Oliver & Sons Plumbing

Commercial Restaurant Plumbing
Brisbane & SEQ

Restaurant fit-outs demand more than standard commercial plumbing. Every stage must be coordinated with builders, shopfitters, kitchen equipment suppliers and other trades to ensure the tenancy opens on program. Oliver & Sons Plumbing delivers hydraulic rough-in, drainage, water services, trade waste, grease trap installations and final fit-off for restaurant projects, providing the commercial plumbing systems required to support efficient kitchen operations and successful project handovers.

Over 30 Years

Plumbing Experience

QBCC Licensed

Licence No. 15538687

Fully Insured

Commercial Plumbing

SEQ Wide Coverage

Brisbane & Surrounds

30+Years Plumbing Experience
CommercialFocus
QBCCLicensed & Insured
SEQWide Coverage

Restaurant Plumbing Specialists

Commercial plumbing built for restaurant fit-outs.

Industry Overview

Every Restaurant Fit-Out Starts With Good Hydraulic Planning

Every restaurant is different, but every successful fit-out depends on one thing — a hydraulic system that supports efficient operation from opening day.

Oliver & Sons Plumbing works alongside builders, shopfitters and equipment suppliers to deliver commercial plumbing in accordance with the approved hydraulic design and construction program.

Key Differences

Why Restaurant Plumbing Is Different

Commercial Kitchens

Commercial kitchens generate significantly more wastewater than standard retail spaces.

Trade Waste

Trade waste systems may require grease arrestors and authority approvals depending on the project.

Hydraulic Coordination

Services are installed to approved hydraulic designs while coordinating with cabinetry and equipment.

Construction Integration

Plumbing must integrate with refrigeration, exhaust systems and other trades throughout construction.

The Build Sequence

Construction Sequencing

01

Planning & Coordination

Review hydraulic drawings, confirm the project scope and coordinate the plumbing works with the builder before construction begins.

02

Hydraulic Rough-In

Install underground drainage, water services and in-wall pipework before wall sheeting and internal finishes.

03

Fit-Off & Equipment Connections

Install fixtures, commercial kitchen equipment connections and complete the final plumbing fit-off once finishes are complete.

04

Testing & Commissioning

Pressure test the system, complete commissioning and provide the required compliance documentation before handover.

Our Approach

Working With Builders & Shopfitters

Oliver & Sons Plumbing works alongside commercial builders, shopfitters, project managers and other project stakeholders, coordinating plumbing installations with the wider construction program to support efficient project delivery.

From new hospitality venues through to tenancy refurbishments and commercial kitchen upgrades, we provide dependable plumbing installations that prioritise quality workmanship, clear communication and reliable project delivery.

The Outcome

Our Objective

Whether you're constructing a standalone restaurant, fitting out a tenancy within a shopping centre or refurbishing an existing hospitality venue, our objective remains the same — delivering commercial plumbing that supports practical completion and provides the plumbing infrastructure required for day-to-day restaurant operations following project completion.

Industry-Specific Plumbing

Plumbing for Restaurants

Restaurant fit-outs rely on carefully coordinated plumbing systems that support commercial kitchens, trade waste, drainage and hot water services. These are the key plumbing elements we coordinate throughout a typical restaurant fit-out.

Commercial Kitchens

Commercial kitchen plumbing includes water, drainage and waste services for food preparation, cooking and wash-up areas. We coordinate hydraulic rough-in and final fit-off with the builder, cabinetmaker and kitchen equipment supplier.

Grease Traps & Trade Waste

Restaurants often require trade waste management and grease arrestors, depending on the project and local authority requirements. We install plumbing in accordance with the approved hydraulic design and coordinate with the overall construction program.

Gas Service Coordination

Where gas appliances form part of the project scope, we coordinate the plumbing rough-in with the relevant licensed gasfitter and other trades to ensure services align before wall sheeting and final fit-off.

Floor Wastes & Drainage

Correct floor waste placement is essential for commercial kitchens. Drainage is installed to suit the approved hydraulic design and coordinated before floor finishes to minimise rework during construction.

Fixture & Equipment Connections

Commercial kitchens require plumbing for sinks, preparation areas and kitchen equipment. We complete rough-in and final fit-off so fixtures are installed at the correct stage of the build.

Commercial Hot Water

Commercial kitchens often have higher hot water demand than standard commercial spaces. We install water services in accordance with the approved design and project requirements.

