Major Projects Heating & Plumbing A Loft Room

Date Published:

16/10/2009

Loft extensions are not just about fabulous views and creative space – to make it worth having you need to get the plumbing right, so you have toasty heating and a second bathroom to brag about.

By Kerry Young

How Are You Using The Space?

Having a loft extension raises plumbing issues in different ways, depending on what you will be using the space for. If you are planning an extra bedroom, office space or playroom, you will simply need to heat the space. This could mean extending your central-heating system to include a couple of extra radiators (although this isn’t always possible – more about that later). However, most homes would really benefit from an extra bathroom - especially if you are increasing the number of bedrooms - and unless your loft is really compact, you should be able to squeeze a bedroom plus en suite into the space. This makes your plumbing a whole lot more complicated, as the water supply and pipework required for a bathroom is obviously a lot more complex.

As well as giving you an opportunity to get very well acquainted with your plumber, adding a bathroom will dictate your layout and even the need for and position of any dormer windows. Whatever you use the room for there may well be an additional knock-on effect to your existing central heating system, because in many UK homes, the tanks and cisterns that feed the system are positioned in the loft.

For More About Heating, Plumbing & Lofts

Major Projects: loft conversion advice and inspiration
How To Heat Your Home
How To Drain Your Plumbing System