Outdoor showers can be a great investment and add value to your home. From a practical standpoint, they are a convenient way to wash off after a dip in the pool, taking a walk on the beach, or even after yard work.
It can also save time and water consumption by having an extra shower outdoors.
In addition to practical benefits, outdoor showers can also add a unique aesthetic to your backyard. Depending on the materials chosen, outdoor showers can make a stylish statement. Designers are creating outdoor shower enclosures that are quite stunning, so this can be an opportunity to express your individual style.
Overall, outdoor showers can be a valuable addition to your home, adding convenience, plus a stylish touch to your outdoor space. For those who have the budget, an outdoor shower could be a worthwhile investment.
Is it expensive to put in an outdoor shower?
The cost of installing an outdoor shower can vary greatly depending on how complex the project is, the materials used and the type of shower you are getting. If you are installing a very basic shower with just a few valves and pipes connected to the existing plumbing lines, then the cost could be as low as a few hundred dollars.
However, if you are installing something more complicated with a built-in heater and showerhead, then the cost could potentially run in the thousands. You should also factor in the cost of labor, as the installation process can be a fairly involved one.
Once the main installation is complete, you will also need to consider the on-going maintenance and upkeep. For example, if the shower is exposed to the elements, then it’s important to properly protect it from the effects of rain, mold, and sun damage.
All of this will also add to the total cost.
How much value does a shower add?
Showers can add a tremendous amount of value to a home. Depending on the quality of the components and location, a shower can add thousands of dollars to a home’s resale value. Showers can also add aesthetic value as they can provide a great focal point in bathrooms, transforming an old-fashioned bathroom into an updated and modern space.
Upgrading a shower also allows homeowners to choose high-quality materials that are water-resistant and easy to clean, adding to the overall value of the home. Installing high-end fixtures and hardware can increase the home’s value as well.
Finally, showers can add practical value to a home by making it more efficient, such as low-flow showers that save water and money. Overall, showers can add a substantial amount of value to a home.
Where should I put my outdoor shower?
Where you place your outdoor shower should depend on a variety of factors, such as the size and layout of your yard, the amount of sun and shade, your desired aesthetic, and local codes. Before you decide on a location, measure the space you have available and investigate any codes that may have restrictions.
If you have plenty of available space, it may be best to place your outdoor shower in a discrete area that has privacy, such as a corner of your yard or adjacent to a fence. If the area has direct sunlight, choose a spot that provides some shade or build a pergola to provide sun protection.
If you are limited on space or plan to build a permanent shower structure, you may need to place it in a more visible area. Consider placing it close to your pool, patio, deck, or other gathering area so that it is both accessible and visually appealing.
In this case, a freestanding shower or formal structure, such as a screened gazebo or cabana, is a great option. Regardless, you want to be sure to check local codes to make sure that you are in compliance.
Once you have chosen a location, you are ready to begin planning and building your outdoor shower. With a bit of creativity and careful research, your outdoor shower can become the perfect place to start or end your day.
Do outdoor showers require a drain?
Yes, outdoor showers require a drain. This is to safely and effectively remove any water that has been used while showering and also prevent any standing water in the shower area. The drain is usually located within the shower base and should be positioned in an area where the used water can be easily and safely removed.
Depending on the type of shower base you have and the conditions of your outdoor area, you may need to install a gravel bed or some other type of drainage system to ensure proper drainage. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the shower drain is connected to the proper plumbing system to prevent any issues with plumbing or clogs.
How big should an outdoor shower be?
The size of an outdoor shower depends on a variety of factors such as how many people will be using it, how much space you have available, and how elaborate you would like it to be. For the average size outdoor shower, a space of 4-6 feet wide and 8-10 feet deep should be sufficient.
If you plan on having a larger party or family shower, then you may want to widen the space by 8-10 feet. Additionally, if you plan on adding a changing area, storage or seating to the outdoor shower, make sure to increase the available space to accommodate these elements.
