Plumbing in a remodel or new construction project isn’t the most glamorous part of the job — but it’s one of the most consequential. The pipes, connections, and drain lines that go in before the walls close up will be there for decades, largely invisible and largely untested until something goes wrong. Getting it right the first time isn’t just about code compliance. It’s about not opening those walls again in five years.
Plumbing Decisions in a Remodel Last as Long as the House
A kitchen or bathroom remodel is an opportunity to get the plumbing right — proper pipe sizing, correct venting, drain lines at the right slope, supply lines where they actually need to be. It’s also an opportunity to address anything that’s been quietly underperforming behind the existing walls. Once the drywall goes back up, whatever was put in stays in for a long time. Homeowners who invest in quality plumbing during a remodel rarely think about it again. Those who cut corners on it tend to find out why that was a mistake at the worst possible moment.
What Remodeling Projects Actually Demand From a Plumber
A bathroom remodel isn’t just new fixtures — it means supply and drain rough-in coordinated around the new layout, proper venting to prevent sewer gas from entering the home, and connections that meet current code. A kitchen remodel may involve relocating the sink, adding a pot filler, roughing in for a dishwasher or refrigerator water line, or reconfiguring drain lines around a new island layout. Each project has its own plumbing scope, and defining that scope correctly at the start — before walls are open and other trades are waiting — is what keeps a remodel on schedule and on budget.
Building New — Roughing It In Right the First Time
New construction plumbing is a chance to do everything correctly from the ground up — no compromises around existing pipe locations, no working around what someone else did twenty years ago. That means sizing the system properly for the home’s demand, running lines where they actually need to go, venting correctly, and building in cleanouts and access points that make future maintenance straightforward. It also means coordinating closely with the builder and other trades so the plumbing rough-in happens at the right stage and doesn’t create problems for anyone coming behind it.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong Behind the Walls
Plumbing mistakes have a way of staying hidden until they’ve done significant damage. A slow leak behind a wall, an improperly sloped drain line that traps water, a vent that wasn’t run correctly — none of these announce themselves immediately. They show up months or years later as water stains, mold, drain problems, or a repair bill that dwarfs what it would have cost to do it right the first time. On a remodel or new construction project, the plumber you choose is making decisions that will outlast the renovation itself. That’s worth thinking about when you’re evaluating who to call.
Fitch Has Been on Charlottesville Job Sites Since 1983
We’ve been doing remodeling and new construction plumbing in Charlottesville and the surrounding area for decades — across custom homes, historic renovations, kitchen and bathroom remodels, and everything in between. We’re a licensed, family-owned company that understands how construction projects run and what it takes to be a reliable trade partner on a job site. If you’re a homeowner managing a renovation or a builder looking for a plumbing sub you can count on, we’d like to be part of your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a household of one to four people, a 40-gallon tank is generally sufficient. If one of those people is a teenager or you have a large soaker tub, a 60-gallon tank is a better choice. For larger households or those with unusually high hot water demand, a larger unit or a tankless system may be worth discussing with a plumber.
A water softener addresses hard water — water with high mineral content — by exchanging those minerals for sodium through a process called ion exchange. This protects pipes, appliances, and fixtures from scale buildup and improves soap lathering. A water filtration system addresses contaminants — sediment, chlorine, bacteria, heavy metals, and other substances — by physically filtering or treating the water. Some homes need one, some need the other, and some benefit from both. The right solution depends on what's actually in your water.
Federal regulations require that new "low flow" faucets and showerheads restrict water flow in order to reduce consumption — so reduced pressure from new fixtures is intentional and by design. If reduced flow throughout the entire home rather than just new fixtures is the concern, that may point to a different issue worth having a plumber evaluate.
The most effective solution is a pressure balancing valve installed in the shower. This type of valve automatically adjusts to maintain a consistent water temperature when pressure changes occur elsewhere in the system — such as when a toilet flushes or a washing machine fills. Most modern shower valves include pressure balancing as a standard feature. If yours doesn't, a licensed plumber can install an updated valve that provides this protection.
Any mechanical device can fail over time and needs to be regularly checked. Backflow device manufacturers recommend annual testing, and the Plumbing Code requires it at minimum. A device that hasn't been tested may appear to be working while providing no actual protection — which is exactly why the requirement exists.
A backflow device is installed to protect your potable — or drinking — water from coming into contact with contaminants. When installed correctly and operating properly, it prevents contaminants from entering your water supply. This matters because under certain conditions — such as a sudden drop in water pressure — water can reverse direction through the pipes, potentially drawing contaminants back into the clean water supply. Backflow prevention is required by code in many situations.
In most cases, yes — plumbing work that involves new installations, relocations, or significant modifications typically requires permits and inspections. Permit requirements vary by locality but exist to ensure the work is done safely and to code. Working with a licensed plumber means permits are handled correctly as part of the process, and the work is inspected and documented before walls close up.
A video inspection is worth considering in several situations — recurring drain problems that haven't responded to standard clearing, before purchasing an older home to understand the condition of the sewer line, after a significant blockage or root intrusion has been cleared to confirm the line is fully open, or as part of evaluating a plumbing system that hasn't been inspected in many years. It's also a valuable tool when planning a renovation that will affect plumbing lines.
Simply carry out routine maintenance on your equipment and you will always have clear lines. At what temperature should I set my hot water tank? The optimum temperature is subjective. It all depends on your needs. The temperature should be set in your house based on who will use the facilities. For example, if you have young children I recommend lowering the maximum temperature to prevent accidental scalding.
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Real Reviews from Your Charlottesville Neighbors
See All ReviewsGeorgia P.Great Sewer Line Repair
James B. (Charlottesville, Virginia)Going to use them for everything I can now including my HVAC maintenance. Replaced my sewer line for a great price. Camera'd my line for free and gave me a truly free estimate whether I used them or not. Job ended up being tougher than what was expected and not once did they bring up the possibility of changing from what they quoted me. Good group of guys right there. Chris and his crew know what they're doing.
Paul B. (Charlottesville, VA)As I commented on both Facebook and Angie's List this was a good experience. The service was performed as scheduled and well. There was a glitch in the billing, but your own people detected it and contacted me about it and took care of it on your own initiative. Greatly appreciated!
Johanne (Charlottesville, VA)Very efficient, quick diagnosis, and quick fix.
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