Constructing Plumbing Systems in Modular Homes and Buildings

Modular buildings are becoming increasingly popular due to the speed of their construction. The reduced time in construction has a significant impact on the cost of the overall project, which makes it enticing. Contractors can build structures rapidly with a design that takes less space than traditional ones.

People typically think that modular buildings have challenges when it comes to fitting all of their plumbings, but this instance is far from reality. The pipes and other plumbing fixtures are easier to install in a modular setting than in traditional buildings. With proper planning and execution, the plumbings in modular buildings will be functional with a substantial reduction in cost and installation time. 

How Do You Install Plumbing in a Modular Building?

A complete plumbing system, including vent stacks, water supply, and waste lines, are requirements for modular buildings. The connection, installation, and pressure test are necessary for these lines. The modular facility's supply and waste pipes go through the first floor. The waste and water supply lines on the second level, on the other hand, connect to the water lines that were already existent at the construction phase.

Whether you plan to use city sewage and water or a private septic tank and well, your building will require the appropriate plumbing. Depending on the plan you choose, it will have waste lines, water supply lines, and venting stacks. It is necessary to have all connections tied in and pressure checked to the requisite 35 PSI for waste lines and 95 and 100 PSI for water lines to prevent leakage.

The pipes for waste and water supply are in the kitchen and bathroom parts of the manufacturing facility while they are under construction. Plumbing gets stubbed through on the first level, and if the structure has a second story, it may run up chase walls. After the delivery and setting of the building, your builder will need to hook up the second-story waste and water lines on-site. 

The builder is responsible for linking your well or public water to your building, determining what type of plumbing connections you need. It would be best to install general-purpose access doors with access cover to protect the entry points of the utility areas that you will use to access your plumbing.

Misconceptions About Plumbing in Modular Buildings

Plumbers and professionals typically avoid working on the modular buildings' plumbing systems. Certain beliefs about it, on the other hand, are untrue. One assumption is that the drain lines have no venting mechanism, which is ludicrous because all drain lines require vents to function correctly; otherwise, pressure will build up, and nothing will move. 

Another common misconception regarding modular buildings is that they come with low-quality pipes that deteriorate over time, which is not the case.

Installing Public Water Pipes

Your modular building's water source will determine the plumbing connections. Furthermore, installing the pipes' entrance should be during the foundation, regardless of where the water supply originates. You'll need to hook up your building to the city's water supply.

Water Supply

You'll need to connect the water supply lines to the first-floor plumbing lines stubbed into the modular building's floor. The water feeds for the second floor must be from the connection between the first and second floors in access panels, typically located near the waste lines for the modular building. It is always preferable to have the access panels on the floor rather than the second-story ceiling.

Sewer System Installation

In terms of technique and setup, connecting sewer pipes is comparable to linking water sources in modular buildings. However, keep in mind that the septic system's installation should only be after the construction of the entire building.

Waste Lines and Vent Stacks

The water lines on the first floor must connect to the waste pipes in the foundation space of the modular building. However, if you have a two-story building, the waste lines need a connection to the first-floor box, which will be present between the two stories. Placing the box on the second-floor floor is usually tricky since it necessitates the use of additional materials. 

The vent stacks in the attic space, perforated in the roof, can connect to offer an easy exhaust system.

Hot Water Heater Installation

This job will require an electrician to operate the water heater system, either an on-demand system or a storage tank. For the water heating system, there are two possibilities. One option is installing the water heater in the building's foundation base, while the other is installing it in the conditioned space. Furthermore, it can use both electric and natural gas for water heating.

Plumbing Leaks

Because the plumbing supply lines in these buildings are rarely inside the walls, you won't have to worry about any wall damages. Additionally, you can find pipe leaks frequently in the insulation, floors, subfloors, or HVAC ducts. If your flooring is composite wood material, it will absorb liquid like a sponge and deteriorate. 

When it happens, it's usually better and less stressful to bring in new supply lines while shutting down the existing ones rather than repairing them. The last deciding factor in which material to employ will be local plumbing codes.

Takeaway

Prefab buildings will have more variations in the foreseeable future due to the advancement in various construction technologies and methodologies. Driven by the need for a more sustainable approach, more experimental structures will become the foundation for other projects. Make sure to consult with a professional when making decisions about your project and only purchase high-quality products from reputable companies.

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson