Yes. Plumbing pipes can run through walls, floors, ceiling spaces, accessible subfloors, service ducts, and within or beneath concrete slabs. Most buildings use several of these routes.
Common pipe routes
- Water supply pipes: Hot and cold water pipes are relatively small and pressurised. They commonly run vertically through wall cavities and horizontally through floor or ceiling spaces to reach taps, toilets and appliances.
- Waste and drainage pipes: These pipes are generally larger. Gravity drainage needs sufficient fall towards the sanitary drain, so it often runs beneath floors, through suitable openings in framing, in subfloor spaces or near a vertical drainage stack.
- Slab construction: In slab-on-ground buildings, some plumbing services may be installed within or beneath the slab. Review safe ways to check for pipes under the floor before disturbing any surface. Other pipes may be boxed in or routed through adjacent walls and ceilings.
Why routes vary
Pipe locations depend on the building’s construction, structural framing, fixture positions, plumbing design, age and renovations. Pipes may change direction to avoid beams, footings, electrical wiring, ducts and other services. Plans can indicate the intended layout, but they may be incomplete or outdated, so never assume a concealed pipe runs straight or sits at a standard depth.
Before drilling, cutting, coring or fixing into a wall, floor, ceiling or slab, confirm the location of concealed water, gas and electrical services. Gas pipe routes require their own safe location methods. Stop if any service location is uncertain, as striking one can cause flooding, electric shock, fire or gas hazards. Use an appropriately qualified service locator or licensed trade professional.
Contact our licensed plumbing team if you need professional help assessing likely water or drainage pipe routes.