Town Water Connection

How to connect a tiny house to mains (town) water safely and reliably.

If your site has access to mains water, connecting to it is the simplest, most reliable way to keep your tiny house supplied. Unlike tank water, you never run out and you do not need a pump. The main things to get right are the fitting, the pressure, and protecting the line from damage and weather.

How the connection works

Most tiny houses connect to town water much like a caravan does: a drinking-water-safe hose runs from a garden tap or dedicated outlet to an inlet on the side of the home. From there it feeds your taps, shower and hot water system. Use a hose rated for potable (drinking) water, not a standard garden hose, which can taint the taste and leach material into your supply.

Manage the pressure

Mains pressure is often higher than a tiny house plumbing system is designed for, and too much pressure can cause leaks, burst fittings or damaged appliances. A pressure-reducing valve (or a pressure-limiting inlet) brings it down to a safe level, commonly around 350 to 500 kPa. This is one of the most important and cheapest things to fit, and it protects everything downstream.

Protect the line

• Sun: UV degrades hose and exposed pipe over time. Use UV-stable materials or shield the line from direct sun.
• Frost: in cold areas, water left in an exposed line can freeze and split it. Lag (insulate) the pipe, or use heat tape where winters are hard.
• Damage: run the line where it will not be driven over, tripped on or chewed by animals. Where it crosses open ground, protect it in conduit.
• Backflow: many areas require a backflow-prevention device so your home cannot draw water back into the mains. Check local rules.

Permanent vs temporary

A hose-and-inlet setup is quick, removable and ideal if you may move. For a long-term placement you might instead have a licensed plumber install a fixed, plumbed-in connection, which looks tidier and is less prone to accidental disconnection. A permanent connection to the mains is usually plumbing work that should be done, or signed off, by a licensed plumber, and may need council or water-authority approval.