Why a Missing Shower Drain Rough-In Matters

A Real Example from a Las Vegas Pre-Drywall Inspection

As a home inspector in Las Vegas, I recently conducted a pre-drywall inspection that revealed a significant construction oversight: the shower drain in a newly built home had not been roughed in. While it might seem like a small detail, this type of issue can lead to major problems if not caught early.

That’s exactly why pre-drywall inspections are so critical—especially in our fast-moving Las Vegas housing market.

Missing Shower Drain Discovered During Las Vegas Pre-Drywall Inspection

What Does “Shower Drain Not Roughed In” Mean?

“Rough-in” refers to the stage of construction when plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are installed before the drywall goes up. For a shower, this means the drainpipe must be installed and positioned correctly to line up with the shower base or pan.

If a shower drain isn’t roughed in, the plumbing is missing where the shower is supposed to be. In the case I discovered, there was framing in place for the shower, but no drain plumbing installed.

Why It’s Often Missed Without a Pre-Drywall Inspection

Once drywall is installed, the inner workings of the home's systems are hidden. This makes it difficult to spot missing components like a shower drain until much later—possibly after construction is complete and the buyer attempts to use the shower.

Fixing it at that point would require tearing into walls or flooring, which could delay closings and add unexpected costs.

The Role of Pre-Drywall Inspections in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is experiencing rapid new home construction. Even reputable builders can have oversights due to the volume of homes being built and the number of subcontractors involved.

A pre-drywall inspection provides an independent review before the home is sealed up. It’s one of the few times a buyer or realtor has a clear view of the quality of workmanship and installation behind the walls.

Why Homebuyers Should Care

If you're buying a new home, a missing shower drain is more than an inconvenience—it’s a sign something important was missed during construction. It could raise questions about what else might have been overlooked.

A pre-drywall inspection offers peace of mind by ensuring key systems are in place and installed properly before they’re covered.

What Happens When This Issue Is Caught Early

When discovered before drywall, the fix is usually straightforward. The builder can access the area and install the missing drain before proceeding with the next phases of construction.

If it’s discovered later, correcting the mistake may involve removing finished surfaces like drywall, tile, or flooring—adding time, labor, and cost.

Conclusion: Early Inspections Prevent Big Problems

A missing shower drain rough-in is a perfect example of why pre-drywall inspections matter. These inspections offer a rare window into a home’s structure and systems at a critical point in the build.

For Las Vegas homebuyers and realtors, investing in a pre-drywall inspection helps ensure the home is being built right the first time. It’s a small step that can prevent costly repairs, delays, and frustrations after closing.