Building a Simple and Cheap Grey Water System for an Off Grid Cabin

Let's Install a Grey Water System at the Off Grid Cabin. This process is simple and cheap and easy.
In this video, we walk you through the process of building a simple, effective, and budget-friendly grey water system for our off-grid cabin. Whether you're looking to save money, reduce your environmental impact, or simply want a DIY solution for your off-grid lifestyle, this easy-to-follow guide has you covered. Join us as we break down the steps, share tips, and demonstrate how you can create your own grey water system with minimal cost and effort.
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[@justiceleague1146]

I did that over 20 years ago and it still works great!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Sweet.....love hearing that

[@tinaromine8734]

How deep did you dig the hole

[@justiceleague1146]

4 to 5 feet deep

[@studio-era]

Wife and I love seeing videos with both partners working together. It was the first reason we just wanted a cottage for ourselves. A life-long hobby/adventure for both of us!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

💯

[@OKLAHOMAOFFGRID]

This is the exact same concept I did with my gray water about six months ago it is still working flawless... You should be good for a long time.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Awesome......glad to hear it. 👍👍👍

[@wobdeehomestead]

I saw the Boss do that and he’s never had a problem. I went a different rout and used a 200 gal plastic septic tank and drilled a bunch of holes in the bottom. Works great but we have great draining sandy soil. I also placed some foam board insulation over the pipe before burying it.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

I watched the boss's video too. Been a few years though, lol.

[@marthaturki4891]

Beautiful tiring job guys. Your sisters dog really loves Jay.❤❤❤🐾🐾🐾

[@LongsQuest]

Did mine the same way, has worked for years with no problem. Hope you have the same results as I have. See ya on the next video.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

I'm happy to hear this

[@timpartlow6321]

Y'all are awesome great fellow Michigan's really like the humor and down to earth personalitie yall have thank you

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

😊👍

[@irenel.m.3238]

You are a great team, well done🥰

[@megkube]

This has been so interesting,I didn't know anything about this process!Thanks for sharing!!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? That's a neat idea for grey water. SImple and neat that the plastic barrels will keep the dirt from clogging the rock drain bed. Nice job. Take care!!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Hey Mike.....how are you sir? I have been so busy, I have not been able to watch much YT. Hope you are well my friend. I'll binge watch your videos this winter 😊

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

No worries there folks. I have been watching your progress and commenting from time to time. You sure have come a long way from when you first started putting holes in the ground to build your cabin eh!! You guys have developed it into a great self contained oasis!! Take care!!@@OffgridwithJayandJen

[@remoteandrestless]

Good project for a common homestead need

[@dreadedscotslass]

Great work guys n gals ❤

[@ajhall9718]

This is very good... I'm in a tiny house and for three last 3yr I've needed to do something and was gonna use one plastic bin .I like your idea better cause my ground is just rock

[@phoenix1964]

Check out waterless traps, no smell comes back from system and no water to freeze in trap.

[@Stayongo2]

I am so glad 2 have found this video!!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Awesome......it's working great so far. Even in the winter

[@laruedouglas7972]

Great idea 👍

[@morgansword]

I do believe they say that the grass over the septic is the greenest grass in the yard! Many years of showering and washing.... ya think a seed from a watermelon will grow from that deep?? Be absolutely great if it did/LOL. Weather is just crazy this year

[@petedebo6906]

I like that idea👍 the only thing is where is the vent after the trap? after you cover it up would it have a hard time draining after awhile when the soil settles 🤔 at my home I separated all the drains and washer to one pipe and added one p-trap that is in my basement works fantastic no clogs and there is no smell at all I like your ideas you and your wife are doing great 👍

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Good Point....It does gurgle sometimes now....I might have to add a vent to help. thank You

[@mrs.creeksidemaples2866]

Good video… we will have to do this too 👍🏼… the Element Drink sounds awesome too… Thanks for sharing and have a blessed day friends ✨

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Hey, thanks guys.hope you are settling into your new place. 😊

[@SuperLooneyrooney]

oh i wish i had soil as soft and easy to work with like that (live in SW Missouri where we have 1 inch of soil and then just all kinds of rock - small rock, large rock, humungous rock, sheets of rock, clumps of rock, etc.)

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Ha.....we are glad too....but it makes growing stuff a little more difficult

[@paulpuckerinGM]

Woot! Woot! Dig, baby, dig. 😀

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Lol, I'm making Jen did the next giant hole.

[@paulpuckerinGM]

@OffgridwithJayandJen ha ha careful who er what she tries to put in it! 😉

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

If I Stay at 250 pounds I'm hard to move as dead weight, lol@@paulpuckerinGM

[@paulpuckerinGM]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen LOL 😆 smart...

