DIY Concrete Toilet Tank Sink - This SHOULD Be On Every Toilet!

QUIKRETE is having a contest for the best project using one bag of concrete. (Not a sponsor.) I decided to make a "toilet tank top sink." I first saw the idea on toilets in Japan.
When you flush the toilet, the fill water is re-routed to a faucet (don't worry, it's perfectly clean). You wash your hands like normal, then watch the water drain directly into the toilet tank. Next time you use the bathroom, the recycled water flushes the toilet and clean water is dispensed from the faucet. The design saves an estimated 1 gallon of water per person, per day! No modifications are made to the toilet except for routing the fill water tube into the bottom of the faucet.
Hopefully it's good enough to win the $2500 dollar prize :)
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[@timpassmore7455]

I was on a mountain ridge in Ecuador for 2 1/2 years in Peace Corps , followed by 2 in a remote village in Tanzania, and in both places, getting water was a serious problem. Almost twenty years later, I still treat water like a very limited resource. Even more than the ingenuity you put into building this, I respect the same sort of appreciation you show by going to that much effort "just for a few gallons of water. You make a good example in several ways here; my hat's off to you. I do have a bone to pick with you, though. Now, the project that got sidetracked when I resumed one simple chore before getting distracted by something I'd set aside earlier only to have that interrupted by remembering that I still needed to finish a chore that I was detoured from when I noticed the very thing that I'd looked all over for to complete a different task, etc etc, has been pushed back once again as I go into "scrounge mode" seeking to make one of my own.

[@TH-eb5ro]

That looks great. I made one years ago for the toilet in our garden, work room toilet. That toilet is used by me and every worker that comes to the house. It was mucht more basic but works fine to this day. Anything we can do to reduce water use is a good thing. How much time did it take you? What was the cost? Lots of ways to reuse water. I was able to get a permit to use washer water on my lawn, I set up a 50' 2" hose that I unwind.. An upstairs shower was rerouted to fill 2 toilet tanks on the lower level. With good planning and of course permits there are ways to save water and money. Many parts of the world, including the US have a water crisis. We need to get rid of lawns and have native, natural plants that don't need excess watering. Vehicle washing and other wasteful practices needs to change.

[@PidasianHippie]

I have seen something like this in one of the tiny house builds and it is a very ingenious way of saving space, water and money! Great build!

[@ravenmcbike6849]

Such a sharp, concise video. So much information so well presented in a mear five minutes and 22 seconds? I’ve subscribed. Best home repair/how to do video I’ve seen on KZbin.

[@sundaze3525]

WOW!!!!! You have solved a problem for me, being in order to make my shower larger I had to do away with my sink. Not now!!!!!! Thank you so much.

[@hootinouts]

I realize that this post is several years old but I must say that as a DIY homeowner myself, this is one of the neatest projects I've seen in a long time. You did an excellent job all around and the result is very impressive. I am using the Henry Feather finish to fill nail holes in underlayment I am installing in my kitchen upon which Armstrong Luxury Vinyl tiles will be adhered to. It's a great product and I am going to consider using it for future crafts projects. Keep up the great work.

[@davidatemail]

Nice job and to top it off... it actually works!.. You learned some new skills, gave us a useful tool and ended up with a 100% functional project. You deserve a cold beer.

[@HiKimiko]

Love this. In Portland Oregon there are companies that make these "grey water" conversions. The only reason we didn't install one is because in winter the tap water is almost freezing. I suppose we could just use the sink for warm water during that season but we could never really have it replace a sink completely. Awesome job and beautiful craftsmanship. :)

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Thanks! I was wondering why everyone was so worried about the cold water. I forgot you need warm water in the winter up north. Here in Florida we use "cold" water to wash our hands year round.

[@travismcphee22]

Best idea I've seen in a while. I'd totally put one in my apt. And, it would certainly wow any company that visits.

[@vaman86]

who could say No to a great idea for several reasons! plus great execution!

[@adriadalmau7575]

This is amazing, should be the way to go. Saves water, space and gives the water some scent

[@MsABee1]

Wow!!!! That is very creative!! Glad it came out the way you envisioned!! Great job!!

[@andreyusak6270]

all japanese apartment has these since the 90's :p

[@denniston]

Very cool project. I first saw this concept in Japan in 2000, but I've never seen one since.

[@KennySmooth]

Wow it actually came out a lot nicer than expected. Very cool

[@berniekumali-rodrigues1170]

I think it's awesome, you did a great job on your project!!

