Cheap & Easy DIY Camper Van Plumbing System - Van Life

[@ExploringAlternatives]

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[@RoadtripNeeded]

Do you have any videos on the cabinet build. I really like them. It's the look I'm going for in my cabin.

[@unjustsystem4937]

awesome idea! thanks for sharing!

[@josephdupont]

Cheaper

[@maryjflanagan1922]

This is the best, most compact plumbing setup I've seen! Thanks very much for sharing!

[@Shar_Bandraoi]

Thank you so much for this video. This helps so much! Cheers from Newbrunswick Canada!

[@gonecamper3510]

Simple is BEST because simple is cheap and dependable. Too many people look FIRST for the most elaborate and complicated solution.

[@jennifermarea8011]

This might sound weird, but I'm gonna build this and out it in my dorm room because I really want a sink😂

[@ChristianCastle]

I will do the same too. Now I just need to learn how to make a kitchen mini 😂

[@josephatnip2398]

It's not really that weird this basic setup principal is used in places like dry cabins in Alaska and stuff all the time

[@yomamaso100]

Make sure you read your dorm contract They might not allow it.

[@AlexandriaPerel]

Where did you get the 6gal jugs?

[@JJ-el6qx]

I know this was a year ago but...did it work out lol? And where do you empty the tank of greywater?

[@jimholmes4224]

I really appreciate this video - it is exactly what I have been looking for. I am an old man - 80 years old - and am getting ready to build a van to live in for whatever time I can now. I can't lift a lot and need convenience. I want a simple system, not expensive. This is perfect. No electrical, easy to handle containers, and inexpensive. I like that you have it at the door for easy access - better for me than on the opposite side. While I plan to have solar panels, I am not going to go wild over electric - just enough to take care of lights, a small entertainment center (probably no TV) and charging laptop, cellphones, small cameras, etc. I want easy and as low maintenance as possible. I have spent the last forty years maintaining a country home, working my tail off with plumbing problems, electrical problems, yard equipment problems, rodent problems, you name it. It is a van or probably a nursing home, and I still want to travel a bit and be able to continue fishing. Concerned about toilet situation - still looking for best solution to that, but I don't plan to do a lot of boondocking, so there will likely always be a WalMart or MacDonald's somewhere close enough for most needs. Thanks for your video - I am a subscriber but need to look for your other videos.

[@juliedorman1858]

I think a composting toilet is best. No plumbing. No black water.

[@jessparkles]

So cool!! I saw this is four years ago! How did it work out for you?!

[@framono7259]

This is the only video on KZbin explaining how to install this kind of foot pump. I am building a low tech van, so thank you so much!

[@TerryManitoba]

For the most part I've done the same sink layout in my van. It has served me well for the last 3 months and i am perfectly happy with the foot pump as it is amazing how little water you use because of the control it offers.

[@pouredoutmywindow]

Terry B i have a foot pump pipe system and the pipe that comes out of the fresh tank is mouldy, why? we change the water every few days i don’t know how to stop this, no one seems to talk to talk about mould problems in the van i would love some answers 😓

[@jzt999]

@@pouredoutmywindow Try running a quart of vinegar through your system. I sometimes rinse out my water containers with a tiny bit of soap, and rinse them vigorously with vinegar. I've not has a mold problem in 4 years of doing this.

[@thanksmaddytv815]

How much did your configuration cost?

[@flip4butter]

I have looked at so many sources of installing a nonelectric pump, this system is by far the easiest to understand!

[@flip4butter]

I will be adding this system to my tent trailer, thanks for sharing!

[@stephaniemoore3779]

I just bought a small ambulance and this water set-up is GREAT! haven't put it in yet but the advice and details really helped! Thank you! Keep them coming!

[@jamiesmith1343]

Thank you for your video, as someone with NO plumbing experience, it is doable. You were great at explaining how and why you chose this method.

