Modular homes need the requirement of a complete plumbing system, such as water supply, vent stacks or waste lines. All of these lines need to be connected, installed and pressure tested. The supply and waste lines on the first floor of the modular home are stubbed through the floor.
However, the second floor has a different setup in which the waste lines and water supply lines are connected to the water lines which are already present at the time of its construction. For this purpose, you can take the help of Willetton Plumber. Let’s have a look at how to install such plumbing systems.
How to install Public Water pipes
The plumbing connections will depend on the water source of your modular home. Moreover, it does not matter from where the water supply is coming from, the pipe entry should be installed during the installation of the foundation. You must connect public water to your house.
Installation of Sewer System
The process and setup of connecting the sewer pipes are similar to the water sources of the modular homes. However, you must remember that the installation of the septic system should be completed once the whole house is constructed.
Installing the Hot Water Heater
The electrician will be required for this work to run the water heater system either through a storage tank or an on-demand system. There are two options available for the water heating system. One is to install the water heater in the foundation base of the modular home and the other is to install it in the modular homes conditioned space. Moreover, modular homes can work both on the electric and natural gas water heating systems.
Getting the Waste Lines and Vent Stacks ready
You will have to connect the water lines of the first floor of the modular home to the waste lines in the foundation space of the modular homes. However, if you have a two-story modular home, then the waste lines will be interconnected to the first-floor box and this box interconnects is present between the two floors. But usually, it is tough to place the box on the floor of the second floor as it requires some extra material in this case. You can connect the vent stacks in the attic space which are penetrated in the roof and provides an easy exhaust system to the modular homes.
Water Supply
You will have to connect the water supply lines to the plumbing lines of the first floor which are stubbed in the floor of the modular home. The second floor will require the water feeds to be connected between the first and second floor in access panels located most often in the same location as the waste lines for the modular home.
Note: It is always best to get the access panels located on the floor instead of the ceiling of the second floor.
Testing the Water and Waste Line Pressure
Once all the lines are being installed, you will be required to pressure test the connected lines. The air pressure test should be done with a pressure between 95 and 120 psi on the water lines. However, the pressure on the waste lines could be kept low around 35 psi. But, you should always follow the requirements that are written by the manufacturers.
Water Supply Manifold
It is always good for you and your home to install a manifold system if you have pex plumbing. This manifold will helps you to shut off water to all fixtures from a central location in your modular home.
Plumbing leaks
The plumbing supply lines in these homes are usually not present inside the wall so you do not have to worry about the damage to your walls. Moreover, the leaks in the pipes are usually found in the floors, subfloors, insulation or the HVAC ducts. However, if your flooring is made of composite wood, it will absorb the water like a sponge and would start rotting up. When such a case would happen, it is usually best and less stressful to bring on new supply lines and closing the old ones instead of repairing them. Area plumbing codes will be the ultimate factor in deciding what material to use but Pex is a popular product and as long as the connections are high quality and a proper seal is made, will be your best choice for supply lines.
Myths about Plumbing in Modular Homes
Usually, the plumbers and skilled workers avoid working on the plumbing system of the modular homes. However, certain myths are ridiculous regarding modular homes. One myth is that there is no venting system for the drain lines and this is absurd as all drain lines need vents to work properly, the pressure would be created and nothing will move. Another myth about modular homes is that sub-standard pipes are being used in them which get affected after some time and that is also not true.
Thanks for these tips on installing new home plumbing. I like that you said that it’s important to test the water and waste line pressure. I think it would be smart to have professionals do that to make sure it’s done correctly.