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Bathroom Plumbing Rough in Guide

Complete guide for bathroom plumbing rough in — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.

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Workflow

Tools Used

Checklist

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Planning

Drain

Supply

Inspection

Documentation

Reference Materials

Drain Slope IPCTable

Key benchmarks for bathroom plumbing rough in.

Pipe SizeMin SlopeMax DFU
2 inch1/4 in/ft21
3 inch1/8 in/ft48
4 inch1/8 in/ft216
Fixture UnitsFormula

Total DFU on branch determines minimum drain pipe diameter

Access PanelsStandard

IPC requires access within 10 ft of every trap and valve.

  • Long-Sweep 90s

    Long-sweep fittings reduce clog points vs short 90s.

  • Stub-Out Alignment

    Laser-align stub-outs — finish trim shows crooked rough-in.

  • Don't Bury Shutoffs

    Accessible shutoffs save emergency damage.

Safety Notes

  • Sawzall and demo create dust and sharp debris — wear respirator.
  • Verify no electrical wires in path before cutting studs.