Plumbing 101 for homeowners

01 · Supply

Map source to every controlled outlet.

Coordinate source, meter, sump, pumps, overhead or pressure storage, treatment, hot water and each pressure zone. Locate isolation valves so one repair does not shut the entire home. Keep pumps, floats, strainers and tanks accessible.

• Demand and storage basis
• Cold and hot-water schematic
• Pump duty and control
• Isolation and non-return valves
• Tank overflow, drain and cleaning access

02 · Drainage

Give waste water a vented, maintainable path.

Coordinate fixture traps, soil and waste stacks, ventilation, slopes, clean-outs, chambers and the final sewer or treatment connection. Set routes before beams, floors and cabinetry are fixed. Separate rainwater and storm water from sewage.

03 · Hold points

Test before concealment and backfill.

Before masonry and slabs, coordinate shafts, sleeves, fixture centres and drainage routes. Before concealment, verify pipe type and pressure class, joints and dated photographs. Coordinate wet-area flood or pond tests with waterproofing. Before backfill, record sanitary levels, flow and chamber locations.

• Water-line pressure or hydraulic test
• Drainage flow and leak test
• Tank, pump, float and valve test
• Hot-water safety and functional check
• Fixture leakage and seal inspection
• Water-quality test appropriate to source

04 · Handover

Keep controls and buried routes findable.

Handover as-built supply and drainage drawings, valve and pump schedule, concealed-route photographs, test sheets, product details, warranties, water-source records and maintenance instructions. Label isolation and emergency controls.