So you just bought a tiny house shell and now you’re staring at the plumbing like it’s some kind of ancient curse. Relax. I’ve been there. I used to fix RV plumbing for a living, then shifted to tiny houses. Over 200 builds later, here’s the deal on tiny house plumbing systems that’ll save you money, headaches, and that “call a pro” panic.
Do Tiny Houses Have Plumbing? The Short Answer
Yes, tiny houses do have plumbing. But it’s not your usual house setup. Tiny home water systems are a different beast. You’re working with limited space, sometimes off-grid setups, and a strict budget. So you’ll find a lot of folks mixing RV plumbing parts tiny house enthusiasts swear by, with some residential plumbing thrown in for good measure.
Here’s a quick reality check: RV toilets suck. Really. They’re designed for short trips, not full-time living. If you want a tiny house bathroom setup that doesn’t make you regret your life choices come week two, look into composting toilets instead. More on that later.
Choosing Your Pipes: Copper vs PEX in Tiny Homes
This debate shows up in every build. Copper pipes look nice. They last long. But they cost a ton and are a pain to install, especially in tight spaces. PEX plumbing tiny house installations are way more DIY-friendly. You can bend the pipes, use quick-fit connectors, and the material handles freezing better (more on that in winterization).
Home Depot sells a PEX crimper tiny house builders love for about $47. A solid investment if you’re going the DIY route. The tools pay for themselves fast when you’re not paying a plumber’s hourly rate of $85+.
DIY Tiny House Plumbing Price - What to Expect
Real talk: plumbing costs can skyrocket if you outsource everything. For a small home plumbing budget, expect to spend around $1200-$1800 on materials for a basic setup - pipes, fittings, a small tankless water heater, and fixtures.
For example, I recently did a build where the tiny home water off grid system included a https://www.tinyhouseplans.com/blogs/guides/do-tiny-homes-have-plumbing 2.5-gallon electric water heater (grabbed at Lowe’s for $130) and PEX tubing from Home Depot (about $150 for 100 feet). Add in a Nature’s Head composting toilet ($900-ish, but worth every penny), and you’re set.
DIY tiny house plumbing price can drop if you scavenge parts or buy used. Just make sure you’re not sacrificing quality on critical parts like shut-off valves or water heaters.
Off-Grid Tiny House Plumbing - What You Need to Know
Off grid water solutions are not just about hauling water in buckets. You’ll want a self sufficient plumbing system that includes water storage, a simple filtration system, and waste management that doesn’t require a septic hookup.
Many tiny homes on wheels plumbing setups rely on freshwater tanks (20-50 gallons), a 12V pump, and gray water tanks for wastewater. If you want to be legal, check local rules on gray water disposal. Some places allow dispersal in a drip irrigation field, others require hauling it away. Tiny house gray water systems can be DIY or off-the-shelf.
Composting Toilets in Tiny Houses - Why They’re a Game Changer
When I first started, I thought composting toilets would smell like a barnyard. Spoiler: they don’t. The Nature’s Head toilet review I did on my first tiny house build showed zero odors, tiny house plumbing maintenance easy maintenance, and way less hassle than lugging black water tanks around.
Composting toilet tiny house cost hovers around $800-$1200 depending on brand and extras. Compare that to installing a full septic system or RV-style cassette toilet that you have to empty weekly. For small home toilet options, this is the most practical for long-term off-grid living.
Winterizing Tiny Home Plumbing - Avoiding Frozen Pipes
Cold weather tiny house plumbing is a nightmare if you don’t plan ahead. One client learned this the hard way last winter when their pipes froze solid overnight. The cleanup and repair cost nearly $500, plus lost water for days.
To prevent pipes freezing tiny house style, wrap all exposed pipes with foam insulation sleeves (about $1.50 a foot at Home Depot), install heat tape ($25 for 10 feet), and consider adding a small thermostatically controlled heater near your water lines.
Also, draining your system if you’re leaving for the season is non-negotiable. Many tiny house plumbing supplies sellers carry winterizing kits, but you can DIY with RV antifreeze (non-toxic, pink stuff) for drains.
Small Shower Plumbing - Compact Shower Systems That Work
Space is tight so tiny home bathroom shower setups need to maximize every inch. I’ve installed small tankless water heaters that deliver instant hot water without the bulk of a traditional tank. If you grab one from Amazon or Home Depot for around $170, you get endless hot water without a giant tank eating your floor space.
Compact shower systems like corner stalls with low-profile pans save room and simplify plumbing runs. Use flexible PEX pipes to snake water lines efficiently.
