How to DIY Your Own Gray Water Septic

Looking for a simple way to safely infiltrate your gray water directly into the ground on your property? This is a detailed walk-through of the planning and installation of a small gray water septic system for use with tiny houses or RV's with composting toilets.
RESOURCES //
GRAY WATER SEPTIC ARTICLE: tinyshinyhome.com/gray-water-...
GRAY WATER PDF PLANS: products.tinyshinyhome.com/gr...
SECTIONS //
00:00 - Intro
0:39 - What’s a Traditional Septic System?
1:41 - Gray Water vs. Black Water
2:32 - Why Use a Gray Water Septic?
3:49 - Is it Legal?
4:35 - How Does this Gray Water Septic Work?
6:26 - Supplies
7:13 - Step by Step Build
11:05 - Recap of System
13:02 - PDF Plans + Wrap Up
LINKS//
HYPERADOBE BAGS: tinyshinyhome.com/hyperadobebag
MEMBERSHIP: tinyshinyhome.com/homies
WEBSITE: tinyshinyhome.com
DIY SOLAR INSTALL: tinyshinyhome.com/diy-off-gri...
OCHO : www.strongdoodles.com
INSTAGRAM: / tinyshinyhome
FACEBOOK: / tinyshinyhome
COURSES: tinyshinyhome.com/products
AIRSTREAM RENOVATION: tinyshinyhome.com/airstream
MUSIC: artlist.io
We have an affiliate partnership with some of the links above, and may receive compensation when items are sold. This helps support our family, and we only recommend products we truly love.
#offgrid #septictanks #waste #rv #tinyhouse

[@TinyShinyHome]

📄*MAKE SURE TO READ THE GRAY WATER SEPTIC ARTICLE, TOO!* tinyshinyhome.com/gray-water-septic 💦GRAY WATER SEPTIC PLANS products.tinyshinyhome.com/gray-water-plans

[@michaelsparks6084]

As a Plumbing Contractor of 30 years I approve this system! ❤

[@TheHavasu_77]

Even though I already watched you guys build this, I love that you make these videos explaining how you did it step by step! This one, the solar panel hook up, and your pump house videos are a great way to help others trying to do the same thing! You guys are awesome, and it’s always a pleasure to see you! 😘❤️😁

[@LivingTinyReimagined]

OMG I cant thank you enough for CLEAR directions and supplies list for this!! Been searching for ages!! Thank YOU!

[@wendychavis7882]

Dang! You two have gotten so professional with your content while keeping it fun to watch. Good job and thanks for being you!

[@katshotz6033]

The work y’all are doing…..wow!!!!

[@StoneKathryn]

This was a great video to explain and show how to build a gray water disposal system. Thanks for this Longnecker family!

[@JamesCouch777]

We used a very similar system for our black water at our hunting camp. Worked great 👍

[@nanapamdoggiedaycare7212]

Educational, entertaining and well done with beautiful scenery and music! Good job, TSH! 💖💖💖

[@lucillekenney8311]

This video of how to set up a DIY gray water septic might come in handy one day when I find (or build) my cabin somewhere cool. Well done! This is all so feasible. 👍

[@ThePyramidone]

Detailed and simple explanation - great job.

[@sherylheilig8411]

Very clear communication n understanding why certain things are done. Thank you

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

Love you guys, and all your informative videos!!!

[@perryhunter129]

FYI if you use a curved pipe instead of a 90 by your source then there is never a chance of buildup at the 90 elbow. This works best for black water septics but a good idea for all septics. Just something I have found out after 40 years in construction. Overall good job though, you guys are doing wonderful

[@chaosplan]

That curved pipe is called a “sweep” or “long sweep”. I’m not a plumber, but I know they are required by code in certain situations when working with waste water pipe.

[@TinyShinyHome]

Those are pretty hard to come by out here, and like you said if it was black water would definitely recommend. Haven’t seen any change in water movement with the 90 even with a full flush so I think they’re ok for this specific situation. Adding grease, food, etc would definitely change though.