Our Shopfit Process

From Plans to Handover

We work alongside builders, shopfitters and other trades to deliver commercial plumbing in line with the construction program. From planning through to project completion, our focus is on quality workmanship, clear communication and completing our plumbing scope efficiently.

Commercial restaurant projects rely on careful sequencing. Every plumbing stage needs to align with construction milestones to avoid delays, minimise clashes with other trades and achieve practical completion on schedule. Our process is designed around commercial builders, ensuring every stage is completed efficiently and communicated clearly.

01

Planning & Coordination

Review hydraulic and architectural drawings, confirm scope and coordinate with the builder before work begins.

02

Site Review

Inspect existing services, confirm access, verify dimensions and finalise construction sequencing.

03

Hydraulic Rough-In

Install underground drainage, water services and in-wall pipework before wall sheeting and finishes.

04

Trade Coordination

Coordinate with cabinetmakers, electricians, tilers, kitchen suppliers and other trades throughout construction.

05

Fit-Off

Install fixtures, tapware and equipment connections once cabinetry, finishes and equipment are complete.

06

Testing & Commissioning

Pressure test the system, complete commissioning and provide the required compliance documentation.

07

Handover

Final inspection, certification and project handover ready for practical completion and tenancy opening.

Working With Builders

Built for Commercial Builders

Commercial restaurant fit-outs rely on close coordination between multiple trades. Our role is to complete our plumbing scope in accordance with the approved hydraulic design while working alongside builders, shopfitters and other contractors throughout construction.

Direct Communication

We communicate directly with builders, site supervisors and project managers throughout the project, responding to RFIs, confirming plumbing requirements and coordinating our work with other trades.

Key point — A direct line to the site team, not layers of sub-contractors.

Relevant Experience

Restaurants Project Experience

A selection of our completed works relevant to restaurants fit-outs.

Commercial Kitchen Installation

Commercial Kitchen Installation

View Project

Project Overview

Installation of stainless steel sink units and associated hydraulic services within a commercial kitchen fit-out. The photograph shows the completed wash-up area with stainless benches and connected fixtures ready for operation.

Scope of Works

Supply and installation of stainless steel sink units, hot and cold water connections, grease waste pipework and connections to the trade waste system, completed as part of the kitchen hydraulic fit-out.

Services Provided

Hot and cold water rough-in and fit-off, stainless sink installation, grease waste connections, compliant trade waste plumbing and final commissioning of the wash-up area.

Outcome

A functional commercial wash-up area with compliant water and trade waste connections, ready for kitchen operation and handover to the operator.

Commercial Kitchen Hydraulics

Commercial Kitchen Hydraulics

View Project

Project Overview

Commercial kitchen pipework installation showing copper supply lines and waste pipework within a restaurant kitchen fit-out. The photograph captures the hydraulic services installed ahead of final fit-off and commissioning.

Scope of Works

Installation of copper hot and cold water supply lines, sanitary waste pipework and connections to the grease arrestor system, coordinated with the kitchen layout and equipment schedule.

Services Provided

Copper supply pipe installation, waste pipe installation, grease arrestor connections, hydraulic rough-in and coordination with other services within the kitchen area.

Outcome

Hydraulic services installed to AS/NZS plumbing standards, with water and waste lines positioned for connection to kitchen fixtures and equipment at fit-off.

Commercial Kitchen Fit-Off

Commercial Kitchen Fit-Off

View Project

Project Overview

Final fit-off stage of a commercial kitchen showing installed sinks, tapware and connected waste traps. The photograph shows the kitchen fixtures installed and ready for testing and commissioning.

Scope of Works

Final fit-off of commercial kitchen fixtures including sink and tap installation, waste trap connections and tie-in to the trade waste system, completing the hydraulic fit-out.

Services Provided

Fixture installation, tapware fit-off, waste trap connections, trade waste connections, pressure testing and commissioning of the installed kitchen fixtures.

Outcome

A completed commercial kitchen wash-up area with fixtures installed, tested and ready for operational handover to the operator.

Commercial Kitchen Plumbing

Commercial Kitchen Plumbing

View Project

Project Overview

Hot and cold water service installation within a commercial kitchen, showing the supply pipework installed to serve basins and kitchen equipment. The photograph shows the water services roughed-in ahead of fixture fit-off.