[@mannys4036]

I had to take a moment and say how much I enjoy and learn from your channel. You guys are terrific!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much for the super positive feedback 👍😀😀

[@fmpApps]

P-trap is what people are referring to and available at any hard ware store. You could make one by bending a rubber hose. The idea is to capture a bit of water in the bend which blocks the odor and every time you wash some water remains. Another idea would be a flapper that opens when water flows and closes when it isn’t.

[@amyspencer7815]

By far, the most helpful simple diy plumbing instructional I have seen. Thank you for taking the time to share!

[@MikeAndNary]

No trap? No vent? I like the foot pump idea, a voltage and water saver!

[@teagoldleaf4137]

I've been searching for a foot pump tutorial for a long time now, this is the best one I've seen. Been enjoying your channel for a few years now. Thank you for sharing this and all your great videos. 🙏

[@JasonPowers-rw8rf]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jzt999]

This is soooooo brilliant! I've been longing for a hands-free pump for my bathroom sink situation for ages, and I could have this drain directly into the tub. I really can mount a sink above my tub now! Thank you! I'm looking at making my own pump with a siphon, tennis ball, hinge and pedal. Yeah, this is a win/win.

[@enado18]

Super awesome! I love "low tech" solutions, they're often better than more common ones. Thanks for sharing.

[@_TheDudeAbides_]

Advice for anyone doing a similar thing. Whenever you have room for two hose clamps instead of one, put two of them. It will hold much better when things vibrate etc as it does in cars.

[@jkxtc2016]

Its a easy set up with the water...save on water...and you dont have to worry about stuff breaking....keep oy simple....love it

[@craftymulligar]

Good simple foot pump. On mine i will put a foot switch there to control a small pump On the water supply after the pump i will use a gate valve to limit water usage. If possible i will put an submerged water heating element ring you can buy from tractor supply. Hook that to a solar generator when needed. But you already got a system. Right now i dont even have a van yet. Yours right now is better..... nice...

[@wandawas2]

Hi. Thanks so much. I, too, am using the foot pump style sink set up. I am making my own foot pump with wood, half a tennis ball, and a siphon pump. Its quite cute and was cheap. I have your exact same sink. I needed a deep sink but not too big and that one fit the bill for 10 bucks at a Habitat Restore and it was brand new. I also purchased a sink cabinet from there as well. Your space is nice and I enjoyed your video. Great job. Btw, those other pumps are loud and waste a lot of water. Our way is brilliant! Lol. Safe travels. Namaste my friend.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Wow, that tennis ball foot pump sounds pretty interesting! Best of luck with your build :)

[@clairebeane3455]

Wanda MyMannequinMayhem Hi Wanda!!!! I am suuuuuuper curious about your tennis ball pump. Do you have a short clip showing us just how you put yours together? You clever woman. Namaste & many beautiful journeys!! :-)

[@glampervanadventures1117]

Very cool and practical

[@mcdonalds.sprite1936]

I'd love to see a video about your foot pump.

[@secondact7151]

Want to see the pump

[@Gigolowattz]

i’d like to see a video on exactly what tools you used to do all of this :) it would be very helpful in my journey to van life! great videos, very informational!

[@edren8634]

Built this 4 years ago in my Camper Van. Still going strong. We love it.

[@madcowusa4277]

I live in a McMasion and love this. Only thing I would do differently is use a cheap clearance regular faucet with aerator, swivel action and pull out sprayer. Also, undermounting a sink to wood is going to be an ongoing bacteria/deterioration/discoloration issue around the rim. No amount of caulking is going to help over time. I'd use solid surfacing here with integral bowl that can handle scrubbing & bleach etc. Good video!

[@resiliencyisrough]

Very cool. I am going to run a similar setuo. I couldn't help but notice that the soldering wasn't being done properly. When soldering you want your flame an inch away from your connections so that when you actually touch the pipe with the solder it will suck it in and create a very good seal. By placing the flame directly on or too close to the connection point you risk there being gaps you can't see and having a leak now or in the future.

