Valves, fittings and pipes for new builds first & second fix plumbing

There’s a growing demand for new build homes right across the UK, with hundreds of thousands of new builds required every year to satisfy demand for private and social housing needs. When creating these homes, architects, specifiers and installers have an opportunity to redefine standards by driving forward levels of performance, comfort and even sustainability.

There’s a natural role for plumbing and heating to play here. Heating in particular makes a significant contribution to households’ emissions; however, effectively designed plumbing systems can help to reduce consumption at a time when water is in increasingly high demand.

To fulfil this potential, what do plumbing specifiers and installers need to consider when it comes to new build projects? Here’s our guide to valves, fittings and pipes for new build homes across first and second fix plumbing. 

Before we get stuck in, it’s worth exploring the difference between first and second fix plumbing. Each of these phases take place at different stages of development and can, therefore, have distinctly different impacts on overall efficiency, performance and sustainability.

To put it simply first and second fix plumbing are the two different phases of the project. The first stage, known as first fix plumbing, is where routing and laying of the pipework takes place to get the foundations of plumbing systems laid. The next stage, known as second fix plumbing, is the process of connecting the appliances and fixtures to the pipework and commissioning if required – essentially adding the finishing touches that homeowners and occupants will make use of every day.

When working on a new build, there are a few things to consider for the pipework during the first fix stage.

It is crucial to consider the type of pipe and fittings being used. It’s better to choose a pipe that is small, durable, and flexible, that also allows for the number of fittings being used to be minimised. Not only will these considerations save time during installation and reduce potential leak points, they will also lay the foundations to efficiency and performance.

The pipe must also be traceable if it is running through a stud wall, or under floorboards. There are many benefits to using plastic pipework which we’ll discuss later on, but to ensure plumbers can track these pipe runs, foil tape must be used. This will mean it can be traced easily with a pipe and cable finder, preventing any potential damage being caused in the future where pipes are concealed.

While the use of plastic pipe can reduce the number of connections that need to be made, attention still needs to be placed on ensuring simple and secure connections where required. JG Speedfit’s push-fit technology simplifies installations by creating connections quickly and easily – all while standing the test of time.

When working on a new build, pipes will often need to be routed through awkward and confined spaces, so having flexibility in pipework can save time and hassle on the project. Available in a variety of sizes and lengths, the ultra-flexible JG Layflat pipe is a must-have on most new build plumbing projects.

Plus, with the pipe also being suitable for central heating and underfloor heating applications, the same pipe can be used across the installation for greater consistency and ease of installation.

While flexibility can help in many situations, there may be times when you need straight, slightly more rigid runs of piping. For these scenarios, PEX barrier pipe from JG Speedfit could be the perfect solution. 

As we mentioned, the second fix stage is all about connecting the pipework. This is where selecting and installing the right valves is key.

It is recommended that isolation valves – such as JG Speedfit Service Valves - should be installed to serving pipe work at all appliances and fixture connections during the first-fix stage. This makes second-fix connections simple and allows straightforward maintenance in the future. To make the final connection, tap connectors such as JG Speedfit Flexi Hoses are ideal, and with hand-tighten options available, installation is completely tool free.

Water control valves play a key role in all plumbing and heating systems, supporting smooth, reliable and safe operation – both for users and the broader water supply. In practice, the right valves will allow projects to meet specific regulatory requirements, enhance durability and performance of the long term, and make systems safer for users.

To achieve these things, there are three core things to be considered: pressure, backflow, and temperature control. On top of this, it’s important to ensure compliance with the latest building regulations. 

Managing water pressure with PRVs:

Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) help to protect homeowners’ water systems by managing the pressure of water entering the property and maintaining it at a safe level. This avoids high-pressure water from damaging the pipes, fittings, and appliances, while delivering adequate pressure to fulfil everyday needs. PRVs can also help to conserve water by supplying only what is required to particular appliances around the home, reducing consumption and maximising efficiency.

The 312 Compact Pressure Reducing Valve series from Reliance Valves is designed for domestic systems and are adjustable between 1.5 and 6.0 bar up to 45°C. The compact design of the series means they can fit seamlessly into domestic systems, while all of the working components are housed within a single cartridge to make future maintenance easier, too.

Preventing backflow with Double Check Valves:

Backflow can cause serious health hazards and, while domestic properties are typically low-risk environments where backflow is concerned, it is still good practice to consider – and manage – its potential. That’s where valves like the Reliance Valves Floguard Double Check Valve come in. Like the name suggests, it contains two valves, so it offers a second layer of protection to the water supply keeping users and the wider water supply safe from the potential of backflow.

Regulate temperature with TMVs:

Since 2010, Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) have been a legal requirement in all domestic new builds. This is to ensure homes comply with the Building Regulations (Approved Document G) by protecting occupants of homes from hazards like scalding. As well as improving safety at the point of use, TMVs also allow water to reach and be stored at high enough temperatures to kill bacteria.

The Reliance Valves Easifit TMV is certified under the TMV2 scheme and is compact and lightweight, so it lends itself to tight spaces like underneath baths – where regulations state they should be installed.

Time is crucial in new build projects. Any delays can cause a knock-on impact on the other areas of construction and the project as a whole. This means doing things efficiently and to a high quality the first time is key, which is where innovative valves, fittings and pipe can help.

Through our family of brands, including JG Speedfit and Reliance Valves, all the solutions you need to create effective plumbing systems are available from one trusted manufacturer.