When you’re knee-deep in a renovation or starting a new build, the phrase “first fix” in plumbing is one you’ll hear thrown around a lot. It’s essentially the groundwork—where all the hidden magic happens before tiles, sinks, and shiny taps take the stage.
But if you’ve ever wondered how long it takes to first fix a bathroom, you’re not alone. Let’s break this down in detail, because the timeline depends on more than just a plumber showing up with a toolbox.
1. What Exactly Does “First Fix” Mean in Plumbing?
Think of the first fix as setting the skeleton of your bathroom. It’s the part where plumbers run pipes, set drainage, and prepare all the connections that will later feed into your bath, toilet, sink, and shower.
- No pretty tiles yet.
- No gleaming chrome taps.
- No finished walls.
It’s all about what goes behind the scenes. If the second fix is dressing your bathroom up for a fancy night out, the first fix is making sure it has shoes and socks.
In simple terms, first fix plumbing involves:
- Laying down hot and cold water pipework.
- Installing waste water pipes and soil stacks.
- Running concealed pipes for showers, baths, and sinks.
- Preparing for heating systems if towel warmers or radiators are included.
It’s invisible work once everything is finished, but it’s the backbone of your bathroom.
2. Average Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
Now the big question: how long does it take to first fix a bathroom?
On average:
- Standard bathroom first fix: 2–5 days.
- En-suite or small bathroom: 1–3 days.
- Large luxury bathroom with multiple fixtures: up to 1–2 weeks.
Why the wide range? Because no two bathrooms are alike. A simple en-suite with just a toilet and sink won’t take the same time as a master bathroom with a walk-in shower, a freestanding tub, double vanity, and underfloor heating.
Also, keep in mind: new builds are faster than renovations. In a new build, plumbers work with a blank canvas. In a renovation, they might have to remove old pipework, work around existing walls, or fix surprises like outdated lead pipes or poor drainage layouts.
3. Factors That Affect the Timeline
The length of the first fix depends on several moving parts, and ignoring these can throw your schedule off by days.
3.1 Bathroom Size and Complexity
The bigger and fancier your bathroom, the longer the first fix. A luxury bathroom with dual sinks, walk-in showers, and built-in features means more pipes, more connections, and more time.
3.2 Type of Property
- New builds are generally quicker. The plumbing is laid out before walls and floors are sealed.
- Renovations can be tricky. Think of it like rewiring an old lamp versus assembling a new one—you never know what you’ll find when you take it apart.
3.3 Access to the Space
Is your bathroom on the top floor of an old house with narrow stairs? Or is it on the ground floor with easy access? Plumbers need to move tools, materials, and sometimes long pipe lengths into the room. The harder it is to reach, the slower the process.
3.4 Pipework Layout
If your home has modern pipework, connecting new bathroom fixtures is faster. If you’re dealing with outdated systems, it could mean rerouting or upgrading pipes, which adds time.
3.5 Coordination with Other Trades
Here’s a little secret: plumbers don’t work in isolation. Electricians, carpenters, and builders all need their time in the same space. For example, walls may need chasing before pipes are laid, or flooring may need cutting for waste pipes. If trades overlap poorly, expect delays.
4. A Realistic Step-by-Step Timeline
Let’s walk through a typical first fix process, so you can see where the days go.
Day 1: Pipe Runs and Layout
Plumber assesses the room, runs main hot and cold feeds, and positions waste outlets. This is where the skeleton starts forming.
Day 2–3: Installing Key Connections
Bath, shower, toilet, and sink connections are prepared. If you have underfloor heating or a heated towel rail, pipes are run for those too.
Day 3–5: Adjustments and Pressure Testing
Everything is tested for leaks. Pipes are secured, insulated, and capped, ready for the second fix once tiling and decorating are complete.
For Bigger Bathrooms: Day 5–10
Complex bathrooms or luxury builds may need extra time for additional pipe runs, multiple showers, or specialist systems like rain showers, built-in bidets, or smart bathroom tech.