[@Grammapama]

I really like this. I always want to find innovative and inexpensive. Thanks for the tuturial

[@DesignBuildFixReview]

drill a 1/4 inch hole in your fresh water cap to allow air to enter the tank. If you do this you would get faster flow, and do same for grey tank so it drains faster.

[@tracyhardyjohnson1315]

Not sure if this has been addressed in other comments, but all that tubing/flexible piping will need to be sanitized at regular intervals. The more you try to make your tiny home as convenient as your sticks-and-bricks home, the more maintenance you'll have. Great ideas for how to have running water if you want it, though!

[@gcvrsa]

This is pretty much exactly the system I designed for my tiny house, except I have a P-trap on my drain to keep odors from coming back up the drain pipe, and I don't bother with a drain on the bucket, itself. It's a simple enough matter to simply remove the entire bucket and dump it when needed.

[@stevensuarez8443]

Great design! I'll be converting a van soon myself and I'm going to to use this design, thanks from a new subscriber in Texas.

[@daveybernard1056]

I like how clean and simple it is. I think a "ball valve" would make a better 5 gallon bucket dump valve. The existing garden hose valve is only designed to flow perfectly clean water.

[@SrSrk98]

you two are the nicest people I know ever...wish you all the best with the van conversion...God bles you guys:) be happy...keep smiling!:)

[@BradyRay_333]

This is the best minimal setup I have seen, and it also looks very nice. Thank you for sharing!

[@dominiquebt]

Brilliant plumbing solution! Super simple, yet highly functional. I love it!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Cool! Happy you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching :)

[@ProfessionalPepper]

Very well thought out, efficient, fail safe, and effective. Great content and well produced.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you :)

[@junekerns]

We have gleaned so much from you to build out our cargo trailer to live in full time. We love our whale foot pump, and agree it saves precious water! Simplicity is the way we have went. We have been so thankful for the useful information to make our transition easier!! We have a traveling christian evangalism ministry that works out really well with this way of living. Thank you! God bless!! Scot and june

[@ccpperrett7522]

I love the simplicity of this system! Great job. Thank you for sharimg. God bless.

[@robincrook5630]

If my husband and I get one of the vans, we would only be using it for camping. This would be perfect! Just creating a nice little source of water to wash up (being careful to rid plates of solid waste first of course). Nice.

[@johnh1001]

At time about 4:50 you mentioned a noisy pump . Yes , I would certainly agree with that . I don't know how to choose a pump while it's still in the package and then to know if it's noisy or quiet . I had a motorhome with a very noisy pump in it . It was a real problem . My friends installed an electric pump in their cottage washroom to fill the toilet tank after flushing , it was very noisy and would even wake up the whole house if the toilet were used at night .

[@hughisafungi]

Great design! I like the whole system. On mine I will not put a drain in the bucket but just take the bucket out to empty it and then wash out the bucket for all the people worried about the smell. Thanks for the info on the foot pump.

[@aerofpv2109]

Your approach and build is spot on. You made it for your personal needs. Excellent explanations as well.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

I wonder if an S-bend in the grey water downpipe would be a useful addition, to keep unpleasant odours in the bucket?

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks your comment :) We did think of doing that but the space is a bit limited under the sink so we decided to test it out and wait to see if we really need it. Thanks for watching :)

[@Scrambler85]

Karin Corbin that was my thought also

[@mikemead2315]

FYI. Three other alternatives. 1). HD has a remote sink basket opener, so you don’t need to reach in the water to let water out of the sink. $29, but on sale from? Keeps drain shut until button is pushed. 2). Sink basket that has metal screw instead of plastic or spring stem. The center screw tightens rubber/cork to keep water from leaking out. Works perfect. Tight. Can’t be bumped or jared. ($15?) for strainer and basket, but need to remember to screw it down all the time. 3). They make plastic 1/4 turn ball valves. I saw 2” today as looking for other components - sorry, I did not notice other sizes. Less than $10. But needs other attachment stuff. Also needs to be turned off all the time.

