What is a rough-in and when is it required?

A rough-in is the stage of plumbing installation where we lay out all the water supply and drain lines before walls, floors, or fixtures are finished. It is typically done during a new build or major remodel. For bathrooms, rough-ins include precise placement of pipes for sinks, toilets, tubs, or showers. This step determines how the final fixtures will connect, and it is essential that everything be properly aligned and sloped according to code. For example, the toilet drain usually needs to be twelve inches from the finished wall. A well-executed rough-in also ensures that you have easy access to shut-offs and cleanouts down the line. Mistakes at this stage can lead to costly changes later, so we take precise measurements and double-check against your layout plans before completing this step. Proper rough-in work is the foundation of a reliable plumbing system.