5. How Delays Can Sneak In
Renovations rarely go 100% smoothly. Here are the most common culprits behind delays in a bathroom first fix:
- Hidden pipe damage: You open a wall and find corroded or outdated pipes that must be replaced.
- Unclear plans: If fixture locations aren’t finalized, plumbers have to stop and wait for decisions.
- Late deliveries: Missing fittings or special valves can halt progress.
- Structural issues: Sometimes floors need reinforcing for heavy baths or walls need adjusting for pipe chases.
A personal example: when I remodeled my en-suite, I thought the plumber would be in and out in two days. On day two, he found an old cast iron soil pipe buried behind the wall. It had to be removed and replaced, which added three more days to the schedule. Moral of the story—expect surprises.
6. Cost Implications of the Timeline
Time isn’t just about convenience—it’s about money. Most plumbers charge either:
- Daily rates: £150–£300 per day in the UK.
- Fixed price quotes: Based on the job’s size.
If a first fix takes longer than expected, the daily rate model means your budget stretches. That’s why it’s smart to get a fixed quote where possible, so you’re not sweating every extra day on site.
In the U.S., plumbers average $50–$200 per hour, which means a first fix spanning 3–5 days can easily cost between $1,500–$4,000 just for labor. Materials (pipes, valves, fittings) are extra.
7. How to Speed Things Up
You can’t magically shrink the job into an afternoon, but you can help keep the project moving smoothly.
- Finalize bathroom plans early: Decide on sink, toilet, bath, and shower locations before plumbers arrive.
- Clear the room: No furniture, no clutter, no delays.
- Confirm materials are on site: Missing fittings waste time.
- Good communication: Stay available to answer questions quickly so decisions don’t stall work.
8. First Fix vs. Second Fix: Know the Difference
To avoid confusion, here’s a quick refresher:
- First Fix: Pipes, drainage, hidden work. Done before walls are tiled or plastered.
- Second Fix: Installing visible fittings—taps, sinks, toilets, showers, and connecting everything up.
So if you’re planning your project, the first fix must happen before tilers, plasterers, or decorators can do their magic.
9. Personal Tips from Real Experience
I’ve lived through two bathroom remodels, and let me tell you: the first fix is the least glamorous stage, but also the most critical. Here are a few takeaways:
- Never rush it. Once walls are closed up, changing pipes is a nightmare. Take the extra day now rather than ripping out tiles later.
- Plan future upgrades. Even if you’re not installing underfloor heating now, consider running pipes or conduits for later. It costs peanuts now but a fortune later.
- Document everything. Take photos of pipework before it’s covered. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you need to drill into the wall later.
Conclusion
So, how long does it take to first fix a bathroom? Realistically, anywhere between 2 days and 2 weeks, depending on size, complexity, and any hidden surprises.
It may not be the showy part of your project, but it’s the foundation that keeps your bathroom functional for decades. Rushing the first fix is like baking a cake without checking if the oven works—you’ll regret it later.
If you’re planning your own bathroom project, give the plumbers room to work, expect a few curveballs, and remember: solid first fix = stress-free bathroom for years.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to first fix a bathroom?
Usually 2–5 days for a standard bathroom, though larger or more complex projects can take up to 2 weeks.
2. Can I use my bathroom during the first fix?
No. The first fix involves pipework installation, so the bathroom is unusable until the second fix is complete.
3. Is first fix more expensive than second fix?
Typically, yes. First fix requires more labor hours, pipework, and planning. Second fix is faster but includes fixtures that add to costs.
4. Can first fix and second fix be done in the same week?
Yes, but only if other trades (like tilers and plasterers) are ready. Usually, there’s a gap between first and second fix to allow finishing work.
5. What can delay the first fix?
Delays happen due to hidden pipe issues, unclear plans, late deliveries of fittings, or coordination problems with other trades.