Plumbing rough-in

I have a semi-off grid project I am trying to get started that I could use some advice on. I have tried other sources with no response so if my request is inappropriate, my designs illegible or simply ridiculous I would not mind, and would even appreciate, being informed.

I have attached a floorplan and my poor attempt at an isometric drawing plus an exploded view of the areas I have questions about. The drawings are simply to try and illustrate what I am trying to do. My county does not require me to submit plans or even get a permit.

Thank you in advance for any help, it is greatly appreciated. My questions are:

1) Could someone review my plan and tell me if it is reasonable and whether or not the venting is adequate?

2) How close to the edge of the slab I can have a 4" stack exit the foundation without fear of weakening the edge of the concrete? Is this a question better suited for a construction forum?

3) I have no idea how to determine the pipe lengths to include allowance for fittings. I have tried looking at various manufacturer websites but I can not find or cannot recognize the dimensions I need. I am not even sure how critical the dimensions are as, as stated, I do not have to submit a plan to my county. Could the pipes just be measured after dry fitting to insure proper placement of the drains?

Thanks again

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Hire a licensed plumber. You, at the least, need to pay someone to lay that project out correctly. And what is “semi off grid”? I get wording like that from people here who believe because the word “off-grid” is used it also means “no permits” and “follow no codes” and “but I you tubed it”.

And, where do you live that you don’t need any governmental approval to build a building of that scope?

RenewDave said:

And, where do you live that you don’t need any governmental approval to build a building of that scope?

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he is from mississippi
mississippi does not need any permits in the county, no inspections
a man is allowed to do everything himself on his property

That’s crazy! And he can just dump that waste on the ground? In a steel can? Just wow.

RenewDave said:

That’s crazy! And he can just dump that waste on the ground? In a steel can? Just wow.

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no more crazy than many states not requiring a plumber to be licensed


well.....if you apply for a water meter
you have to show that your septic system was installed by a licensed installer
or no meter.

The OP may very well be better off getting direction from frodo and doing the work himself rather then getting a local plumber to do it.
Based on some of the stories I've heard and some of the work I've seen done by some plumbers.

frodo said:

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Thank you so much Frodo! Love your avatar and signature!
I was pretty sure I had not allowed sufficient venting. I accidently uploaded an earlier version of my design but even the later version did not have the level of venting in your drawing.

If I am reading correctly you have the vent stack coming up at the placement of the bar sink. This will put it exiting pretty close if not right on the the roof peak. Is that an issue?


The distance of the question mark in your revised drawing is to be 8' and I hope to have the bar sink centered at 16' from the edge of slab. I have not decided on the size of the cabinets to be used for the sinks and vanity.

I will most likely just use whatever standard sizes available at the local building supply house. and in the case of the bar sink will likely just build it out myself. I can update after I have had a chance to do some shopping.

RenewDave said:

That’s crazy! And he can just dump that waste on the ground? In a steel can? Just wow.

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RenewDave, semi-off grid means the plot has it's own well and currently is totally off grid however we are looking into the option of having power run to the plot. It may not be feasible due to the distance from the nearest line and the fact that it would require an easement on the edge of the neighboring property. Winters are fine without power however the drone of the generator gets on my nerves in the summer. And NO, the waste will NOT be simply dumped on the ground. There is an existing septic system that was put in professionally many years ago and yes I will have it professionally inspected to insure proper function, that is why I really need to save money on the rough-in. We enjoy our freedom down here in the Sip but we are not a bunch of savages and it is kind of insulting and rude for you to suggest such.

Diehard said:

The OP may very well be better off getting direction from frodo and doing the work himself rather then getting a local plumber may do it.
Based on some of the stories I've heard and some of the work I've seen done by some plumbers.

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Diehard thanks for the backup. You are correct it can often be very hit and miss as to whether your hired "professional" will in fact do a professional job. Several I have contacted do not even want to look at the project due to difficulty of access and size of the job. Others have warned me right off that "it's gonna cost ya". My father recently got a quote for roughing in a single toilet in his work shed, 15 feet from the septic line, at over $4k. Multiply that out for the project I am planning and it completely busts my budget.

Thanks again for this and any future advice you guys are awesome!

Yeah, I live in the country and drive an hour from my house and I deal with these exact issues. AND, we have codes and laws. Yet, sadly we have larger and larger groups off “off grid” people who are hurting our environment one illegal hovel at a time. So, I’ll give you the “I’m sorry if you got offended” apology.

DoggyDoc said:

Thank you so much Frodo! Love your avatar and signature!
I was pretty sure I had not allowed sufficient venting. I accidently uploaded an earlier version of my design but even the later version did not have the level of venting in your drawing.

If I am reading correctly you have the vent stack coming up at the placement of the bar sink. This will put it exiting pretty close if not right on the the roof peak. Is that an issue?

when the vent pipe gets above the top plate of the bar sink wall. off set that guy away from the ridge line





The distance of the question mark in your revised drawing is to be 8' and I hope to have the bar sink centered at 16' from the edge of slab. I have not decided on the size of the cabinets to be used for the sinks and vanity.

I will most likely just use whatever standard sizes available at the local building supply house. and in the case of the bar sink will likely just build it out myself. I can update after I have had a chance to do some shopping.

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your location is ms,,,i am in franklin county what county are you stomping around in?

I’m out in the Wild West of Oregon.

This whole “tiny house” thing is making people think they can take a flatbed trailer and build themselves a home on wheels move out in the country and do whatever they want. These people don’t seem to care much (at all) what they dump in the ground or how it gets there. I don’t see a lot of “professionally installed and inspected” septic systems out there.

RenewDave said:

I’m out in the Wild West of Oregon.

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the laws in Mississippi are
we have plumbing codes and inspectors in town ships
the country [county] has no inspection except septic systems
in order to get a water meter , you have to have a structure
with septic system, inspected by the department of health
Travel trailers are a whole different ball game, they require dump stations

so,,the disposal of waste is controlled,
the law is,,if you own your property,you can build on it,,you are not forced to hire someone
I built my home from the ground up

here is the ''illegal hovel'' we threw up with no regard to any codes.
4 bedr.3 bath, 3000 sq ft with outbuildings and stocked pond on 10 acres

Nice, but you have the wherewithal and understand the reason to follow plumbing codes. A lot of people who build these “pop-up” homes do not. What about lots(acerage) that doesn’t have municipal water service? If you can’t get a water meter, would a person still get a septic system inspected? Here in South county they aren’t allowing residents to use their preapproved reserve drainfields. They force people to use this “system” that only one company sells and costs up to 18k. I know people who are just digging in extra drain field, permits be damned.

Illegal is illegal
It does not make a damn how many laws you have, how many inspectors If a guy is going to put in an illegal septic.. you can not stop him.
that is why we have the law, no approvd septic

Diehard said:

Nice!

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thanks. 30 mile from anything,except a gas station and church

frodo said:

your location is ms,,,i am in franklin county what county are you stomping around in?

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Not too far. I am building in the Free State of Jones. My dad is from Marion County, we have a small plot out near Kokomo I thought of building on but I would be starting from scratch there.