[@veeemit9719]

You guys are truly Jacks and Janes of all trades!

[@jazzywarrrior1414]

I’m using this video for an engineering class and you guys are helping so much! Thank you!

[@KeraDoa999]

Thank you for sharing this is practically the best method I've seen so far

[@melissamoonfire4323]

Thank you for just being you!! Stay Strong Stay Safe Stay Beautiful Most Of All Staying Ourselves ❤️💪

[@melaniebeaver2845]

The family photo at 5:23 is the best!!! And, obvs, thanks for all the details about the systems you're installing, research you did, etc. It's super helpful and I tell people about your channel all the time in casual conversation, FWIW. 😎

[@sondraflesch1463]

YAY!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE FAMILY PHOTO !!

[@zedalis]

Great video! Very informative and clear. Thank you!

[@ibTeeMac]

Wow what an awesome video. You two do such a great job explaining and making it dummy free. Also noticed you are over 100K subs. WOW what a journey and thank you for all the great videos. Cheers From Vancouver Island BC Canada.

[@Donerightprepper1]

I like the simple way you guys did this

[@daleadkison3349]

Never mind. Just read your article. Thanks for that. Love your videos.

[@janoserdelyi9879]

as someone who enjoys digging, but lives on the east coast in a very clay area, i'm jealous of your soil texture for digging

[@TinyShinyHome]

We are lucky, most folks around here also have lots of very hard clay as well.

[@linamora9169]

Thank you Ashley and Johnathan

[@letsworksimple]

Great design and methodological approach

[@gailasgreatdanesandmanes1042]

EXCELLENT! I feal like I could go right out and make one!

[@AbidAli-bv2gl]

Excellent video step by step, thanks for your video

[@matthewknight5641]

You guys are living my dream. Thankypu for making the videos. Im working towards this myself just trying to find safe property that i can leave a few weeks at a time and my stuff be safe is the biggest challenge so far. Thanks again for the videos

[@TinyShinyHome]

Thanks, that can definitely be a struggle for sure.

[@victoriousclinton9860]

wow, such a helpful video! thanks for sharing y’all. God bless

[@curtk8715]

Looking pretty good- might hit the exposed top of the cleanout with some spray paint. Give it a little more UV protection from the sun. I would bet the second chamber is not used- and the hole you dug with the rock in it would also act as a holding tank. Looks like your soil is pretty sandy. Other thought was plant a Tombstone’s Rose Tree .

[@sondraflesch1463]

Thank you. I so need this and shared 💕

[@harvardteam]

Great resource, thanks!

[@ericjohnson1008]

Wahoo, all awesome information being shared.

[@robinmillerkroening3493]

This is a very good DIY video! Thank you.

[@theresafox4367]

Very good video. Learn something everyday

[@agri-ciudadph]

Thanks for the information guys, God bless!🥰❤

[@TheGoodlifeoffgrid]

I’ve just found your channel fabulous I’ve just bought some land and this is kind of what I’ve been looking for fantastic well done😊😊

[@slowbaker]

Great educational video. ‼️🦉💜👍

[@tx_nomad90]

This is great info! Thank you!

[@robinmillerkroening3493]

Very interesting. Thank you!

[@williamlewis8741]

Bonjour la famille. many thanks for the Gray Water Septic vidéo. it's simple enough the construction, but that 5 foot by 7 foot hole is a bit daunting if you only have a shovel and pick. i, too, need a tractor 🙂 that being said, it's all good in the neighborhood. cheers

[@Emundas455]

Great video! This should be quite easy to replicate

[@et5222]

Final step: paint exposed pvc pipe. Great how to video !

[@randybutler4772]

Big effort but worth doing. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheLvablebird]

Thank you! So good to know.

[@diamondwfarm2238]

Good one, thanks

[@herek26a]

Thank you for sharing.

[@authorcharlieboring]

Interesting video.