[@anothersomebody8195]

I like the rubber sink plug idea. Easy and readily available in any sink accessory isle. A couple drips of bleach doen in the gray water would probably do the trick too though

[@mikemead2315]

Another Somebody, Yes, I agree. The thing is, dealing with a class C grey water tank, it got stinkier than the black water tank. Once the bacteria took over, it was runaway bacteria. I know we a dealing with a different beast in vans, but I want to be prepared to “cork” it shut until it can be taken care of ie dump and wash out bucket.

[@garygerard4290]

'drains into a dump station = Ha Ha Ha 'well explained system you put together I love 'simple' ideally you used lead free solder I'm going to check out the link to the foot pump thanks

[@marlinweekley51]

gary gerard lead free makes sense but hopefully he’s not drinking this water. If so I would install water filter and if water isn’t chlorinated consider it.

[@KarenCalypte]

Hello, Very nice design. set up and construction. Well thought out and constructed for your requirements. The best part is: If anything breaks or fails to function, you can just take it off and head to Home Depot, get parts, and fix it and to this in less than 2 hours and be on your way. Doesn't get any better than that. Regards, ~~ Karen Calypte

[@cathylynnpietranton]

We really enjoyed your video and that is a cool idea. My husband really likes your foot pump.

[@petefrost1787]

This is an excellent video. You give details for construction as well as your reasoning behind each decision. I haven't seen anyone else do much of that. I look forward to more of your videos. thanks very much.

[@toniomendoza736]

Great build. One thing y'all might want to try is a "P" trap underneath for odors and sanitation. Good Stuff.

[@AwakenedOnes2023]

I'm going to be taking your build and making it my own, I'm gonna use a bedroom vanity dresser and convert that into a kitchen sink area! so excited to repurpose instead of buying more stuff! was gonna buy a rechargeable 5 gallon pump but this foot pump is far better no power ever needed! PLEASE follow our journey from living common earth unfriendly lifestyle with stress of today's living costs to a minimal earth friendly lifestyle by repurposing and living green!

[@jamieherrington3769]

You can add a hinge on both sides with a foldable board to add more counter space when needed and drop them back down when you need to save space.

[@udmbfckx2916]

The ingenuity of simplicity and low cost. Thank You. My only concern would be if the water sourcing is scarce and the water may be questionable and the type of non-electric filtering. My plan for the hi-top 2500 Promaster 159 WB has something like your setup next to a shower pan/curtain on the same side as you did. The shower will use one of those 'endless showers' where you can recycle/filter-clean the water and bathe with 1 gallon or less so a faucet with an extension long enough to the shower pan area is needed. Also, I would have to pre-heat/boil between 1 liter to 1/2 gallon of water in cooler days.

[@JRR31984]

Very GOOD. Man. SPEAK ABOUT IT. Sink creativity. Can't tell me "it" can't be done. LEGIT.

[@carolewarner101]

Suggestion: I would definitely have at least a 6 gallon grey water receptacle vs the five gallon bucket. Otherwise you'll always be running the risk of that bucket overflowing because your water source holds 6 gallons. And that doens't even take into account any additional fluids that might go into the sink like if you're dumping out the dregs of a beer or other beverage, etc. It just seems like a set up to tempt fate to have 6 gallon water sources with a grey water capacity of only 5 gallons.

[@jagerjf01]

Carole Warner Yep, smart, thought of this too. 💪👌

[@mikemead2315]

Drain pipe as grey water. Many diameters. It can fit in wasted space.

[@jgjg3848]

Or, just don't fill your 2 water jugs more than 5 gallons. Also, not all your 6 gallons of water is going down the drain. Filling up a pot to cook or a glass of water to drink...none of that goes down the drain.

[@rennemichaels2706]

Hummm, with a stealth drain, something that can be cracked a tiny bit so it drains as he drives down the highway, over flowing is not really a concern. (Additionally nothing draining out of that bucket on to the highway is going to be nastier than what cars generally drip onto the highway.)

