If you are thinking about making more use of your outdoor space by building a garden room to use as say a bar, home gym, or an office you may want to think about putting in a toilet and a shower to make things more comfortable and convenient.
In this blog we will take a look at all the things you need to take into account when adding a bathroom to your garden room. We will look at everything from your electricity supply to the drainage system. So, if you want to find out more about installing a toilet and a shower in your garden room read on.
Can you Install a Shower and Toilet in your Garden Room
The simple answer is yes, incorporating a toilet and shower in your garden room is possible, provided that you have access to running water, and electricity for the outdoor structure. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure the installation of an appropriate drainage system capable of handling the wastewater.
There are a range of options available to you that cater for different styles and budgets if you are considering adding a bathroom to your garden room. At GSR, our team is ready to assist you at every stage, offering expert advice and providing you with access to quotes for plumbing and electrical work specifically tailored to you build.
Integrating a bathroom into your garden room is the perfect choice for anyone intending to use their garden room as a home gym. It not only allows you to take a refreshing shower after working out, but also makes nipping to the toilet much more convenient.
Whether your intention is to use the space as a home office, a hub for your business operations, or somewhere to entertain your friends, having a bathroom nearby is a real bonus. It gives both you and your guests access to bathroom facilities on site, removing the need to return indoors throughout the day, which undoubtedly saves both time and effort.
Things you need to Consider When Putting a Toilet or Shower into Your Garden Room
If you are looking to install a shower or toilet in your garden room there are a number of factors to be taken into account such as :
Mains Water Supply or Off Grid
Whether you opt for an off-grid approach, meaning independence from public utilities, or decide to link up with your mains water supply, you are going to need running water for the bathroom in your garden room. There are a number of options open to you if your preference is to go off grid. These options include installing a sizable water tank in your garden, electric or solar well pumps, cisterns, or a rain catchment system. However, as a rule of thumb , connecting to the mains supply will provide you with a much more dependable source of water. If you require guidance on the best source of water for your particular project our team will be only too happy to help.
Proper Ventilation
An essential addition to your garden room bathroom is an extractor fan, as this will help stop mildew, condensation, and dampness. Relying solely on windows is insufficient for proper ventilation, and the absence of an extractor fan could expose your garden room to the risk of wet and dry rot. This, in turn, poses potential health hazards, as untreated dampness can lead to respiratory infections and allergies.
Efficient ventilation becomes even more critical if you intend to utilise your garden room for overnight stays, such as for a BnB or rental property. It’s important to note that specific guidelines apply if the intention is to use the facility as an extra bedroom or for overnight accommodations. If this is the case it is important to find out everything there is to know about applying for planning permission.
Drainage
Prior to incorporating a shower or toilet in your garden room, careful consideration must be given to the disposal of water waste. Typically, the solution involves digging a substantial trench for water pipes to connect to the nearest sewer, facilitating the removal of water waste.
Ensuring that these water pipes are positioned below the freezing level in the ground is crucial to prevent potential damage during winter. While this may appear to be an inconvenience and an additional cost, the investment proves worthwhile, as it will ultimately save you both time and money in the long term.
The Electricity Supply
Electricity plays a vital role in any garden room, providing illumination and power outlets. It is particularly crucial for amenities like the garden room bathroom or changing facilities, supporting devices such as shavers, hairdryers, or extractor fans.
If your preference is for more eco friendly option you can look at installing solar panels, however you should be aware this could be more costly and may not be as effective if your garden doesn’t receive direct sunlight throughout the day. This is why it is essential to do as much research as possible before making a decision.
Sufficient Insulation
To ensure your garden room is as comfortable as possible it is imperative you use the best quality insulation. Lets face it what is the point of having an impressive outdoor space if it is too cold to use in the winter months.
How Can You Make it More Eco Friendly
With more and more focus on the environment people are looking at anyway possible to make buildings more eco-friendly. So, if you are looking to do your bit for the planet you could consider options like collecting rainwater in water butts foe use in your toilet system.
If you have have enough space you could also think about installing a septic tank to remove your waste water. Septic tanks are generally considered be more environmentally friendly as they reduce the possibility of the polluting the surrounding water systems. If maintained properly they can also be extremely cost effective.
Before installing a shower or toilet in your garden room it is important to consider all the points we have outlined above. However, we hope the information we have provided in this blog will have given you food for thought, and helped you make the best decision when it comes to ensuring you end up with the garden room bathroom of your dreams