[@AG-zn6xz]

Nice job!

[@corriehordyk3342]

Cool. Beats the big grey cement tank we had to put in.

[@Sunjoy1]

Clever family 😊

[@JamesCouch777]

I bought a farm back in the 80's where they piped everything to a ravine some distance from the house. I put in a septic system.

[@alanchristensen5735]

Good system thanks

[@tkx7]

I'd suggesting testing it/running it before you put the dirt and cover it all up.. that way you can see how it performs/make any adjustments before it's all covered

[@erics2860]

No shit pal. They’re making a how to video.

[@H0WL1TZER]

lol thanks for the obvious advice

[@chandrasutton4669]

Thanks!!!

[@kookia213]

Amazing!

[@andyramz1705]

Awesome 👏🏼

[@brianwilliams8162]

Great video

[@2Angelemerald2]

Thank you so much...I think you did an awesome job of getting my unintelligent head to understand.

[@davidlhamilton3305]

Thanks.

[@caleberwin65]

Great job. You could have used the 3” holes to add bushings or another coupler to the inside so the stand pipes aren’t just loose up top. Still works fine I’m sure.

[@deborahtofflemire7727]

That was interesting ❤

[@88njtrigg88]

I recommend a gully trap before the drums. Great Video.

[@jcb0249]

This seems very similar to Keelings system from the travel trailer homsteading book, Nice to see it in practice.

[@beachlife9419]

Good idea 💡💡💡💡

[@chandrasutton4669]

Interesting!!!😊❤

[@jodywho6696]

Thank You✨

[@australianwoman9696]

Thankyou your video really was informative & easy to soak in ! 😂🎉

[@TinyShinyHome]

I see what you did there 😂

[@rebeccamunoz4596]

Not to shabby guy's👍🤗❤

[@deborahratcliff8179]

I like the rocks disguising you septic.

[@mwitachakalima-cs1iq]

Power full I will copy it from Zimbabwe

[@TrueHearted78]

You guys definitely get a thumbs up. Wondering what was the total of cost for materials??

[@user-om5tv5fd9s]

yeah, the kitchen sink water is unfortunately my issue with building in the EU, since not only do they count as black water here - which I can understand but is still hella annoying - but also many formerly accepted versions of black water septic tanks are no longer permitted, making it both financially and space-wise impossible to create an appropriate off grid system for it. And while avoiding black water by forgoing a flushing toilet is doable, kitchen sinks are indispensable. But I shall not despair and continue searching for a solution. I like your grey water system ^^

[@caleberwin65]

Outdoor kitchen sink for washing dishes only.

[@stevemarkuseen7792]

you need a mini treatment system to basically send semi clean water out

[@Hereandnow3]

Water in the hole! Great how to TSH family! 🎉 “not the permitting police”. You funny things! 💕

[@bindiberry6280]

We always have some big soda bottles around. Just wonder if we can build some kind of grease trap and filter to turn shower room and kitchen graywater into irrigation water.

[@laurieedeburn2449]

thanks

[@peterf180]

Great video - thank you for sharing! What did you have to do for your black water?

[@TinyShinyHome]

All black water should go through a traditional septic system permitted by your local county. We have a composting toilet in the Airstream.

[@spoon54]

Thank you for sharing so very helpful,what part of the country do you live in, and would this system pass a inspection? my sister lives in north east part of Arizona she is just starting her little house project.

[@corylehman110]

Love the video and the step by step write up on your site. I'm new to this, so my question is, what's the purpose/reason for the vinyl vapor barrier over the gravel in main hole and on top of the leach line?

[@TinyShinyHome]

Thanks! To keep any moisture that may not drain fast enough below the surface. In winter any kind of water stays around a lot longer, and can saturate the ground, creating a lot of grossness. The first line of defense is building the system and the drainage large enough so it doesn't overwhelm the soil, but the vapor barrier is added insurance.

