On a new build, plumbing goes in long before the walls, and much of it ends up under concrete. Here is how each phase works and which decisions to make early.
On a new build, plumbing is one of the first trades on site and one of the last to leave. Much of it ends up permanently buried under a concrete slab or sealed behind drywall, which means decisions made early are hard to change later. This guide walks through each phase of new construction plumbing in Central Florida and points out the choices worth making before the concrete truck shows up.
Phase 1: Planning and Permits
Before anything is installed, the plumbing design has to fit the floor plan, the fixture count and the local code. This is the time to decide:
- Fixture locations. Moving a toilet or shower after the slab is poured means cutting concrete.
- Water heater type and location. Tank, tankless or heat pump, and whether it’ll sit in the garage, a closet or outdoors. Gas units need gas piping and venting planned in.
- Water source. City water, or a private well in rural parts of Sumter, Marion, Lake and Hernando counties.
- Wastewater. Municipal sewer or a septic system. Septic requires coordinating with the system designer and installer.
- Future needs. Rough-ins for a future bathroom, a laundry sink, a water softener loop or an outdoor kitchen cost little now and a lot later.
A licensed plumbing contractor pulls the plumbing permit and schedules inspections with the local building department.
Phase 2: Underground Rough-In
Most Central Florida homes are built slab-on-grade, so drain lines go in before the slab is poured.
- Trenches are dug for drain lines and the building sewer
- Drain piping is laid at the correct slope so waste flows properly
- Stub-ups mark the exact positions of toilets, tub and shower drains, and sinks
- Any pipes passing through the slab are sleeved or protected as required
- The system is tested, typically by filling it with water, and inspected before the pour
This is the most important stage to get right. Measure twice and double-check stub-up locations against the final plans and fixture specs.
Phase 3: Top-Out
After framing, the plumber runs:
- Water supply lines to every fixture and appliance
- Drain and vent piping inside walls and up through the roof
- Gas piping, if the home will have gas appliances
- Tub and shower valves, set at the correct depth for the planned wall finish
- Hose bibs, an ice maker line and the washing machine box
Supply lines may be PEX, CPVC or copper. Many Florida builders route supply lines overhead through the attic, where they stay accessible, with insulation and proper support.
Another pressure test and inspection happen before insulation and drywall.
Phase 4: Trim-Out
Once cabinets, countertops and flooring are in:
- Toilets, sinks, faucets and showerheads are set
- The water heater is installed, vented and connected
- Dishwasher, disposal and ice maker connections are completed
- The system is flushed, tested and checked for leaks
- Final inspection is scheduled
Florida-Specific Considerations
- Irrigation and backflow. Lawn irrigation connected to potable water typically needs a backflow preventer. Our backflow testing and prevention service covers installation and testing.
- Hard water. Plan a softener loop or space near the main entry even if you don’t install one yet.
- Wells. Pressure tank placement and a well pump circuit need to be coordinated early. See our well service page.
- Storm resilience. Accessible main shutoffs and exterior cleanouts make post-storm troubleshooting easier.
- Attic heat. Overhead supply lines should be insulated and kept clear of heat sources.
Smart Upgrades to Consider
- A whole-home shutoff that’s easy to reach in the garage
- Manifold distribution with individual fixture shutoffs
- A recirculation line for faster hot water at distant bathrooms
- Water-efficient fixtures that still perform well
- A pan and drain under the water heater and washing machine
Our post on plumbing upgrades that add value covers more options, and best practices for new home plumbing offers a homeowner’s checklist.
Working With K&K Plumbing
K&K Plumbing is a Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor (CFC1431523) providing residential plumbing for new construction, additions and remodels across eight Central Florida counties. We coordinate with your builder, handle permits and inspections for the plumbing scope, and price the work upfront.
Planning a new home or addition? Call or text 352-810-9472 to talk through your plans before the slab is poured.
Need help with residential plumbing?
K&K Plumbing’s licensed team handles residential plumbing across Central Florida — call or text 352-810-9472 for a free estimate.