Connecting the pieces (& pex pipe) for my basic skoolie plumbing system // School Bus Conversion 40

This week I connected all the components for the plumbing system in my school bus and ran pex pipe.
MERCH + MEMBERSHIPS + OTHER STUFF: www.thebirbiebu...
Instagram: / thebirbiebus
In this video:
(the components and connecters and stuff are listed in the order they appear in my setup)
Water tank: amzn.to/3p5TOJG
Adapter 1 (tank to air hose): homedepot.sjv.i...
Small hose (used for air hose and to connect components): amzn.to/3JchHY6
Adapter 2 (tank to plumbing system): same as adapter 1
Adapter 3 (hose to strainer): amzn.to/32dTVtQ
Strainer: amzn.to/3e4WdOA (has a fitting included that connects straight to the pump)
Pump: amzn.to/3yCbGPv
Adapter 4 (pump to hose): same as adapter 3
Adapter 5 (hose to accumulator): same as adapter 1 - connects to the adapter that comes with accumulator
Accumulator: amzn.to/3E8OQ2Y
Adapter 6 (accumulator to pex): homedepot.sjv.i... - I think this fitting only works if you're doing crimp connections like I did
Blue pex pipe: homedepot.sjv....
Red pex pipe: homedepot.sjv....
Check valve: amzn.to/3p99ADz
Pex elbows: homedepot.sjv....
Pipe cutter: homedepot.sjv....
Pex clamps: homedepot.sjv....
Pex clamp tool: homedepot.sjv....
ADAPTERS: I used a total of 3 of Adapter 1, 2 of Adapter 3, 1 of Adapter 6 (hopefully that makes sense 😅)
PO Box 135
Logan UT 84323
Gear:
Camera - amzn.to/3AxvNPf
Power adapter - amzn.to/3Axwic5
Bluetooth ear protection - amzn.to/3wLSjkp
Bus supplies:
Blue paint: amzn.to/36C6XjH
White paint: homedepot.sjv....
Primer: homedepot.sjv....
Marker lights: amzn.to/3k1fJ27
Backup lights: amzn.to/3uOpaFW
Backup camera: amzn.to/3uRF7ei
Jigsaw: amzn.to/3ty0UXX
Sander: amzn.to/3txeo68
Solder Seal Connectors: amzn.to/3AQS0aJ
Heat Gun: amzn.to/3ARt0jV
Kreg Jig: amzn.to/3wkbUtl
Butyl tape: amzn.to/3r5NX8J
Wire Stripper: amzn.to/3li1ypt
Diesel heater (same brand as mine but newer version): amzn.to/3D6EO2C
(different brand but very similar to mine): amzn.to/3qV8Sew
Portable power station (use the coupon for $100 off!): amzn.to/3kyIYJo
Fan: amzn.to/3HMv7ZW
The links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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[@tattedschilman]

Looks like a good start ,should have a shut off valve between tank and pump encase you need to remove or fix pump..

[@patricks9150]

I would also add one after the pump and before the shower on the blue line. Then another after the water heater on red line.

[@patriciaharkin1571]

Girl you are freaking awesome. I laughed heartily and with glee at how far you've come with this build. You got that plumbing sorted like a boss! I can see you building your own house in years to come - make sure you video that! Wishing you have a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year from Ireland.

[@EDJIM62]

Merry Christmas.

[@Flyeneagle]

Merry Christmas Emma

[@hallowther9735]

Merry Christmas ! Things are falling into place nicely. Last week I mentioned drilling heavy steel , you might want to tap the hole and create threads. During the week I happened to see a video on YT by Adam Savage of Myth Busters on tapping. You will likely still have some heavy steel somewhere in the build . ( You can make a nice solid ground to the bus frame , tap the hole and bolt the ground wire ) " Adam Savage's One Day Builds: Thread Tapping Guide Block " . Also, you will still have electrics to finish and plumbing. Greg Virgoe and his wife concerted a Mercedes Van to a home. It is all documented on YT. He has created some very good technical videos on his electrics, plumbing and heating. YT --- " Greg Virgoe " Hope this helps a little. May you and your family have a Merry Christmas and Happy and Blessed New Year. All the best, Hal