[@madcowusa4277]

@@rennemichaels2706 My first thoughts too upon seeing that. Nobody is going to drive out of their way to a dump station to offload 5 gallons of dish and hand wash water.

[@Mason-pq3kv]

There is a battery powered survival pro that includes a very small ec pump & it barely makes any noise from what I've seen. Maybe something to look at? Get chargeable batteries. Also the EC pump has filters in it too that would make fresher water.

[@deejaydark07]

I like that idea more than your standard faucet setup. Thank you for sharing.

[@stevenmorris2293]

Great job👍 Also good point on using less water. Cuts down on hauling it. Looking forward to see it come together.

[@garygerard4290]

'well thought out, executed and explained. Ideally lead free solder is used. Your editing dept. gets an A+ 😎

[@marilynrandall9337]

How practical is that?! Your design is truly a back saver” friend! I love, love the two access portals from the side door and the excess one from below!! Saving money on a retail faucet is pretty sweet too!!! Thank you!

[@jorasparents]

Music is wonderfully relaxing and just the right volume!

[@Livingunderarock333]

I love the door that can be accessed from outside. I’m definitely using that idea in my build.

[@donaldscoville2749]

very good re sink. you really made use of common parts, liked very much. Thumps up

[@DimRevsUp]

i really liked the alternative way to have water through the foot pump

[@SteveHazel]

that looks freakin perfect. i miiiight have put a sheet of formica on top of your counter though. that wood might get kinda dinged up and colored if you're using it for food prep. well, you could use cutting boards. but a sheet of formica makes a pretty good cutting board. regardless - very nice job.

[@woolwoofonwheels1703]

Thank you very much for the video which is from 2018 but I just discovered it. Thank you above all for your very good pronounciation because English is not my mothertongue - I understood every single word. Last but not least I wanna thank you for your good ideas regarding the watersystem in the van. I want to convert my own van without any previous knowledge (I don't install the electric) and I have an upset stomach regarding several parts of the conversion - f.i. the water system... But I know that you loose your fear as soon as you understand how to do things. Nice regards from Germany, Judith

[@sunnyseason6543]

The way Im shopping even before your video is over.Thanks for the details. ❤🎉 You've saved me some headaches.

[@rutyael18]

Really good video. Clear concise and informative. I am getting closer to my van purchase stage. I will buy a white panel as opposed to a motorhome. I love the idea of designing it myself. Looking forward to watching more videos about the van build.

[@gerrymulroy2545]

excellent video , very helpful for anyone doing a budget build . The simplest designs are often the best .

[@TheUserid82]

If you can find some stainless steel or aluminum pressure cookers you don't mind drilling a few holes in you can setup a berky style water filter with seals to reduce the risk of spills in transit. The hard part would be the filter would need to go in sideways with supports to keep it from flexing as you drive so would need a hose to a bulkhead fitting down to the storage tank.

[@bennyarivanlife4382]

This is so cool! We were just trying to figure out our grey water design and stumbled across this video. We're totally stealing this idea! Thanks friends!

[@sunnyseason6543]

KZbin REALLY needs a Luv icon for those videos that are above Like. I appreciate this video so much I want to Like it 2xs.

[@frankbarthold4916]

Very economical, simple, affordable and efficient. Looking forward to watching more videos 😊

[@osheaalley]

Thanks for this helpful video. We just used this set up for our outdoor kitchen. So lovely to wash my hands next to the grill!

[@cdeboer11]

Great setup! Simple and effective. Could easily be adapted to a portable unit to use outdoors as well

[@ypsson3624]

The pump is such a great idea. Good work! And: Most of the stuff can be found in any hardware store. Right man, it can be simple! GO AROUND THE World.

[@CharlesButler]

I am going to purchase a 7x14 cargo trailer and basically do the same thing. Nice setup and good job on it.

[@TheEarthandyou]

The foot pump is more handy than a tap. Both hands are free to wash each other. This whole system is... superb.

