How to Plumb an Outdoor Shower - Outdoor Cabinets

Introduction

Installing an outdoor shower can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. An outdoor shower provides a convenient way to rinse off after swimming, gardening, exercising or just enjoying the outdoors. With some basic plumbing skills and the right materials, you can have your own private outdoor shower up and running in no time.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through all the steps involved in plumbing an outdoor shower from start to finish. We will cover how to select the right location, calculate drainage slope, choose the best plumbing components, connect the water lines, install drainage and more.

Whether you want a simple cold water shower or a more luxurious hot and cold option, this guide has got you covered. So let’s get started!

Choosing the Right Location

The first step in plumbing your outdoor shower is deciding where to put it. Here are some tips on picking the optimal location:

Convenience – Choose a spot that is easy to access from your home or swimming pool. Avoid places that are too far out of the way.
Privacy – Pick a location that is blocked from neighbors or public view for privacy. Consider adding screening if needed.
Sunlight – For a warm water shower, choose a spot that gets good sunlight to heat up the water. Avoid too much shade.
Drainage – Select a site where water will drain away from the foundation of any nearby structures. The ground should slope to help drainage.
Existing plumbing – Look for areas close to existing plumbing lines to simplify hooking up the water supply.
Appeal – Choose a pleasing spot that enhances your outdoor living space. Near gardens, landscaping or outdoor kitchens are nice.

Once you decide on the shower location, mark it with stakes or paint. Next, test the drainage by pouring water on the ground and observing the flow. Adjust the position if needed until you have a good drainage site.

Calculating the Drainage Slope

Proper drainage is crucial for an outdoor shower. Any water that pools under or around the shower can damage the foundation and structure over time.

The drainage slope refers to the angled descent that allows water to drain away efficiently. Here is how to calculate the ideal slope:

The standard target slope for shower drainage is 1/4 inch vertical drop for every 1 foot horizontal run.
For example, if your shower floor extends 4 feet away from the drain, then the total drop should be 4 feet x 1/4 inch = 1 inch.
The drain end should therefore be 1 inch lower than the farther end. Use a 4 foot level and tape measure to check this.
Adjust and prepare the site to achieve this 1/4 inch per foot slope in the direction you want water to drain.
For the best drainage, add a gravel base under the shower floor. The gravel should be 2-4 inches deep and also sloped.

Getting the slope right is a key preparation step before laying any flooring or beginning plumbing work. Take the time to get this right first since it’s difficult to change later.

Choosing the Right Plumbing Components

To supply water and drain it away, your outdoor shower needs some key plumbing components. Choosing the right parts will simplify the installation process.

Water Supply

For the water supply, you need:

Shut-off Valve – This installs on the main water supply line to control flow to the shower. Allows easy shutoff for maintenance. Get one compatible with your supply pipe size.
Supply Lines – Flexible tubing to run from the shutoff valve to the shower hot and cold inlets. Get the proper diameter to match your fixtures.
Shower Valve – Mixes hot and cold water supplies and controls water flow and temperature. Choose a valve that matches your supply pipe size.
Shower Head – Use one designed for outdoor use that will resist mineral buildup. Get the desired spray pattern.
Adapter Fittings – As needed to join plumbing components that don’t have matching sizes or threads.

Drainage

For proper drainage, you will require:

Floor Drain – The main receptacle fitted level with the shower floor that collects and drains water. Stainless steel is a good outdoor option.
Drain Pipe – Rigid PVC pipe to run from the drain down into the ground. Size it to handle the water volume.
Elbows – 90° or 45° elbow fittings as needed to angle the drain pipe. Avoid tight bends.
Trap – A U-shaped section that holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering. Required by code.
Cleanouts – Y-shaped fittings that allow cleaning access to clear blockages in the drain line. Install as needed.

Selecting quality parts that are properly sized for the job will lead to years of trouble-free shower operation. Consult a knowledgeable plumbing pro if you need help choosing components.

Connecting the Water Supply Lines

Once you have all the parts, it’s time to start hooking up the plumbing. Connecting the hot and cold water supply lines is the first step.

Here is an overview of the process:

1. Shut Off Water Supply

Locate the main shutoff valve for the home and turn it off. This is important to avoid leaks when making connections.

2. Install Shutoff Valve

Choose an accessible location to mount the new shutoff valve for the shower supply. Cut into the main line and install a T-fitting to branch off. Mount the valve and attach supply pipes.

3. Run Supply Lines

Measure and cut appropriate length flexible supply lines to run from the shutoff valve to the planned shower location. Ensure they are buried deep enough per code.

4. Install Shower Valve

Attach the shower valve to supply pipes at planned height. Use elbow joints as needed. Apply thread seal tape to all threaded connections.

5. Attach Fixtures

Connect hot and cold supply lines from shutoff valve to shower valve inlets. Attach shower head to outlet. Install adapters if needed.

6. Pressure Test

Turn water back on and pressurize the system. Check for leaks at all connections and fittings using soapy water. Tighten if any appear.

With the supply plumbing complete, turn on the shutoff valve and check the shower valve operation. Adjust temperature settings as desired. The shower is now ready for drainage installation.

Installing the Drainage System

Removing wastewater from the shower area is just as important as supplying it. Follow these key steps to install proper drainage:

1. Mark Drain Location

Based on the planned slope, mark the drain location in the center of the shower floor area. Position it level with the ground.

2. Dig Drainage Pit

Dig a pit below the drain location approximately 12-18 inches deep and at least 12 inches diameter.