[@richardgreen5602]

Insulate "well" around the pvc pipes and p-trap and you should be able to use the system all winter!!!!!!

[@bonitamckenrick4667]

The water could have been filtered through Reed bed then, diverted to trees. That's how we do it in dry areas

[@ross-owen]

Ha! You said you were going to put a LOT of rocks in there... I guess for Michigan that is a lot. Thanks for the video! Almost caught up.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Woot woot

[@timothyslattery9945]

A couple observations. I would have left a cross section on the bottom or drilled 2" to 3" holes as apposed to cutting the whole bottom out. Also, 3/8 bolts with fender washers to connect the 2. I also would have got it out and away from the foundation a little further. All that water right buy a corner post can cause it to sink.

[@Dutch7056]

Tried that same system, it didn’t take long to fail using it full time

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Weird......lots of people have used systems like this on KZbin and have no complaints.

[@Dutch7056]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen I know, I don’t know what we did wrong but the biomass plugged it from draining. I just figured it was the difference between part time use and full time use

[@lcook0825]

Hi guys. Hope all is well.

[@msantacruz430]

Can you share info on how you have your water heater connected

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnjbeqSVf7R7gs0 I think this is the one....there are 3 or 4 water videos close to this one.....on our video list if you want to find more about the whole set up. Thanks for watching

[@LastDragonElManifesto]

TyTyTy ❤❤❤ 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@DB-cx6cb]

Good job

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thank you

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

How deep do you need to go for the hole? Thanks Kyle

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

We only went about 30 inches at the bottom.....but we have all sand and don't use the tank super heavy. Mostly warm water in the winter with showers and warm wate from the woodstove, so I think thay keeps it flowing good

[@claytonsimplot9554]

I'm guessing that your not living in it during the winter. The system would freeze in winter making the pipes break.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

We have videos discussing this and showing what we do in winter. =)

[@dboutdoors06]

Just found your channel, great content!!!! Saw what appears to be a tankless water heater??? Do you have a video on it, I am trying to watch all your videos 😃thanks for sharing.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Hey...thanks for coming over. I have a video from earlier in the summer where I install the water heater. I'm not sure there is a ton of focus on the unit itself....but rather more of getting the plumbing installed and fully functioning. here is the link for ya kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnjbeqSVf7R7gs0

[@dboutdoors06]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen thanks! I assume you have been happy with it?

[@israel2512]

Does the sink drain still needs a vent? Knowing that it's not discharging to a septic tank.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

It probably would have been a good idea to add a vent somewhere.

[@israel2512]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen Thank you

[@USSBB62]

Just wondering did you provide an overflow if tank is full ?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

I did no overflow.....should flow nicely into the ground for many many years

[@timskufca8039]

you didn't address the freezing temperatures in winter???

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

It's 2-3 foot in the ground. Mostly warm water going in there in the winter, so I don't think there will be a problem.

[@flyingcountryboy]

You forgot the mini excavator part. Lol

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Ha.....would be nice

[@victorm7274]

I don’t think you quite understand the way a lech field works. In a traditional system gravel is use for air space. In a plastic chamber system no rock is needed for air space. In a plastic chambers the rock block the fluid from entering the ground.

[@billsmith-wq5or]

this might not pass inspection but who cares go for it

[@cindyfeh]

MacGYVER......I think your new name should be MacGyver ........I agree, do it free or cheap......all it takes is a little more time and sweat equity ...........cheers and have a great day

[@travishodges5179]

Never put rocks in one, don’t know what that’s for, I drilled 1/2 holes in my 1/2 barrels because I had a set float up on me once

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Rock bed kinda helps things from becoming impacted from what I saw.....but we have all sand here, so probably not necessary

[@travishodges5179]

Good place to get rid of rocks I guess

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@travishodges5179 I mean....people line all drain fields with rock....put rock under posts....use rocks as base layers for almost all construction projects for the sole purpose of draining water. So I can't see why it wouldn't help Here. Just saying

[@travishodges5179]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen it’s ok you did great, it will work, if you would have put an upright barrel with a lid ahead of the drain barrels it would have been serviceable for black water use as well, kitchen sink is considered black water from food scraps, and covering the barrels with tin isn’t necessary either. But great video and good job

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@travishodges5179 good stuff buddy....I'm just chatting at ya

[@Revelation22-13]

Mark 4:39 King James Version 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Gods blessings over you

[@DebPainchaud]

Dang I wish ..I am on lava so none of this would work 😢

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Might make it more trouble, lol

[@richvail7551]

Who is this Margarita you speak of. 🤭

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Lol

[@kellykersten8828]

This is cool but you don't tell us what you're doing.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Can You not see the simplicity of the set up? what needs explaining?

