Mobile Home Plumbing

You may be surprised to discover that plumbing is accountable for the largest percentage of repair problems in a mobile home. That's because of a couple of things. Lower quality parts and non standard sizing. Here are some helpful tips.

1. Faucets There are three different qualities of faucets used in mobile homes. Brass which is a reasonable quality, chrome plated plastic which is cheap, and then really cheap. Generally you find the really cheap because it's one way to keep costs down.

The problem is really cheap doesn't last past a couple of years before you need to replace it. The good news is faucets are fairly easy to replace and even a good set isn't overly expensive. So while you are doing the replacing why not choose a faucet that adds to your décor?

One important thing to note here is you are going to have to measure up real carefully because mobile home standards are different then house standards so know your center.

2. Showers It's very common to find plastic laminate glued to the shower walls in a mobile or fiberglass inserts used. It's not that the material itself is such a problem, it's that too often the seams aren't properly sealed and then you develop problems.

So before the shower is ever used get yourself some proper sealant and reseal "all" seams. If you are really ambitious you can pull out the low end shower stall and replace with a higher quality factory shower kit.

3. Water Heaters A mobile home water heater is not the same size as those used in houses. It is taller and narrower so that it is able to fit in the wall space. They also cost almost double. Don't be tempted to squish a house style into that confined space. The few dollars you save could cost you your home. Many a mobile has burnt to the ground because a homeowner has cheaped out. Installing too large of heater becomes a serious fire hazard.

4. Toilets Here's one thing that's the same as houses. Here are a few of the common problems that occur. Repairs here will be like any other toilet.

5. Tubs Again mobile home tubs are not the same as house tubs. The first difference is they do not have overflows. The second difference is that they are actually supported above the floor so the drain can go under the tub and down through the floor. Don't try to put a house tub into a mobile. You'll go nuts with modifications.

Make sure that the walls surrounding the tub are proper water repellant materials such as tile and make sure that they are properly sealed. Leaking behind a wall in a mobile home.

Mobile homes are an affordable method to own your own home and there are some fabulous floor plans available to choose from. Just remember that mobile home plumbing isn't going to be quite the same as house plumbing so proceed with caution.