How to Finish a Basement Bathroom With Rough-In Plumbing

What Does Rough-In Plumbing Mean? 

The term “roughing in” means that a project is a step closer to being in its finished state. In construction, this is a general term for installing plumbing and electrical systems in a structure’s walls. Essentially, rough-in plumbing means that piping and drainage are planned and set up. 

Though plumbing rough in, once done, is not yet the finished state of the project, it is a crucial stage to complete so that the sink, showerhead, toilet, and other fixtures can be installed. 

What Is Included in Plumbing Rough-In? 

If you’ve been wondering how to finish a basement bathroom with rough in plumbing, then the best way to start is by taking a look at the scope of a bathroom plumbing rough in. This includes: 

• The water supply and drain pipe specifications are determined by the professional plumber, depending on the layout and fixtures to be installed.
• The proper spacing of the pipes and the pipes’ distance from the floor is also planned. 
• The required holes and cuts in the wall are made for the pipes and the fixtures to be installed.
• The pipes and drain are set in place.

The finished state of bathroom plumbing rough in looks like open walls with the piping locked into position. Before the bathroom is completely finished, this is a necessary stage to reach. 

Can Bathroom Plumbing Rough-In Be DIYed? 

Though there may be guides or videos on how to finish a basement with rough in plumbing, trying to DIY this project could lead to numerous code violations, costly repairs, and/or costly redos. Therefore, it is crucial to have this work done by experienced plumbers. 

It would also be a shame if a newly finished basement bathroom would need to be partially or completely dismantled because of plumbing rough in errors. 

For example, if pipes or pipe joints fail due to inferior work, this could lead to gradual or sudden water damage. In order to repair this issue, tiles would need to be removed and the walls would need to be opened.  

The Stages Of Bathroom Plumbing Rough-In 

Stage 1: Planning & Getting a Bathroom Renovation Expert

As with most home renovation projects, adding a basement bathroom starts with careful planning. In this stage, you, along with your contractor, determine the following: 

• Where the bathroom will be located;
• What the layout will look like for the new bathroom;
• What bathroom fixtures will be added; and
• What the budget is. 

This is the most important step because it determines the success of the remaining stages. 

Stage 2: Demolition and Cleanup

If necessary, demolition will be carried out by experts to remove any existing walls and fixtures that are in the way. In case you are moving an existing bathroom instead of adding an entirely new one in your basement, the old bathroom will need to be demolished. However, this can be done in a manner wherein you can keep reusable fixtures. 

Stage 3: Construction and Bathroom Plumbing Rough In

This is the stage where construction of the new bathroom begins. 

First, floor plumbing rough-in is carried out. Next, the wall’s framework will be put in place, followed by other wall rough ins. Then, the bathroom’s dry wall is set up. 

By the time that plumbing rough in is done, the pipes and drains will all be affixed into place — ready for the fixtures to be installed. 

Stage 4: Tiles

At this stage, you start to see the bathroom come together. The tile installer that you hired can get to work. 

Stage 5: Bathroom Fixtures

Next up, the bathroom’s fixtures are installed. This includes the faucets, showerhead, bathtub, sink, and toilet. Depending on the space, layout, and size of the fixtures, the bathroom cabinet can be set up after all the fixtures are already in place. This is to ensure that larger fixtures can get through. 

Just like with bathroom plumbing rough in, installing fixtures is a job for an experienced plumber.  

Stage 6: Final Touches

Now, the bathroom is fully functional. However, this step takes care of the final touches that your basement bathroom needs in order to provide the best experience. 

Final touches include painting the walls, installing mirrors, shower doors, towel bars, adding grab bars (if needed), and so on. 

Professional Plumbing Rough-In for Your Basement Bathroom 

After looking at the whole process of basement bathroom construction, you can see just how crucial it is to get the bathroom plumbing rough-in done professionally. 

From the correct placement of the drain to ensure that water does not pool to the proper installation of pipes to avoid leaks and water damage, it’s clear that everything has to be carried out by professionals to avoid these costly errors. 

PlumbWize is a trusted provider of plumbing services with over 50 years of industry experience. Among various residential and commercial plumbing services, we specialize in rough-in services and plumbing remodelling. Our experts are here to help — no matter what stage your basement bathroom construction is at.

Contact us today to learn more!