What to consider in first fix plumbing for new builds

In towns and cities right across the UK, new homes are being created to meet the ever-growing demand generated by growing populations. Renewed government targets outline a requirement for 1.5 million new homes by 2029, but building new homes isn’t enough.

The construction of new homes presents the perfect opportunity to build for a more sustainable future. When we consider that the homes that already exist today collectively account for 17% of national emissions – and 80% of those are owed to plumbing and heating systems – creating homes that are more efficient will be key to achieving broader sustainability targets – such as achieving net-zero by 2050.

In this blog, we take a closer look at plumbing and heating to consider the importance of planning ahead and getting the first fix plumbing for new builds phase right, laying the foundations for efficient, comfortable and future-proof homes. 

Alongside the clear environmental impact, homes that prioritise efficiency are also more cost-effective to run. As well as enabling occupants to benefit from lower utility bills, an efficient and future-proof home will also require less updates in the future – maximising the investments of local authorities and social housing providers.

With these considerations in mind, plumbing and heating contractors – alongside building designers and specifiers – can make the biggest impact on efficiency by focussing efforts in this area.

For new build homes, this means starting at the source. With gas boilers no longer permitted in new builds from 2025, specifiers will be looking to alternative heat sources, with heat pumps proving to be a front runner. From a first fix plumbing for new builds perspective, a change in heat source will often mean a change in location, requiring pipework to be positioned differently at first fix stage. A more efficient heat source can also open up further opportunities to prioritise efficiency, such as through the installation of underfloor heating.

To make the most of every opportunity, maximise operational efficiency and deliver on the reliability of cold, hot and central heating systems, there are some key considerations for specifiers and installers in the first fix stage.
 

Futureproofing heating with UFH

Creating a brand new home is an opportunity to fit technology that will stand the test of time, making underfloor heating the perfect choice. From a first fix plumbing perspective, having a system that supports easy installation, as well as reliability and durability, is crucial. Besides providing a modern heating system which is hidden from sight, UFH operates at significant lower temperatures than other common systems, improving compatibility with modern heat sources and cutting associated emissions – ultimately improving efficiency while enhancing performance.

Through JG Underfloor, installers and housing specifiers can access practical, easy-to-install UFH solutions that maximise the potential of first fix plumbing for new builds projects.
 

Laying the foundations with effective pipework planning

During the first fix plumbing for new builds stage, the foundational pipework for plumbing and heating systems will be installed. Here, using pipe that is both durable and flexible will be advantageous – both to keeping projects on track, but also ensuring their longevity.

JG Layflat from JG Speedfit is a popular option for specifiers and installers, with its long runs and engineered flexibility help to support faster installations as well as improving long-term performance – even reducing the potential for leaks by reducing the amount of connections required. Plastic pipe – together with the fittings available from JG Speedfit – will also support straightforward routing through all sorts of confined spaces, while providing the versatility to be used on hot and cold applications and central heating systems. That means solutions like JG Layflat can be used in all core first fix plumbing applications, including underfloor heating, to provide consistency across the entire project – with pipes and fittings offering a complete solution from a single trusted manufacturer.

Prioritising control with valves

Alongside the first fix pipework considerations, specifiers and plumbers can also prepare homes for a more efficient future through effective valve selection.

Valves are essential pieces of equipment for managing the flow of water through a system effectively. In practice, they ensure plumbing systems can operate safely and reliably, and with the right valves specified, they can even contribute towards more efficient plumbing systems. This makes them a vital consideration at the first fix stage.

One of the most important water control valve specifications to make early on in a project is isolation valves. These should be installed ahead of all appliances and fixture connections during the first fix stage. Isolation valves such as the JG Speedfit Service Valve will ensure that second fix connections can be made smoothly, as well as supporting long-term maintenance as isolation valves will negate the need for draining down the complete system when carrying out future works.

In addition to Isolation valves, specifiers should prioritise the use of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs). Ensuring these are fitted at the point where water first enters a new build property will allow for water pressure to be managed effectively. As well as minimising the potential for damage from high water pressures, PRVs can support water conservation efforts by supplying adequate water pressures for the property’s appliances. 

At a time when 300,000 new homes are required to be built every year, and local authorities and housing associations are looking to build new homes to meet growing demand, it is crucial to specify for the future.

By taking a complete approach to new build plumbing and heating systems, specifiers can elevate building designs to maximise efficiency, performance and reliability. This involves choosing the right pipes and valves at the first fix plumbing phase, ensuring systems are built on futureproof foundations.

Alongside performance, the innovative solutions we have discussed in this blog can even help to keep new build projects on track, with JG Speedfit being 40% faster to install than alternatives. Similar time savings can be made by using JG Layflat pipe, which requires fewer connections to be made, as well as valves that feature tried and tested push-fit technology.

So, as well as creating homes that are designed for the future, the correct specification can improve efficiency during the first fix plumbing for new builds stage, keeping projects on track and supporting housebuilders, local authorities and social housing providers to meet growing demand for affordable, efficient homes.