How to Turn Any Space in Your Home Into a Bathroom (Without Plumbing)
It was once standard for our homes to have only one bathroom, but the number of bathrooms considered normal has risen steadily over the years, and these days most new homes have at least two bathrooms . It makes sense: why not have a private bathroom just for you and a second bathroom (or two) for the kids or guests?
This often leaves us wanting more bathrooms for a variety of reasons: If you only have one, adding a separate bath feels luxurious, and having a dedicated guest bath makes your home more inviting. If you will have a regular guest (like a parent or close friend living with you for a while) or frequent regular visitors, a bathroom just for them seems almost necessary. And if you’re planning to renovate your only existing bathroom, you might be hesitant because you don’t want to run across the street every day to use the public restroom at the local coffee shop.
But adding bathrooms comes at a cost: The average bathroom costs $90,000 to build . Not to mention the non-monetary costs of time, inconvenience and failures. However, if all you need is a functioning bathroom, you can add one almost anywhere in your home for much less money, without the need for plumbing, permits, or months of your life. All you need is a room. Here’s how to add a bathroom without plumbing.
How to choose the best room
First, think about where you want your bathroom to be located. You are not limited by the location of water or sewer lines, since you won’t need either. Here are some ideas:
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Cabinets. If your goal is to create an ersatz bathroom, a medium-sized cabinet will suit you. Of course, you’ll need to measure out all the things you put there, but the general rule of thumb is 15 square feet for a half-bath concept and 30 for a three-piece bath. These numbers assume you need to get permits and pass inspection, and thus include typical minimum distances for gutters and the like, so you can probably go a little less.
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Spare rooms. If you have a bedroom that you don’t really use or a flex space that has never been defined, it could become a larger bathroom. Ideally, of course, you’ll want a door, although you can always add an adjustable wall with a door to turn extra space or even a large landing into an additional bathroom.
An important factor is access to water. You don’t have to install water, drain, and sewer lines, but if you want a shower in the room, it will be much easier if you can place it near an existing water line, such as in an existing bathtub or washing machine. However, if this is not possible, you still have options.
Supplies you’ll need for a bathroom without plumbing
Here’s what you need:
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Dry flush toilet. The most important thing is that the bathroom has a place where you or your guests can relieve themselves. Composting toilets do not require plumbing or sewer, but they do require a vent pipe that will require cutting into the wall or roof. A better option is a battery-powered dry flush toilet like this one . It uses a vacuum mylar packaging system and can be used literally anywhere.
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Portable sink. Portable sinks may look just like regular vanities , but there are two reservoirs inside the cabinet: one holds fresh, clean water, and the other holds drained gray water after use. They usually also require a plug to start the faucet pump. All you have to do is drain the gray water and refill the tank with fresh water as needed.
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Portable shower. If you really go for it, adding a shower to a bathroom without plumbing is a real power move. The Shower AnyPlace portable indoor shower connects to any faucet and pumps gray water into any drain using a hose, making it a great choice if your bathroom is adjacent to another bathroom, laundry room, or even a kitchen or outdoor space. The EMS portable shower from Freedom Showers follows a similar design.
If you want to be a little more luxurious, you might also consider adding a portable bathtub like this one , as long as you can route the drain hose to a suitable location and easily supply hot water to it.
If you need it for a few weeks to accommodate visitors or renovations, or want an extra bathroom without breaking the bank, it’s a viable option – and since nothing is permanently installed, you can always remove it later. For just a few thousand dollars, you can have a usable bathroom in almost any room in your home without the need for any construction or plumbing work.