If you are one of the approximately 70,000 people that live in mobile homes then you will be interested to learn that the plumbing in a Texas tiny homes is relatively similar to the plumbing in a regular house. Of course, there are a few distinctions that you need to be aware of. It is also a good idea to have the number of a reputable emergency plumber, you never know when you may need their help.
Materials Used
It should be noted that the plumbing code for standard brick homes is very strict. The rules change very little, which means it is not easy to adopt new techniques. However, when dealing with mobile home plumbing the rules are slightly more relaxed, allowing manufacturers and owners to be more inventive.
Freezing Issue
One of the biggest issues facing those living in a mobile home is the water pipes freezing in cold weather. This often leads to pipes bursting and a headache when they defrost. Fortunately, most mobile homes now used plastic supply pipes, these are cheaper, easy to replace, and more resistant to the cold. In short, they don’t freeze as easily.
Pipe Entry
In a conventional housed the water pipe comes in and goes straight to the faucet and other outlets through the walls. They are incorporated into the structure of the building. However, in a mobile home, the pipes run under the floor, outside the caravan. They then ‘pop up’ where they are needed.
This makes maintenance considerably easier although you need to be aware of the pipes when undertaking any structural modifications.
Venting
In a brick home, the vent pipe is as tall as the house and removes unwanted smells discreetly and effectively. However, in a mobile home, this is not an option. Instead, the vents are generally located right underneath the sink units. They are not attractive and you need to consider that when working on your mobile home.
The Clean Out
The cleanout is designed as an access point, allowing you to get into the drainage lines, locater any clogs, and eradicate them. They are a useful addition. However, these don’t exist in most mobile homes. This means you don’t have an effective or efficient way to eliminate clogs in the pipes, which can be a major problem.
Pressure
The water pressure in a brick-built home is powerful, a result of the direct mains supply. However, because the hardware in the mobile home is less capable of handling high pressure you are likely to find it is significantly lower than what you may be used to in your home.
You will need to verify that the aerator is clean as this can cause the pressure to drop. But, you may also need to accept that the pressure isn’t usually as powerful and make the most of what you have.
Don’t forget that the plumbing in a mobile home is vulnerable to the same issues that it is in a brick house, dripping faucets, leaking joints, etc.