What plumbing does an ADU need?
- A sewer connection. A new drain line from the unit to the existing sewer lateral or to the main house drain.
- A water supply. A line from the house or from the meter, sized for both homes.
- Hot water. Its own tank or tankless heater in most cases.
- Gas, if the unit has gas appliances. Many new units are all-electric.
- Drain, waste and vent piping inside the unit, and the fixtures: kitchen sink, bathroom, laundry.
What should be checked before the design is final?
- The existing sewer lateral. A camera inspection shows whether the old line can take another home or needs repair first. See also sewer lateral compliance.
- Slope. The new drain has to fall toward the sewer. If the unit sits lower than the connection, it needs a sewage ejector pump.
- The water service. An old or small line from the meter may need to be upsized. See water line repair.
- The gas meter and line, if gas is planned. See gas line upgrades.
Finding these early is far cheaper than finding them after the slab is poured.
How does the work go?
- Underground. Sewer and water lines are trenched from the unit to their connections, and the under-slab drains are set.
- Rough-in. Water, drain, vent and gas pipes go in the open walls. This stage is inspected.
- Finish. Fixtures, the water heater and appliances are set and connected, and everything is tested.
What about a garage conversion?
The slab is usually cut to run the new drains to the sewer, then patched. The garage's distance and height from the house drain decide how simple that is.
Do you work with builders and owner-builders?
Yes. We price from your plans, coordinate with the other trades, and meet the inspections. If you do not have a general contractor yet, ask us about our Trusted Pro Network.
Who handles permits?
Your city's building department sets the requirements for the unit. We pull the plumbing permit when the job needs one and meet the plumbing inspections.
Who is Friendly Services?
A family-owned plumbing company with over 20 years in Hayward. License CSLB #1156315 (C-36 plumbing), $1M general liability cover and workers' comp. Our own work has a five-year workmanship warranty, and we have 100+ five-star reviews online.