Before demolition, excavation or slab construction begins, existing water, gas, sewer and stormwater services need careful consideration. Forward (In Ground) Works help builders and project teams identify connections, manage temporary arrangements and prepare a residential site for the next stage of construction.
Jurien Plumbing is a locally owned plumbing and gas fitting contractor based in Jurien Bay, providing professional plumbing services throughout the Mid West, Wheatbelt and Turquoise Coast regions of Western Australia. The business supports residential...
Forward In Ground WorksResidential Construction PlumbingMulti ResidentialNew HomesSmall To Medium ProjectsStorm Water+42 more
Early plumbing decisions can affect how smoothly a residential construction project moves into demolition, earthworks, slab construction or staged development. Forward (In Ground) Works focus on the services and site arrangements that need attention before the main building or civil works commence.
For a new home, grouped dwelling or multi-residential project, the work may involve understanding existing connections, dealing with redundant services and planning practical temporary arrangements. Clear information and coordination at this point can help the project team make informed decisions before work progresses.
Preparing services before construction starts
Forward works are early-stage residential construction plumbing activities. They may involve locating existing water, sewer, stormwater and gas services; confirming connection points; and considering whether services need to be disconnected, capped, diverted or protected during excavation.
The exact work depends on the site, proposed building footprint, excavation areas and construction sequence. A smaller residential project may rely on practical experience to identify workable options, while a larger residential or multi-residential development may require formal service locating, consultant drawings, authority approvals, temporary works planning and staged construction documentation.
What forward works may involve
Forward (In Ground) Works can bring together several early plumbing considerations. Not every project requires every item, but the following are examples that may be relevant to a residential construction site:
investigating existing services and locating water, sewer, stormwater and gas;
confirming existing connection points;
disconnecting and capping redundant services;
diverting sewer or stormwater where required by the proposed works;
establishing temporary water supply;
planning temporary drainage or pump-out arrangements;
protecting live services during excavation;
considering early stormwater controls; and
arranging plumbing for a site compound or temporary amenities.
These matters often need coordination between the builder, civil contractors, service authorities and the plumbing business. The aim is to reduce avoidable uncertainty before the main construction sequence begins.
New home underground plumbing and the slab stage
New home underground plumbing is closely connected to the early planning that occurs before slab construction. The proposed building footprint, site levels, service connection points and excavation areas all help shape the conversation.
When discussing under slab plumbing for new homes, it is useful to distinguish between the early preparation of the site and later construction activities. Forward works can help establish what existing services are present, what needs to be managed before excavation and how temporary needs will be handled while the project is underway.
New home under slab drainage is another consideration that benefits from coordinated information. Plans, surveys, proposed works and the construction program give the plumbing business and project team a clearer basis for discussing the next steps.
Questions to resolve before work proceeds
Forward works are easier to assess when the project team can provide the information that explains both the existing site and the proposed construction. Bringing these details together early can support practical discussions with a plumbing business.
Identify the site and contacts: provide the property address, contact person, access instructions and the person authorised to approve variations.
Share available site records: include Before You Dig information, existing service plans, a site survey and any utility correspondence.
Show the proposed work: provide demolition plans, the proposed building footprint and anticipated excavation areas.
Document what is visible: photos of existing meters and inspection openings can help explain the current site conditions.
Clarify temporary requirements: identify any temporary water, temporary sewer, drainage or site-access needs.
Coordinate the program: share relevant dates, site constraints, inspection points, drawings and specifications, along with responsibility for design coordination or approvals.
How project scale can change the approach
Project setting
Useful early considerations
Smaller new homes and grouped dwellings
Plans, site levels, proposed fixtures, service connection points and clear approval pathways can support practical design-and-construct discussions as decisions are made during construction.
Larger residential and multi-residential projects
Formal service locating, consultant drawings, authority approvals, temporary works planning and staged construction documentation may be needed alongside project coordination.
Construction plumbing customers commonly need to coordinate drawings, specifications, program dates, site constraints, inspection points and procurement expectations. Establishing who is responsible for design coordination and approvals also helps keep decisions clear as the project progresses.
Products and organisations customers may encounter
Depending on the project and its procurement arrangements, customers may encounter examples such as Reece, Galvins, Tradelink, Parkwood Plumbing Centre and Plumbing Plus through plumbing supply channels. Hydraulic Design Australia may be encountered in design-related work, while Iplex, Vinidex and Rehau are among names associated with plumbing product supply. These examples are not endorsements and do not indicate that every plumbing business stocks, installs or services a particular product.
Choosing a plumbing business for early construction work
Forward works sit within residential construction plumbing, where the practical details of the site and program matter. When choosing a plumbing business, explain the proposed scope, provide the available plans and records, and be clear about timing, access and approval arrangements.
Find a Master Plumber connects customers with Master Plumbers and plumbing businesses associated with the Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia. Choosing a Master Plumber helps consumers make a more informed choice of plumbing business for their property or project. Find a Master Plumber is backed by the Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia.
Other residential construction plumbing needs
Once early site arrangements are understood, the next requirement may relate to a new home, multi-residential development, roof plumbing, stormwater or a project of a particular scale. These services can be considered alongside the construction program, drawings and site conditions.
New Homes for plumbing associated with new home construction.
Multi Residential for residential developments with a multi-residential scope.
Storm Water where stormwater is a project consideration.
Roof Plumbing for roof drainage-related construction work.
Frequently asked questions
What are Forward (In Ground) Works?
They are early-stage residential construction plumbing works considered before the main building or civil works commence. They may include investigating existing services, temporary arrangements, disconnections, capping, diversions and preparation for upcoming site works.
What information should I provide for forward works?
Useful information can include Before You Dig information, existing service plans, demolition plans, a site survey, photos of meters and inspection openings, the proposed building footprint, excavation areas, utility correspondence, access details and temporary water or sewer needs.
Can existing services need to be managed before excavation?
Yes. The early scope may involve locating water, sewer, stormwater and gas services, protecting live services during excavation, or considering disconnection, capping or diversion of redundant services.
Are temporary water and drainage arrangements part of forward works?
They may be. Temporary water supply, temporary drainage or pump-out arrangements, and plumbing for temporary site amenities are examples that may be relevant depending on the project.
Do larger residential projects need a different approach?
Larger residential and multi-residential projects may require more formal service locating, consultant drawings, authority approvals, temporary works planning and staged construction documentation than smaller projects.
How can Find a Master Plumber help?
Find a Master Plumber is an industry directory for finding Master Plumbers and plumbing businesses associated with Master Plumbers WA, helping customers choose a plumbing business for their property or project.
