Basement unit plumbing
- 1Drain elevationcan fixtures drain by gravity
- 2Ejector pumpif not, a sewage pump
- 3Ventingproper vents for each fixture
- 4Hot waterenough capacity for two households
- 5Backflowbackwater valve for flood protection
01Below the sewer
If new fixtures sit below the level where the sewer leaves the house, they need a sewage ejector pump. We assess elevations before design.
Most bungalows allow gravity drainage for showers and sinks but may need a pump for a toilet.
| Permits | Required for new plumbing |
|---|---|
| Flood risk | Basement units are the first to flood |
| Hot water | Consider a larger or tankless heater |
02Flood protection
Basement units are the first to be affected by sewer backups. A backwater valve is strongly recommended.
03Permits
New plumbing requires a permit and inspections. Proper permits are part of creating a legal unit.
04Hot water for two households
Two kitchens and two bathrooms on one water heater can mean cold showers at peak times. Upsizing the tank, choosing a fast-recovery model or going tankless solves it. In some homes a second heater for the unit makes sense.
05Separate shut-offs
Give the basement unit its own shut-off valves for its fixtures, and make sure the tenant knows where the main is. A leak in the unit at night should not wait for the landlord to arrive.
06Laundry and fire separation
Shared laundry needs a properly trapped standpipe and a floor drain nearby. Where pipes pass through fire separations between units, penetrations have to be sealed with approved materials.