Tiny House Shower Plumbing: A Complete DIY Guide
Introduction to Tiny House Shower Plumbing
Setting up proper shower plumbing in your tiny house is essential for comfortable daily living. A well-designed plumbing system ensures you have reliable access to water while maximizing your limited space. Whether you’re building a completely off-grid tiny home or connecting to city utilities, understanding tiny house shower plumbing will save you money, prevent future headaches, and give you the satisfaction of a self-sufficient home.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about installing shower plumbing in your tiny house, from planning to execution, for both on-grid and off-grid setups.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
Before starting your tiny house shower plumbing project, gather these essential materials:
1. PEX tubing (typically 1/2″ for tiny houses)
2. PEX fittings (elbows, tees, couplings)
3. PEX crimping tool and rings
4. Shutoff valves
5. Shower valve and fixture
6. Drain assembly
7. P-trap
8. Drain pipe (typically 1.5″ or 2″)
9. Pipe insulation
10. Teflon tape
11. Pressure regulator (if connecting to city water)
12. Water pump (for off-grid setups)
13. Fresh water tank (for off-grid setups)
14. Grey water tank (for off-grid setups)
15. Pipe straps and mounting hardware
Planning Your Tiny House Shower Plumbing System
Determining Your Water Source
Before installing any plumbing, decide whether your tiny house will be:
1. On-grid: Connected to city water and sewer
2. Off-grid: Using water tanks and alternative disposal methods
3. Hybrid: Capable of both on-grid and off-grid functionality
Your choice will determine the components needed and overall system design.
Creating a Plumbing Layout
1. Draw a simple diagram of your tiny house
2. Mark the location of your shower, sink(s), and any other water fixtures
3. Plan the shortest, most direct routes for water lines
4. Ensure access points for maintenance
5. Consider freeze protection if you’ll be in cold climates
Installing On-Grid Tiny House Shower Plumbing
Setting Up the Water Inlet
1. Install an exterior water inlet connection with a pressure regulator (30-50 PSI is ideal for tiny houses)
2. Add a shutoff valve immediately after the inlet
3. Install a water filter if desired
4. Connect the main water line (typically 1/2″ PEX) to distribute throughout your tiny house
Installing the Shower Valve and Fixture
1. Mount the shower valve at the appropriate height (typically 3-4 feet from the shower floor)
2. Connect hot and cold water lines to the valve using PEX tubing
3. Install the shower head and handle according to manufacturer instructions
4. Test for leaks before closing up walls
Setting Up the Drain System
1. Install a shower drain assembly in your shower pan or floor
2. Connect the drain to a P-trap to prevent sewer gases from entering your tiny house
3. Run 1.5″ or 2″ drain pipe from the P-trap to your main drain line
4. Ensure the drain pipe has proper slope (1/4″ per foot) for gravity flow
5. Connect to sewer hookup or grey water system
Installing Off-Grid Tiny House Shower Plumbing
Fresh Water System Setup
1. Install a fresh water tank (typically 20-40 gallons for tiny houses)
2. Mount a 12V water pump near the tank
3. Install a pressure accumulator tank to reduce pump cycling
4. Connect the pump to your main water distribution line
5. Add a water inlet for filling the tank from external sources
Shower Installation for Off-Grid Systems
1. Follow the same steps as on-grid for the shower valve and fixture
2. Consider installing a low-flow shower head (1.5 GPM or less) to conserve water
3. Install a shower timer or flow meter to monitor water usage
Grey Water Management
1. Connect your shower drain to a dedicated grey water tank
2. Install a grey water tank vent to prevent vacuum issues
3. Add a drain valve and connection for emptying the tank
4. Consider installing a simple grey water filter system if you plan to reuse the water
5. Ensure access for maintenance and cleaning
Hybrid Systems: The Best of Both Worlds
Many tiny house owners prefer a hybrid system that works both on and off-grid:
1. Install a city water inlet with pressure regulator
2. Add a fresh water tank and pump system
3. Use a valve system to switch between city water and tank water
4. Install a grey water tank with connections for both sewer hookup and portable disposal
5. This setup provides maximum flexibility for different parking situations
Tips for Successful Tiny House Shower Plumbing
1. Use color-coded PEX (red for hot, blue for cold) to avoid confusion
2. Install access panels for all major connections and valves
3. Insulate water lines to prevent freezing and improve energy efficiency
4. Consider a point-of-use water heater to save space
5. Label all valves and connections for future reference
6. Test the system thoroughly before finishing walls
7. Take photos of the plumbing before covering with walls for future reference
Cost Considerations
Based on recent reports from tiny house owners, you can expect to spend:
– DIY basic shower plumbing: $500-$1,500 for materials
– Professional installation: $2,000-$6,000 depending on complexity
– Off-grid components (tanks, pumps, etc.): Additional $500-$1,500
– Fixtures and finishes: $200-$1,000 depending on quality
Many tiny house owners report saving 50-70% by doing the plumbing themselves rather than hiring a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size water heater do I need for a tiny house shower?
For most tiny houses, a 6-10 gallon point-of-use water heater or a tankless water heater rated at 2.5-4 GPM is sufficient. Tankless heaters save space but require more initial investment.
How do I prevent my tiny house plumbing from freezing?
Insulate all water lines, consider heat tape for exposed pipes, keep interior temperature above freezing, and install drain valves at low points to allow winterization.
Can I use a composting toilet with a traditional shower system?
Yes! Many tiny houses use composting toilets (eliminating black water) while maintaining traditional shower and sink plumbing for grey water. This simplifies the overall plumbing system.
What’s the simplest shower plumbing setup for a DIYer with no experience?
A PEX-based system with push-to-connect fittings is the most beginner-friendly. These require minimal tools and experience while providing reliable connections.
How much water does a typical tiny house shower use?
With a standard shower head (2.5 GPM), a 5-minute shower uses about 12.5 gallons. With a low-flow shower head (1.5 GPM), the same shower uses only 7.5 gallons, making it much more suitable for off-grid living.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to create a functional, efficient shower plumbing system for your tiny house that meets your specific needs, whether you’re planning to connect to utilities or live completely off-grid. Remember that proper planning and careful installation will save you countless headaches down the road.