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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / Plumbing from well to cabin
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ElyCabin
Member
# Posted: 11 May 2018 21:50
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Hello, not sure if this is off topic in this forum category, but I have a cabin in Norther MN that currently is not plumbed. I have a well with a submersible pump that is being used on demand via extension cord and spout at the wellhead. I have about 3ft crawl space beneath the cabin, but for now I want to run the main line to a 5x8 room in the cabin.

The 5x8 room will also act as a bathroom with a sink, shower and someday a toilet. I would also like to have the pressure tank and hot water heater or on-demand hot water in this space too. My experience in plumbing is beginner, but wondering if anyone has any opinions about having my water supply system housed in this small space or if it is even feasible? Too, this is currently considered a seasonal cabin that I also use in the winter. Right now I want to plumb the main to the proposed bathroom while later expanding the plumbing to the kitchen on opposite side of cabin.

I would appreciate any insight, recommendations, or past experiences in helping me out with this. Thanks

gauman2
Member
# Posted: 12 May 2018 11:08
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That is exactly how mine is done. I have the main water line coming up from the floor and propane for on demand h2o. We also have a h2o filter system. You will need electric in there as well at some point and a heater cord so things don’t freeze in the winter in your crawl space. I had a plumber do it all and was happy with the outcome. It was a very tight spac to be working in.
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rockies
Member
# Posted: 12 May 2018 19:03 - Edited by: rockies
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What do you plan on doing with the waste water? Do you have a septic system?

My cabin will be up on piers and I was wondering how to get the water and waste pipes from the ground to the cabin floor without them freezing in winter. I thought of everything from building an insulated chase to using heated pipe tape before deciding to build a small utility shed right up against the side of the cabin (on an insulated concrete floating slab) and then bring all the water and waste piping underground and up through that slab.

All the tanks and systems can now be inside an insulated, enclosed room (where you can stand) and the piping can then run through the wall into the cabin (rather than the floor). You can even add a very small direct vent propane backup heater (on a set temperature gauge) inside the shed so that if the temperature drops below a certain level it will kick on and keep the pipes from freezing.

Make sure you really insulate the shed though.

ElyCabin
Member
# Posted: 9 Jul 2018 19:32
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Thank you for the pics. Do you have the pressure tank in that little space too? What do you think the dimensions or the footprint of your water system?

I currently don't have a septic and am in the process of getting bids. I was thinking of having just the wastewater utilizing the septic while building a greywater system for all other water. The utility shed concept is a good. I may build a lean-to for just the bathroom that is much larger in size where I don't have to worry about the tight space, but I would rather try and making the space that I already have work. Have you made any progress in your cabin plumbing plans yet? Did you decide to build a utility shed against your cabin wall?

Eddy G
Member
# Posted: 10 Jul 2018 10:01 - Edited by: Eddy G
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Waste from the sink and shower don't need to go to a septic system (in most places).
You can run those drains to a gray water pit.
Even urine can be diverted to a gray water pit.
So if you use a composting toilet you can avoid the septic system. (rules may be different where your from).
Our gray water pit is about 6' deep, it's layered with rocks, stones, and straw/hay.
The water drains in to the soil pretty quickly.
Been that way for 3 years now. No problems yet...

With all the posting going on about composting toilets I was afraid to mention it but we're big fans of the system and highly recommend it.

Our cabin is considered seasonal, we do use it year round but shut the water off, drain the systems and put a little anti freeze in the traps for the winter months.
We get by on bottled water in the winter.

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 11 Jul 2018 08:40
Reply 


In my area, pressure vessel etc is all underground in a vault, fed from well casing side via a pitless adapter. In the vault is a manhole cover, inside is tank, switches and then supply line going to cabin. along with power wire. The only thing you can see at the top of the well casing above the ground is the electrical wiring, rest is all underground. This keeps it from freezing. Pipe going up under cabin can go inside a larger pipe and the part from cabin to a few feet underground inside the larger pipe would be wrapped with some heat tape.

rmfox57
Member
# Posted: 15 Oct 2019 10:08
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Hi all. Its good to see a forum like this. I have a few questions that I can't seem to find good answers for.

I hope to build a cabin/small house from a kit in 2020. I would like to upgrade it in the coming years for electricity (solar) and well water. The kit has no provisions for electricity or water. My questions are:

1.) I assume the location of the well determines the location for the cabin, correct? Any issues I should be aware of?

2.) I assume the contractor that pours the foundation can make the necessary provisions for the plumbing, correct? Any issues here?

3.) When everything is done, I would like everything to meet code as I intend to leave the property to my son and don't want him to have any problems. Should I just hire a contractor for everything instead?

Thanks for any help you can render folks!

Just
Member
# Posted: 15 Oct 2019 22:06
Reply 


100 ft from well head to septic bed min. In most locations .
Your electrician should be consulted about the length of wire to the well
I would not assume your contractor knows how to frost proof a water line .

ICC
Member
# Posted: 16 Oct 2019 00:04 - Edited by: ICC
Reply 


Quoting: rmfox57
I would like everything to meet code as I intend to leave the property to my son and don't want him to have any problems.


Most locations have codes that need following BUT some locations have lax enforcement. Almost all locations will have septic system requirements. Check with the county or other local authority as to what codes are enforced, before buying.

If looking at buying a kit be certain the structure will meet the applicable codes. Just because somebody is selling some kit or even just plans, it does not necessarily follow that what they are selling will meet your local code requirements. Kits are sometimes not a very good deal.

If buying vacant land there may be some compromises. Septic fields are sometimes tricky to locate depending on terrain and soil composition. You need space to allow a well drilling rig to get in and out. If you have nice views cabin placement can sometimes be a problem with well and septic location. Planning is needed.

A foundation contractor should not generally be entrusted to locate the drain, waste and supply pipes. That is the job of the plumber. The plumber roughs in the pipes, the foundation/concrete contractor lays the forms and pours the concrete. A building inspector inspects the setup before concrete is placed.

When building to code there will be several periodic inspections, start to finish. Ask the local authority about what their process is. Many counties, villages, towns, etc have all that information online. Once you have selected a location search out that info. Procedures and rules can vary with location.


Start your own topic(s) when you are ready or have specific questions on some detail.

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