How above-ground plumbing is a reliable solution for multigenerational homes

September 18, 2024 at 10:01 AM EDT

(BPT) - Multigenerational households are on the rise. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Americans living in a multigenerational family household is four times larger than in the 1970s. For some, multigenerational living has become necessary to care for aging parents. However, the center found that almost a quarter of younger adults ages 25-34 now live in multigenerational homes due to financial issues.

Whether born of an economic necessity or a desire to keep parents close in their golden years, multigenerational housing is here to stay, and creative solutions are needed for these households.

Inflation, mortgage rates and a lack of housing are causing headaches for many would-be homeowners. For those with multiple generations living in one home, finding an affordable option to comfortably and affordably house several loved ones can be difficult. Luckily, the housing industry is adapting to multigenerational housing with a trend of its own: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

What is an ADU?

You may not have heard of ADUs, but you're likely familiar with the concept. Think of granny flats, in-law apartments and mother-in-law suites and you've pictured an ADU. This innovative housing solution is growing in popularity because it can more easily house multiple generations and provides a lower-cost housing alternative.

Broadly speaking, there are two types of ADUs: Attached and detached. Attached ADUs are connected to the primary house in some way, whether as an addition to the existing building or as a converted garage or basement. Detached ADUs are stand-alone, independent structures like a converted detached garage or a tiny home on the property.

Whether attached or detached, ADUs are usually smaller than your typical home, ranging from 600-1,200 square feet, so floor space is at a premium. Also, depending on the type of ADU and what fixtures will be installed, plumbing can become challenging for homeowners.

Most ADUs will feature a full bathroom (shower, toilet, sink) and kitchen. With so many fixtures and tight quarters, it's essential to choose products that maximize space and offer reliability and cost-effectiveness. You could use traditional (below-ground) plumbing systems, but they're often complex and costly. However, there is another solution that is less costly, messy and time-consuming than below-ground plumbing.

Above-floor plumbing: A cost-effective and simple solution for ADUs

While not as popular in the U.S., above-floor plumbing has been a common drainage solution in Europe. For homeowners considering adding an ADU to their property, this plumbing solution can overcome potential plumbing issues.

There are many different types of above-floor plumbing solutions, and which ADU you choose to build will determine which solution you'll need.

For example, if you need to build a complete bathroom in an attached ADU, you'll need a macerating pump system like Saniflo's Saniaccess 3 for light-traffic areas or Sanibest Pro for high-traffic areas. While these products are incredibly effective at safely discharging toilet waste, they can also handle gray water from a sink, bathtub or shower.

The Saniaccess 3 was perfect for Joe O'Neill's project: Converting a detached two-car garage into a one-bedroom apartment. The garage sits next to O'Neill's Cape May, New Jersey, vacation home which he rents out. Converting the garage will allow him to continue to visit the beach at his leisure.

Because of the home's proximity to the ocean, conventional plumbing would have been unadvisable. However, the Saniaccess 3 macerating system allowed O'Neill to hook up three bathroom fixtures and a washing machine!

If you need a complete apartment solution for an attached or detached ADU, you'll need a more powerful above-floor plumbing and drainage system like the Sanicubic 1. The pre-assembled simplex grinder system can discharge wastewater from three or more fixtures. This means you can connect a complete bathroom, kitchen and laundry to one product that handles high volumes of waste and water.

If you need a heavy-duty solution for your ADU, you should opt for the Sanicubic 1 VX, which handles 2-inch solids, including rigid solids like sanitary products. It's also the most useful solution for ADUs that have multiple bathrooms.

Above-floor plumbing may seem foreign, and you may feel that installation will be complex. However, above-floor plumbing allows homeowners to avoid the cost of floor excavation and below-ground drainage installation. Also, above-floor models are generally quicker to set up than their traditional counterparts.

Build the ADU for your family with minimal cost, mess and headaches

By embracing above-floor plumbing technology, you can create functional and cost-effective living spaces for your family. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone can have enough space and plumbing to live comfortably. To learn more about above-floor plumbing solutions, visit Saniflo.com/US.

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How above-ground plumbing is a reliable solution for multigenerational homes

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