How to Build a Home, Step 47
Plumbing Trim
The next step in the process to build a new home is the plumbing trim. Because the countertops and flooring are installed, we can now have the plumbing contractor back to the home to install the plumbing finishes. Let’s take a look at some of the more important items associated with the home building activity.
Plumbing Trim Schedule
The driving force behind the home building schedule is to construct the home in the most efficient manner possible. So in order to achieve this, we need certain items to be completed prior to starting the plumbing trim. In other words, we want this to be the last time the plumbing contractor comes out to the home, so everything should be ready for him/her at this time. Here are the critical items that need to be in place prior to starting the plumbing trim…
- Hard surface flooring should be installed in all bathrooms.
- Countertops in bathrooms, kitchens, and bar areas should be installed.
- Appliances should be at the home.
- Shower walls should be complete with tile, stone or other finished surface.
- Whirlpool tub wiring should be in place per code and access panels should be in place.
- Gas furnace should be set to allow gas pipe termination by the plumbing contractor.
- Fireplaces should be set and ready for final gas line termination to the appliance.
Scope of Work for Plumbing Trim
The primary objective of the plumbing trim is to finish up all water and gas supply piping, waste water piping, and basically, anything else plumbing related. Some other items include…
- Water Heater – Finish installation of water lines, gas line, and flues.
- Sump Pump – Check installation of sump pump to ensure proper operation.
- Hose Bibs – Finish installation of all exterior hose bibs using frost free valves in cold climates.
- Washer – Finish up installation of washer including connection of water supplies and drain pan if required.
- Faucets – Install all faucets for sinks, showers, and tubs.
- Laundry Tub – Set laundry tub and faucet as required by plan.
- Icemaker Water Line – Finalize icemaker water line installation for refrigerator.
- Sinks – Set all sinks, both pedestal and drop in style.
- Toilets – Install all toilets per plan.
- Ejector Pits – If the lower level of the home has an ejector pit, it should be installed at this time.
- Gas Checks – All gas lines and connections should be checked for leaks. All flues should be checked for leaks and back drafts.
- Dishwasher – The waterline for the dishwasher should be installed with proper shutoff.
Plumbing Trim Quality Check
Quality Checks
Here are some of the quality checks to make sure your plumbing trim was installed properly.
- Flue Pipe – Sections of pipe should have been secured with screws.
- Water Hammer – All faucets should be run to check for water hammer (this is the banging that occurs sometimes when pipes are secured and installed properly)
- Leaks – All visible plumbing connections should be checked for leaks while running water. Some locations include…under sinks, washer connections, dishwasher, refrigerator, basement supply and drain piping..etc.
- Product Literature – Copies of all manufacturer product literature should be given to the owner including…hot water heater, water softener,…etc.
- Cleanouts & Valves – These should be accessible and labeled by the plumbing contractor for future reference and adjustment.
- Soaker/Whirlpool Tub – Verify size/capacity of water heater will work with over sized tubs. You don’t want to run out of hot water half way through filling the tub.
- Inspection – Confirm final municipal plumbing inspection has been completed or scheduled.
- Drilling Floor Joists – Check basement, if accessible, to make sure no joists were drilled improperly.
