Most garden rooms aren’t connected to a water supply, but it’s possible to do so with the services of a professional plumber.
While adding plumbing to your garden room requires some work, it can transform it into a fully functional space. Whether you need access to clean drinking water, a sink to wash your hands in, or a shower in your garden room gym, adding plumbing can improve convenience and value.
But before adding plumbing to your garden room, you may need planning permission. That’s because its use could change from incidental to ancillary, which we explain in more detail below.
Why might you need plumbing in your garden room?
Modern garden rooms are peaceful and stylish spaces to relax, entertain or work. But adding plumbing will make your garden room gym, cinema, bar, games room or garden office more self-sufficient for you and your guests.
A kitchenette
A garden room kitchenette could provide a place for you to make a quick lunch while working from your home office, or add some extra cooking, dining and entertaining space to your home.
As well as basic cooking facilities, for this you’ll need a water supply to hook up to a sink and any appliances such as a fridge and a dishwasher too.
A bathroom
If you have a garden office or gym, adding a toilet or bathroom means you can work away the hours without having to go back into your house.
To get a toilet in your garden room, it will need to be connected to your mains supply and a sewage system. A professional plumber can handle this for you – just consider privacy in your design and choose the right size garden room.
A garden room can also have a shower to create a fully functional bathroom. Opt for an electric shower to reduce your energy usage and so you don’t have to install a boiler.
Extras
You might not need a complete bathroom, but a sink could come in handy for drinking water or to wash your hands. If you plan to create a garden bar, it may be useful for washing glasses.
You could also save space in your main property by moving your washing machine into your garden room or creating a laundry room
How to add plumbing to your garden room
You can add plumbing to your garden room by connecting it to your mains water supply. This should be done by a trained and qualified plumber.
Once you’ve decided where to place your sink, toilet or appliance, you (or a professional tradesperson) will need to dig an underground trench at least 75 cm deep in your garden. Your property’s water pipe can then be connected to your garden room.
To get rid of wastewater, it will also need another pipe which usually connects to a sewer. But if your garden room isn’t close to one, you might have to install a pump system. The best pump for a garden room is a macerator, which can create a route to the sewer with smaller pipes eliminating the need to dig lots. This type of pump also crushes waste to prevent blockages.
To add hot water, it’s best to install a small water heater below your sink. That way, it won’t need to be connected to a hot water system, saving you time and money.
Planning permission and Building Regulations
Planning permission
Garden rooms are classed as outbuildings under planning permission, so you’re typically protected by Permitted Development Rights.
But if you decide to add plumbing, you likely won't be protected under permitted development. That’s because installing a bathroom in your garden room changes its use from incidental to ancillary use, which means it could be seen as a primary living space.
Under permitted development, your garden room can’t be used as living accommodation, so designing it as a bathroom or kitchen without the right permissions may be out of the question. But that doesn’t mean you can’t install a standalone sink or shower, which could still count as incidental use.
Read our garden room planning permission guide to find out more and if you’re uncertain, get in touch with your local planning authority (LPA) for more clarity.
Building Regulations
When installing a toilet or shower in your garden room, it needs to be fitted in line with Building Regulations. That means it has to meet the adequate plumbing, drainage and waste disposal, sanitation, hot water safety, ventilation and insulation standards set out. It also needs to be fire safe, energy efficient, accessible and meet electrical safety requirements.
Always enlist a professional plumber to handle the installation for you.
A modern and reliable garden room provider can save you a lot of hassle too. Eurocell’s Garden Rooms not only have a luxury look and feel, they’re fully insulated, energy efficient, accessible, structurally secure, ventilated and fire safe.
Garden room plumbing costs
Adding plumbing to your garden room will inevitably increase your costs, so make sure it's accounted for in your budget.
Never cut corners when installing your plumbing. Hire a professional plumber with the experience and expertise to connect your water supply to your garden room. Installing it correctly the first time will save you costs down the line.
Depending on your project size and needs, a professional plumber can set you back around £50-£70 per hour in 2024. Once your plumbing is installed, you have total flexibility, so you can add a sink or shower when it suits you.
A sink, toilet or electric shower can each set you back around £50 or up to £400 for more premium styles. If you’re on a budget, opt for a standard functioning sink or toilet, and you can upgrade it when you have more cash. Consider searching online marketplaces or second hand shops for bargains.
A new water heater can also be picked up for under £150.
To get a better idea of your garden room plumbing cost, get a few quotes. This will help you to plan your project better.
A garden room fit for purpose
While adding plumbing to your garden room is an investment, once complete, you’ll have total flexibility in how you use the space.
Eurocell’s Garden Rooms come in 16 size options, so factor in size if you’re planning to install a shower, sink or kitchen area. Our team can also help you design a bespoke garden room that comes with up to 10 years’ guarantee.
Speak to our experts to discuss your project or get a free quote.