What Plumbing Considerations Should I Think About for a Container Home?

Building a container home is an exciting adventure filled with unique challenges and endless possibilities. As someone who has recently dived into this world, I can tell you that plumbing is one of the most critical aspects to think about. Let’s dive into the essential plumbing considerations that can make or break your container home experience.

Understanding Your Space

When I first ventured into the design of my own container home, I was amazed at how much space a shipping container offers. However, this space also presents unique plumbing challenges. The standard shipping container is often only 8 feet wide, meaning you’ll need to be particularly strategic about where everything goes.

Zoning and Location

Before you get ahead of yourself, check your local zoning laws. Is your container home going to be in a remote area? Make sure to consider the availability of city water and sewer systems. For example, when I was setting up my foundation, I realized that the closest municipal water line was a mile away! I had to switch gears and plan for a well, which significantly altered my plumbing strategy.

Water Supply System

Designing the water supply system is foundational to the comfort of living in a container home. Here’s what to consider:

Freshwater Supply

Are you going with a city water connection or a more off-grid solution? If you opt for a well, think about filtration systems to keep your water clean. Personally, I decided to use rainwater harvesting in tandem with a well, which offers redundancy. Imagine my relief when an unexpected drought hit, but my stored rainwater kept my family going.

Plumbing Layout

In a container home, space is limited, so every inch counts. Plan your plumbing layout carefully! Positioning your sink, shower, and toilet near each other will save on piping costs and simplify installation. I created a small bathroom using a corner of my container, which centralizes plumbing and makes the most of what I have.

Wastewater Management

Wastewater management can be a thorny issue in container homes. You’ll need to consider both how to deal with greywater from your sinks and showers, as well as blackwater from your toilet.

Sewage Disposal

If you’re building in an area without a sewer system, a septic tank will be your best bet. Selecting the right-sized septic tank is crucial one that meets your home’s needs but isn’t overly large. I discovered through personal experience that a professional consultation can save you headaches down the line!

Heating Water

Don’t overlook hot water needs in your container home. Whether you plan on using a traditional water heater or a tankless system, I recommend assessing your hot water needs early on. I opted for a tankless system because of its efficiency and compact size perfect for the limitations of a container. Imagine waking up on a cold morning, knowing that a pleasurable hot shower is just a switch away!

Insulation and Freezing Pipes

One huge factor I learned about the plumbing in container homes is that insulation is paramount not just for keeping your home comfortable, but also for protecting your plumbing. Make sure you invest in proper insulation to help keep your pipes from freezing in the winter months. I faced a notorious cold snap last winter, but because I had wrapped my pipes adequately, I was able to enjoy hot showers despite the frosty temperatures outside.

Professional Help vs. DIY

While the DIY spirit is strong in the tiny home and container home community, plumbing is one area where I advise doing your homework before you tackle it yourself. I remember my excitement when I helped a friend set up plumbing for his tiny home, only to find ourselves knee-deep in frustrating errors! Ultimately, we called a plumber who pointed out mistakes we hadn’t even considered.

Investing some money in a consultation with a plumbing professional can save you from costly errors in the long run.

Conclusion

Building a container home is an extraordinary journey, filled with opportunities for creativity and self-discovery. However, neglecting the critical aspect of plumbing can lead to frustrations that overshadow all the joys. Remember to consider your location, water supply systems, sewage management, hot water access, and insulation these choices will profoundly affect your day-to-day life in your gorgeous, unique space. If you’re wondering about plumbing considerations for your container home, start here, and you’ll be off to a great start on your adventure! Happy building!