Plumbing drawing
A plumbing drawing is a type of technical drawing that provides visual representation and information relating to a plumbing system. It is used to convey the engineering design to plumbers or other workers who will use them to help install the plumbing system.
A plumbing drawing is used to show clearly the location of fixtures, sanitaryware, pipework, valves and so on, and illustrates how fresh water is to be supplied into a building and waste water removed. To illustrate the separate hot and cold water supply, the pipe runs will usually be coloured red and blue respectively. Drainage pipes should be illustrated with the grade (slope) indicated. Where manholes are included, a manhole schedule should detail the name, invert level, cover level, and depth.
Plumbing can also be detailed as a shop drawing, in which the pre-fabricated components are shown in terms of how they will be connected, interlink, and so on.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.