[@noemoments]

Awesome! I'll install a foot pump in my van too and the video really helped me figure out how. Thanks so much!

[@ilubbov]

How you implement your ideas is inspiring!Thanks for sharing!

[@0HARE]

You did a great job designing and building this system. I really like it. Thanks for another great video!

[@jacbox3889]

I've read that having a straight drain the smells can come up. That is why they do the goose neck. Lov your vids!

[@papa54321]

Thats gonna works for years without issues and if issues happens, gonna be an easy cheap fix! Great video

[@DroneHDTV]

iked everything apart from the foot pump. For 13usd A 12 V SHOWER pump hose rather than the copper tap would work great on solar. liked the video and simple instruction

[@desertsolidude]

Working on a little outhouse this is super helpful as I want to try to have a little hand washing sink love the foot pump😊

[@davidpedder9048]

Simple yet efective. I like the foot pump, can also use the hand crank pumps.

[@tomsmith3987]

Could also use a 5 gallon weed sprayer as I do.you cut the hose,attach a shower head or sprayer from a sink to it .then add water and use the hand pump to pump up pressure

[@acela30th]

One of the most practical builds I have seen. Save power and water 👍🏽

[@ericashby2523]

Suggestion, use a 6 gallon grey water bucket and 5 gallon Jerry jugs for fresh water. When you switch fresh water jugs empty the bucket and it will never run over. Also put a sideways S curve in the drain hose to create an S trap water seal that will trap odors in the bucket.

[@mikemead2315]

Drain pipe is great to use for a grey water tank. Various sizes 2” to 6” and bigger. Diameter can be chosen to fit in long thin places and various shapes can be made to go into unused places.

[@PabloEscobar-jy5iu]

If you are ever in a high speed chase situation you can release your grey water on the person following you and make them spin out.

[@channelremoved1917]

Great ideas. The hose through the floor is good in warm climates. In the North, salt, sand, ice and snow will not be your best friend.

[@jamesmiddleton5304]

Cool I have a conversion van I'm going to try to add a sink to, and have been looking at this water pump. My sink will be on the back door and hopefully removable. That's the goal at least. Not trying to live in my van, but camp comfortably in it. Small sink on 1 door, metal shelf for a camp stove on the other one.

[@jagerjf01]

Great video, thank you for the ideas. That pumpdesign is way old and stil going strong. I would use a dumptank that is at least the size of (one of) your water tanks. To prevent overflow.

[@stratius]

Love the tap! Why no U-Trap in the plumbing? Depends how often you empty it, but if you have the tank for a while it might begin to smell out the drain.

[@tjam4229]

Nice. Thanks for video. I would’ve made the drain that empties the bucket as big as possible. Even the slightest food debris is going to want to clog that tiny outlet. ...Or, just have a fine screen in the sink 👍

[@jayg4424]

Exceptionally lean and helpful video. Every second had value. Ty

[@KNIGHTJUMPS]

I love this. I can't wait to do this. I really appreciate the simplicity and low cost.

[@tushaye2175]

It's kept simple and easy enough for a total beginner like myself, so thankyou..🙏 Happy Van Life to you both..☀️🌈

[@connieback7577]

Great video! I have a hydroponic bucket setup that could be used in this application if you don't want to drill a hole in your floor. Plus, my bucket has a standing hose that lets you see the water level in your bucket. When it is full you simply rotate the hose to floor level and drain (wherever you would be draining anyway) using your very cool access door.

[@skylarbrooks4524]

thanks so much. you have no idea how simple this is 'cause i can understand how to do that. i really needed to know this. thank you so much! water! yeay!!!

[@sherrymuzykazekestravels6793]

I love the simplicity of your plumbing system! Great design and great build!

[@chriscourtney5692]

Absolutely genius, thank you so much, I think I will utilize a similar setup in my off grid tiny home!!

[@stellablue7435]

Well done! Exactly what I've been looking for. This system is ideal for me. Thank you so much