[@michellethurgood2214]

Merry Christmas Emma have a wonderful one x

[@farmtruck9885]

Emma, Merry Christmas🎄 I don't know if you have watched any videos from Isaac of A Bus Life Story but he builds busses. He has 2 vids that might interest you on plumbing. One is from 4 months ago titled I should have listened to you skoolie short bus plumbing. And one from 2 months ago titled Fixing bus plumbing with pex and a professional. Basically, he had hoses with hose clamps like you do and they all leaked. He ended up using pex for everything. Hopefully yours will not leak🤞Hope this helps✌

[@StoneUFO]

The tire with the most stress on it will be the passenger side back tire(because of the crown of the road), I think its good the water tank is on the driver side.

[@LThomasCouch]

Emma, you are doing a wonderful job. I enjoy watching you learn and often learn from you as well. You aren't doing well for a girl but you are doing extremely well for anyone! Your tenacity, humor and humility are inspiring.

[@paulshannon4576]

You are making really good progress. I don’t see any problems with how you did the plumbing unless you plan on camping in cold weather. In that case be sure to insulate the pex with it running against the outside wall. Mounting the electrical components on the plywood will give you a starting place and when you start the wiring it will be easier to move them around. Are you planning on having a power cord to hookup shore power? If so be sure to have your friend help with the layout and wiring.

[@dangriffiths613]

Great video. You are so entertaining and very beautiful. Great job. You are truly amazing

[@realwolftv1225]

Merry christmas I hope your holidays go great !!! One thing though your electrical board I'd box in and make a opening door on it

[@AB-C1]

You've done and are doing amazingly well!! Great video and great progress! Hope you're having a great Christmas!! Best wishes from London England 👍❤️😁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🌲🧑‍🎄

[@HiltonT69]

Not that it ultimately matters, but "hose" is flexible whereas "pipe" is rigid. In a similar way, "wire" is a single conductor whereas "cable" is multiple conductors.

[@jasonjones5213]

Plumbing looks good to me.I'm confident you won't burn the bus down.Merry Christmas!

[@erichuggins09]

Awesome, job sister. the guy Heath from Red poppy ranch is a bonafide Plumber. I bet he would not mind giving you some professional advice for free. He has three daughters. So I'm sure he could be a great go-to check him out Red Poppy Ranch. Because the cut-off values could save you a ton of money and worries. Merry Christmas you come a long way Way Girl.

[@breakdownbill1]

On the electrical I just baught a Bluetti eb55 and the 200Max power stations. More than enough you will need for a bus. The 200Max can charge on 900 watts of solar. Check this set up out before you move forward,,and you can keep that big battery to back up.

[@macguyfromscotland]

Hi Emma, loving your updates and impressed with what you've got done do far. Something I was thinking about when you ran the pex was it was up against the metal of the bus and in cold weather it might cause the pipes to freeze so insulating the pipes might save you some trouble down the line. I was also thinking for the water tank and the battery having something like angle iron hold them in place on the floor with straps (like seat belt material or ratchet straps) securing them in case of bumpy roads. Looking forward to your next video :)

[@0HARE]

Yes, excellent advise.

[@franciscoviola5599]

The weight distribution on a bus is not a very worrying thing given the way they are designed, you are doing a fantastic job and it is a pleasure to continue following your project however I wish you good luck I'll look forward to next week Merry Christmas PS I look forward to more violin demonstrations😏

[@chrislaplante5040]

Nice work! Looking at your electrical layout I would move the Red/Black DC bus bars. They look neat as is but once you start trying to wrangle some heavy gauge wire to them you will be hating life. From the rest of the layout I would go side by side instead of above/below and give yourself a bit more breathing room. It will also mean your +- wire runs can be a similar length and take a similar path leading to a cleaner result. The heavy gauge wires don't like to bend any more easily than your reinforced tubing in the water section. :) You should feel proud! You are obviously doing it, many people say they are but then someone else steps in and is doing the heavy lifting.

