Building a new home is one of the most exciting investments you’ll ever make — but behind every finished bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room is a complex plumbing system that has to be planned, installed, and inspected long before the walls go up or the floors go down. For homeowners and builders in Richmond, VA, understanding what the new construction plumbing process looks like from start to finish can help you avoid delays, costly mistakes, and surprises down the road.

At Cordova’s Plumbing LLC, we have extensive experience handling new construction plumbing projects throughout Richmond, VA and the surrounding area. Here’s a clear, stage-by-stage breakdown of what to expect when plumbing a new build.

Planning and Permit Approval

Before a single pipe is placed in the ground, a significant amount of planning and coordination has to take place. This phase sets the foundation for everything that follows.

• A licensed plumber works with the builder and architect to review the home’s floor plan and design the full plumbing layout, including drain lines, water supply lines, and vent stack locations
• All pipe routing must account for the home’s structural elements — beams, footings, and load-bearing walls — to avoid conflicts during framing
• Permits must be pulled from the local building authority in Richmond before any plumbing work begins; inspections are required at multiple stages of the project
• The plumber coordinates with other trades — concrete contractors, electricians, and HVAC installers — to ensure underground systems don’t conflict with one another
• Material selections are finalized at this stage, including pipe types (PVC, CPVC, PEX) based on local code requirements and project specifications

Skipping or rushing this phase is one of the most common causes of costly rework on new construction projects. A detailed plan upfront saves significant time and money later.

Underground Rough-In (Before the Slab)

This is one of the most critical stages of new construction plumbing — and the one that’s hardest to fix after the fact. Once concrete is poured, the underground system is locked in place permanently.

• The ground is excavated and graded to establish the correct slope for drain lines, which must fall at a consistent pitch to allow waste to flow properly toward the sewer connection
• PVC drain, waste, and vent pipes are laid out according to the approved plan, positioned precisely where each bathroom, kitchen, and utility connection will be located
• Gravel is packed around and beneath the pipes to provide support and drainage before the concrete slab is poured
• Stub-outs — short vertical pipe sections — are left protruding above the gravel layer to connect to fixtures once the slab is in place
• The underground system is pressure-tested and inspected by the local building authority before any concrete is poured
• This phase is clearly visible in new construction sites — the network of white PVC pipes mapped across the excavated foundation is the skeleton of the home’s entire drain system

Any errors in slope, pipe sizing, or connection placement at this stage are extremely expensive to correct once the slab is down, which is why experienced, licensed plumbers are essential for new builds.

Above-Ground Rough-In (During Framing)

Once the slab is poured and the home’s framing is complete, the above-ground plumbing rough-in begins. This phase installs the supply lines and drain connections that will run through walls, floors, and ceilings.

• Water supply lines (typically PEX or CPVC in modern construction) are run from the main supply point through the framed walls to each fixture location
• Drain and vent pipes are connected from the slab stub-outs upward through the walls and roof, completing the drain-waste-vent (DWV) system
• Holes are bored through studs and plates to route pipes without compromising the structural integrity of the frame
• Vent pipes are extended through the roof to allow sewer gases to escape and maintain proper air pressure in the drain system
• All rough-in work is inspected and approved by the building authority before walls are closed in with drywall

This is the last opportunity to make adjustments to the plumbing layout before it’s enclosed inside the finished walls, making thorough inspections at this stage especially important.

Fixture Installation and Final Connections

With the home nearing completion, the final phase of plumbing focuses on connecting fixtures and making everything fully operational.

• Toilets, sinks, faucets, showers, and tubs are set and connected to the rough-in supply and drain lines
• The water heater is installed and connected to both the supply lines and, if gas-powered, to the gas line
• Dishwashers, washing machines, ice makers, and other appliances are connected to their supply and drain points
• Exterior hose bibs and any irrigation connections are finalized
• The entire system undergoes a final pressure test and walk-through inspection to confirm every fixture functions correctly, drains properly, and shows no signs of leaks
• A final plumbing inspection is completed by the local building authority before the certificate of occupancy is issued

No new home can be occupied until all plumbing inspections are passed — making this final phase just as important as the groundwork laid at the beginning of the project.

Final Thoughts

New construction plumbing is a multi-phase process that requires precise planning, skilled installation, and coordination with multiple trades and inspectors. Each stage builds directly on the one before it, and a mistake at any point — particularly underground — can have serious consequences for the finished home.

Whether you’re a homeowner planning a custom build or a contractor looking for a reliable plumbing partner in the Richmond, VA area, working with a licensed and experienced plumber from day one is the single most important step you can take to protect your investment.

Building in Richmond, VA and need a trusted plumbing contractor? The team at Cordova’s Plumbing LLC brings over 10 years of experience to new construction projects of all sizes. We’re licensed, insured, and available to coordinate with your build team from groundbreaking to final inspection.

📞 Call us at (804) 974-5484 or contact us online to schedule an inspection today.