New Construction Plumbing Top-Out in Fort Worth, TX.
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New Construction Plumbing Top-Out — Phase 2
Circle T Plumbing & Water Quality provides new construction top-out plumbing for custom home builds and small residential construction projects across Fort Worth and North Texas. Top-out is Phase 2 of the three-phase new construction plumbing sequence — completed after rough-in is inspected and framing is advanced, before insulation and drywall close the walls for good.
This is the last window to access in-wall plumbing infrastructure. Top-out work done right means every fixture connection, valve rough, and in-wall stub is in the correct position before the drywall crew arrives. Work done wrong at this stage means cutting open finished walls later.
Texas state law requires new construction plumbing to be performed under a licensed master plumber. Patrick McKinnis holds Texas Responsible Master Plumber License #M45785 — the highest credential issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
What Happens During Top-Out
Top-out is performed after the roof is on, framing is complete, and rough-in has passed inspection. During this phase, Circle T Plumbing & Water Quality installs:
- Vertical supply risers — hot and cold supply lines extended from rough-in stub-outs to each fixture location
- Tub and shower valve rough assemblies — pressure-balanced or thermostatic valve bodies set in-wall at correct depth for finish tile thickness
- Washing machine box — recessed box with hot, cold, and drain connections set flush to finished wall
- Water heater rough connections — supply, discharge, and gas (or electrical) rough connections positioned before the mechanical room is closed
- Remaining vent stack penetrations — any vent runs that were not part of the rough-in phase
Where required, Circle T conducts a pressure test at top-out stage and coordinates inspection sign-off before drywall installation.
Pre-Drywall Is the Last Chance
Every in-wall connection at top-out stage needs to be confirmed for position, depth, and alignment before drywall. Tub and shower valve bodies in particular are depth-sensitive — the valve trim must sit flush with finished tile, which means rough depth depends on tile thickness. Circle T communicates valve depth requirements to the tile contractor to prevent fit problems at trim-out.
This kind of trade coordination is where a hands-on master plumber earns their place on a custom home project. Patrick McKinnis handles this directly.
Inspection and Documentation
Top-out inspection requirements vary by city and project type. Circle T manages permit documentation, schedules required inspections, and provides sign-off records so your general contractor has a clean paper trail at each phase.
How Top-Out Connects to the Other Phases
Top-out does not stand alone. It follows Rough-In (Phase 1) and sets up Trim-Out (Phase 3) — the final phase where fixtures, faucets, and toilets are installed and the plumbing system is commissioned.
Circle T handles all three phases, which means the plumber setting valves at top-out is the same one who confirmed fixture locations at rough-in and will be setting fixtures at trim-out. No handoff gaps. No “the last plumber did it that way” conversations.
Pricing and Scheduling
You approve the price before work begins — that’s the Circle T Trust Guarantee, and it applies to new construction the same as any other service. Top-out pricing is project-specific based on fixture count and scope. For scheduling purposes, top-out typically follows rough-in inspection by a few weeks once framing advances.
Contact Circle T Plumbing & Water Quality to discuss your new construction project scope and build timeline.
Available in: Fort Worth area | Cleburne area
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Common questions.
What is top-out plumbing in new construction? +
Top-out is Phase 2 of residential new construction plumbing. After rough-in is inspected and walls are framed, the plumber installs vertical risers, tub and shower valve rough assemblies, washing machine boxes, and water heater rough connections — all before drywall goes up. This is the last opportunity to access in-wall plumbing infrastructure.
Does top-out require a separate inspection? +
Inspection requirements vary by jurisdiction and project. Some cities require a pressure test at top-out stage before drywall is approved. Circle T Plumbing & Water Quality coordinates with the city on your behalf and provides documentation at each required inspection point.
Can the same plumber handle both rough-in and top-out? +
Yes — and it's the better approach. Circle T handles all three phases of new construction plumbing (rough-in, top-out, and trim-out), which keeps documentation consistent and eliminates handoff gaps between subcontractors.
What areas do you serve for new construction plumbing? +
Fort Worth and the surrounding area across Tarrant, Parker, and Johnson counties. Contact us to confirm availability for your build location.
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