How to Set Up Your Van Plumbing System

How to set up your plumbing system in your van build. This build includes a 30 gallon fresh water tank, 2.5 gallon hot water heater, sink and shower. Plus, we'll show you a great way to run your tank vent, drain, and water heater pressure release through 1 hole. 🚐 PRODUCT LINKS BELOW 👇🏼
We spent hundreds of hours researching the best materials and processes for our van build. Now we've put together a list of all materials we (and others in our van community) have used and that we can recommend so that you don't have to spend all those hours on research.
CHECK OUT THE FULL MATERIALS LIST HERE- www.thrivecraftedvans.com/bui...
➳ PRODUCTS USE IN THIS VIDEO
• Water Pump: amzn.to/39t3NkG
• Water Heater: amzn.to/3o3DqWK
• 15 Gal. Grey Water Tank: amzn.to/3lrZt7L
• 30 Gal. Fresh Water Tank: amzn.to/36qyo0g
➳ AUDIO/VIDEO GEAR
• Sony Alpha 6300: amzn.to/3lHJCSN
• Rode VideoMicro microphone: amzn.to/3fXbHUY
• Vanguard Alta Pro Tripod: amzn.to/3qqTzaN
• Holy Stone Drone: amzn.to/3mncbWF
➳ WHO WE ARE
We're Lisa & Jeff Warnick. We've been representing Thrive Life freeze-dried foods for over 10 years. It's been a dream of ours to have a van to travel the country, supporting our team and sharing the Thrive love. Subscribe to our channel to see our van build, and van life adventures. We'll also share recipes and why freeze-dried foods are such a great choice for van lifers.
➳ VAN BUILD PRODUCTS USE AND LOVE
See full list here: www.thrivecraftedvans.com/bui...
Plumbing-
• Ruvati Sink: amzn.to/2JwD1gB
• Electric Ball Valve: amzn.to/3lp4eit
• Water Pump: amzn.to/39t3NkG
• Water Heater: amzn.to/3o3DqWK
• 15 Gal. Grey Water Tank: amzn.to/3lrZt7L
• 30 Gal. Fresh Water Tank: amzn.to/36qyo0g
• Shower Pan: amzn.to/3obpolN
• Kitchen Faucet: amzn.to/33y8bet
Electrical-
• Puck Ceiling Lights: amzn.to/2JtITXO
• 4/0 Battery Cable: amzn.to/3fVnK4M
• Solder Seal Connectors: amzn.to/3mrRvg2
• Battery Switch: amzn.to/36r8euG
• AC/DC Distribution Panel: amzn.to/3lquFnG
Solar-
• Renogy 100ah LiFePo Batteries: amzn.to/2Vn9yZa
• 100 Watt Renogy Solar Panels: amzn.to/37i2IcU
• 3000 Watt Renogy Inverter Charger: amzn.to/33t1Z7p
• Renogy Battery Monitor: amzn.to/39t34js
• Renogy 50A DCDC Charger: amzn.to/2VkNcHx
Window Covers-
• Front Windshield Cover: amzn.to/3g4ZSfv
• Side Window Covers: amzn.to/39pyxmO
• Sliding Door Window Cover: amzn.to/2KWvloz
• Rear Window Covers (2019+): amzn.to/2JlUyrS
Insulation
• Havelock Wool: havelockwool.refr.cc/jeffwarnick
Roof Rack-
• 80/20 Aluminum: amzn.to/39CpNJU
• Roof Rail Brackets for 80/20: amzn.to/39vXYmw
Misc-
• Teak Floor: amzn.to/3qhRJZK
• Microwave: amzn.to/39v486z
• Mattress: amzn.to/33vW8hW
• Headliner Shelf Kit: amzn.to/2VlNQ7M
• Fan-Tastic Vent Fan: amzn.to/3qeUv1R
• Door Speakers: amzn.to/36nfzew
Tools we couldn't live without-
• Klein Cable Cutters: amzn.to/3mtRlVM
• Cable Crimper: amzn.to/2JtoOky
• Cable Stripper: amzn.to/2Vo54Bk
• Klein Multi Meter: amzn.to/3fZONMv
• Klein Wire Stripper: amzn.to/3mpka5H
• Milwaukee Jigsaw: amzn.to/39Jx6Qr
➳ CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram: / our_thriving_life
Collaboration/Inquiries: [e-mail]
#vanlife #vanlayout #vanbuild #freezedried
Disclosures: All opinions are my own. Sponsors are acknowledged. Some links in the description are affiliate links that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

[@deniskalamar14]

Do you plan on having an indoor or outdoor shower?

[@OurThrivingLife]

Indoor. Right behind the driver's seat. Stay tuned for a video on this.