In addition to the size of the shower, you should also consider having a roof or a canopy installed over the shower area to ensure privacy and protection from the elements. If you can’t build a roof, consider Privacy Screening to provide a measure of privacy for bathers.
How do you run plumbing for an outdoor shower?
Running plumbing for an outdoor shower requires a few preliminary steps. First, it’s important to make sure that the location of the shower is convenient and that the area is suitable for plumbing. It’s best to place the shower near your water supply and make sure that the ground is level and stable to ensure proper drainage.
Once the location of the shower is determined, it’s time to bring in the materials needed to plumb the shower. This usually includes PVC pipes, fittings, adapters, valves, and other connecting materials.
Additionally, you’ll need to purchase the shower head, nozzle, and other shower components. Once all the necessary parts are gathered, it’s time to start connecting them together.
First, the main water line will be connected to the wall adjacent to or behind the shower using the appropriate type of pipe. The pipe should be connected to a pressure regulator to ensure proper water pressure coming from the showerhead.
From the pressure regulator, the pipe is then connected to the valve and showerhead. Lastly, the drain of the shower should be connected to the appropriate type of pipe and routed to a drainage system or to a water collection surface.
All pipe connections should be sealed with the appropriate type of sealant, such as PVC cement or plumbing tape.
After all the pipes are connected, the outdoor shower is ready to be used. It’s important to ensure that all connections are tight and secure before running water to the shower and to inspect regularly to make sure no leaks develop.
With the right materials, proper connections, and regular maintenance, an outdoor shower can be a great addition to any outdoor space.
How do I drain my outdoor shower for winter?
If you’re not using your outdoor shower over winter, it is important that you drain it properly to prevent damage caused by freezing temperatures. Depending on the type of outdoor shower you have, you may need to use different techniques to completely empty it.
Detailed steps of how to drain your outdoor shower for the winter season can be found below.
1. Disconnect the Hose – Start by disconnecting the hose from your outdoor shower as well as both ends of the hot and cold water supply lines. If you have a solar shower, you will also need to disconnect the shower head from the shower stand.
2. Turn off the Water Supply – If you own an outdoor shower connected to the house’s indoor plumbing, shut off the water supply to the outdoor shower. This is usually done by locating the outdoor shower shut-off valve (if installed) or by shutting off the main water supply valve to the entire house.
3. Drain Remaining Water – Once the water supply has been turned off, use a bucket to collect the remaining water from the outdoor shower pipes and fixtures, dumping it to the ground away from the house.
You should also open the drain line below the shower floor, if applicable.
4. Close the Drain – Once everything is drained, be sure to close the shower drain line with a drain cover to prevent any debris or water from entering the system.
5. Seal the Fixtures – To protect your outdoor shower from freezing temperatures, it is important that you also apply some plumber’s tape (usually waterproof tape) or sealant to the shower fixtures, pipes and the drain lines.
This will help keep moisture away and avoid potential damage.
6. Cover the Shower – Finally, you should also use a shower cover, tarp, or plastic sheeting to cover up the outdoor shower. This will help protect from debris, moisture, and animals from entering the area, as well as from any other adverse weather conditions.
How do I get hot water from my outdoor shower?
If you have an outdoor shower, the best way to get hot water is to install a hot water heater. Such as electric, gas, and propane. It’s important to choose the type of water heater that best suits your needs and the size and layout of your outdoor shower.
Depending on the type you choose, you may need to arrange for your local utility company to provide the power and/or fuel to run the heater. Once you’ve chosen the appropriate water heater, you’ll need to install it in a location close to your outdoor shower, but away from the spray area to avoid the risk of fire.
Generally, the water heater should be installed higher than the shower fixtures to ensure the hot water is pressurized properly.
If you don’t want to install a water heater, you can also use solar collectors to heat the water in your shower. Solar collectors utilize the sun’s energy to heat the water in a reservoir and are more cost-effective than traditional water heaters.