[@WinLiggett]

Emma you are doing such a great job and are giving me the motivation I need to start just going for it in life have a merry Christmas and happy New year ❤️

[@intheworkscamp-inrv1147]

You are very skillful with your builds. I think you should cover all the foam insulation exposed surface first before continue with other builds. Disturbing foam insulation loose airborne particle is bad for your respiratory.

[@alanwondergem2105]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your entire family and friends.

[@forresthoover6895]

For PEX (it's technically tubing but it's street name is blood/crip pex hose) you want to put a drain petcock through the floor for both your hot and cold so if you need to or you winterize it you can drain them and same with your water tank. With your fresh water system you don't need a water strainer, just use an inline water filter that attaches to the end of the hose you use to fill the tank outside. depending on what kind of water heater you use (tank or tankless) it would be a good idea to have valves on the hoses in case the heater starts leaking and you need to service it. When you are cutting the hose work the cutter up and down and go slow when cutting it, this way you won't deform it and cause leaks. For the crimp, don't be afraid to put some legit muscle into it! And once you have it crimped hold it for a second or two so the plastic can form between the ring and the fitting and give a better seal. And lastly, check the directions on the pump, some have specific sides that need to be facing up so the pump can prime/bleed. Other than that good job so far!

[@harlanmclain1719]

Look it up on here girl theres good ones on utube about solar & installs check them out! If you haven't yet but most things like bus life van life & u dont have to vent ur battery its sealed so strap it to the floor & good to go. merry Christmas & god bless

[@scootersmith7173]

Hi Emma, how are you? I wanted to say that you are coming right along with Birdie. I think you did a fantastic job on the plumbing. Love the snow, I bet it is getting cold. I also wanted to wish you and your family a Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. Can't wait to see more of you and your videos. I know the bus is going to look amazing when you get done.😋😍💞💖🥀🥀🥀🌹🌹🌹💋💋💋👅👅👅🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@johnchryn1537]

For somebody building a bus from scratch and building your water system and piping Is an electrical work you've done a very Is excellent job like watching your videos building your bus Keep up the good work merry Christmas and I merry Christmas and a happy New Year

[@doglife5441]

This is a suggestion I would take the battery and run it long ways with the bus because when you open the back door you will not be able to put anything in underneath the bed

[@glennriesberry9777]

If your in snow country u mite wana keep waterline away from outside walls in case of freezing

[@JB-dz1zc]

Happy Holidays to you and yours! 🎄 See you next year!? 🎉🎊🎆

[@willywonka4139]

Good lighting! Shows your, as they say, beautiful blue eyes well! Outstanding progress with plumbing. Just a thought, later when you've verified it working, you might mark your wall with plumbing information for future Emma. Flow direction, label the parts, etc. This could also be applied to electrical. Your battery is sealed and the posts are on top. Aside from water spraying a water leak would be the least of your problems with electrical. even though the batter is sealed you may consider a battery tray for the battery to rest in. If the battery were damage it could save spillage on your floor. Alternatively a full battery box. The downside might be space used by the boxes with multiple batteries later. "Other" tank? Wouldn't that be tanks? Grey water and black water? Grey for sinks/shower, etc. Black for the hopefully obvious. You're doing an outstanding build. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (for the next video)!

[@inkrider95]

Just make sure connections are tight, other than that looks good..

[@ianhj4550]

did you put the required inserts into the pex before connecting it ?