[@conandal]

This was a super helpful video, again 😊. I enjoy how clear and straight to the point you are. Thank you!

[@AmateurSuperFan]

Thanks man, this is the detail I was looking for in my build

[@sprinterdiscovery]

Very nice, neat and secure setup you created there. Good job!

[@miles0929]

Strainer idea is nice

[@michaelheppler2193]

Great job connecting all those drains!!Next time drill a 1 3/8 hole and use insulator plug. That way the hole is completely sealed and there are screw holes to secure it into floor. Also the plug protects the pipe from sharp edges. I use these plugs on every external hole. Put silicone on outer edge of plug for water proof seal. Hooking up all those connections was great. However you could have made the drain 3/4” to make it drain faster and also the pop off technically should be 3-4” ( I’m a plumber but in a van 1/2” will release the pressure plus it is only a 4 gallon tank)

[@jimnealephoto]

Jeff & Lisa, this is a very helpful video - thank you! Some interesting approaches. I'm curious about the benefits of a Fernco coupler. In your case you're using it to connect an adapter to 3/4". If you were connecting 1-1/4" braided hose directly to the tank from a fill dish, would there still be an advantage to connecting via a coupler or would you attach the hose to the tank port without other devices?

[@michellezizzle]

Great setup! Why do you use braided hose vs pex sometimes? For example for your drain you have braided that then leads to the red pex - is there any reason to just using one or the other?

[@Thedestressguy]

Hey Jeff, thanks for putting this video out. Lots of helpful hints for us. Have you had any issues with the PEX fittings? Are the joints with the on/off valves holding up? We are at this stage of the build and I'm over whelmed with choices , thanks

[@OurThrivingLife]

Pex works great. I prefer the expansion Pex as it’s easier to work with in tight areas.

[@jkrums]

On the installation and usefulness - do you find this was a large enough hot water heater? Would you have upsized to the 4 gallon given the chance?

[@OurThrivingLife]

The 2.5 gallon is adequate for two people to take quick showers, wash dishes, etc. We now use a 4 gallon Isotemp marine water heaters in all of our builds. Keep in mind that a 4 gallon will use a lot more battery power to heat the water.

[@jeffreyharkness8754]

hey- dod you drill your tank yourself? looking for some tips on that...

[@melissabeyle]

Super helpful video! Have you had any issues after reducing the 3/4" pressure release valve fitting to 1/2" pex? I know in the manual they recommend not reducing from 3/4" but wondering if we can get away with the 1/2" pex we have and avoid buying 3/4" pex. Thanks!

[@OurThrivingLife]

Haven’t seen any issues with this.

[@Not_A_Tourist]

Very tidy. Is there a reason why the fresh water tank vent hose needs to be directed outside? Is it in case of overflow or something?

[@OurThrivingLife]

Correct. Hard braking or acceleration can cause water to come out of the vent hose.

[@jdtracy]

Not sure what that one-way filter thingy is you put on the end of the drain hose, but doesn't that stop air from being able to go up, for the vent line?

[@OurThrivingLife]

It’s just a filter/strainer, not a one-way valve. Keeps critters from getting in.

[@3651sim]

Great informational video. thanks. I do have one question. Hooking up the drain hose and air vent hose together, aren't you going to have pressure issues when you drain the freshwater? when you drain the water, looks like the release pressure air can not go into the freshwater. Am I wrong?

[@guitardoc99]

Wondering the same thing. I'd keep those separate.

[@sabat7689]

This is exactly what is happening to me!! Im not turning the water off when the tank is full (just to pretend someone else won’t) so I’m overfilling the tank, then the overflow hose (which should also act as vent) is sucking water out and creates a vacuum so the tank starts to shrink until a fitting breaks to allow air in, I have tried different ways and I can’t fix the issue. Any help?

[@dhillonz]

Are the fitting 1/2" npt in inlet and outlet? Is pressure valve 3/4 npt?

[@OurThrivingLife]

Yes.

[@sabat7689]

I built this set up and Im not turning the water off when the tank is full (just to pretend someone else won’t) so I’m overfilling the tank, then the overflow hose (which should also act as vent) is sucking water out and creates a big vacuum pressure so the tank starts to shrink until a fitting breaks to allow air in, I have tried different ways and I can’t fix the issue. Any help?

[@OurThrivingLife]

You need to vent the tank separately. We changed this and ran a separate vent tube through the floor of the van.

[@kat4animals004]

Is there any issue with having the water heater installed on the side?

[@OurThrivingLife]

It is recommended to only mount this water heater upright.

[@michaelcarman4875]

where is city water hookup?

[@OurThrivingLife]

We don’t do city water unless the customer specifically requests it. Most don’t find it necessary.

[@jasonrose1758]

Terrible music