Building your first home is an exciting milestone—but it’s also one filled with decisions that can impact your comfort and budget for years to come. One of the most critical yet often overlooked components of a new home build is the plumbing system.
While it may not be as visually striking as your kitchen countertops or feature walls, smart plumbing choices made during the construction process can save you money, prevent future issues, and improve day-to-day living.
Whether you’re working with a volume builder or designing a custom home, here are the 8 plumbing essentials every first-time home builder should know before breaking ground.
1. Plan Your Plumbing Layout Early
Your plumbing system is more than just a few pipes behind the walls—it’s a network that services every water outlet in your home. A well-designed layout improves water pressure, reduces pipe length (which can lower costs), and makes future maintenance easier.
Discuss your home design with your plumber early in the planning phase. Decisions like the position of your kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry can significantly influence how your plumbing is routed. For example, placing wet areas close together creates a more efficient system and can reduce installation and repair costs in the future.
If you’re still searching for a builder who can help simplify these choices, WOW Homes specialises in assisting first-time buyers through the entire build process, including smart utility planning.
2. Invest in Quality Fixtures and Materials
As a new homeowner, it’s tempting to cut corners to stay under budget. However, skimping on plumbing fixtures and pipe materials can cost you more in the long run. Cheap taps, showerheads, and fittings may corrode or leak within a few years, requiring premature replacements.
Opt for fixtures from reputable brands with solid warranties. Ask your plumber about the best material for piping—while PEX is popular for its flexibility and affordability, copper may be preferred in certain areas due to durability and water quality considerations.
Remember: once the walls are sealed and tiles are laid, replacing inferior products becomes a much more costly and invasive job.
3. Understand Hot Water System Options
Hot water systems are one of the biggest plumbing decisions you’ll make. The right system will give you reliable, efficient hot water—while the wrong one could mean cold showers and rising energy bills.
There are four main types commonly installed in Australian homes:
- Electric Storage: Lower upfront cost but higher running costs.
- Gas Storage or Instantaneous: Efficient if you have mains gas available.
- Solar Hot Water: Eco-friendly and can reduce long-term costs, though initial investment is higher.
- Heat Pump Systems: A newer, energy-efficient option gaining popularity.
To avoid overpaying for something you don’t need, or installing an underpowered system, take the time to determine what size hot water system you need based on your household size and usage habits.
4. Don’t Forget Drainage and Stormwater Solutions
While interior plumbing gets most of the attention, stormwater drainage is just as critical—especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall. Your home needs a stormwater plan that properly channels rainwater from gutters, downpipes, and outdoor areas away from your foundation and towards the appropriate council-approved drainage point.
Poor drainage can lead to water pooling, foundation damage, or even flooding. Speak with your builder and plumber to ensure your drainage system is designed in line with local regulations and suits your site’s specific conditions (e.g. slope, soil type, rainfall patterns).
5. Water Efficiency Matters—Now and in the Future
It’s not just about environmental responsibility—water efficiency can reduce your long-term water bills and improve the resale value of your home. The good news is, it’s easier than ever to incorporate water-saving features during a new build.
Look for:
- WELS-rated fixtures with 4-star or higher ratings
- Dual-flush toilets
- Water-saving showerheads and mixer taps
- Greywater systems for garden irrigation (optional for eco-conscious builds)
Many of these features can be integrated during construction for minimal extra cost—far less than retrofitting later.
6. Think Ahead for Outdoor Plumbing Needs
When designing your home, it’s easy to forget about outdoor taps, irrigation systems, and gas connections for a future barbecue or outdoor kitchen. Think beyond move-in day and ask your plumber to install external water and gas points during the build.
Some outdoor plumbing considerations include:
- Garden taps on multiple sides of the house
- Provision for a reticulation or drip irrigation system
- Outdoor gas bayonets for a BBQ or patio heater
- Stormwater pits and drains for patios or alfresco areas
Planning for these features upfront will save you the cost and hassle of trenching and pipework installation later.
7. Make Sure Everything Is Up to Code
Your plumber should be licensed and familiar with local building codes, but it’s still important to understand the basics yourself—especially when you’re building in a new estate or outer metro area.
For example:
- Does your area require backflow prevention devices?
- Are there specific rules about sewer connections or septic systems?
- Is recycled water available and regulated under dual-reticulation schemes?
Ask for a compliance certificate once your plumbing rough-in and fit-off stages are complete. This documentation not only proves that work was done to standard but can also be crucial for resale and insurance.
8. Communicate with Your Builder and Plumber
Good communication between your builder, plumber, and yourself is essential. Changes to floorplans, upgrades to fixtures, or additional plumbing points can impact timelines and costs if not flagged early.
Clarify with your builder:
- When plumbing rough-in and final fit-off will happen
- When decisions about fixtures are due
- What upgrades or extras are allowed (and their cost)
Being proactive during your build helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures your plumbing supports your lifestyle from day one.
Wrapping Up
Plumbing may not be the most glamorous part of building your first home, but it’s one of the most important foundations of comfortable living. By planning early, choosing quality materials, and considering future needs, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure your home runs smoothly for years to come.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the decisions involved in your first build, it helps to work with professionals who understand the journey. WOW Homes offers expert support for first home builders across Perth, while professional plumbing teams like Proud Plumbing and Gas can help you determine what size hot water system you need and get your water system right the first time.
Your future self will thank you for the extra care you put in today.