New Construction Plumbing in Marble Falls, TX

New Construction Plumbing in the Highland Lakes: What Makes It Different

Building in the Highland Lakes is different from building in most other parts of Texas, and the plumbing system needs to reflect those differences. A plumber who is experienced in suburban Houston or Dallas but unfamiliar with the specific conditions of the Highland Lakes may not make the right material choices, may not anticipate the specific code requirements of Burnet and Llano counties, and may not design the system to handle the hard water that will flow through it for the next 50 years.

The limestone geology of the region creates specific challenges for underground plumbing. In many parts of the Highland Lakes, bedrock is close to the surface, sometimes just inches below the ground. This affects the depth at which underground plumbing can be installed, the methods used to excavate for underground lines, and the support requirements for pipes in rocky soil. We have extensive experience working in Highland Lakes geology and know how to install underground plumbing correctly in these conditions.

The hard water requires specific material choices. We use PEX for all water supply lines in new construction, not copper. This is a deliberate choice based on the water chemistry of the region. Copper pipe, while a perfectly acceptable material in soft water areas, will be attacked by the hard water from the inside over time, leading to pinhole leaks and eventually requiring replacement. PEX is completely unaffected by water chemistry and will last the life of the building without corrosion-related failures.

The prevalence of septic systems in rural areas of the Highland Lakes requires specific knowledge of septic connection requirements. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulates septic systems in Texas, and the connection from the house to the septic system must meet specific requirements for pipe material, slope, cleanout locations, and inspection access. We are familiar with these requirements and confirm that all septic connections in our new construction work meet TCEQ standards.

The New Construction Plumbing Process

Pre-Construction Planning

Good new construction plumbing starts with good planning. Before the first shovel goes in the ground, we review the construction plans and identify any plumbing-specific concerns, the location of the water meter or well, the septic system layout, the gas meter location, the placement of fixtures and appliances, and any site-specific challenges like shallow bedrock or drainage issues.

We also discuss the homeowner’s preferences for water treatment, whether they want a water softener, a whole-house filter, or a reverse osmosis drinking water system, and plan the plumbing system to accommodate these systems from the beginning. It is much easier and less expensive to plan for a water softener during construction than to add one after the home is complete.

Underground Plumbing

The underground plumbing, the sewer line from the house to the septic tank or municipal sewer, the water service line from the meter or well, and any underground gas lines, is installed before the slab is poured. This work requires careful coordination with the general contractor and the site work contractor to confirm that the underground lines are in the correct location and at the correct depth before the slab is poured.

In the Highland Lakes, underground plumbing often requires rock excavation, either by jackhammer or rock saw, to achieve the necessary depth. We have the equipment and experience to handle rock excavation efficiently and to install underground plumbing correctly in rocky conditions.

Rough-In Plumbing

The rough-in phase involves installing all of the plumbing that will be hidden inside the walls, floors, and ceilings of the finished home, the supply lines, drain lines, vent lines, and gas lines. This work is done after the framing is complete and before the insulation and drywall are installed.

Rough-in plumbing must be installed correctly the first time, once the walls are closed, access to the rough-in plumbing requires opening the walls. We take the time to do the rough-in correctly, including proper pipe sizing, correct slope on drain lines, adequate cleanout access, and correct vent sizing and termination. All rough-in work is inspected by the local building department before the walls are closed.

Final Trim and Testing

The final trim phase involves installing all of the visible plumbing fixtures and appliances, sinks, faucets, toilets, showers, tubs, dishwashers, water heaters, and any other water-using equipment. We make all final connections, test the complete system for leaks and proper function, and coordinate with the building department for the final plumbing inspection.

We do not consider a new construction job complete until the system has been fully tested and the final inspection has been passed. We stand behind our work and will return to address any issues that arise during the warranty period.

New Construction Plumbing Throughout the Highland Lakes

Knockout Plumbing Services provides new construction plumbing throughout the Highland Lakes region, including Marble Falls, Kingsland, Burnet, Horseshoe Bay, Llano, Granite Shoals, Meadowlakes, Spicewood, Bertram, and surrounding communities. We are a licensed plumbing company (RMP #45640) with over 17 years of experience in the Highland Lakes. Call (325) 248-1800 to discuss your new construction project.