Remodel-Ready Plumbing: Permits, Rough-Ins & Fixture Choices

If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel in the Austin area, plumbing is a critical part of the project. Changing fixture locations, adding appliances, or upgrading to tankless water heaters all require careful planning, permits and inspections. Without a licensed plumber on your team, you could face costly rework, code violations or even denied occupancy permits. In this guide, Flint Plumbing explains what to plan before you demo, how rough-ins are sequenced, which fixtures make sense for Central Texas homes, and how to keep your project on schedule in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Hutto and Bastrop.

Before you demo

• Scope & drawings: Confirm your layout changes, fixture counts and vent routes. Good plans ensure proper pipe sizing and code compliance.
• Permits: The City of Austin requires plumbing permits for any layout changes. Georgetown, Cedar Park and Round Rock have similar requirements. Our team prepares permit-ready plans and schedules inspections.
• Budget buffers: Set aside a 10–20% contingency for hidden issues—old galvanized lines, corroded traps, vent reroutes or slab penetrations can surprise you once walls are open.

Rough-in sequencing (typical)

1. Underslab/underfloor: If you’re relocating drains or adding bathrooms, we’ll cut and patch the slab or crawlspace first.
2. DWV rough-in: Drain, waste and vent piping is sized and routed to code, including vent terminations through the roof.
3. Water supply rough-in: PEX or copper runs, shutoff placement and recirculation lines if needed.
4. Pressure test & inspection: We pressure test and schedule the rough-in inspection with your municipality.
5. Close‑in: Insulate pipes, install backer and weather barriers, then your trades can close walls and floors.
6. Trim‑out: Set fixtures, connect water and gas, caulk, test and flush the system.

Fixture & spec tips

• WaterSense fixtures: Choose EPA WaterSense-certified faucets, showerheads and toilets to save water and qualify for local rebates.
• Shower valves: Decide between thermostatic (precise temperature) and pressure-balanced valves; plan for recirculation on long runs in Lakeway or Leander homes.
• Toilets: Look for 1.28 gpf or dual-flush models with chair-height bowls and elongated seats; consider skirted bases for easy cleaning.
• Sinks & faucets: Select durable ceramic cartridge faucets and ensure supply shutoffs are accessible inside cabinets.
• Gas appliances: If adding gas cooktops or dryers, include properly sized CSST or iron piping, shutoffs and bonding per code.

Inspections & timeline

• Expect staged inspections in Austin, Georgetown and Cedar Park for rough-in, pressure tests and finals. Book early to avoid delays.
• Coordinate with your general contractor so walls are not closed before we pass plumbing inspections.
• Typical bath remodels take 2–6+ weeks depending on scope, availability of fixtures and permitting timelines.

City-specific notes

• Dripping Springs & Bastrop: Homes on wells or septic systems require verifying well capacity, water quality and septic setbacks before adding bathrooms.
• Pflugerville & Hutto: New subdivisions may have HOA standards for exterior hose bibs, backflow devices and irrigation tie‑ins.
• West Lake Hills: Hillside homes need special venting elevation and anchoring details to meet code.

Ready to remodel?

Flint Plumbing can handle your entire remodel plumbing scope—from drawings and permits to rough‑ins, inspections and trim‑outs. Our licensed plumbers (License M‑42279) serve homeowners and builders across Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Hutto and Bastrop. Contact us or call (512) 971‑2445 for a remodel consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a like-for-like swap?

Simple fixture swaps (e.g., replacing a toilet or faucet without moving pipes) often don’t require a permit, but any change to the plumbing layout usually does. Each city has its own rules.

Can I keep existing venting?

Only if the sizing, slope and distances meet current code. We use camera inspections and load calculations to verify venting adequacy before reuse.

How long does a bath remodel take?

Most bathroom remodels take 2–6 weeks. Custom tile work, structural changes and permitting timelines can extend the schedule.

Is tankless a good remodel upgrade?

Yes—remodels are a perfect time to upgrade to tankless. Plan for proper venting, gas line sizing and condensate disposal during rough‑in.

Will my water be off for the whole remodel?

No. We stage our work so you only lose water service during certain rough‑in and trim‑out windows. We’ll coordinate shutoffs with you in advance.