[@lyradiation]

I'm impressed mate, well done!

[@skinhoe]

I am honestly impressed, well done

[@colingoodchild7616]

These are all over Japan. I love it. yours is expensive, but hey, you did it yourself. congrats, you're awesome!

[@BrickFlicksTV]

I have no idea how I found this video but I'm impressed with your handy work. Great Job!

[@bettywest8191]

That is so cool, job well done. Hope to try this.....

[@question3613]

Looks so good! Good job!

[@riazghuman8698]

Very smart and very good thinking for the consumption of water .

[@CopperNickus]

Very smart and functional. I wish I could have something like this.

[@KogaBrigaXTC]

Great video and mechanism! Thank You! If someone doesn't feel like making changes of such a magnitude, a regular bucket in the bathroom sink while washing hands/teeth/face would do. Just use the greywater to flush. When the guests in the house, you can remove it, and put it back when they're gone. Also the same goes for the kitchen sink when not using the dishwasher.

[@7871Lynn]

I think you did a fabulous job. I think it's pretty neat

[@zn6761]

Great build, i really like this idea. Thanks for sharing

[@dustytotheMax]

I think that holes actually make it more interesting than if it was totally smooth. Keep up the great videos. Loving your work from all the way down under in Australia.

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Thanks! And yea it did look cool, I just wanted to see if I could get it to be smooth.

[@chuk2795]

this wouldnt even work for your toilets right? flushing the other way and all

[@isabelatticus4039]

I had to come back and watch that one again. Super neat.

[@noordhyaa905]

Great idea for narrow and small space

[@jkopvo]

Cool! I have seen this somewhere before - maybe it was in a tiny house video. Nice to see how it can be DIY. Thanks!

[@FranksDIY]

That is an awesome crazy idea . Love it

[@FrontierlessCraftsman]

Great project Mike your right they should be standard issue on every toilet!

[@seanchem1]

This would be great for the tiny house movement. Great idea and execution.

[@RichardKingADI]

It seems like such an obviously good idea!!

[@passagemparaomundo]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing it step by step!

[@dorianeregalia7462]

Absolute genius! Nice idea!

[@nickbeanful]

wow, genius. I love this too much. well done!

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Thanks!

[@dane8758]

great, your channel is going to make me late for school! Love it!

[@NickolasHinderer]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing.

[@flatbacka95]

That was awesome... I want to try that

[@marciadaley9376]

Really creative love it for my children who uses alot of water at times don't remember to wash their hands, that's a obvious reminder

[@icequeen6267]

that looks awesome

[@primosanchez6604]

This is totally awesome!

[@XD45OWNER]

what a nifty idea, thanks for sharing ☺

[@sergebedard5746]

This would also be cost effective for those who have to pay for their water intake ! Great video guys !

[@abstractcreations246]

I got to make me one of those bro! Love the idea and it's very brilliantly done

[@josias736]

That's super awesome , i wish i had something like that.

[@smateus]

man, this is awesome, i love the idea, congratulations!

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Thanks!

[@olir6910]

Ty for saving the planet, it's gorgeous

[@thrifstorean]

Holy Moly! I'm blow away by the amount of criticism and negativity about a sink....In your house.....that your not telling anyone else to use. It turned out great, good job! Btw, what have you two been up to!? I binge watched all of your financial videos when I first found your channel, and have been craving more!

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Haha thanks! We actually just picked up our trailer for the wood shop so Mike has been working hard to get it ready for our trip!

[@iBackshift]

Haa.....oh that is some good thinking. Looks great. Now that you've done the first one, I can see making the mould to cause the walls to be thinner - like say as thin as the toilet tank itself. But - you did it first. Great job!

[@thompc99]

Japan did it first actually ;)

[@joeabad5908]

Good idea.. I think I will copy this for my nxt project.

[@clairegoodman7223]

This blew my mind. Great Job!

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Thanks!

[@Nifty-Stuff]

brilliant build!

[@JackmanWorks]

Really cool!! I love the monolithic pour Rub some paste wax on your melamine and the form will be a lot easier to remove.

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Thanks! That half cylinder actually wasn't planned, I had to add it last minute when my faucet wasn't tall enough. I like how it looks soooo much better with it. An real life Bob Ross happy accident ;)

[@MoskNJ]

Awesome project, and fun video!

