Project Zomboid Plumbing Guide: Requirements, Fixtures, & More

Mastering plumbing in Project Zomboid is no mere luxury, as it’s a survivalist’s essential skill. Use this system to connect fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, to water reservoirs. Doing so lets you have easy access to purified water, reducing risks of illness for the long-term. So, keep reading as we guide you through this vital mechanic.

How Does Plumbing Work in Project Zomboid?

Not to be confused with the plumbing mod, survivors in Vanilla Project Zomboid can plumb water fixtures by using certain tools. However, most plumbing jobs in Project Zomboid generally only require a Pipe Wrench. Complete plumbing tasks by placing both the water fixture and a reservoir in your preferred locations. Once positioned, equip the Pipe Wrench and right-click on the water fixture. Select to plumb the connection in the context menu. Remember, water fixtures requiring electricity, such as Washing Machines, must be connected to nearby power sources, like Generators. However, certain fixtures, like baths, showers, and toilets, don’t need electricity to run. Also, be careful when moving fixtures around the area. Note that it’s possible to freely add, remove, and move reservoirs within a 3x3 area above the fixture. However, moving the fixture or reservoir too far breaks the connection. Note that Vanilla Project Zomboid doesn’t provide an indication that a connection has been established. Nonetheless, you’ll know if the plumbing operation was successful if you can use the water fixture normally.

Plumbable Water Fixtures and Reservoirs in Project Zomboid

Although plumbing in Project Zomboid can be difficult, depending on the scenario, it’s still a worthwhile investment for long-term bases. Successfully creating a plumbing network when building a base ensures that survivors gain access to clean, potable water. Below is a list of water fixtures and reservoirs available in Project Zomboid at the time of writing.

Baths and Showers

Deluxe Shower

• Encumbrance: 20
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 0 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirement: Carpentry Lv. 4

Large Deluxe Bath

• Encumbrance: 10x2
• Size: 2 tiles
• Water Capacity: 100(x2) units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

Wall Shower

• Encumbrance: 5
• Size: 0 tiles
• Water Capacity: 0 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: Carpentry Lv. 2

Sinks

Note: Picking up sinks has a 25% chance of breaking the fixture regardless of skill level.

Beige Sink

• Encumbrance: 5
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 20 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

Chrome Sink

• Encumbrance: 5
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 20 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

Dark Industrial Sink

• Encumbrance: 5
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 20 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

Fancy Hanging Sink

• Encumbrance: 5
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 20 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

Industrial Sink

• Encumbrance: 5
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 20 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

White Hanging Sink

• Encumbrance: 5
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 20 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

White Sink

• Encumbrance: 5
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 20 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

White Standing Sink

• Encumbrance: 5
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 20 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

Toilets

Chemical Toilet

• Encumbrance: 10
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 0 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

Fancy Toilet

• Encumbrance: 10
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 20 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

Hanging Toilet

• Encumbrance: 10
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 0 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

Low Toilet

• Encumbrance: 10
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 20 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

Wooden Toilet

• Encumbrance: 10
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 0 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

Washing Machines

White Clothing Washer

• Encumbrance: 20
• Size: 1 tile
• Fuel Type: Electricity
• Water Capacity: 20 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: Electrical Lv. 3

White Clothing Dryer

• Encumbrance: 20
• Size: 1 tile
• Fuel Type: Electricity
• Water Capacity: 20 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: Electrical Lv. 3

Blue Combo Washer/Dryer

• Encumbrance: 20
• Size: 1 tile
• Fuel Type: Electricity
• Water Capacity: 20 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: Electrical Lv. 3

Other Fixtures

Rain Collector Barrel

• Encumbrance: 7.5
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 160/400 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: Carpentry Lv. 1

Standpipe

• Encumbrance: 5
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 0 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: Agriculture Lv. 2

Water Dispenser

• Encumbrance: 30
• Size: 1 tile
• Water Capacity: 250 units
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A

Well

• Encumbrance: N/A (Can’t be picked up)
• Size: N/A
• Water Capacity: Unlimited
• Pick-Up Skill Requirements: N/A (Can’t be picked up)