[@markshepherd3195]

Hi from perth western Australia just came across your bus build watched every one very impressive and there is no right or wrong way as long as your happy with what you have done. Im currently restoring a guy arab lll bus as a motor home so know making choices can be stressful. .don't give up you will be so proud of yourself when you finish and traveling to anywhere you want..keep going the finish line is getting closer you are a lmpressive young lady

[@flybywire5866]

At 07:30 the tube seems to be, i could be wrong, rather sharply bend where it connects to the pump. The risk is that if it is under tension, over time the tube kinks, blocking it. An L-piece would solve that. Also as mentioned in other posts, a shut of valve between tank and pump would be useful. Or better a two way valve, it could either connect the tank to the pump or a drain tube.

[@craighoward9053]

why put all the water stuff right next to the heater ????

[@jamescoffman8096]

Always entertaining! I am glad you mentioned the other tank on other side. That was a big concern I had was the placement of that tank. I still hope you don't have handling issues with all that weight behind the rear axle. Geometry in these things is important. Keep up the great work!

[@billsandrelli957]

Emma you are a rock star, you are doing what others wish they could. Love the videos can't wait for the next. My bet it the pool is Never

[@HOODS]

Definitely want a shutoff valve at the freshwater tank before the strainer. I'm glad you did this video because I hadn't considered a strainer or an accumulator. In my system. I just have my old water transfer system with an on demand delvan pump from the farm and home store. You're a bit ahead of me. Which is really cool.

[@djpWilson]

As usual - you've totally got this Emma! I didn't notice, and I'm sure it's idiotic to point it out, but I'd feel terrible if you didn't know and I said nothing... you know that check valve is a one-way deal? There's an arrow on it that tells you which way the water flows. ...I know... that's the whole point of it. I just hate to think that I watched and didn't say anything if you turn on the pump and get nothing out...

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

I happened to get this one right but that's something I could see myself screwing up so I appreciate it anyway! 😊

[@richardr6203]

Lady you are awesome! Keep up the great job

[@armandgarrand5809]

by the time you finish the skoolie you can retire...lol

[@DavetheUberSlave]

Wish I could go over there and wire that shit up

[@techshoptalk375]

Most people are placing the shower and the sink in close proximity due to the heated water having to flow longer to heat the water. Looks good though. Thanks for the video!

[@chrisallen9154]

How many is most? Can you provide a specific number?

[@diablofubar3623]

Awesome work on your plumbing...Emma.. Merry Christmas...:)

[@terrybrannigan9963]

Merry Christmas! Great progress, looks professional. I have 100% faith you'll never burn the bus.

[@waywardwhippets2555]

Love you problem solving skills!!!! Merry Christmas 🎄

[@erikgeorge3770]

🤗❤️🤗🥰🥰 you’re doing great ... have a happy holiday. thanks for sharing your journey

[@debrafelix4419]

🎄☃️🎄 Merry Christmas 🎄☃️🎄 to you Emma and a Happy New Year🍾🎉🍾 your doing great keep up the good work be blessed always 🥰🤗🥰🤗🥰🤗

[@ribbleslipscomb5171]

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE. Happy New Year to All!!!!

[@0HARE]

Not bad work for a ‘dummy’. Really. It’s great that you have some expert, off-camera advisors, but your instincts, confidence, knowledge, and competence are really kicking in. I think you’re going to have an excellent school bus tiny home pretty soon. Also, it’s really impressive that you’re doing and learning all this technical work while also filming it all, then editing all the filming. Rock & Roll

[@methere27]

The perfect way to approach a project. Start with the things you are more sure about, then carry that confidence into the more difficult aspects

[@themulletramblerskooliebui4804]

Absolutely love your vids. Made me feel Christmasy in the beginning..!!!

[@MelissaMalzahn]

Awesome great job, you are doing a wonderful job on your build. Now the fun begins, putting in your floors, ceiling. Are you putting tile in your bathroom? What are your plans for your kitchen? Merry Christmas to you and your family..