However, they take several hours to heat the water, so they’re ideal if you have time to wait for the hot water.
No matter which method you choose, make sure your outdoor shower has an appropriate water supply line and the right fixtures to ensure hot water is delivered to the showerhead. You should also make sure the temperature is set at a comfortable level to ensure you don’t get burned.
Additionally, you should protect your outdoor shower from the elements to keep it from rusting or corroding.
Can you put an outdoor shower on a deck?
Yes, it is possible to install an outdoor shower on a deck, but it requires careful planning and preparation. First of all, the deck needs to be structurally sound, and it should be built at least four inches above the ground to allow water to drain away properly.
The deck should also be reinforced to withstand the additional weight of the shower. Additionally, plumbing needs to be fitted to the deck and a showerhead and fixtures need to be attached. It is also possible to install a hot water heater and build in a shower pan depending on how complex you want the outdoor shower to be.
Finally, it is important to make sure all plumbing complies with local building codes, and to take all necessary precautions to ensure the area is safe, such as installing a non-slip surface. Installing an outdoor shower on a deck is a fairly straightforward process but should be done correctly and with attention to detail.
How do you keep outdoor shower pipes from freezing?
Keeping outdoor shower pipes from freezing can be a challenging task, especially if you live in a cold climate. However, there are some steps you can take to help prevent them from freezing.
First, make sure the pipes are completely insulated. Wrap them in polyethylene foam pipe insulation or a similar product. Be sure to cover all of the pipes, including any exposed elbows.
Second, keep the pipes warm by wrapping them with a heating cable. This works similarly to space heaters and works best in colder climates.
Third, keep any covers or blinds over the shower space open whenever possible to allow for ventilation. This will reduce the chance of condensation accumulating on the pipes and freezing them.
Fourth, try to keep the area surrounding the pipes dry. If there’s any water leakage, make sure it’s immediately taken care of. Keeping the area dry will also help to prevent condensation from forming on the pipes.
Finally, keep the water running regularly. This will help to warm up the pipes and also help to prevent freezing. Keep the water running even if you’re not using the shower.
What is the average cost to install an outdoor shower?
The average cost to install an outdoor shower will depend on several factors. These include the size and function of the outdoor shower, the materials used in construction, and the labor cost of the contractor who is installing the shower.
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000 for an outdoor shower installation. This price range can vary significantly depending on the size, function, and materials that you choose.
For example, a basic outdoor shower with just a shower head, valve, and tile may cost around $5,000 to $7,000, while a more elaborate setup with shower heads and materials on both the inside and outside of the shower could cost up to $15,000.
Additionally, the labor costs vary depending on the contractor you choose. Hiring a professional contractor with irrigation, plumbing, and masonry experience can significantly increase the cost compared to doing the installation yourself.
Does an outdoor shower add value?
Yes, adding an outdoor shower can add value to your property. An outdoor shower offers a range of benefits, not just to potential buyers but for the homeowner too. Some of the benefits include increasing the usability of outdoor spaces, increasing privacy due to the separation from the home, and reducing water cost by reusing some of the water from the shower.
Furthermore, having an outdoor shower can provide aesthetic benefits due to the unique design and the fun, relaxing atmosphere that it can bring. By adding one to your property, you are providing extra space and an atmosphere of relaxation – something which potential buyers may appreciate.
Ultimately, an outdoor shower can add value to your property by increasing square footage and creating an oasis-like atmosphere.
How do you drain an outdoor bathtub?
Draining an outdoor bathtub starts by ensuring that the water level is lower than the plug before removing it. Using a rubber or plastic draining pan, place it beneath the plug and remove it using a pair of slip joint pliers.
Once the plug has been removed, let all of the water gradually drain from the tub. When the water has fully drained, use a garden hose to rinse away any remaining water and any dirt or debris that may be left behind.
If possible, tilt the tub to help with the drainage process. Once all of the water has been drained and the tub is clean, replace the plug and securely tighten it.