If you use your shed as a workshop or gardening haven then you’ve probably wished for running water in your workspace. It’s so much more convenient to wash up or use the restroom without leaving your work. Whether you want to install a single sink, a laundry station, or a full bathroom we’ve got you covered. This guide will explain exactly what you need to do to bring running water to your shed.
Decide Which Fixtures You Need
Before you can add plumbing to your shed, first you have to make a plan. It’s essential to decide exactly what you will use the running water for. Begin by asking yourself these questions:
- Do you need a sink for washing your hands?
- Is a toilet a requirement for your shed?
- Do you need laundry plumbing and a laundry sink?
- Do you want to add a full bathroom with a shower?
- Are there additional, specialized plumbing needs for watering growing plants?
In addition to deciding what plumbing fixtures you need, plan where each one will fit in your shed. A sink and toilet may not seem like much, but they can take up a lot of space in a small workshop. I recommend making diagrams using the measurements of your shed. Sketching your ideas on paper can help you make a comprehensive plumbing plan.
Make a Plan for Ventilation
Plumbing isn’t all underground. In fact, it’s essential for plumbing lines to vent air so they drain properly. In most cases, plumbing lines vent air from the roof. So, make plans that include adding plumbing ventilation to your shed.
- Plumbing lines must vent air or they will not drain.
- Include ventilation pipes and roof installations in your plumbing plan.
- Review plumbing code guidelines for detailed information on plumbing ventilation.
There are well-established guidelines for safe and functional plumbing systems. For all the information you need on plumbing ventilation, check the Uniform Plumbing Code. These standards help ensure your shed is plumbed safely.
Find Where Existing Plumbing Lines Run
In order to supply water to your shed, you’ll need to run new water lines from an existing source on your property. It’s also important to make sure your new plumbing plans don’t interfere with any other underground utilities. So, before you do anything else, contact the 811 service in the United States and Canada. When you do, professionals will come to your property and mark the location of existing utility lines, free of charge.
- Contact the 811-Call-Before-You-Dig service in the US and Canada to have all utilities on your property marked.
- Locate all water supply lines on your property—you may have to change them to run water to your shed.
- Find and mark the location of all drainage and wastewater systems, including sewer drain lines, septic tanks, and gray water tanks.
It’s also important to know where the main sewer (or drainage) line is on your property. If you do not have a septic system, all plumbing fixtures will have to drain to the main municipal sewer line. If your home uses a septic system, it’s essential to know where the septic tank is as well as the drain lines that feed it. That way, you can plan to drain wastewater properly.
Determine if You Need New Supply and Waste Installations
Running new water supply lines is simple in many cases, but not all. If your home’s water is supplied by a well, running new plumbing lines may overtax your current well pump. So, you may need to consider upgrading your well system.
- Supplying water to a shed may require a new well or upgraded well pump.
- All drains from your shed must empty into a proper drainage system.
- In some instances, you may have to install a new gray water tank or septic tank for your shed plumbing.
Installing shed plumbing may also require new wastewater handling systems. Any water that goes down a sink or toilet drain must be drained safely. In communities with sewer systems, all wastewater should drain to the main sewer line. If you have a septic system, you will have to consider draining any new toilets to the existing septic tank or installing a new one. Sinks and washing machines should drain to a safe gray water tank if you cannot drain them to a municipal sewer line. Draining these appliances to a septic system can overfill the tank too quickly.
Get a Permit
In almost all cases, you will need a building permit in order to install plumbing in your shed. This requires drafting and submitting plans to local building authorities. Once your plans have been approved and permitted, you can start the work of bringing running water to your shed. If you need help creating and submitting plumbing plans, work with a licensed plumber.
- Adding plumbing to a shed almost always requires a building permit.
- Plumbing a shed without a permit can result in fines or void your home insurance policy.
- If you’re unfamiliar with permitting, a professional plumber can advise you on what is required for approval.
It’s important to note that adding running water may cause your shed to be classified as a domicile. This can come with several additional building code standards. So, be prepared for feedback and alteration requests when you submit your plan for permitting.
Dig Trenches for Your New Water Lines
Once your shed plumbing project is planned and permitted, begin digging trenches that will carry water to your shed. The required depth for plumbing lines varies by location. In colder regions, plumbing lines will have to be buried deeply to prevent freezing during winter. Review local building code to ensure all your lines are buried at the proper depth.
- Dig trenches for your water supply and drain lines.
- Follow our step-by-step guide to digging a trench by hand.