[@hbvngfdec9p7izbdvc]

Illlegal in Colorado. Using water twice. You, sir, have earned my sub.

[@NateCougill]

Really slick Mike. I may have to steal this one!

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Do it and send us pictures!

[@boosadie9]

Love this! Thanks for posting.

[@adis.6896]

Nice make man! Love this.

[@joescott]

This is super cool! Does the toilet seat still stay up when you raise it?

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Thanks! And yes, it still stays up.

[@GeekSpeakDesign]

I love this concept!

[@MichaelOlsen-Engineer]

Clever idea. It would be great for those places where placing independent uints would be a problem.

[@myopiniondoesntmatter8958]

You know, at first, I was standoffish about it but then it grew on me. I like it! 👍

[@pralakbhargav7113]

This SHOULD Be On Every Toilet! For real.......

[@minhchau6671]

really cool idea

[@TheVegetarianBaker]

This is brilliant. What a cool idea.

[@TheVegetarianBaker]

Does the soap interfere with any of the toilet inner parts?

[@ssss-df5qz]

+The Vegetarian Baker - I shouldn't think it would. Lime scale is more of a component killer and even that takes time. Best bet would be liquid soap like he is using. No scum, and the toilet would always smell nice.

[@KogaBrigaXTC]

The Vegetarian Baker the soap doesn't go back to the interior of the toilet tank. this water is going down into the bowl. the water that fills the tank comes from the bottom of the fill valve. He says it at 4:34

[@johncard7203]

Awesome idea!

[@gabrielvaldez6877]

Excelente idea!

[@CycoRose7a]

that is gorgeous.

[@dwbaker2004]

Very creative! Nice job!😊

[@donteirwin9274]

wow this is crazy cool and creative

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

+Donte Irwin thanks!

[@jonanjello]

Nice project! That Feather Finish is awesome

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Thanks, I was really pleased with the feather finish!

[@BorealSelfReliance]

That is pretty neat - Great Video!

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Thanks!

[@JoleneJang]

I love it! I wonder what a substitute could be to make the mold?

[@amberm5998]

That is awesome!!

[@danielmilligan3298]

this is an amazing way to save water

[@TheMadawg67]

awesome job

[@diggler306]

I love this!! Yes, cold water only and maybe slightly awkward reaching over/straddling the toilet but WHO CARES! You had me at saving $$ on water. I like the waterfall idea too though.

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

I think the waterfall could be a project for the near future!

[@1prespres]

Great idea!

[@thecontentedhome9167]

Super cool!

[@phillipbishop3967]

I think it's clever. It's a good idea if your wanting to save space.

[@philipwolf3619]

Way creative !

[@yanikottenbreit]

Spectacular my friend

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Thank you!

[@salarjunghuawei7157]

great idea dude

[@yoitsmn3590]

This is really cool 👌🏻👍🏻

[@labresults3650]

Now that's clever!

[@pikagelaum]

GENIUS

[@jasonshadley2814]

you may be on to something there, awesome job!

[@cristianriosestrada7771]

Super cool man!

[@BoBo-ti6jh]

great work.

[@jessicapoynter3427]

So cool!

[@MDFRESCUER]

Interesting project.

[@louischoiniere5745]

a realy good idea

[@FoxyTCustoms]

Awesome idea! Is this something you plan on executing for the RV? Not exactly sure how those systems work and if they are the same as a standard house toilet? If you decide to make a V2, you could probably skip molding the lid of the tank and instead trace the outer profile of the tank on to a piece of paper. I think all you would need is a small recess of that shape because the weight of the entire thing would be enough to keep it from being knocked off and save you the cost of the silicone.

[@RedfishInc]

Very nice! Super over kill but very nice!

[@tobyjack9608]

Before I even watch the video, I have to say I am thrilled! thrilled! thrilled!

[@LakeNipissing]

The only thing you might want to ensure is the drain from the sink is directed into the overflow tube where the small bowl refill hose used to go, or else the toilet bowl could be close to dry, and then have a very weak flush, and clog. This would also ensure hand soap would be directed straight to the toilet bowl and not risk deteriorating any parts within the tank.

[@seeqr9]

I think you’re right about parts but the rank would likely be over filled rather than under filled if anything. Routing it to the overflow might render the bowl under filled tho.

[@justmeinclt]

Love it!

[@Dewcing]

genius. love it.

[@bosmith9553]

Holy 💩!! Pretty cool!