[@anthonycanning7062]

I am afraid filtering out solids does not stop grey waste pollution. Every time you use this device you are polluting the water table.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Do you Understand how a traditional septic system works?? Where you think all the water goes in that situation. Worse yet with a black water septic using you're toilet you are adding Poo with your water leach field. This grey water system, used with environmentally safe soaps will do zero harm to the water table.

[@chesterharvey5425]

Jay when you skirt the cabin just put the bubble foil on the back side and it will keep it about 40 under the cabin. I did mine that way 3 years ago and have never had anything freeze I also used 3/4 plywood for my skirting .

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Nice....I was thinking of doing this. Thank yoi very much for letting me know it works well for you

[@lisarmurphy]

Im just amazed at your sandy soil. All we have is clay and rock so when we tried to do this it was so hard with the rock and then the water wouldnt drain into the soil. So we still drain it down a hill.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

I am truly amazed at the amount of work you guys get done! You to make an excellent team. Keep up the awesome work!!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks guys......really appreciate the love and support from ya. Also chatting with ya.....lucky to have you here . 😊

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to DrinkLMNT.com/JAYANDJEN to get your free sample pack with any purchase.

[@lorettaandjasonoffgrid]

Great job guys!!! Woot! Please give us your advice. What do you do when you're surrounded by rock? Up on the Canadian Shield here and our cabin is on a massive rock! Trying to think ahead and all we can come up with is it's going to take several trucks of gravel! D'oh! We'll figure it out eventually! Cheers. ✌️

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Honestly if I couldn't set something up like this, I would simply catch it in an above ground tank then use the Grey water for watering trees and gardens. Use the proper soaps and you should be good to go. I considered doing this this way, and could eventually tie in a diverter above ground to take the cabin water to an above ground tank for watering things. The only reason I didn't do this was because Honestly we use very little water in the cabin....like 150 gallons a week between showers and dishes so i was ok with that water going into the ground instead.

[@lorettaandjasonoffgrid]

That's a great idea! We haven't had time for gardens this year but we will definitely think about that option for future! Thanks guys! You rock!

[@lauraquigley6403]

Hi Jay & Jen! Wow , this is a big job! I am so impressed with all you both do all year round! I have been a subscriber for years and the content is amazing Still! Thanks for bringing us along! ❤️🙏🙏Blessing’s

[@SSingh-nr8qz]

I accidently clicked on this video and accidently jumped ahead to where you were digging the hole. I thought you snapped and was digging a grave for a second until I rewinded the video.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Lol

[@maryhollins5876]

Y'all have the best diy videos to be beginners😊😊

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks Mary

[@brendahogue5487]

May the lord bless and protect you and Jen and digging ditch for Grey water

[@jimdelong949]

Now we're burying stuff in the ground 😊 Good thing it's not a secret because the pipe gives it away.😊 I think I understand the concept. Were the two barrel halves for containing small food scraps that may have gone down the drain and help mitigate odor. Was this another " honey do " project 😊

[@KrissBartlett]

Good job Jay but i think you should put a drain pvc to the edge of the hill there you never know it might over flow

[@cindyleasure6901]

Another job off your bucket list !! Good job !!

[@uppanadam]

I kept on thinking you were digging a grave!! At least the movies don't sugarcoat how hard it is to dig a hole in the ground!! LOL!!

[@juliederry3719]

A job well done Jay, you certainly earned those tacos Jen mentioned, tfs x Julie 🇬🇧

[@OffGridWithChrisandKristie]

Innovative! Great work guys 😊

[@tenneyconstruction7323]

👍

[@gettended]

3:39 sis you got a good man!

[@anietahurler4014]

zu nah am haus die nässe schwemmt deine Hausstützen überlege dir was anderes

[@sandypratt8951]

❤️👍👍👍

[@ilonakatalindako-tolman5545]

Pretty cool..easily done

[@travisgrow4713]

Love all the hard work you 2 do looking great

[@Warhorse1975]

Looks good!! Love the videos.

[@ericbloodaxe8226]

good job as always

[@melissac4575]

Hi Jay, thanks so much for posting this video. Very helpful. I'm following your plan except for a couple changes like keeping the barrel intact and drilling holes in the bottom. Question: what bit were you using when drilling the hole into the screw-on piece that you attached the end of the drainpipe to? Thanks again :-)

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

That was a "hole saw" bit....you can buy an entire kit with all the interchangeable sizes at most hardware stores. I think this one was the 2 inch bit.

[@integrativenaturalmedicine3897]

At your age, you didn't think renting a backhoe for the day would be better than exerting all that energy? lol I'm 52, can still put in a good days work, but you know how it is, we ain't 18 anymore, and gosh darnit, the ego THINKS it's all that, but when the sweat starts rolling, humility comes a creepin in haha

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Trying to stay young my friend. Also I have 4-500 dollars I my pocket still....for the next project. 😊

[@Bubba-tx1vx]

🤔😎

[@paulmonk7820]

Margherita? Where'd she come from???😂😂😂 @11:47

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Ha.....😊😊😊

[@derrickh7869]

How do you keep it from freezing?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

It only gets hot water in it, we didn't have a problem last winter.

