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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.

















