Chapter 6 – Plumbing

The next challenge you will have to face with a container home is plumbing. This will perhaps be the most challenging aspect of creating a container home.

First, the idea behind creating a container home is the fact that it can easily be transported whenever the owner decides to change his surroundings for personal or professional reasons. In effect, this basically makes a container home a larger more liveable mobile home.

This affects the way you would normally handle the construction of your toilet and bath.

Should you go waterless or use a bowl with a microflush feature?

Since container homes are becoming more stable fixtures in certain areas, the use of traditional bowls with a proper septic tank have risen. So, if you can’t decide between going waterless or using a micro flush toilet system, using traditional bowls with septic tanks is the way to go.

For plumbing you can also use compost toilets. But this is something reserved for those who are truly passionate about conservation. If you’re just looking for a home but still want to enjoy the comforts of a normal toilet and bath, using a compost toilet may not be for you.

You can also install a shower module which essentially takes care of everything you need from the shower itself to the flooring. Since it is in an enclosed space, you will further protect your toilet section from excess moisture.

One thing that you have to understand is that metal does not do too well with moisture. Extended periods of exposure to moisture can seriously damage a steel structure. So in preparation to making your toilet and bath, proper coating on all sides should be done. A waterproof base paint which you can easily find in stores selling marine products is the way to go.

Other things you can do to improve the aesthetics of your toilet are essentially up to you. The basic rule of thumb though is to keep it simple and functional and ensure that you have proper venting as well as plumbing installed for a worry free experience whenever you use it.

Added note:

A viable option is to choose toilet and sink accessories from boating companies. These companies have essentially been in the business of creating these items for container homes without even knowing it. Furthermore, these items are built to be small and yet as efficient as a full-sized item you would find in any traditional home.

There are many companies out there nowadays that are manufacturing modular toilet systems which include the toilet, shower and sink in one piece. You might want to take a look into that and see if it appeals to your taste and suit your needs as well.