The Tiny house Blog

Mastering Tiny House on Wheels Plumbing

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
November 8, 2023
tiny house on wheels drake plumbing

View Drake by Land Ark

The Growing Tiny House Movement

The tiny house movement has been rapidly growing in popularity over the last decade. More people are expressing interest in simplifying their lives and reducing their ecological footprint by living in smaller spaces. Although downsizing to a tiny house comes with its set of challenges, plumbing shouldn’t be one of them if you are equipped with the right knowledge and resources.

Challenges and Innovations in Tiny House Plumbing

While the idea of living in a tiny house sounds enticing, managing the plumbing system may seem daunting. However, you'd be surprised to discover the innovative and eco friendly strategies tiny homeowners have developed to overcome these challenges, ranging from composting toilets, greywater systems, and rainwater collection.

Understanding Tiny House Plumbing

Tiny House Plumbing Solutions

Tiny house plumbing solutions are designed to be compact, efficient, and suit the unique requirements of a smaller space. They are similar to those in traditional homes but scaled down to fit the size constraints of a tiny house. Despite the size difference, tiny house plumbing must still accommodate the necessary water supply, drainage, and venting systems.

Comparisons between Regular and Tiny House Plumbing

In terms of layout and mechanics, tiny house plumbing is pretty much the same as standard home plumbing. However, there are practical considerations to keep in mind when dealing with a tiny house such as the weight, the number of fixtures, and the ability to withstand road movement.

tiny house on wheels plumbing
Photo by Lumin on Unsplash

The Core Components of Tiny House Plumbing

The Importance of Compact Plumbing Systems in Tiny Homes

In a tiny house, space is at a premium, so it makes sense to choose compact plumbing systems for your tiny home. These are uniquely designed not to take up unnecessary space, and their lightweight nature does not add extra weight to the mobile home. Efficient usage of water is another advantage of installing compact plumbing systems.

Detailed Look into Mobile House Plumbing versus RV Plumbing

Here's the thing: the plumbing system of a tiny home on wheels and that of an RV share many similarities, but they’re not exactly the same. RV plumbing may not be built with the same materials designed to withstand the everyday use that house plumbing does while mobile home plumbing is more akin to standard residential plumbing. 

Look, let me break it down for ya. In an RV, we're talking about flexible plastic lines that might just keel over with constant use. Give 'em a few freeze-thaw cycles and some daily wear and tear, and you could be looking at a mountain of problems. It's a ticking time bomb, if you ask me! Now, with a tiny house on wheels (THOW), we're cranking it up a few notches with solid, tried-and-true residential plumbing. This ain't just your weekend road-trip setup. 

This is full-time, 24/7 living. You see, the THOW uses PEX pipes and fittings—straight-up rugged stuff that can take anything life throws at it. It's tried-and-true gear for a tried-and-true lifestyle. Trust me on this, it's the only way you're gonna squeeze every gorgeous, water-saving, off-the-grid drop out of tiny living. 

So if you're up for a THOW adventure or just plain old tired of leaking pipes in your RV, it's time to make like a tree and branch out over to tiny home plumbing. Let's do this thing, folks! The water’s fine over here.

Tiny House Water Supply

Pros of Using On grid Water Supply

Here's the thing: the plumbing system of a tiny home on wheels and that of an RV share many similarities, but they’re not exactly the same. RV plumbing may not be built with the same materials designed to withstand the everyday use that house plumbing does while mobile home plumbing is more akin to standard residential plumbing. You might be thinking, "Big whoop, plumbing is plumbing, right?" Well, not so fast, mate. As it turns out, there are some significant differences to take into account when dealing with a tiny house on wheels. 

For starters, RV plumbing is often a bit on the flimsy side, built for short trips and occasional use, not the daily grind. Your standard residential plumbing, on the other hand, is built like a brick house, tough as nails and designed for the long haul. So, when you're planning your tiny house on wheels, you've gotta think beyond the RV model, and aim for something tougher, more akin to residential plumbing. You're gonna be living in there full time, right? Then your plumbing needs to be able to handle that. It needs to be steady, reliable, and robust, just like you'd expect in a good ol' brick and mortar home. 

Don't go on the cheap, investing in robust plumbing for your tiny house on wheels is a no-brainer. Not only will it save you a heap of headaches down the road, but it'll also increase the longevity of your movable manor. So, ensure you get the right stuff and roll on with confidence.

Benefits of Off grid Plumbing

Off grid plumbing allows for a more self sufficient and sustainable lifestyle. By employing systems like rainwater collection and water storage, you can supply your tiny home with water independent of the public water grid.

An Introduction to Rainwater Collection in Tiny Homes

This environmentally friendly method of water collection reduces energy use and water waste. Rainwater can be collected through gutter systems and stored for later use, such as for irrigation or filtration for drinking water. However, you'd need to ensure that this is legal in your locality as some places have strict rainwater collection laws.

tiny house n wheels drake faucet plumbing
View Drake by Land Ark

Navigating Through the World of Portable Water Storage for Tiny Homes

Storage and Space solutions

When it comes to water storage for a tiny house, every inch counts. Selecting a water tank that fits comfortably under the house or within a built in storage unit is key in preserving valuable interior space.

Installation and Maintenance Tips for Water Storage

Proper installation is crucial to ensure the seamless operation of your water storage system. Regular maintenance, such as system checks for leaks and periods of complete drainage to prevent bacteria build up, can prolong the lifespan of your water storage system and ensure a consistent and clean supply of water.

And so the journey continues through the various facets of tiny house plumbing, from considerations for tiny house heating, bathroom design, and waste management, to practical tips for plumbing installation, maintenance, and innovative fixtures. Ultimately, chalk it down to the call of tiny living simplified living with the flow of water under your fingertips.

Conclusion

As I reflect on mastering tiny house plumbing, I've realized its pivotal role in creating a comfortable, mobile lifestyle. It's not just about pipes; it's about sculpting a unique way of living. I've learned to navigate space constraints, weight considerations, and the need for mobility. It's about designing, installing, and maintaining plumbing tailored to my tiny home, enabling me to embrace life on the move without sacrificing comforts. Whether it's water supply, wastewater management, or eco-friendly solutions, understanding tiny house plumbing empowers freedom and independence. It's not just mechanics; it's about crafting a living space that's uniquely mine. 

For those embarking on the journey of tiny house living, plumbing is an art that allows you to shape your life on your terms, no matter where your wheels take you. It's about creating a living space that's a reflection of your individuality and dreams.

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