Scope of Works

Installation of hot and cold water services for the kitchen, including basin connections and provision for equipment connections, coordinated with the kitchen layout.

Services Provided

Hot and cold water rough-in, basin and equipment water connections, pipework installation and coordination with other hydraulic services.

Outcome

Water services installed and positioned for connection to kitchen fixtures and equipment at fit-off, ready for commissioning.

Commercial Basement Pipework

Commercial Basement Pipework

View Project

Project Overview

Commercial drainage stack installation serving a restaurant tenancy located above a single-level car park. The photograph shows overhead pipework with multiple junctions and branch fittings installed to AS/NZS plumbing standards.

Scope of Works

Installation of an elevated above-slab drainage stack with multiple junctions and branch fittings, carrying waste from the restaurant tenancy above the car park, with precise alignment and professional bracketing throughout.

Services Provided

Commercial drainage stack installation, overhead pipe runs, junction and branch fitting installation, support bracketing and connection to the drainage system below.

Outcome

A compliant overhead drainage system serving the restaurant tenancy, installed to AS/NZS standards and ready for connection at fit-off.

Common Requirements

Common Plumbing Requirements for Restaurant Fit-Outs

Kitchen Services

The complete hydraulic system serving a commercial kitchen — hot and cold water, drainage, trade waste and equipment connections.

Drainage falls, water set-downs and grease arrestor positions are set during rough-in, before the slab and floor build-up are cast. Getting this stage right sets up every downstream trade, from cabinetmakers to equipment suppliers.

Key Considerations

  • Drives the rough-in program.
  • Layout confirmed with the kitchen designer and equipment supplier.

Large wash-up sinks for cleaning pots, pans and utensils, needing dedicated hot and cold supply and robust waste connections within the wash-up area.

Set-downs are confirmed with the cabinetmaker and stone supplier during rough-in, before benches and tiling are installed. Aligning the hydraulic work with the joinery keeps taps and wastes landing correctly at fit-off.

Key Considerations

  • Positions locked to the joinery schedule.
  • Prevents rework on benches and stone.

Commercial dishwashers need dedicated hot and cold supply, compliant waste connections and drainage sized for high-temperature, high-volume wash cycles.

Connections are roughed-in ahead of cabinetry and confirmed against the specified equipment, then connected and commissioned at fit-off. Coordinating set-downs with the cabinetmaker and equipment supplier prevents misaligned connections.

Key Considerations

  • Confirmed to the equipment schedule.
  • Water, waste and overflow set early.

Stainless benches and sink units integrate sinks, taps and waste connections into the joinery, so hydraulic set-downs must line up exactly with the bench layout.

Sink and waste positions are confirmed with the cabinetmaker during rough-in, ahead of bench installation and tiling. Aligning rough-in with the bench schedule keeps the fit-out moving cleanly toward fit-off.

Key Considerations

  • Set-downs aligned to the bench schedule.
  • Prevents rework on joinery and stone.

Drainage & Waste

Drainage points set into the kitchen floor to carry wash-down water and spillage to the drainage system, keeping the floor safe and hygienic during cleaning.

Positions and falls are set during rough-in, before the slab or screed is poured — falls cannot be adjusted once the floor is cast.

Key Considerations

  • Coordinated with the tiler and waterproofer.
  • Falls locked in before the floor is cast.

Wastewater discharged from a commercial kitchen into the sewer, regulated by the local water authority. Most kitchens need a trade waste agreement and compliant pre-treatment.

The grease line, arrestor size and discharge point are confirmed during rough-in so the connection meets authority requirements.

Key Considerations

  • Agreement and pre-treatment required before discharge.
  • Addressed early to avoid authority hold-ups.

Grease arrestors capture grease and food solids before they enter the sewer and are required by local water authorities for most restaurant kitchens.

The arrestor is sized to the fixture load and positioned early, as it affects drainage falls, floor levels and the grease line layout.

Key Considerations

  • Sized to fixture load and authority requirements.
  • Positioned early to protect drainage falls.

Carries wastewater from sinks, equipment, floor wastes and the grease line to the sewer or trade waste system.

Pipe sizes, falls, junctions and discharge points are set before the slab is poured. Because falls cannot be adjusted once the floor is cast, the layout has to be right at rough-in.

