When you think about plumbing, you probably picture sinks, showers, or toilets. But if you’re building your first home in Kenya, plumbing is much more than just installing taps and drains. It’s a critical system that keeps your home running smoothly, clean, and safe. And if it’s not done well, it can quickly become a costly headache.
If you’re new to this, don’t worry. Here’s a clear guide on the essentials of plumbing in Kenya—from water supply and storage to drainage and waste disposal—that every first-time builder should understand.
1. Water Supply: Where Your Water Comes From
Before you start installing any pipes, you need to know where your water is coming from. Common sources here in Kenya include:
County water supply: In urban and peri-urban areas like Nairobi or Mavoko, water is supplied by local utilities through a metered connection directly into your home. Keep in mind, though, that supply can be intermittent.
Boreholes: Often used in rural or peri-urban homes, boreholes tap underground water. This requires drilling, a pump system, and usually some treatment to ensure the water is safe.
Rainwater harvesting: This is becoming increasingly popular, especially in areas where water shortages are common. Rainwater collected from your roof can be stored in tanks and used for non-potable or treated for potable use.
Water vendors or bowser delivery: These are usually backup options when other sources are unavailable, though water quality can vary.
Your plumbing setup will be influenced by this source, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
2. Water Storage: Keeping You Supplied Even When Water Runs Out
Since water supply is not always consistent, most Kenyan homes install storage tanks.
Overhead tanks: Placed on roof slabs or towers, these tanks use gravity to help water flow through your plumbing system.
Underground tanks: Useful where space is limited or aesthetics matter, but they require pressure pumps to distribute water.
Material choices: Plastic tanks (brands like Roto or Kentank) are common, but concrete and steel tanks are options as well.
When sizing your tank, consider your household size and how often water shortages occur. For example, a typical 3-bedroom house may need 3,000 to 5,000 liters reserved.
3. Internal Plumbing: Getting Water Where You Need It
This covers the piping inside your home that delivers water from your source or storage to taps, showers, toilets, and appliances.
Materials: PPR (Polypropylene Random Copolymer) pipes are widely used for internal plumbing in Kenya because they’re durable, resist corrosion, and handle both hot and cold water.
Components include cold and hot water lines, mixers, taps, showers, toilets, sinks, and more.
Proper planning ensures good water pressure and avoids problems like leaks or weak flow.
4. Drainage: Where Used Water Goes
Plumbing doesn’t just bring clean water in—it must also safely remove wastewater.
Grey water: This is wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines, typically directed to soak pits or drainage fields.
Black water: Waste from toilets that must be safely disposed of via septic tanks or sewer systems.
Good drainage design includes proper pipe gradients, traps and vent pipes to keep foul smells out, and inspection chambers for maintenance access.
Poor drainage leads to flooding, blockages, and bad odors, so it’s important to get this right from the start.
5. Sewage Disposal: Handling Wastewater Properly
Kenya offers two main septic options:
Main sewer connection: If your home is within reach of the municipal sewer system, connecting to it is generally the preferred option since it lowers maintenance needs.
On-site waste systems: In places without sewer connections, septic tanks combined with soak pits are common. Wastewater settles in the tank, and liquids safely soak into the ground. These tanks must be emptied regularly.
An increasingly popular alternative is the biodigester system, which uses bacteria to break down waste efficiently with minimal odor and less frequent emptying required. This eco-friendly option is gaining traction in Kenya.
6. Rainwater Collection and Stormwater Drainage
Stormwater management is another key part of plumbing. Rainwater falling on your roof and property needs to be properly directed to avoid damage.
Gutters and downpipes collect rainwater and channel it to storage tanks or drainage areas.
Storm drains or trenches guide excess water away from your home, protecting foundations and landscaping.
7. Plumbing Fixtures and Accessories
Fixtures include taps, sinks, showers, and toilets—the parts you’ll use every day. Quality and price vary widely in Kenya, so it’s worth investing in trusted brands that meet Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for durability and performance.
Final Thoughts: Bring in a Qualified Plumber Early
Good plumbing is one of those things that usually goes unnoticed – until something goes wrong. Fixing plumbing issues after construction is expensive and disruptive.
That’s why it’s best to hire a registered plumber or plumbing engineer early in your project. They will:
Provide detailed plumbing plans,
Calculate water pressure and flow requirements,
Design drainage and waste systems compliant with Kenyan regulations,
Give you clear quotes and timelines to avoid surprises.
Taking these steps will help you build a home with a plumbing system that works well from day one—and for years to come.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone who’s planning, building, or dreaming about their first home.
Have you faced any plumbing surprises while building or renovating? I’d love to hear your experience—reply to this email if you’re reading in your inbox, or drop a comment below if you’re on the site.
