PLUMBING & WATER SYSTEM In A Van Or RV (off grid plumbing for newbies)

Water & plumbing is one of the most challenging van conversion projects. I discuss van plumbing in laymen terms to keep things simple and easy to understand. My goal is for you to be able to be able to build the van of your dreams.
Product Links:
30 gallon water tank - amzn.to/38zzPJf
Shurflo 12v Water Pump - amzn.to/2DjvRt3
Shurflo Silencing Kit - amzn.to/2EAEWLr
Kus Water Level Sensor - amzn.to/2rRfVbO
Kus Water Level Gauge - amzn.to/2S24rwT
Cuzn Compact Water Filter - amzn.to/2RZ08CH
Electric Water Heater - amzn.to/38Kxg7a
Pipe Cutter - amzn.to/2M2mUpe
Pex Tubing - amzn.to/36GxSIX
I.D. Tubing - amzn.to/38GR9fn
Ruvati Sink - amzn.to/2PL63s0
Delta Bar Faucet - amzn.to/2rW1jrE
Hepvo Smell Preventer Filter - amzn.to/2PCFNkj
Recpro Flooring (on outside of cabinet) - amzn.to/3k53uzN
Support the channel on Patreon: / seven_osavage

[@peterdods425]

I've seen people put a 30 minute timer switch on that water heater just so they don't forget. It just winds down and guarantees that you can't drain your battery.

[@kricklasalty1464]

The wood around the sink looks FANTASTIC!

[@lincolnhawk4671]

You are a true artist. I’ve seen thousands of van , RV, and boat build videos and your channel is among the best. Great content and extremely well thought out plan. Thank you for documenting and sharing!

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you Lincoln, I appreciate the kind words.

[@nickdannunzio7683]

1) I would put a waterproof liner in that cabinet, and a way to drain it (you can use your pump or just siphon it)... it is only a matter of time till you have a leak... then you will be glad you at least contained the water... 2) always purge your RV fill hose before filling your tank (as garden hoses are not safe for drinking water, you can use your leftover pex) ; you would be surprised what will crawl or get in it... and any latent water will have bacteria in it...3) maybe a heat mat under the tank, if you are in a cold climate, put an insulated lid on the box... awesome build... I am sure you will eventually put a shore power connection and transfer switch for your house current devices, maybe a small rectifier for the 12V appliances...

[@barthanes1]

I have a suggestion for your plumbing. Insulate the tubing anywhere it touches wood or metal. Vibration over time will eat a hole in the PEX tube.

[@rugbyfan6114]

Thx dude thats what happend to me and saw this comment thx so much 😊

[@barbz6424]

how would you insulate it? and where would i buy the materials :)

[@barthanes1]

@@barbz6424 You could just split a small piece of rubber hose and zip tie it on anywhere the water pipe touches. Or you can buy pipe insulation at the hardware store.

[@neilmarshall4927]

Does this also help to prevent freezing in winter? I don't want anything to crack or burst in my camper trailer. Thanks

[@barthanes1]

@@neilmarshall4927 Yes, it will help prevent freezing if you insulate the entire length of pipe with pipe insulation. Rubber tube won't do much, as it is just to prevent chafing.

[@puppetcentral837]

ive wanted to live in a van. many times before. and i thought, i need running water to be alive! so i watched this and it is perfect thank uuuuu

[@thomasstaples4385]

I’ve been watching you from the time you started your build, and always impressed with your detail to perfection. Great video and love your build

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you for the continued support Thomas. More to come.

[@Sasquatters]

The SharkBite quick connectors work for copper, pvc, etc. Also, your screen filter should be after your shut-off so you can clean it without having to empty your tank.

[@teddywarren71]

I love how explain in detail each and every step. Great van

[@JollyFree111]

Some pro tips: Do NOT put Teflon tape on plastic threads. DO put thread sealant on plastic threads. Use both Teflon tape and thread sealant on metal threads. Do NOT over tighten plastic threads, they will break. If you use pex pipe. Use plastic pex fittings, not metal. Shark bite brand fittings will need an accessory to undo the joint. Its a small C shaped plastic bit that is easily lost. DO strap and secure your piping wherever you can. There will be a lot of bouncing around and over time your connections will leak and break. Make sure you blow out any debris from cutting pex pipe before you make the connections. Cut very straight! Angled cuts will leak. Be sure to ask your hardware store clerk for a pipe stretcher for those times your cut is a bit short.🤞 Great video!

[@haileyjofeigert4135]

I cannot tell you how happy I am to find the perfect water set up for me in my first plumbing video. This was so informative and helpful. Thank you for sharing your plumbing knowledge.

[@jannezack]

I’m am OLD and still aspire to build my own SRV and your video here was not only informative about how to do the SRV but you explained the types of fittings very nicely and made it really simple. I’ve been in the building trade as a designer/drafter for many, many years. I can sweat old-school copper pipes but the new pex pipes are the way to go! You are not only a great video maker, you are an excellent teacher. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you JZ!! I appreciate the kind words.

[@Eyesis_1]

Love the simplicity in which you explained this and all the fittings and hoses used. 💖

[@AbigailRoseGazda]

THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH for this in depth explanation. Well worth the watch. You explained everything so well!

