If you live or are considering living in a tiny home, off-grid, or RV, you’ve probably spent a fair amount of time obsessing over the details of your setup. From working to eating to sleeping, you know the best way to maximize every inch of your space!
To make the most of your space, you need products that do double or even triple duty. For example, you may have a single sink that you use for hand washing, food prep, and maybe even some laundry. So, what’s the best sink option for a tiny home or off-grid lifestyle?
Consider a portable sink. They work without plumbing, capture waste water, and can look fantastic in any living space. Here’s everything you need to know about portable sinks for your tiny home or off-grid living.
What Are Tiny Home Sinks?
Tiny home sinks and off-grid sinks have a compact design that is perfect for small spaces. They’re sometimes called:
- Handwash station kitchenettes
- Portable sinks
- Sinks without plumbing
- Self-contained sinks
Most portable sinks have a minimal footprint, with some measuring just over two feet wide (including the counterspace), allowing them to fit in some pretty tight spots. And because they’re portable, they’re easy to move, so you can place the sink wherever you need.
Beyond the minimal footprint, portable sinks are an excellent addition to your tiny home or off-grid setup because they’re entirely self-contained. You don’t need to connect to city water, sewer lines, or septic systems and work even if you don’t have a well on your property.
To be clear, while portable sinks function without traditional plumbing, many have a hot water heater, which requires electricity. That said, the portable sink often plugs into a standard electrical connection, making it simple to hook the sink up to your power source.
Why Consider a Portable Sink
At first glance, a portable sink seems unnecessary. After all, you could use something like a gravity-fed water system to get the job done. However, in most cases, a portable sink is the safer, more hygienic solution, and in some cases, you may be required to have a sink.
Code Compliance
Every state has different rules around issuing occupancy certificates for tiny homes and off-grid dwellings. Some states require that these homes have at least one sink that meets specific regulations, even if you aren’t required to connect to the local water system.
Your state may have minimum requirements for the sink, like having a stainless steel sink basin or being NSF-certified.
Grey Water Capture
In addition to a sink, many states require tiny homes and off-grid dwellings to have a waste water management system. There are many ways to meet this requirement, but one of the advantages of a portable sink is that many include a separate and sealed waste water tank. These tanks may satisfy the waste water management requirements and make it easier for you to recycle or dispose of the grey water.
No Plumbing Required
As mentioned above, a portable sink doesn’t require plumbing to work. Most have a fresh water tank you fill using an outside source, ensuring you always have clean, safe water for washing your hands, dishes, or food. Some feature pressurized water systems with hot water heaters, ensuring you get a steady stream of warm or hot water that doesn’t trickle out of the tap.
Accessories and Features
Portable sinks also have a range of features and accessories that make your life a little easier. Many have stainless steel basins that are food-safe, tough, and built to last, but also easy to clean and maintain. An integrated soap dispenser is also common, and some even come with a splash guard or additional storage.
Looks Good
Some portable sinks are designed for functionality. Industrial models are rugged and built to last and look every inch the part. But other portable sinks are designed for functionality and style. You can find portable sinks with maple or white cabinets and color-coordinated countertops that look beautiful in the smallest spaces.
Portable Sinks Maximize Your Space
The slim profile and minimal footprint of a portable sink make it a top contender for a spot in your tiny home or off-grid dwelling. Add in the fact that they don’t require plumbing to work and have versatile design options, and you’ve found an excellent solution for maximizing your tiny space.
Ozark River Manufacturing’s full line of portable sinks is perfect for tiny homes, full-time RVers, and off-grid structures of all kinds. Contact us today and see how our portable sinks can work in your space.