7 November 2026 · 1 min read · By the Plumbees team
When people plan a new bathroom, they tend to start with the look: the tiles, the bath, the taps. The plumbing is out of sight, but the decisions you make early will decide how well the bathroom works for years.
What first fix means
First fix is the hidden pipework and waste that goes in before the walls are boarded and tiled. It includes the supply pipes to each fitting, the waste runs and the position of any concealed valves or cisterns. It is tested for leaks before it is covered up.
What second fix means
Second fix happens at the end, once tiling and decorating are done. It covers fitting the bath, basin, toilet, shower and taps, connecting them to the pipework and testing everything.
Things to decide early
- The layout, as moving a toilet or shower can need new waste pipes and sufficient fall
- Whether you want a concealed cistern or a wall-hung toilet, which need the right wall construction
- The type of shower, which affects pressure and flow requirements
- Where the isolation valves will go, so that you can service fittings later
- Who is supplying the fittings, as lead times can hold up the work
Sequencing the trades
A typical order is strip out, first fix plumbing and electrics, boarding, tiling, second fix, then final decoration. Plumbers, builders, electricians and tilers all depend on each other, so agree the order and dates before work starts.
Ask for a written quote by stage
A good quote separates first fix and second fix, shows what is included and says who supplies what. That makes it easier to compare quotes and keeps surprises to a minimum. See our bathroom plumbing service, or send us your plans and we will come back with a quote.