Key Considerations

  • Drives the rough-in program.
  • Coordinated with the kitchen layout and equipment schedule.

Water Services

Serves the continuous demand of a restaurant kitchen — pot sinks, dishwashers, handwash basins and equipment. The system is sized to the fixture and equipment load to avoid undersupply during service.

Selected at design stage, roughed-in with the other hydraulic services, and connected and commissioned during fit-off.

Key Considerations

  • Sized to simultaneous demand.
  • Copper pipework and pressure control valves.

Ice machines need a dedicated cold water supply, a compliant drain connection and often a filtration unit to protect equipment and ice quality.

Water and waste set-downs are confirmed during rough-in, ahead of equipment installation, and coordinated with the equipment supplier.

Key Considerations

  • Filtration confirmed to the equipment spec.
  • Set-downs positioned early.

The hydraulic services behind a restaurant bar — sinks, glass washers, ice wells, beer taps and drainage. Bar areas are tight and packed with services.

Water, waste and drainage set-downs are roughed-in ahead of the bar build and confirmed with the cabinetmaker and equipment supplier.

Key Considerations

  • Coordinated with bar joinery and equipment.
  • Set-downs locked in to avoid clashes.

Completion

Pressure testing and commissioning confirm the hydraulic system performs as specified. Water services are pressure-tested, drainage flows checked, and fixtures and equipment connections commissioned.

Testing and commissioning are scheduled during fit-off so any issues are resolved before final sign-off.

Key Considerations

  • Part of the fit-off sequence.
  • Confirms the system performs as specified.

Depending on the project and local authority requirements, restaurant fit-outs may require inspections relating to the plumbing installation. Where an inspection forms part of our plumbing scope, we prepare the relevant plumbing work for inspection at the appropriate stage of construction and complete any required plumbing rectifications before progressing.

Key Considerations

  • Inspection requirements vary between projects and local authorities.
  • We prepare plumbing work for inspection where it forms part of our scope.
  • Any required plumbing rectifications are completed before progressing to the next stage of work.

FAQ

Common Questions

Grease trap sizing depends on the kitchen equipment, fixture load, approved hydraulic design and the requirements of the relevant water authority. There is no standard size suitable for every restaurant. Where a grease arrestor forms part of the approved hydraulic design and is included within our plumbing scope, we install or coordinate the specified unit in accordance with the project documentation.

Where our plumbing scope includes the complete hydraulic installation, we complete the plumbing works in stages—from hydraulic rough-in through to fit-off and commissioning where required. Our work is coordinated with the builder and other trades in accordance with the construction program and project requirements.

Where gas services form part of the project, we coordinate our plumbing works with the licensed gasfitter responsible for the gas installation. Gas installation itself is completed by the appropriately licensed contractor where required.

Drainage falls are established during the hydraulic rough-in stage in accordance with the approved hydraulic design. Floor wastes, drainage pipework and fixture locations are coordinated before floor finishes are completed to minimise unnecessary alterations where practicable.

Yes. Where required, we coordinate plumbing connection locations with kitchen equipment suppliers, cabinetmakers and other project stakeholders. This helps ensure plumbing services align with the approved equipment layout.

Some restaurant fit-outs require backflow prevention devices depending on the approved hydraulic design and the requirements of the relevant water authority. Where backflow prevention is included within our plumbing scope, we can install or connect the specified backflow prevention devices provided it is suitable for installation, complies with all applicable Australian requirements and, where required under Australian plumbing regulations, is WaterMark certified before installation. Installation is completed in accordance with the approved hydraulic design, the manufacturer's installation requirements and applicable Australian Standards, and is subject to the builder's construction program, site conditions and project documentation where relevant. Equipment is supplied by the builder or client unless specifically requested otherwise, we do not install non-compliant products, and any approvals, inspections or certifications by councils, certifiers or water authorities remain the responsibility of the relevant authority or responsible party. Any testing or certification is completed by the appropriately licensed person where applicable.

Hot water systems are selected in accordance with the approved hydraulic design and the anticipated demand of the commercial kitchen. The final system specification depends on the project requirements and equipment schedule.

Commercial fit-outs often operate under strict construction programs. Where program dates are provided, we coordinate our plumbing works with the builder and other trades to complete our plumbing scope at the appropriate stages.

Where required within our plumbing scope, we provide the relevant plumbing compliance documentation applicable to our installation. Additional certifications, inspections or approvals are completed by the appropriate authority or licensed contractor where required.