Gray Water Solutions for Small Homes
What to do with your sink and shower water? Tiny home waste water can’t just drip onto the ground unless you’re off-grid with permission. A tiny house gray water system typically involves a 15-30 gallon holding tank that you pump out periodically.
Some DIYers rig simple filtration and dispersal fields with gravel and plants. Legal gray water disposal varies by state and county, so check local codes before you dig a trench.
RV vs Residential Plumbing for Tiny Houses
Many folks ask, “Should I use RV plumbing parts or residential stuff?” Here’s my take: RV parts are designed for movement and compact spaces. They’re lighter, easier to install, and cheaper. But they don’t always last as long, and sometimes the fittings are proprietary or harder to find.
Residential plumbing is more durable but bulkier and more expensive. I usually combine the two - PEX tubing with residential-grade valves and fixtures. That way you get the best of both worlds.
Essential Tiny House Plumbing Tools for DIY Installation
Don’t skimp on tools. You’ll want:
- A $47 PEX crimper (Home Depot) A good tubing cutter ($15) A pipe wrench ($20) A drill with hole saw bits for running pipes through framing Leak detection spray or soapy water in a spray bottle to check joints
Trying to DIY plumbing without these tools is like trying to drive nails with your fist.
Real Build Experience: The Frozen Pipe Fiasco
One build I helped with had no insulation on their water lines. They thought a few wraps of tape would cut it. One night, temps dropped below 15°F. Next morning, no water. The pipes had frozen and burst inside the walls.
Fixing it cost over $600, including drywall patching and replacing 30 feet of PEX. Moral: insulate pipes and add heat tape. It’s cheap insurance.
Honest Product Reviews: Nature’s Head Toilet and Water Heaters
The Nature’s Head toilet is my go-to recommendation. It costs around $900, but no black water tanks, no chemicals, no stinky mess. Maintenance is minimal - just empty the compost container every few weeks. Worth it for tiny house composting toilet fans.
For water heaters, small tankless units work great but watch out for electric load. Some need a dedicated circuit, usually 30 amps. Gas units are trickier but give you more hot water with less electric draw.
Cost-Saving Tiny House Plumbing Tips
- Buy PEX tubing in bulk online or at Home Depot to save 20-30%
- Use RV parts for fittings and valves when possible
- Plan your plumbing runs carefully to minimize pipe length
- DIY your gray water system with simple tanks and manual pumps
- Avoid fancy fixtures until you have the basics down
Troubleshooting Common Tiny House Plumbing Problems
Low water pressure? Check your pump and filter. Clean or replace clogged filters.
Leaks? Tighten connections. Use Teflon tape on threaded joints.
No hot water? Check breaker for water heater, or pilot light on gas models.
Frozen pipes? Add insulation and heat tape.
Wrapping Up
Look, plumbing a tiny house is not rocket science. But it does take some planning and elbow grease. Keep it simple, use PEX, get a composting toilet, insulate those pipes, and don’t let a contractor bleed you dry.
Here’s the thing: once it’s done, you’ll wonder why you ever freaked out. Tiny house plumbing systems can be straightforward and affordable if you know what to buy and how to put it together.
FAQ
Do tiny houses have plumbing like regular houses?
Yes, but usually smaller scale and sometimes off-grid. They often use PEX tubing and compact fixtures.
What’s the average tiny house plumbing cost?
Expect $1200-$1800 for basic DIY installation including pipes, fittings, water heater, and a composting toilet.
Are composting toilets worth it in tiny houses?
Absolutely. They avoid black water tanks, smell less than you’d think, and save space and hassle.
Can I use RV plumbing parts in my tiny house?
Yes, many builders use RV parts for their compact size and ease of installation, though some combine with residential-grade fittings.
How do I prevent frozen pipes in my tiny house?
Insulate pipes, use heat tape, add small heaters near plumbing, and drain your system if leaving during winter.
What off-grid water solutions work best?
Freshwater tanks with a 12V pump, simple filtration, gray water tanks for wastewater, and composting toilets are common.
Is a small tankless water heater a good choice?
Yes, they save space and provide instant hot water but may need dedicated electrical circuits.
What tools do I need for DIY tiny house plumbing?
PEX crimper ($47), tubing cutter, pipe wrench, drill with hole saw bits, and leak detection spray.
How do I legally dispose of gray water?
Check local regulations. Some allow dispersal in a drain field, others require hauling or treatment.
What’s harder than expected in tiny house plumbing?
Winterization and gray water management usually trip people up. Plan ahead and research local codes.