[@loucinci3922]

Hmmmmm....street tacos and margaritas.Looks interesting. Where is the vent pipe?

[@susangormley4563]

Do you think you could drive a truck over it without collapsing a barrel underneath.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@susangormley4563 I would not recommend it.....but your not suppose to drive over any septic or leach field in any house.

[@kellykersten8828]

He said it's not in the driveway

[@tinaromine8734]

How’s it holding up?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

So far so good, we do have a small amount of gurgling when we take a longer shower but I think that is due to my lack of venting in the upstream plumbing....but going to address that soon. We do have a friend that lives off grid full time, two people and they had similar system fail within 6 months.....so it may be better to double the size of the system if it gets heavy use.

[@muskegonhunterscamp]

Cool project, how deep would you have to go to keep it from freezing in the winter? 3'? 4'?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

I'm thinking it is going to be fine.....the water will all be two foot down and warm from showers and such so I can't see it freezing. Plus I'm likely to open that drain on that p trap during winter and run the water out that way via a hose. But we will see how warm the crawl stays in the winter

[@muskegonhunterscamp]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen tough call, ya want to retain heat in the crawl space but you still need to vent to prevent moisture/rot. Maybe just insulate the drain pipe.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@muskegonhunterscamp everything I have seen you can block crawl space ventilation in winter. When cold air is so dry and such and then open ventilation in the warmer months. Just from what I have researched

[@lynnmorrison6435]

all that digging looked quite draining

[@evalynchuran8684]

would this idea work for Canadian winters?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

If you buried it deeper....but you wold probably be better off making longer chambers like a traditional septic uses

[@evalynchuran8684]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen For septic Canada, and extra 30,000$ not an option but going longer like your build I can do. Thanx.

[@canajian]

Hey! 👊😎👍

[@jboog1971]

Progress , progress and more progress , yall putting me to shame 😂😂😂

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Get to work man......lol

[@genefowler948]

Iv watched two videos where is your lab puppy ? I think you should of put alot more stone in the base it acts like a filter it may just muck up and stop working hope not . Made one for the lady up my road from me had to dig it all up in less than a year or so just would not drain . Maybe you'll have better luck .

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Hope it keeps working. We have all and here so thing that will bail us out.....but we will see. Timber out Chocolate Lab is kind of a couch potato and had an independent soul. He is likes his naps too, lol, he learned from his big brother Benjamin.....RIP

[@JR-ic8ry]

Jay, its too cold in Northern Michigan, that trap will freeze. The lines will be fine, but the trap obviously holds the water, and it WILL freeze.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

I agree....I will keep an eye on it...and make sure it is open once the cold the cold weather hits. I'm working towards the final solution 😊

[@lindajames4122]

that was interesting

[@deborahwhite2339]

How will you keep the exposed pipes from freezing? Insulated surround?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

We will winterize the cabin come November. The drain pipes will still flow ok, so no freezing to worry about

[@bjornsoderlund8123]

Good work mr 😊

[@SJC49]

…..MAYBE a Margarita? That looks like a two Margarita evening, Jen!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Lol 😊👍

[@mortenmyhrmoen7592]

🇳🇴👍👍👌

[@aspendell209]

So your frost-line is less than 1 foot there? That tank would be frozen solid at least 7 months out of the year where I live. You usually want to go at least 12" past max frost-line (to the top of your tank) with that type of solution.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

The pipe will hold no water. The bottom of the tank where the water will fall is over 2 foot down. I think it will be fine.

[@VinnieRed71]

Nice work guys. I thought you were gonna surround the tank with stones tho for better drainage during heavy use. I’m sure with your soil type you’ll be fine either way.

[@lukecyphers7831]

What about in areas where it freezes?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

It's 2-3 foot into the ground and lots of warm water going in there, so I guess we will see how she does this winter. Fingers crossed

[@brendafarrow3117]

You have to use a 55 gallon barrow burry round side up for a lid to open . Run 4 in out the house to oil drum run 4 inch out to a t . Run 4 inch or bigger perforated intrenched out 8 to 10 feet from t on shingles with pea stones. Then bury . It will be good for your lifetime .

[@dflenn9423]

Oh to have a backhoe for just 5 minutes!! Nice job!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Right 😆

[@SandraCrockett]

You guys have been doing a lot of work on the cabin in the past year. It's all coming together. Are you guys gonna live there full time???

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

It is a goal my friend. Just enjoying the journey right now and will worry about the destination later 😀