Cover image: an illustrative scene, not a photograph of the customer projects described below.
When you are building a home, it is natural to think carefully about the kitchen, bathrooms and outdoor spaces. If water filtration is also on your wish list, bring it into those conversations early.
You do not need to have every product decision settled immediately. Simply discussing the intended equipment and preferred location with your builder and plumber can give them something useful to plan around before pipework, concrete and landscaping are completed.
Two new homes, two different installation experiences
Two recent HG PureWater customer projects show the difference that timing can make.
The first customer discussed filtration with their builder in advance. The water pipe connection was allowed for in a position that suited the customer’s preferred installation location. When it came time to install the system, the arrangement supported the appearance and convenience they wanted.
The second home had been completed without allowing for water-treatment equipment. The relevant supply pipework was already buried underground, which restricted the available connection points and installation locations.
Rearranging the connection involved opening completed landscaping or concrete to locate and connect the pipework. The system ultimately had to go in a workable position rather than the customer’s preferred one.
These are individual project experiences, not a prediction for every new home. Their practical lesson is to discuss your preferences while the builder and plumber still have an opportunity to consider them.
Start with the water you want to treat
Tell your builder whether you are considering whole-house filtration, kitchen drinking-water treatment, a softener, or a combination.
Explain which outlets you want included. Ask the plumber to identify the relevant supply route and discuss how the proposed equipment would connect to it.
This conversation should use the requirements of the intended system. An early allowance is most useful when the builder, plumber and equipment supplier are working from the same information.
Choose a location that works for the home
Show your builder the position you would prefer and explain why. You might want the equipment beside a service area, away from a main entrance, or visually integrated with the outside of the home.
Then ask the installer to assess access, mounting conditions and the space required for operation and servicing. Leave room for cartridge changes, valves and inspection rather than judging the position only by the equipment’s dimensions.
Our whole-house installation layout guide provides more detail on these considerations.
Confirm the details before finishes are completed
Ask when the relevant pipework, paving and landscaping decisions will be finalised. Agree when the proposed equipment requirements need to reach the builder and plumber, and record the arrangement on the plans or in writing.
For a kitchen RO system, discuss cabinet space, the drinking-water outlet, power and drainage requirements. For a softener, confirm the selected model’s drainage and servicing needs. Use the product manuals and supplier advice to establish the actual requirements.
Have the appropriate trades confirm the final arrangement. In Victoria, the Building and Plumbing Commission’s guidance on engaging a plumber explains practitioner qualifications and checking registration or licensing. For projects elsewhere, check the relevant local requirements.
Where WaterMark certification is required, ask the plumber to verify the exact product using the ABCB WaterMark Product Database. Certification information should be checked against the proposed model.
Already received the keys?
You can still start with a site assessment. Send photographs of the water meter, accessible supply pipework and preferred installation area, together with any available plumbing plans.
Ask the installer to explain the feasible locations, connection route and any work affecting finished surfaces before agreeing to the installation. Compare the practical options against your priorities for appearance, access and maintenance.
Plan your installation with HG PureWater
If you are building or approaching handover, contact HG PureWater with your postcode, construction stage, water source, treatment goals and plans or site photographs.
We can help clarify the proposed equipment requirements for discussion with your builder and plumber. Starting that conversation early gives everyone a better opportunity to plan an installation that suits your new home.
References
- Building and Plumbing Commission, Victoria — Engaging a plumber. Updated 30 June 2026; checked 15 October 2026.
- Australian Building Codes Board — WaterMark Product Search. Checked 15 October 2026.