- Make sure all trenches are deep enough to meet local building code requirements.
Similar to water supply lines, you will need to dig trenches for wastewater lines. Whether the lines are running to a sewer main, septic tank, or gray water system, they must be buried at a safe depth so your plumbing won’t be damaged.
Run New Plumbing Lines
Install new water lines in the trenches you have dug. You will need pipes, pipe fittings, and tools such as a pipe wrench and pipe cutter. Make sure you choose an adequate diameter for your water supply and drain pipes so they work effectively.
- Connect new water lines to your water supply.
- Use plumbing tools to add water supply and drainage lines to your newly dug trenches.
- If necessary, run two water supply lines—one for cold water and one for hot water.
When adding new plumbing lines, decide whether or not you need both hot and cold water. If you only need cold water for flushing a toilet or watering garden shed plants, you only need to run one water supply line. If you want to deliver hot water to your shed, you will have to run an additional hot water line that is fed by a water heater.
Insulate Pipes
If you live in a climate with freezing winters, insulate your pipes wherever they exit the ground. Buried water lines resist freezing due to their underground depth. However, pipes that are aboveground are prone to freezing and bursting. These pipe covers can help insulate your shed plumbing.
- Aboveground pipes must be insulated to prevent freezing and bursting in cold climates.
- Pipes in the walls or floor or an uninsulated shed must also be insulated.
- Properly insulated pipes can prevent costly repairs.
It’s important to note that you may also need to insulate any pipes that run through the walls or floors of your shed. If your shed is not heated and insulated, pipes inside it can easily freeze and burst. When adding plumbing to a shed in a region with freezing winters, assume that every inch of pipe aboveground must be insulated.
Install New Plumbing Fixtures
Once your new water supply and drain lines run to your shed, it’s time to install fixtures such as sinks and toilets. When installing toilet and sink plumbing, follow plumbing guidelines. For example, each drain requires a P-trap to prevent sewer gases from flowing up into your shed.
- Add any sinks, toilets, or other plumbing fixtures to your shed.
- Make sure all fixtures are properly plumbed to supply water and drain waste effectively.
- Secure plumbing fixtures to the floor or wall so they are stable and safe to use.
Take your time to install fixtures with properly-sized pipes and durable fittings. This will make it much easier to make home repairs or clear clogs in the future. Use plumber’s tape to make fittings watertight.
Test Your New Plumbing
After installing your new plumbing lines and fixtures, test each one thoroughly. Make sure that hot and cold water lines are delivering the proper temperature water. Check to ensure drain lines and vents are working properly.
- Thoroughly test the effectiveness of each plumbing installation.
- Ensure each fixture has 3 things: water supply, drainage, and ventilation.
- Do not use any improperly functioning plumbing fixture.
If there are any problems with your new plumbing system, do not use it until these issues are fixed. You can use your plumbing knowledge to troubleshoot the issue or reach out to a professional plumber.
What if You Don’t Feel Comfortable with DIY Plumbing?
You may not have the time or experience for certain DIY plumbing tasks. Digging water supply lines and installing fixtures with proper ventilation is specialized work. If you want the job done right but aren’t sure you’re able to do it yourself, contact a licensed, professional plumbing in your area. They can help with planning, permitting, excavation, and safe installation of your shed plumbing.
- Hire a reputable, licensed plumber to assist with any shed plumbing work you can’t do yourself.
- Don’t attempt plumbing work if you’re not sure of the right tools, materials, or guidelines for the job.
- Study this article so you can work closely with a plumber to complete your plan.
It’s still essential that you review the steps in this article before talking to a professional plumber. The tips here will let you know what to expect from the process, so there will be fewer surprises. Plus, creating a plumbing plan or locating your water supply lines can help make the job easier for yourself and the plumber you hire.
How Do You Add Plumbing to a Shed?
When adding plumbing to your shed, follow these steps:
- Make a plan for what you need, whether it’s a sink or an entire bathroom suite.
- Plan ventilation for the plumbing fixtures, as well as the path for all water supply and plumbing drains.
- Make sure the path for your new plumbing lines does not interfere with existing underground utilities.
- Submit your plan and obtain a building permit.
- Excavate trenches for your new plumbing lines.
- Install pipes in your trenches to carry water and waste to and from your shed.
- Add plumbing fixtures to your shed and attach them to the new water supply and waste lines.
- Test your new plumbing fixtures to ensure all function properly.
By going through these steps you can add running water to your shed. That way you can wash up, water plants, and remain comfortable while you spend time in your workshop.