[@merindahthornton5080]

The first ad on this video featured the song you used for the “solar shed” build- I thought I had clicked on an older video! 🤪

[@JamesCouch777]

My grandparents ran their gray water out in the yard. I always hated mowing that part of the yard with a push mower.

[@TinyShinyHome]

Haha gross

[@greenspiraldragon]

Some places let you dump gray water other places consider it the same as black water check your local, county and state codes. It is very hard on your septic to dump a lot of detergent water into it.

[@SJC49]

That’s why they said to use bio cleaning products n

[@jphhenderson2651]

You all have made so much progress! Wow I have not seen your channel in a while! Nice progress. Question, would you be able to let your goats clear your land via movable fences?

[@TinyShinyHome]

Nope, they don't want to eat the grass..

[@alysiachristensen5475]

Happy gray watering!

[@LeslieSoden]

cool system, do you have to worry about winterizing the connection to the source above ground? thanks!

[@TinyShinyHome]

Nope, it should never have standing water in it.

[@poetmaggie1]

In the mountains of New Jersey my sister in law had both gray and black because city sewerages was not avalible.

[@Patriot1776-0]

I put mine in ...but had to do it by code....1000 gallon concrete tank beside schedule 40 pipe and 320 foot of leach line ....besides all the sand and number 2 rock....had to be transit dug..to get the right fall and depths....first time I put one in....contractor wanted 6 or 7 thousand to put in....

[@TinyShinyHome]

Yeah that’s a real septic :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXLWlWqJmM96mdU

[@organogold8]

Permit Police 😂😂😂 Thank you for the great content!! 😊

[@stevec7272]

You should plant one or more thirsty trees around your tanks. Fruit trees would be nice...

[@ronb6182]

Kumquats love washing machine water. 73

[@jeffreykparker]

Excellent instructive video, for which thank you! Question: Assuming that in coming years you will get buildup of (non-toilet) sludge in the tanks, is there a DIY approach to siphoning the sludge out through the two cleanouts? What kind of pump might accomplish this task? Thanks in advance!

[@TinyShinyHome]

Since it's just true gray water there shouldn't be any sludge. If there was something inside I would guess the easiest thing to do would be to call a septic company to pump it.

[@jeffreykparker]

@@TinyShinyHome I reckon you are right. In a pinch, a simple sump pump should work, as long as there's plenty of water in the tank. Pump from the bottom into a tank on a truck for disposal elsewhere. Thanks again!

[@robsongil3583]

Well done. Do you need to add any bacteria into the tank, like we do with balck water tanksm

[@TinyShinyHome]

If it’s truly a gray water system, then no. There shouldn’t be any solids or food particles that need to dissolve.

[@isaacappiah3645]

So is this good for a waterlogged lands pls

[@sovereigns1grace]

Very cool!! I wonder what you were doing before you installed this. For solid waste, are you using composting system??

[@TinyShinyHome]

Yes compost toilet has always been in the Airstream

[@markhudson6587]

Did you guys do your own Black Water Septic? Or did you have one installed professionally? Would love to see a video like that for regular septic. Great video - thanks.

[@turboimport95]

you could do something similar for black water as well. the systems work pretty much same way..

[@solosailorsv8065]

Just read the specific County Septic codes. They tell you what is legal

[@symcardnel1741]

Great video!!! How do you guys handle your poop?

[@TinyShinyHome]

Composting toilet.

[@beryc7889]

Wait? How do you benefit from it? How do you reuse the water? Do you reuse it? Where does it goes after the whole process ? 🤔 Thank you!

[@EvenaGirlCanDoIt]

So, I take it your kitchen sink water goes through the grey water septic since you have a composting toilet?

[@Paperplatesss777]

Hi!! Love all your videos! I was wondering if it would be ok to ask what video editing software you guys use? Thanks so much!!

[@TinyShinyHome]

Thanks, we use Final Cut Pro.

[@Paperplatesss777]

@@TinyShinyHome thanks for response!