Plumbing is one of the first trades to go into a new house and one of the hardest to change later. Once pipes are inside walls and under tiles, every mistake means breaking finished work. Getting the layout, materials and testing right at the grey structure stage saves money for years.
What is included
| Scope item | What it covers | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Layout planning | Marking every point (taps, WCs, showers, floor traps, geyser, kitchen, washing machine) against the architect's drawings | Before brickwork rises |
| Cold-water supply | Lines from overhead tank to all points, plus main line from tank or municipal connection | Grey structure |
| Hot-water supply | Separate hot lines from geyser to bathrooms and kitchen, in pipe rated for hot water | Grey structure |
| Drainage | Waste and soil pipes, floor traps, vent pipes, rainwater downpipes, connection to inspection chambers | Grey structure |
| Tanks and pumps | Overhead and underground tank connections, suction or booster pump, float valves | Grey structure / finishing |
| Testing | Pressure test of supply lines, water test of drains | Before plaster and floors |
| Fixture fitting | WCs, basins, mixers, showers, sinks, angle valves, geyser connection | Finishing |
When you need it
You need a plumbing contractor once your structure drawings are final and before walls are plastered. Ideally the plumber is involved when the roof slab is cast, since pipe sleeves through slabs and beams are much cleaner than cutting concrete later.
Step-by-step process
- Share drawings. Give the plumber your architectural plan with bathroom, kitchen and laundry positions.
- Agree a points list. Count every outlet floor by floor. This becomes the basis of the quote.
- Choose materials. Decide pipe type for cold and hot water, drain pipe type and fitting tier. Decide who buys.
- Sleeves and slab work. Place pipe sleeves and floor trap positions before slabs are cast.
- Chasing and laying. Cut wall chases, lay supply and drain lines, fix vents and inspection chambers.
- Test. Pressure-test supply lines and leave them under pressure for the agreed time; fill drains and check for leaks and flow.
- Photograph and record. Take photos of every wall before plaster so you know where pipes run.
- Close up. Plaster and tile only after tests pass.
- Fit fixtures. At finishing stage, install mixers, WCs, basins and geyser connections, then test again.
Approvals and connections in Lahore
Your house plan approval from LDA, DHA or your society covers the building as a whole; there is usually no separate plumbing permit for a single house. The two connections you will deal with are:
- Water and sewer connection. In WASA-served areas, new water connections can be applied for at e-Khidmat Markaz centres at Arfa Software Technology Park and Town Hall (PITB). In private societies, apply through the society's maintenance or utilities office.
- Gas for the geyser. If you plan a gas geyser, the SNGPL connection and meter position affect where the geyser can go. Plan the geyser location with your plumber early.
Requirements differ by society, so ask your society office or WASA for the current documents list.
What affects the cost
- Number of bathrooms, kitchens and floors (more points, more cost)
- Pipe type and the quality tier of pipes and fittings
- Concealed versus exposed pipework
- Separate hot-water lines to every bathroom or only some
- Pump, pressure system and tank arrangement
- Distance from the house to the sewer or society line
- Whether materials, testing and a defects period are included
Ask for quotes on the same points list and materials so they can be compared fairly. We do not quote rates here because they move with material prices and scope.
Questions to ask the plumber
- Which pipe will you use for hot water, and is it rated for it?
- How will you pressure-test, at what pressure and for how long?
- How much slope will you give drain lines, and where will vents go?
- Will you provide a photo record of concealed pipes?
- Who buys materials, and will I see the bills?
- What is the payment schedule, and is any amount held until final testing?
- Do you cover leaks found after handover, and for how long?
Red flags
- A fixed price for a whole house without a points list
- Refusing to test before plastering
- Using cold-water pipe for hot lines to save cost
- Floor traps fixed without slope or below the drain level
- No vent pipes on the drain system
- Pressure to start tiling "to save time" before tests
FAQs
When does plumbing start in a new house? Planning starts with the drawings; pipe sleeves go in when slabs are cast; supply and drain lines are laid during the grey structure, before plaster.
How is new-house plumbing usually priced? Most often per point or as a lump sum for the house. Confirm whether pipe runs, materials, testing and fixture fitting are included.
Should hot and cold lines use the same pipe? Only if the pipe is rated for hot water. Ask the plumber and supplier to confirm the rating for the hot lines.
Can I change bathroom positions after plumbing is laid? Yes, but it means cutting walls and floors and re-testing. Fix positions before laying starts.
Do I need WASA approval for my internal plumbing? Internal pipework is your responsibility; WASA or your society handles the connection to their network. Ask them for their current connection requirements.