[@johnbutler6538]

Merry Christmas 🎄 from the UK 🇬🇧💙🇺🇸. I wish we had school buses like yours in the UK

[@johannawykes7584]

It all looks great 👍 but just thinking if u put the battery in middle will that not take up room INCASE you need to use the under bed for storage from the back door ?? other than that all good ohh try insulated ur water pipes just in case off frezzzin weather xxx 🥰 from Jonathan 🇮🇪xx

[@TheOaksHeart2024]

I love that I found your channel. Your going to have a badass bus tiny home in the end and you will be able to say you did it. And you laugh at your self, something I DO OFTEN LOL. so keep it up, You got this.

[@jeffreyevens2033]

Emma, thankyou for the update video. Merry Christmas to you and family. Your bus is named Birbi not Bernie. Keep up the great work!

[@DisHsDd]

I know this is "too little, too late" since you posted your "I'm living in the bus" video like 4 days ago (6/4/22), but you could flex seal the bottom foot or so of the water tank side of that wall, so that, in case of leaks, water will not absorb into the wood and travel up to damage electrical components.

[@ricknelson947]

Very nice job on the plumbing. If you have space available. You won’t regret putting some insulation on the hot water line.

[@MrIcewing]

From someone that has done this for years, only one way to learn is doing stuff and screwing up 🙂 However i must admit that the "how do I get this stuff out of the store" made me laugh so hard, newer even gave it a thought just curl it up and leave... but I totally get your chain of thought and I bet many "normal" people have the same thought and that was what made it so funny 😂😁 Just hang in there and do stuff eventually you will get it done... Merry Christmas from Denmark

[@zedalis]

I've enjoyed your videos and just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas. Thank you for all the enjoyable content.

[@malcolmellis9654]

lol..glad u sort some electrical advice...🤠 u have some very good gear there to hook up...sure u won't burn her down now 😏

[@norm5785]

Just grand, plumbing, wiring and heating. Woodworking part is coming along nicely also. Winter does add a Little more fun to the build.

[@HopeLivesHere721]

Merry Christmas Emma. Here's to a great 2022. You're doing an awesome job on your bus.

[@keithburkett9448]

Emma you've have come a long way from when you started with your travel bus. At times you keep saying that you have no idea too what you are doing but let me tell you this your doing such a amazing job with your travel bus project you've done such a great job doing the whole thing almost by yourself you've had too have a little help but other than that your doing just fine. 👍👍👍👍

[@DavetheUberSlave]

Cassidy is dope.

[@steveg9691]

I dub you the queen of Skoolie builds. Merry Christmas and thanks

[@xavierpendrag0n]

Looks like it is headed in a proper direction. I think you are good with the distribution of weight across. The electrical layout looks like it is started for your power bank. The wiring out to the lights and other circuits though are really doing a number or rather that tape it. Consider creating wiring and plumbing conduits in a channel from front to back either to work in to cabinets and ect low or high at least on one side of the bus. This could give you a better run on your wiring. Consider possibly splitting the plumbing and electrical into their own channel. Put the plumbing low and the electrical high and you could easily do this down one side of the bus and get everything you could want for that. Creating angled cover spaces as a corner where the roof meets the side walls could allow you to cover the channel space for the horizontal runs up and down the bus front to back. I am assuming your system is only going to ever use the tank by water fill with gravity. If you want to do a pressure system type hook up, I could draw you a diagram or I could recommend a video that I have saved showing the gravity system with city fill. It is honestly not that expensive to add on, and would give you the ability to do pressure hook up and not have to use your tank or pump. It is really just a couple of valves, pex, and a one way valve. There is a way to do it without the valves, but it doesn't hurt to have them so you can just turn it off how you want. Consider a pre screen filter of some kind for your vent. Best to filter out anything going into the tank that includes the air. A good filter could keep things out while still allowing air to flow cleanly. Looking good though. Enjoy your holidays.

[@michaelirizarry5037]

ive watched tons ofbuild videos and seriously i've really enjoyed your build better than all the others. you are really fun to watch. with someone and with someone who isn't experienced you are doing awesome.

[@diedredunham7383]

Bless you and keep you! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

[@scottsimpson5094]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all from Sussex New Jersey.

