⚙️ The Hidden Work — Plumbing & Electrics (First Fix)

Once your old bathroom has been stripped out and the space has been inspected, the next stage begins — and it’s one most homeowners never get to see.

The first fix is where your new bathroom’s foundations are built: all the hidden plumbing and electrical work that keeps everything running smoothly for years to come.

At Elite Plumbing & Construction Ltd, we’ve carried out hundreds of professional bathroom refurbishments across Dunstable, Luton, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, Hemel Hempstead, and Hertfordshire, and this is where our experience and precision really shine.

🔧 Step 1: The Importance of the First Fix

The first fix involves all the behind-the-scenes installation that happens before tiling or fitting any fixtures.

It’s the unseen craftsmanship that ensures your finished bathroom not only looks stunning but performs flawlessly.

During this stage, we:

• Replace or re-route existing pipework

• Install new hot and cold feeds for basins, showers, and baths

• Fit new waste runs and traps

• Set up plumbing for towel rails or underfloor heating

• Run electrical cables for lighting, mirrors, and shaver sockets

Every element is planned and positioned with millimetre precision — because once your walls are tiled, there’s no going back.

💧 Step 2: Upgrading Old Systems

In many homes, especially older ones, the existing plumbing and wiring simply aren’t suitable for modern installations.

We often find:

• Corroded copper pipes restricting water flow

• Plastic push-fit systems that aren’t secured correctly

• Outdated wiring or junction boxes not up to current standards

When these issues appear, we upgrade them immediately to ensure your new bathroom runs efficiently, safely, and complies with UK Building Regulations (Part P and WRAS).

This protects you from future leaks, electrical faults, or premature wear — saving you time and money in the long run.

⚠️ Step 3: Handling Unforeseen Additional Works

It’s not uncommon to find unexpected challenges once walls and floors are opened up.

Some examples include:

• Hidden pipework buried in walls that must be rerouted

• Old electrical cables too close to wet zones

• Structural timber notched incorrectly by previous installers

When this happens, we stop, assess, and discuss the options with you before proceeding.

We’ll show you photos, explain the issue clearly, and provide a professional solution that keeps your project safe and compliant.

No surprises — just honest, proactive communication.

🧱 Step 4: Setting Out the New Layout

With the hidden work underway, we carefully measure and mark all new fixture positions:

• Bath and shower outlets

• Basin waste alignment

• Toilet waste and pan connector height

• Heated towel rail feeds

• Electrical switch and lighting placement

This layout stage ensures that everything lines up perfectly once the visible fittings are installed.

Every pipe and cable is positioned with the final design in mind — ensuring precision and symmetry throughout the finished bathroom.

🔌 Step 5: Testing & Sign-Off

Before the walls are closed and tiled, all systems are fully tested:

• Water lines are pressure-tested for leaks

• Electrical cables are continuity-tested

• Drainage flow is confirmed and traps are sealed

Only once everything passes inspection do we move forward to the next phase.

This commitment to testing guarantees that your new bathroom is built to the highest safety and performance standards.

⏱️ Timeframe: The first-fix stage usually takes between 1 and 3 days, depending on the size of the bathroom, layout changes, and any unforeseen upgrades required.

✅ Final Thoughts

The first fix may be hidden once your bathroom is complete, but it’s one of the most crucial stages of the entire refurbishment.

At Elite Plumbing & Construction, our experienced in-house team handles every detail — from pipework to wiring — with the precision and compliance your home deserves.

We don’t take shortcuts, and we don’t compromise on quality. The result is a reliable, high-performance bathroom that looks as good as it functions.

Whether you’re in Dunstable, Luton, Leighton Buzzard, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, Hemel Hempstead, or anywhere across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, or Hertfordshire, you can trust us to deliver excellence where it matters most — behind the scenes.

🪛 What’s Coming Next

In our next post, we’ll move on to:

👉 “The Foundation — Wall & Floor Preparation.”

We’ll cover how we prepare your bathroom’s surfaces before tiling, including boarding, plastering, waterproofing (tanking), and levelling — explaining why proper prep is the secret to a flawless finish.

Follow us for Part 3 of The Bathroom Installation Process series.

📍 About Elite Plumbing & Construction Ltd

Elite Plumbing & Construction Ltd is a professional refurbishment company based in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, proudly serving:

• Dunstable

• Luton

• Leighton Buzzard

• Bedfordshire and surrounding areas

• Milton Keynes

• Aylesbury

• Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas

• Hemel Hempstead

• Hertfordshire and surrounding areas

We specialise in complete bathroom refurbishments, kitchen renovations, and full property transformations, managing every project in-house from design to completion.

Contact Us

📞 Phone: 07506 079189

📧 Email: info@epacltd.co.uk

🌐 Website: www.epacltd.co.uk

📍 Head Office: Dunstable, Bedfordshire