Tips for Adding Plumbing to a Pole Barn
While a pole barn makes a perfectly acceptable shed, these buildings, truly, can be so much more. Because of their sturdy shape and versatile design, you have the option to turn one into a small home, a horse barn, or a work space, which, in all cases, could mean you’ll need running water.
As a result, in the process of setting up your shelter or modifying it at a later date, consider these tips, whether you do the project on your own or in conjunction with a professional:
Beforehand
Although your shelter will need pipes, a sink, or a spigot of some kind, you don’t just start laying down plumbing and hope it will all work out. Instead, in preparation, make sure you:
- Read up on plumbing codes – Your building needs to be compliant with all standards for your area.
- Consult with a skilled plumber about the types of pipes ideal for your project.
- Reach out to your local utility company to determine where any electrical wires, sewage lines, and cables could be buried under the ground. After, mark their location to avoid striking them when you’re adding the pipes.
- Know where you’ll be sourcing your water: This could be from your home’s water system or an underground spring.
- Know if your pole barn will need drainage and where it should be placed in accordance with local regulations.
- Put together a plan for your faucets inside the pole barn.
- Configure the pipes: For pole barns, your structure has two options. You can add the plumbing under the building, which entails excavating part of the foundation, or installing it along an exterior wall, which means you’ll need to additionally add insulation to prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting in winter.
Beginning the Project
At the start, no matter where the faucets will be, make sure that you dig at least six inches below the frost line. From here:
- Install your sink or other water fixtures first, as the pipes will be running to these locations. Make sure, during this step, you turn off the water pressure.
- If you haven’t done it already, dig up part of the pole barn’s foundation, and then, lay down the pipes from the water source to the sink.
- Once everything is laid out, pour concrete over to hold the pipes in place.
- After the slab completely hardens, measure according to your original plans to make sure all pipes are in the desired spots, give or take an inch. Should any be off, you may need to dig up the foundation again and re-set the pipes.
Before you even install pipes, make sure you’ve got a pole barn suiting your vision. To begin, work with CHA Pole Barns to create such a structure, down to the doors and space required. For any questions or assistance, contact our team to learn more.
When you are ready contact CHA Pole Barns to talk about your pole barn project.