you install something in your home, as it’ll help you save money and avoid stress.
Consider Wet Wall Sharing
You can save money by sharing the wet wall where your water supply, sewer lines, and vent stacks are located. Some houses have different wet walls for rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, but it would be more convenient if they ran on a single wall.
Sharing wet walls reduces labour and the materials needed to install them. Maintenance and repairs will also be easier if the pipes are all in one place.
List The Rooms That Require Water
It would be best to list down the rooms in your home that require plumbing and the features in each room. Your kitchen will need a sink or two, a water faucet, and maybe you’ll have a dishwasher.
Bathrooms have sinks, toilets, showers, drains, and bathtubs. All these aspects must be considered when planning your plumbing. The other sections you must consider are the basement, outdoor areas, and laundry room.
Summary
Once you have completed your plan, it’s time to call a professional plumber to perform the installation. A qualified plumber will execute your installation precisely while ensuring an accessible shut-off placement for your system.
Choosing an expert plumber will ensure that your building permits and insurance coverage are valid so your work can proceed flawlessly. They’ll ensure that your home’s plumbing design meets your current and future needs.