Making a restroom for a business or residential building involves in-depth planning and a clear agreement by engineering parameters. Structural layout, mechanical routing and finishing aesthetics all need to be considered by project managers to achieve 100% compliance with local building codes. In the case of a construction pipeline, losing one plumbing valve or layer of substrate slows down production and increases labor expenses. This guide serves as the baseline for procurement, general contractor and facility managers when it comes time to break ground. You have a clear and fixed system for your raw material starting material, then you don’t have to worry about changes in the field and speed up the inspection approvals at the beginning.

Which Structural Substrates do the Foundation rest upon?

When it comes to creating a long-lasting bathroom area, contractors need to create a stable, moisture-proof foundation. A typical active shower enclosure has a high relative humidity, which causes the standard drywall to deteriorate quickly. Hence, behind tiled surfaces (where there are cementitious boards) there will be no moisture contaminating the framing studs. The special panels do not swell, rot or deteriorate on direct contact with water, thus keeping the wall assembly intact for long periods of operation. In addition, structural engineers designate advanced waterproof membranes to isolate the subfloor from possible structural harm. 

The subfloor preparation follows the wall assemblies, and requires the same level of accuracy. Plywood or oriented strand board substrates need a particular kind of leveling compound to provide a completely flat surface for the next layer of tile or stone. When subfloors are not weathered out, rigid floor tiles put strain on them and over time they will crack at the grout joints. Plus, installers will have to use mold resistant framing material and moisture barrier insulation in the wall cavity. Implementation of these preventative measures will prevent the growth of biological contaminants within concealed areas of the structure. Using high performance substrates provides a foundation that can prevent your finishes from shifting and leaks.

What are the various parts of the plumbing system that control water distribution?

A well designed water supply and drainage network is essential for effective water distribution, and the system of pipes and valves to control water flow is concealed behind the exterior walls of the building. Potable hot and cold water pipes are mainly made of copper or cross linked polyethylene (PVC). The crosslinked polyethylene’s flexibility and reduced need for joints help to minimize the chances of future system leaks. In addition, mechanical system is used with PVC or ABS drain, waste and vent pipe. These materials help to efficiently discharge wastewater quickly and safely vent dangerous sewer gases outside the building envelope.

In addition to the main piping distribution system, there are several mechanical control devices which determine the safety and reliability of the system on a daily basis. Shut-off valves should be provided at each fixture node to permit maintenance to be performed at the fixture without the need to shut down the water supply to the entire facility. In addition, hot water delivery is pressure-balanced or thermostatic-mixed to prevent potential accidental scalding injury in the event of simultaneous use of hot water fixtures. Integrated P-trapping is another feature that must be included in the drain assemblies as they must always maintain a water seal to prevent sewer odors from entering the workspace. When you order certified parts that meet code requirements, you can be sure that the hydraulic pressure in the facility is consistent and that there will be no leaky parts.

What is the fullness of the space made up of including fixtures and hardware?

Choosing the right fixtures demands a thoughtful approach that considers both practicality and water efficiency regulations, while also taking into account the design of the space. Low flow toilets, under mount or vessel sinks and heavy duty shower basins or bathtub are the main plumbing components. New commercial requirements specify that vitreous china be used for toilets and sinks because it is non-porous and does not react with chemical cleaning solutions. Additionally, if faucets and showerheads are environmental agency certified, then the best water conservation without compromising pressure to the users is assured. These finish items are the first touch points for the occupants and need to be ruggedly mechanical cartridges with a high number of cycles for everyday use.

In addition to the main ceramic elements, robust hardware elements hold the space of the restroom in place. High pressure supply lines are made of solid brass or stainless steel, and the wall valves have direct connections to the fauetry sets to avoid high pressure blow out. Also, vanity support structures, heavy-duty drawer slides, and architectural hinges need to be coated with corrosion protection in order to stand up to constant humidity. Contractors can also take the time to install structural grab bars that are directly fastened into the wall framing to meet accessibility standards and ensure occupant safety. You reduce the numbers of fixtures you use to purchase, ensure they are high quality and use quality connection hardware to reduce the likelihood of premature component failure and post-occupancy maintenance requests.

How do surface materials and ventilation systems help to protect the environment?

Surface materials must be waterproofing the envelope of the bathroom and there should be a mechanical ventilation system to extract humid air from the space to complete the enclosure. A key barrier to water ingress on vertical surfaces and floors is ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles. High traffic areas still use porcelain tile because its low absorption rate prevents the area from staining and cracking. The contractors need to use these tiles in conjunction with high-performance polymer modified grouts and silicone sealants that are flexible enough to allow for normal building movements. These sealants seal the vulnerable joints formed between dissimilar materials and prevent water from passing through the main surface material.

At the same time, mechanical ventilation systems remove air from the room to keep the air quality in the room meeting standards and to prevent degradation of surface finishes. The exhaust fan should have a sufficient CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating to ventilate the appropriate air volume in an effective manner for the room size. The condensation will not occur in the attic spaces or structural wall cavities because this moist air is discharged directly to the outside of the building. Also, the use of programmable timers or humidity sensors will help keep the ventilation system working automatically when humidity levels are deemed unsafe. Proactive mechanical systems will help protect the building structure from mold, mildew and premature paint peeling through resilient surface selections.

The next time you need to build a bathroom, this complete bathroom build checklist will give you the complete list of parts, fixtures and materials you need to ensure you achieve your project’s operational success without any unexpected delays or budget blowouts.

Please clarify to further refine this procurement strategy for your project:

• What are the square footage measurements and restrictions of the area?
• Is this an installation on a commercial facility or a home installation?
• Does this build have any local access requirements (including Section 504 or ADA)?