Backyard Plumbing Essentials: The Outdoor Hand-Washing Station

With the weather slowly beginning to heat up and more of us spending time out in the garden, the need for quality backyard plumbing becomes ever more important.

Quality plumbing provides helpful functions that prevent water pooling, dying grass and blocked drain issues from plaguing your yard. However, you can also add great features that bring extra value and functionality to your garden and property as a whole. One such feature is a backyard hand-washing station.

Installing a hand-washing station in your backyard gives you the convenience of immediately cleaning up after tinkering about in the garden, without bringing dirt and mud into the house. If you’ve got mates over for a Sunday afternoon barbecue, it can also be a great way to minimise greasy fingerprints in the bathroom and the doorknobs and handles of your home.

Let’s take a look at what’s involved in setting up an outside hand-washing station, from the backyard drainage needs to choosing sinks and tapware.

Why Install a Backyard Hand-Washing Station?

Maybe they’re more common on industrial worksites than on residential properties. Nevertheless, a hand-washing station – much like an outdoor shower – can be a highly practical addition to your backyard. One that adds convenience to your outdoor activities and keeps hygiene first and foremost in mind. Here’s why you’ll love having one:

• Improved cleanliness: Outdoor washing facilities mean you can avoid traipsing dirt, mud, and gardening grime throughout the house.
• Enhanced convenience: You can wash your hands immediately after all sorts of outdoor activities, from gardening to handling BBQ equipment, or playing with pets.
• Health and hygiene boost: Installing a backyard hand-washing station promotes consistent hygiene practices that reduce the spread of germs and bacteria.
• Eco-friendly option: You can conserve water and help surrounding plants in your garden to thrive by connecting your hand-washing station to rainwater tanks or irrigation systems.

An outdoor hand-washing station makes backyard plumbing practical, hygienic, and environmentally friendly. It’s a great way to enhance the general functionality of your garden.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Hand-Washing Station

To keep your outdoor hand-washing station as efficient, accessible, and low-maintenance as possible, choosing the best spot to install it in your backyard is a must.

Steer clear of areas that may be susceptible to water pooling. Drainage problems in the backyard can lead to problems like muddy lawns, water damage, and even weed infestation. Placing the station near an existing plumbing system can reduce installation time and costs, which can be highly beneficial to the household budget.

It’s also well worth factoring in the type or types of soil that make up your garden. If your backyard soil is more on the dense side, you may need added drainage solutions to handle excess water. Backyard drainage specialists can provide qualified advice on the best options, whether they be French drains or swale drains.

Get the location just right, and you will ensure your hand-washing station remains functional, clean, and hassle-free.

Essential Drainage Solutions for Backyard Plumbing

Installing an outdoor hand-washing station means you’ll need effective backyard drainage solutions that help you avoid water pooling, muddy lawns, and other potential issues. Here are some of the most effective drainage solutions to consider:

• The French drain: This type of backyard drainage system channels excess water away and prevents the most common problems from occurring like flooding and water damage to foundations and landscaped areas.
• Trench drains: Highly effective at managing surface water and keeping it from collecting where you wash.
• Swale drains: These naturally redirect water flow, which makes them ideal for gardens.
• Retaining walls: A well-constructed retaining wall can help control soil erosion and support stable ground near your hand-washing area.

By implementing the right drainage solutions, your backyard plumbing will stay clean, functional, and free of common drainage issues.

Creating Your Outdoor Hand-Washing Station

Now that you’ve ticked the drainage system needs off the checklist, it’s time to actually start putting together your outdoor hand-washing station. Now, you will need a licensed plumber to manage all the plumbing essentials. However, the rest effectively comes down to balancing functionality with style.

With the right supplies and a dash of creative flair, building an outdoor hand-washing station can be simple and rewarding. Start with essential items:

• a sink basin
• your tapware
• drainage pipes, and
• a sturdy stand or frame

For added convenience, consider including extras like a soap dispenser, paper towel holder, and a small countertop to hold essentials.

Get Creative on a Budget!

Now, this is a project that doesn’t need to break the proverbial bank; there are budget-friendly ways to gather supplies. You can seek out second-hand materials or repurpose items like old basins and wooden stands to keep costs down.

To make your station more inviting, add a few plants or a decorative splashback, and for functionality, consider hooks for towels and tools. You can also customise the station to make it more family-friendly, including lower sinks or step stools for kids. With practical add-ons like towel racks and mini countertops, you’ll create a hand-washing station that’s both practical and personal. One that is perfectly suited to your backyard.

Common Problems and Maintenance Tips

If you want to keep your outdoor hand-washing station in peak condition, you may need to address some common backyard plumbing issues. You’ll definitely need to follow a regular maintenance routine. Here are some tips on how to stay on top of both:

• Blocked drains: Regularly clear away leaves, soil and other debris from drain openings to avoid blocked drain concerns and other drainage problems.
• Water pooling: Check for areas where water accumulates around the station, as this can lead to muddy lawns and excess water issues.
• Mould and mildew: Clean surfaces around the station to reduce moisture build-up. This will stop the growth of mould and prevent slippery surfaces.
• Leak prevention: Inspect pipes and fittings periodically to catch and repair small leaks before they lead to water damage.

With these easy maintenance steps, you’ll keep your backyard plumbing – and your outdoor hand-washing station – running smoothly all year round.

The Role of a Licensed Plumber in Outdoor Backyard Plumbing Installations

Hiring a licensed plumber for your outdoor hand-washing station installation is a smart step that can save time, hassle, and potential repair costs. It’s also a legal requirement if you’re planning on any plumbing installations that connect to your mains water supply.

A licensed plumber will correctly set up and install all your backyard plumbing needs to reduce common plumbing problems such as pipe leaks, poor drainage, and water pooling. They’ll assess your drainage needs, recommend suitable solutions, and fix surface and sub surface drainage issues.

With expert help, you can trust your outdoor plumbing setup will be safe, durable, and effective in handling excess water.

Environmental Impact: Water Conservation and Distribution

Creating an outdoor hand-washing station with a focus on water conservation and smart distribution benefits both the environment and your garden.

Connecting the station to a rainwater tank or your backyard irrigation system reduces reliance on mains water. Installing swale or trench drains facilitates proper water distribution around the station. It helps to keep excess water from pooling and prevents weed infestation or mould growth. This sustainable setup can also support nearby plants, using runoff effectively to hydrate garden beds.

With careful planning, your backyard plumbing can become an eco-friendly addition that conserves water and enhances your outdoor space.

Your Perfect Outdoor Hand-Washing Station

Imagine this. You’ve just finished pottering about in the garden. Perhaps you’ve pulled out a stack of weeds, or you’ve been busy planting a bunch of bushes or flowers that might bloom in the coming months. Maybe even both. You’ve got dirt all over your hands and mud all over the soles of your shoes. You need to clean up but don’t want to track that mud and dirt through the house. That’s where setting up an outdoor hand-washing station can be a truly game-changing backyard plumbing decision.

If you want to take the functionality, sustainability and convenience of your backyard to the next level, a hand-washing station is a great way to go about it. Make sure you have the right drainage solutions in place, as well as the right fixtures and add-ons. And always use a licensed plumber to help you set up the whole shebang!

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.