A tiny home has a lot of perks. It costs less, there’s less clutter, and it’s just… Cozy. Small spaces are just cozy and they give you that warm, fuzzy feeling that makes you feel so comfortable and safe. But it’s not all rainbows and sunshine.
Take plumbing, for example. Things can get real tricky real fast with plumbing because a tiny home doesn’t have all the extra space a traditional house has. There’s simply no room for bulky pipes, huge water tanks, or complicated drainage systems. If plumbing isn’t done well, you’re left with leaks, clogs, and headaches because of all the expenses you’ll have. This is why you need smart plumbing. With it, the water flow will be great, your fixtures will fit like they’re supposed to, and the entire system will be a piece of cake to maintain.
Keep reading and I’ll share my best tips on how to design a plumbing system that works for even the tiniest of houses.
6 Tips
My best tip would be to do your homework and find a plumber who knows what they’re doing. Regardless of which state you live/work in, make sure your plumber has a valid license. Each U.S. requires a license, but the requirements and license levels may differ a bit.
Here are a few examples:
Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Plumber license available. To become a Journeyman plumber you need 8,500 hours as a licensed apprentice under supervision. And to become a Master plumber you’re required to hold a journeyman plumbing license for at least 1 year.
Contractor Plumber license available. To get one, you’re required to have at least 4 years of experience in the field under your belt.
Each other state follows a similar pattern, but as you can see, in Arizona you only need experience and you get one license level, while there’s a whole array of ranks that you need to rise through. Each time you upgrade, go for the initial license, or do a licensing renewal, you’ll have to pass an exam.
Now, onto my other tips.
1. Plan Your Water Route
Even before the first pipe is installed, map out your water supply route. Every single inch is important for tiny homes, so you need to place your water sources in an efficient way or you’re looking at trouble down the road.
The best way would be to keep all the spaces that use water (kitchen, bathroom, laundry) close because you’ll need less pipes this way. Less pipes doesn’t just mean more space, but also better water pressure.
2. Pick Fixtures That Save Space
Standard fixtures won’t always be the best for tiny homes. Luckily, there are a lot of compact options out there. A wall-mounted sink and toilet can save you tons of space, or you can even get fixtures that serve more than one function. For example, why not have a sink that’s also a washbasin? Or a shower that has built-in storage?
3. Use a Tankless Water Heater
A bulky water heater will only cause problems in a small space. Tankless water heaters are a much better option because they’ll give you hot water without the large tank. Plus, tankless models heat water as you use it, so they’re more energy-efficient and they come in different types, like electric and propane models.
Also, think about where you’ll place it. If you put it near spaces that are your main water sources, you’ll get hot water in a snap without wasting energy.
4. Choose PEX Pipes
PEX piping is one of the best materials you can use, especially for tiny homes. Unlike traditional copper or PVC pipes, PEX is flexible, so it’s easier to install in tight spaces without having to do a lot of fittings. The flexibility also prevents leaks because there’s fewer connection points for the water to escape.
In addition to this, PEX piping doesn’t freeze as easily, which is a major benefit if you live in a colder climate.
5. Improve Drainage and Ventilation
Good drainage and ventilation are the key to keeping the plumbing in your tiny home working well. odors can spread super fast in a small space, so you want to make sure your pipes are properly vented. If the ventilation isn’t good, wastewater will drain slowly, which leads to clogs and smells that are… Well, you can imagine.
One of the best solutions for tiny homes is air admittance valves (AAVs). They allow the air to enter the drainage system without the need for big vent pipes. Another thing to think about is the slope of your drain pipes; water has to flow at the right angle so there’s no standing water that can lead to blockages.
6. Make Repairs Easy
I see many tiny homeowners making this mistake and it’s a real issue. A plumbing system that’s hard to access is a big problem because what happens when you need to replace a part or repair a pipe? A headache, that’s what.
Make sure to plan for easy access to your plumbing from the start and you’ll be fine. You can also consider removable panels in key areas, label shut-off valves, and check that you can reach important connections without having to turn your house upside down.
Using specialised plumbing access panels can greatly simplify maintenance and repairs, allowing quick and convenient access to pipes and valves without damaging walls or disrupting your tiny home’s compact design.
Conclusion
Plumbing isn’t very aesthetic or fun so a lot of people don’t really think about it. But when you imagine leaks, clogs, or being without running water in your home, you start to understand just how important plumbing is.
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