Water, electricity, drainage: tiny house utility connections

A tiny house needs the same services as a house: drinking water, electricity and a solution for wastewater. There are two approaches, which can be combined: connection to the public networks, or self-sufficiency. The right choice depends on the land, how you use the house and its status.

What our tiny houses are equipped with

On the Skywood and the Sharewood, the connection points are standardised:

• Electricity: supply via a 32 A single-phase female connector.
• Water: 16 mm multilayer water inlet, with a valve on the outside outlet; interior pipework in cross-linked polyethylene (PEX).
• Drainage: 50 mm outlets (sink, washbasin, shower tray) collected into a 100 mm PVC pipe, with sealed couplings.

These outlets connect to services brought to the edge of the plot, or to self-contained equipment.

Can a tiny house be connected to the public networks?

Yes, if the installation is lawful. Article L111-12 of the French planning code (Code de l’urbanisme) prohibits the permanent connection to electricity, water, gas or telephone of buildings and installations that should have been authorised and were not. A granted prior declaration (déclaration préalable) or planning permission is therefore the prerequisite for any lasting connection. See our guide planning permission or prior declaration.

Connection requests are made to the operator of each network (electricity distributor, the water service of the municipality or the group of municipalities). Timescales and costs depend on the distance between the network and where the house will stand: get them priced before buying land.

What do you do with wastewater without a mains sewer?

If the land is not served by the public sewer, you need an off-mains drainage (assainissement non collectif) system (tank and treatment unit, or an approved system), suited to the home and the land.

Every municipality or group of municipalities has a SPANC, the public off-mains drainage service. It inspects installations and advises private individuals on their design and maintenance. Contact it before choosing a solution: it checks that the project complies.

Are dry toilets permitted?

Yes. The order (arrêté) of 7 September 2009, which sets the technical requirements for off-mains drainage, permits dry toilets, which use no water, provided they cause no nuisance to the neighbours, no liquid discharge outside the plot and no pollution of water. The by-products must be put to use on the plot, for example by composting.

Note: dry toilets only deal with the WC. Grey water (sink, shower, washbasin) must still be treated by a compliant installation. Discuss it with the SPANC.

Can you use rainwater in a tiny house?

Yes, for certain uses only. Since 1 September 2024, Decree No. 2024-796 has regulated the use of rainwater in homes in France. It can be used in particular for:

• flushing toilets;
• washing indoor floors;
• washing laundry, under certain conditions;
• watering the garden and vegetable plot;
• cleaning outdoor surfaces, including washing vehicles at home.

Rainwater must never be used for drinking, cooking, washing up or personal washing. For these uses, you need drinking water: the public network, or a monitored private supply.

How can you produce your own electricity?

Solar panels combined with batteries can cover all or part of a tiny house’s needs. Sizing depends on consumption (heating, hot water, cooking, appliances), the sunshine on the land and the season: in winter, production falls just as needs increase. Have the study and installation carried out by a qualified professional.

One point to watch: the house must have a supply compatible with its equipment. On the Skywood and the Sharewood, this is a 32 A single-phase inlet.

Connection or self-sufficiency: how do you choose?

• Public networks: comfort and simplicity day to day, but the cost of the connection works and an installation that must be authorised.
• Self-sufficiency: freedom of location and frugality, but an initial investment, maintenance and care over consumption.
• Mixed solution: for example, electricity and drinking water connections, with rainwater harvesting for the WC and the garden.

For a demountable dwelling (résidence démontable) used as a permanent home and not connected to the networks, the planning application must include a statement showing how water, drainage, electricity and fire safety are provided.

Key points

• No permanent connection without planning authorisation (article L111-12).
• Without a mains sewer: off-mains drainage, inspected by the SPANC.
• Dry toilets are permitted, but grey water must be treated.
• Rainwater: WC, floors, laundry under conditions, garden; never for drinking, cooking or washing yourself.
• Think about connections as soon as you choose the land: their cost depends on the distance to the networks.

Please note: this guide sets out the general rules, checked on the date shown. It does not replace personalised advice: local rules (PLU, protected areas, risk zones) may be stricter. For a specific project, contact your town hall’s planning department or the ADIL (departmental housing information agency) for your département.