Your Guide to Plumbing Stages for Renovation Projects

This guide outlines the key stages of plumbing work for medium to large renovations where pipework inside walls needs to be modified. Understanding when and how a plumber is involved will help ensure a smooth project.

Planning & Pricing

Start by discussing your renovation vision with a licensed plumber, whether it’s replacing a shower or undertaking a full home overhaul. During a walkthrough, share your ideas and ask questions. Your plumber will provide expert advice based on your home’s existing layout and assess whether council consent is required for the proposed changes.

Note: If consent is needed, you are responsible for applying for it. Your plumber will provide a Producer Statement (PS3), confirming their work meets compliance standards, which you’ll need for final consent sign-off. Inform your plumber if a council inspection is required, as this may affect the plumbing schedule.

Disconnection

The first step is disconnection. Your plumber will isolate and disconnect existing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, or showers, to prepare for the renovation.

Demolition & Frame Alterations

Next, any demolition or structural changes to expose existing pipework may be necessary. This can be handled by you, your builder, or, for smaller jobs, potentially the plumber. During the planning phase, confirm who will handle this stage to avoid delays.

Pre-Pipe Installation

Once the framework is exposed, the plumber will modify the pipework to suit the new layout. This includes installing water and waste pipes inside walls, as well as in-wall components like toilet cisterns or shower mixers. To avoid delays, ensure all client-supplied items (e.g., mixers or fittings) are on-site before this stage begins. Finalize your product selections and layout plan in advance.

Closing & Finishing Walls

After pre-pipe work, the homeowner or builder must complete the walls and floors. This includes installing shower liners, glass, waterproofing, tiling, painting, and any other finishes in areas where plumbing components will be installed. The plumber cannot proceed until these areas are fully finished.

Fit-Off

Once walls and floors are complete, the plumber returns for the fit-off stage. This involves installing fixtures like toilets, basins, shower rails, and mixers. Ensure all client-supplied products are on-site for this phase.

What Plumbers Typically Don’t Do

Unless otherwise agreed, the following tasks are not part of standard plumbing services:

• Waterproofing 
• Wall linings 
• Shower linings & glassware
• Paint & finishing
• Wall hung vanities 
• Wall hung toilet brackets
• Bath boxings & supports
• Hot water cylinder platforms
• Benchtops
• Kitchen Basin's 
• Drilling through stone benchtops
• Built in dishwashers/dish drawers
• Cabinetry alterations
  

Why Plumbers Avoid Structural or Specialized Tasks

Items like wall-hung vanities, shower linings, or glass require structural fixings, such as timber supports, installed during the framing stage. These components must be robust to support weight and prevent damage or injury, so they’re typically handled by builders or competent homeowners.

Waterproofing and tiling require specific licenses for compliance. Incorrect installation can lead to leaks, mould, or structural damage, so these tasks are left to qualified professionals.

Final Thoughts

A skilled plumber will guide you through each phase, making the process as seamless as possible. However, renovations can face unexpected challenges, such as delayed products or unavailable trades. To minimize issues, plan thoroughly, choose your products early, and listen to your tradies advice. Changes are far easier to make during planning than mid-project.

And of course, use trusted tradies like:

Chambers Plumbing