[@xdmatt1320]

Looks good. Just a heads up the renergy inverters, I have not had them last over a year yet. So keep a eye on that.

[@jereschweitzer9195]

Merry Christmas like I said you're doing an awesome job your bus is looking great you'll get your wiring all done right you're really smart you're not going to burn your bus down I do enjoy watching your best build

[@chielopelstaysafemyfriendx2911]

Hi Emma great video again and great work on the bus sweetie 😉 i wish you a nice evening and a good night And a Merry Christmas And happy holidays to everyone else out there and stay safe greetings from the Netherlands Chiel

[@stevenmoomaw6173]

Your doing a wonderful job keep it merry Christmas and happy new year

[@EugeneVanDerMill]

all those angle-Pieces seem unnessecary, they distort flow and potentially leak

[@joerossiter1611]

Hi Emma I just started watching your videos you are such a sweetie I hope everything works out and you have fun in your bus

[@barrywhitlock141]

I like the way you tackle any job even if you are not sure what you are doing, you have done a good job so far, but if you do make any mistakes then you must learn from them, Have a very merry Christmas and a very happy new year.

[@beachlife9419]

Marry Christmas 🎄☃️ to you and your family , from my family in seaside oregon coast area ...stay warm

[@sharonsmith9478]

Want to wish you a merry merry Christmas girl love watching your build and love all that snow to good luck with your build and i know you got this

[@marygray7550]

Happy Christmas 🎄 💓 from England 🇬🇧

[@gatorred157]

i had yellow med socks with things on them to stop slipping there falling people! i blacked out fell over blood clots! the med unit picked me up i fell out side! i was lucky i did not go inside and go to bed! i do have a camper with water tank and hot water tank i got from a dealer too!

[@tomnellis]

You are brilliant I would have never thought of those things yeah I don't know those things in your water system that you did I'm I'm going to have to look into those now for my bus.

[@jar407]

looking at the video looks like you did well with pipe i repluming my house with it. make sure when finished make sure no sunlight shines on the pex its not uv protected. and its easy to cut and splice into it. to add . im over retirement age and would be proud to have a daughter or granddaughter like you.

[@debbiehess1262]

Wishing a very merry 🤶🏼 Christmas ❄️⛄️🎄🦌🌟👍🏽

[@deeta3823]

I don't think lifting the battery up by puting it on a shelf is really necessary as the terminals are at the top of the battery and as long as water doesn't short the terminals its fine. Its was a good idea to mount all the other electronics up off the floor as it wouldn't be good if they got wet. Also saw a comment about putting a cut off valve between the water tank and the pump just incase you need to swap out the pump or do maintenance in the future.

[@williamsneedjr4129]

Could I recommend to put shut off valves on your fresh water tank and through out your water system

[@Cheekymonkey1]

Good afternoon Emma well done I love your videos of you and your bus building keep to it

[@bjb51]

Brrrrrrr that’s cold…we don’t experience that in South Louisiana

[@methere27]

I don't know if you have a hot water heater picked out but there is a Chinese version of an on demand water heater that are fairly inexpensive you Ishtar want to check out.

[@xAoDxNoiseComplaint]

Congratulations on the bus! It is a cool looking one. A tip on the rubber hose, It would be easier to cut with a razor knife than the tin snips.

[@dennisporter753]

You continue to amaze me Emma! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Cheers and be safe from Missouri !!!

[@carls4552]

Merry Christmas Emma. You're doing great.

[@northernliving2387]

Here is idea Emma you could make a self and use full cabinet extension brackets to roll out the batteries out the back door for maintenance work

[@dawnsnyder216]

Looking good, Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@goodstuff]

🚌 i am excited to see electricity working soon, you got this. 🚌

[@briandavis9975]

Well done Emma, Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

[@alanwondergem2105]

Looks like you've got a black 🐰 bunny rabbit there.

[@doglife5441]

Well I gather my comment was not very well like so I will not be commenting no more I'm sorry