Across the U.S., demand for housing continues to outpace supply. From urban infill projects to suburban developments, builders are racing to deliver more residences on less land — and multi-family housing is leading the way. Apartments, condos, and other high-rise buildings (e.g., hospitals and hotels) provide an efficient path to increasing density and improving access and affordability.

But as buildings grow taller, their internal systems must be engineered for strength, efficiency, and long-term reliability, especially when it comes to plumbing. High-rise structures require durable materials that can withstand heavy use, meet fire safety requirements, and accommodate tight installation spaces. That’s where cast iron starter fittings* come in. These fittings are designed to simplify complex drain, waste, and vent systems in multi-story construction, saving time, labor, and headaches on the jobsite.

A Reliable Plumbing Solution From the Ground Up

In multi-story buildings where bathroom layouts are repeated from floor to floor, cast iron starter fittings create a single connection point for the DWV system, which typically includes the water closet, lavatory, shower, and tub. Instead of multiple separate parts, a typical starter fitting consists of a fixture fitting, a sanitary tee, a wye, and a section of pipe while eliminating the need for hubless couplings at each of the connection points.

Cast Iron Starter Fittings: 7 Benefits

Cast iron starter fittings help keep project timelines and budgets on track with benefits that include:

1. Lower Costs: By combining multiple components into a single fitting, cast iron starter units reduce the total number of parts and joints needed, cutting both material waste and labor expenses. 

2. More Efficient Installations: Starter fittings simplify bathroom layouts and floor-to-floor plumbing repetition, enabling faster installation and immediate system testing. 

3. Space-Saving Layouts: The compact design of starter fittings provides the same functionality but with less space required between walls or in the slab. 

4. Simplified Jobsite Logistics: With fewer parts and joints to manage, starter fittings reduce on-site complexities and the risk of errors. 

5. Labor Savings: Repeated floor layouts allow plumbing contractors to precut and preassemble stacks, reducing installation time. 

6. Noncombustible Materials: Cast iron is noncombustible and meets fire safety standards, allowing use in return-air plenums without restrictions. 

7. Satisfied Tenants: Cast iron’s dense, heavy structure naturally dampens sound, making it up to 750% more effective than PVC at reducing plumbing noise (according to a Polysonics study).

Built for Modern Construction Needs

As urban areas continue to grow vertically, having plumbing systems that are both efficient and reliable is more important than ever. Charlotte Pipe and Foundry offers hub-and-spigot and hubless cast iron starter fittings designed to fit a range of joining systems. Built to perform for the life of the building, these fittings are suitable for single bathrooms or back-to-back layouts and can handle different types of water closets, including wall-mounted and back-outlet models, giving plumbing engineers and plumbing contractors plenty of flexibility in both design and installation.

Download our white paper “Exploring the Benefits of Cast Iron Starter Fittings in Multi-Story Construction” for a closer look at fitting types, design details, and real-world labor savings.

*Installation requirements for starter fittings vary based on project, market, and application type. Recognizing the substantial differences in installation criteria from one region to another is vital and should be followed accordingly to ensure the integrity of the application.