Rough-in is one of the most important stages on any build — it’s the last point where plumbing is fully accessible before walls, floors and ceilings close it in. Getting it right (and getting it signed off) the first time avoids costly rework later. Here’s what a thorough rough-in check should cover, for builders and site managers wanting to know what “done properly” looks like.
Water Supply Lines
- All hot and cold water lines correctly sized, supported, and pressure-tested before close-in
- Lines run to correct heights and positions for the fixtures specified in the plans
- Isolation valves fitted and accessible for future servicing — not buried behind finishes
Drainage
- Drainage falls correctly graded for proper flow (incorrect falls are one of the most common rough-in defects)
- All drain points correctly positioned relative to fixture locations in the plans
- Vent stacks correctly installed and terminated per the plumbing code
Gas (where applicable)
- Gas lines pressure-tested and tagged
- Correct pipe sizing for the appliances specified
- Clearances maintained from other services (electrical, etc.)
Penetrations & Coordination
- All wall and floor penetrations sealed correctly for fire and waterproofing requirements
- Penetration locations checked against the frame and other trades to avoid clashes discovered after close-in
- Coordination with the waterproofer confirmed before any tiling proceeds — this is one of the most common points where rework happens if rough-in and waterproofing aren’t sequenced properly
Documentation
- Pressure test results recorded and available for the building surveyor
- Any variations from the original plan documented and communicated to the builder
- Photos taken of rough-in work before close-in — useful for both compliance and for resolving any disputes later about what’s behind a wall
Why this stage matters more than it seems
Once walls are sheeted and floors are laid, every one of these items becomes expensive to fix. A rough-in defect found during fit-off — a drain with the wrong fall, a water line in the wrong position — often means cutting into finished surfaces, which affects cost, schedule, and the relationship with the client.
A plumber who treats the rough-in inspection as seriously as the final fit-off is one of the best signs of a contractor worth keeping on future projects.
Sedcon Plumbing carries out rough-in work for builders across Melbourne with documentation and photos provided as standard, so nothing gets missed before close-in. Get in touch to discuss rough-in scheduling for an upcoming project.
Planning a renovation or new build? Our Builders & Renovations page covers how we work with builders and homeowners on rough-ins, fit-offs, bathroom and kitchen plumbing.
Need a hand with this? Get in touch and we will get back to you promptly.