Yes. Where included within the project scope, restaurant refurbishments may involve modifications to existing plumbing services, drainage and hydraulic infrastructure. The extent of work depends on the approved design and existing site conditions.

Hydraulic rough-in is scheduled in accordance with the builder's construction program and approved hydraulic design. Set-downs, penetrations and service locations are coordinated before walls are sheeted or floor finishes are completed where required.

Yes. Where required, plumbing fixture locations are coordinated with cabinetmakers, stone suppliers and other relevant trades. This assists with positioning plumbing services to suit the approved joinery layout.

Depending on the project, we may coordinate with builders, project managers, electricians, cabinetmakers, tilers, refrigeration contractors, licensed gasfitters, waterproofers and kitchen equipment suppliers. The trades involved vary depending on the project scope.

Trade waste requirements vary between projects and water authorities. Where trade waste infrastructure forms part of our plumbing scope, we complete the plumbing installation in accordance with the approved hydraulic design. Applications, approvals or inspections are completed by the relevant authority or responsible party where required.

Where included within our plumbing scope, we can install or connect the specified commercial dishwashers and glasswashers provided it is suitable for installation, complies with all applicable Australian requirements and, where required under Australian plumbing regulations, is WaterMark certified before installation. Installation is completed in accordance with the approved hydraulic design, the manufacturer's installation requirements and applicable Australian Standards, and is subject to the builder's construction program, site conditions and project documentation where relevant. Equipment is supplied by the builder or client unless specifically requested otherwise, we do not install non-compliant products, and any approvals, inspections or certifications by councils, certifiers or water authorities remain the responsibility of the relevant authority or responsible party.

Where included within our plumbing scope, we can install or connect the specified commercial ice machines provided it is suitable for installation, complies with all applicable Australian requirements and, where required under Australian plumbing regulations, is WaterMark certified before installation. Installation is completed in accordance with the approved hydraulic design, the manufacturer's installation requirements and applicable Australian Standards, and is subject to the builder's construction program, site conditions and project documentation where relevant. Equipment is supplied by the builder or client unless specifically requested otherwise, we do not install non-compliant products, and any approvals, inspections or certifications by councils, certifiers or water authorities remain the responsibility of the relevant authority or responsible party.

Where included within our plumbing scope, we can install or connect the specified commercial kitchen equipment provided it is suitable for installation, complies with all applicable Australian requirements and, where required under Australian plumbing regulations, is WaterMark certified before installation. Installation is completed in accordance with the approved hydraulic design, the manufacturer's installation requirements and applicable Australian Standards, and is subject to the builder's construction program, site conditions and project documentation where relevant. Equipment is supplied by the builder or client unless specifically requested otherwise, we do not install non-compliant products, and any approvals, inspections or certifications by councils, certifiers or water authorities remain the responsibility of the relevant authority or responsible party.

Where included within our plumbing scope, we can install or connect the specified sinks, tapware and associated plumbing fixtures provided it is suitable for installation, complies with all applicable Australian requirements and, where required under Australian plumbing regulations, is WaterMark certified before installation. Installation is completed in accordance with the approved hydraulic design, the manufacturer's installation requirements and applicable Australian Standards, and is subject to the builder's construction program, site conditions and project documentation where relevant. Equipment is supplied by the builder or client unless specifically requested otherwise, we do not install non-compliant products, and any approvals, inspections or certifications by councils, certifiers or water authorities remain the responsibility of the relevant authority or responsible party.

Construction programs may change during a project. Where sequencing changes, we coordinate with the builder to reschedule our plumbing works where reasonably practicable while maintaining the approved installation sequence.

Where required within our plumbing scope, plumbing installations are pressure tested and commissioned in accordance with applicable standards, project specifications and the approved hydraulic design.

Oliver & Sons Plumbing carries the licences and insurances required to perform the plumbing services included within our scope of work. Specific project requirements can be discussed during the quoting process.

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FOR BUILDERS & HEAD CONTRACTORS

Commercial plumbing aligned with your program

Send through your plans and project details — we'll review the scope and provide a clear, itemised quote. We work directly with site teams to coordinate hydraulic work alongside other trades and construction schedules.

QBCC Licensed • 30+ Years Plumbing Experience • Commercial Plumbing

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