3. Add Gravel Base

Fill pit with 4-6 inches of gravel and compact it thoroughly. This creates the shower floor sub-base.

4. Install Drain

Place the drain assembly centered precisely over the pit and ensure it sits level on compacted gravel base.

5. Add Drain Piping

Attach elbows as needed and extend drain pipe from drain downward into pit. Add cleanouts as per code.

6. Run Pipe to Exit

Calculate slope and continue drain pipe underground to desired exit point. Maintain 1/4 inch per foot slope.

7. Connect to Existing Drainage

Tie the drain line into existing home sewer pipes or septic system per code requirements.

With drainage installation complete, surround the drain and pipes in gravel up to subfloor level. Compact it down before adding shower flooring on top.

Adding Shower Walls and Floor

The plumbing beneath the shower is complete, so next build the physical shower structure:

Consult your local codes for requirements on shower enclosure walls, doors, andHeadings.
Choose suitable outdoor building materials such as pressure-treated lumber, cedar, composite boards, concrete block, etc.
Build framing for the walls to the desired size and height. Add wall sheathing material.
Install durable, slip-resistant outdoor flooring at the planned 1/4 inch per foot slope.
Add roofing or a waterproof awning above the shower area if desired.
Use creative design like adding a stone, tile or pebble floor and partial glass walls or doors.
Slope the floor directly to the centered floor drain to prevent water pooling.
Caulk all joints and seams to prevent water intrusion behind walls.

The shower is fully functional at this point, but adding walls and flooring give it a finished, aesthetic look. Build these to suit your preferences while following outdoor construction best practices.

Adding Hot Water Supply (Optional)

For a hot water outdoor shower, you need to extend the hot water supply line from the home to the shower plumbing. Here are two popular options:

1. Install Exterior Hot Water Line

Determine best route from water heater to shower for hot line.
Run properly buried PEX or copper pipe below the frost line.
Insulate line to maximize heat retention over the distance.

2. Use Tankless Hot Water Heater

Install small, outdoor-safe tankless heater near the shower.
Run a cold line to supply it and a hot line from heater to shower.
Choose an electrical or gas-powered model with proper capacity.

With either approach, install a temperature-regulating anti-scald shower valve for safety. Follow all codes for a safe outdoor hot water installation.

Helpful Tips and Precautions

To finish up, here are some additional tips for a successful and safe outdoor shower installation:

Use a GFCI electrical circuit for any lighting, pumps or heaters. Protect against shocks.
Winterize by shutting off water supply and draining lines when snow is expected.
Check local building codes for all requirements on outdoor shower enclosures, drainage, etc.
Use quality materials that resist outdoor exposure and aging from sunlight and moisture.
Inspect routinely for leaks, clogs or signs of damage. Make any needed repairs immediately.
Caulk around all penetrations into the shower walls to prevent water intrusion into wall cavities.
Consider adding insulation inside shower walls and under the floor to improve comfort and conserve hot water.
Install signs indicating the shower is for outdoor use only if rules prohibit using soap or shampoo outdoors.

With proper planning and construction, an outdoor shower can provide joy and convenience for many years to come. Just follow good plumbing practices and be attentive to details for optimal results. Enjoy your new outdoor oasis!

Frequently Asked Questions about Plumbing an Outdoor Shower

What are the main parts of an outdoor shower plumbing system?

The key components are: a hot and cold water supply with shutoff valve and supply pipes, an adjustable shower valve and head, a floor drain, drainage piping with slope for wastewater removal, supply and drainage line connections to main home plumbing.

How difficult is it to plumb an outdoor shower?

The plumbing process is relatively straightforward for a DIYer with basic skills. The hardest parts are calculating proper drainage slope, trenching for lines, and making solid connections. Getting help digging trenches or a plumbing inspection is wise.

Should I use rigid PVC or flexible tubing for the plumbing?

Use rigid PVC for all underground supply and drainage lines. Flexible braided tubing can be used to connect the underground pipes to the above-ground shower fixtures.

How deep should I bury the plumbing lines?

Building code requires burying supply lines at least 12 inches deep and drainage lines at least 6 inches. Local codes may require deeper. The lines should be below the frost line and unlikely to be damaged.

Can I plumb hot and cold water to an outdoor shower?

Yes, it is possible to plumb both hot and cold water. The cold supply is simpler, while hot requires properly sizing and insulating the supply line from the water heater.

What kind of valve do I need for an outdoor shower?

Use a pressure-balanced anti-scald valve designed to handle temperature fluctuations in outdoor water supply lines. This helps prevent scalding accidents.

How do I provide proper drainage for an outdoor shower?

The key is making sure the shower floor slopes at 1/4 inch per foot towards the centered floor drain. Use a gravel base under a sloped floor to promote drainage.

What should I use to build the walls and floor of the shower?

Pressure-treated wood, composite lumber, cedar boards, concrete blocks, and stone are good options for outdoor durability. Use slip-resistant tile, pebble or stone flooring.

How can I add privacy to my outdoor shower?

Strategic screening using fencing, latticework, plants or bamboos walls will obscure views. A roof also adds privacy and can allow walls to be lower while still preventing overlooking from neighbors.

Conclusion

We hope this detailed guide gives you all the information you need to successfully plumb your own outdoor shower. The process involves careful planning, some excavation work, following codes, and good plumbing techniques. But the end result will be a wonderful outdoor living enhancement you can enjoy for years to come. Just take it step-by-step to create your backyard oasis!