Can You Have a Bathroom Installed in Your Garden Room?

In this blog post, we're going to dive into the benefits of having a bathroom in your garden room, the different types of toilets you can install, where to install them, and more. So, let's get started!

 

Building regulation rules

Many people believe that you are not allowed to install toilets and showers in garden rooms. However, this is not true. You are allowed to install both electrical and plumbing systems in a garden room. The determining factor is the use of the building, not the equipment installed in it. If you intend to use the garden room as a self-contained living space, it must meet all building regulations. On the other hand, if you plan to use it for ancillary purposes such as a toilet in a garden office or a shower room for your swimming pool, it is allowed.

 

Since garden rooms are not regulated, the plumbing falls outside the scope of regulation. However, if the plumbing is connected to the sewers, it may require building control approval or may be considered minor works depending on the connection.

 

 

Benefits of Having a Bathroom in Your Garden Room

Picture this: you're enjoying your time in your garden room, working or reading a book, and suddenly you need to go to the toilet. The main house is too far away, and you don't want to interrupt your creative flow. Having a bathroom in your garden room can solve this problem! Adding a bathroom to your garden room can also have other benefits, such as:

• Increased Usability: If you have a garden room that you use as a home office, gym, or entertainment space, having a bathroom nearby can increase its usability. It can make it more comfortable to work out or stay in your garden room for extended periods.

• Added Value to Property: A garden room with a bathroom can add value to your property, especially if you plan to sell it in the future. Many buyers appreciate the convenience of having a bathroom in an outdoor space.
• Pool side room: If you're considering a pool side room, then an accessible toilet with wet leisure ready flooring is super helpful. Additionally, having a shower near the pool is very convenient if you want to freshen up after swimming without having to go all the way into your home. 

 

 

Types of Toilets that Can be Installed

• Traditional Flush Toilets: These are the most common types of toilets and require linking to the sewage system to work.
• Cassette Toilets: These toilets don't require plumbing or a sewage system and can be moved around as needed. They are easy to install and are a good cost effective option for occasional use.
• Compostable toilets: These are rising in popularity as they have great eco credentials and do not need water or mains drainage to use. 

 

 

How does the plumbing work in my garden building?

For a full water mains installation, we dig a trench below ground that runs from your house to the garden room. Once there it can be connected to your toilet, basin, hot water storage and shower. A mains drain is required for this, which usually runs in the same service trench as the water, electrics and internet. You may need a pump system depending on the ground levels of your garden.

 

Types of Garden Rooms that would benefit from having a toilet installed

A toilet can be installed in almost any garden room, but there are certain types of garden rooms where it may be more beneficial to do so. These include:

 

• Garden rooms used as an office: Having a toilet in your garden office can save you time and increase productivity by allowing you to stay focused on your work.
• Garden rooms used as a gym or workout room: Having a toilet in a garden room used as a gym or workout room can provide added convenience and comfort, especially if you are working out for an extended period.
• Garden rooms used as an entertainment room: If you use your garden room to entertain your family and friends, having a toilet can provide added convenience, especially if you and your guests are drinking.
• Using Your Garden Building as a Hair Salon or therapy room: If you plan to use your garden room for your hair or therapy business, it is essential to have the necessary facilities to ensure that you can provide a high-quality service to your clients. Installing a bathroom and wash sink in your garden room can help you achieve this goal.

 

No matter what your garden room is going to be used for, you could consider adding a toilet to serve as both a room toilet and a garden toilet. This can be achieved by installing two doors, one leading from the room and the other directly to the outside. This is commonly known as a "Jack and Jill" toilet room, and it is becoming increasingly popular. If the room is made slightly larger, it can also function as a changing room, which can be especially useful if the toilet is connected to a pool, hot tub, sauna, or exercise pool.

 

 

Installing a Basin & Hot Water in Your Garden Room

There are three primary options for installing basins and sinks in your garden room, and most people consider them essential when installing a toilet.

1. A fully plumbed-in sink: If you have connected to mains drainage and have a fresh water supply, then a traditional fully plumbed-in sink or basin is the most practical solution.
2. A grey water sink: If connecting to drainage is not possible, and you are using a compostable or cassette toilet, but a water supply is available, then a traditional basin with a grey water drainage system is a viable alternative. In this system, the basin functions like a regular sink, but the drainage goes outside into a soakaway area. This option is suitable for hand washing or rinsing out glasses, but there are some limitations to what can be disposed of down the sink.
3. Non-plumbed portable sinks: Several portable sink options are available. These operate by filling up a container with fresh water from your home, which feeds the tap, then drains into a separate receptacle that you empty at the end of the day. Some portable sinks also offer heated water.

Whether you choose a fully plumbed-in sink or a grey water sink, both can include hot water. Typically, a small 10 to 15 L hot water cylinder holds hot water ready for you to use. Alternatively, if you have sufficient power, you can also use instantaneous hot water heaters, which are an efficient way to provide water for hand washing.

 

 

Installing a Shower 

In addition to a toilet and basin, Bakers Garden Buildings can also offer expertise in installing showers in garden rooms. This can be especially useful if you plan to use your garden room as a poolside room or as a home spa, sauna, or hot tub room.

 

There are several factors to consider when installing a shower room, including the space it will take up, power requirements, and usage frequency to ensure it is a valuable addition. At Bakers, we typically recommend an electric shower as it heats the water on demand and is the most efficient way to have a shower in your garden room. However, in some instances, there may not be enough electrical availability for this type of shower, especially when linked with swimming pools and hot tubs. In these cases, we offer a hot water cylinder that heats water at a lower electrical demand.

 

 

Whatever your requirements are, we can offer a plumbing solution that works for you and the power you have available. We hope this blog post has inspired you to invest in a bathroom for your garden room. It can make your life more comfortable, convenient, and add value to your property.