[@garymaynard4706]

BRILLIANT! PERFECT FOR MY TRUCK CAMPER H2O SYSTEM. THANKS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY IN SHARING THIS WITHOUT CHARGE.

[@animerlon]

Have studied interior design & watched a lot of van life videos. Have not watched all of yours yet, but so far, i'm extremely impressed. Love the bed & shower space. Am looking forward to following you, will be anxiously waiting to see the final product. Congrats on the growth of your channel. You mentioned you hit 2k this week & a few days later you're now over 5k (me being 1). Hope the trend continues. ☺👍

[@ClarkRNeal]

Your knowledge, meticulousness, and hands-on skill has led to an entertaining and educational experience that's 100% legit. Thank you so much for putting this series together. Yeehaw, brÖther! lmao

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Clark!!

[@animerlon]

My sentiments exactly.

[@lacybug777]

Great job! This is the exact layout I'm using for the same purpose, having all the water on one side and outside use of the sink. You're a rock star for the perfect info and explanations.

[@memoryim]

I love all of your van build videos and I especially enjoyed the extra details in this video. 20-30 minute videos seem ideal. Keep up the excellent work man.

[@TomorrowIsNow]

I'm a little late to the party. Just found your videos. Your comment about male brass to female plastic fittings. Thats the kind of stuff all YT do DIYs need to talk about. You got a new Subcriber!

[@michellepeirce5733]

I can"t thank you enough for making this video! It was so informative and demystified the whole water system insulation. I have a whole new level of confidence in regards to installing now thanks to you. You're awesome!

[@musicaflowerchild5540]

Thank. You . For . Explaining . This . So. Clearly.

[@alexisxannastetic]

Didn’t expect to find the comment section super educational as well. Thanks everyone for chiming in your own experiences and fixes!

[@peterdods425]

Your channel has the content for 100k plus subs. Keep it coming

[@angelfaye101]

Subscribing now before you blow up. I just stumbled across one of your videos. You had 2.92k subscribers. I binged-watches all of your videos over the last 3ish hours. I love how concise yet informative you are. I just looked at your subscriber count and you have 3.01k! Congrats. One of your youtube videos must be doing really well right now.

[@BetsyPippen]

FINALLY SOMEONE WHO EXPLAINS THINGS CLEARLY SO THAT I CAN UNDERSTAND THEM

[@BetsyPippen]

in other words, thank you!

[@stellarsidewalks430]

Awesome video! Your attention to detail and explanation is first rate. I am a general contractor in LA and just purchased an 8x12 box for one of my medium duty pick ups, and I am going to remove the bed, install the box and build it out as an office inside so that days I have multiple projects on one side of town, I can work out of the "office" without having to drive back to my actual office multiple times in a day in order to work at a desk reviewing plans, having conf calls, print out docs that need to be signed, have a bathroom, etc. Driving back and forth from downtown to the Valley can be 45 mins each way, so having an office on the road can save me hours a day and plumbing in the van is essential for it to be practical. I know plumbing for brick & mortar structures well, but this was helpful, as there are a lot of little nuances to RV/Van plumbing. Thanks for the info and keep the videos coming!

[@giannizamora7247]

These videos combined with more technical resources are really the best setups to learn from. Thanks dude

[@tradersato]

That vent port should have a fine wire mesh cap on it to stop any intruders either clogging it or entering your system

[@djandre82]

So detailed and simple. Thank you so much.

[@angeliciamartinez2527]

Love all the details given in the pumping process

[@ronbutcher9412]

A few comments: #1: Most manufacturers I've seen do NOT want you to fill the tank with a garden hose fitting....the pressure could damage the water tank.......2) if you're going to ever use city water (versus your 12 volt pump system), the hose clamps will NOT withstand city water pressure (which could be over 100 pounds).

[@mz.sunflowerladybug7921]

Hey, just subscribed to your channel. I am going to start my Van built in March. Thanks so much for the step by step tutorial. Awesome channel!!!

[@seven_o_savage]

Great to hear Lisbeth, it is a life changing project.

[@mz.sunflowerladybug7921]

@@seven_o_savage I see, thanks for making it it easy...I hope you continue with your journey pass the built. We all would like to see your ventures.

[@What_was_wrong_w_jst_our_names]

It’s March.

[@keelanesquivel3854]

hey man how did it go?

[@thatchillaxdude]

Dude, I just got in my Ruvati sink today! I'm so glad you're doing everything slightly faster than I'm building! LOL

[@jessmatthewson7775]

Ya...amazing... again - lots if info withclear instruction and purpose...presh🤓

[@peterdods425]

I see a lot of people at RV parks with a camco filter right after the hose. That may simplify the build even more.

[@douglasharley2440]

love this channel! can't wait to see your completed van, it's one of the best (and most informative!) builds i've seen so far. thanks

[@claire4301]

Great to see ya still hard at work getting ya van in order, it looks fantastic, its gonna be so awesome when its finished x

[@seven_o_savage]

Stillll cranking. Stoked to start traveling!

[@claire4301]

@@seven_o_savage i bet you bloody are, am jealous :P

[@ronphipps5694]

That was excellent. About to get started on water here and planning to do similar things.

[@ericbooya]

Dude, you have some pretty complex stuff going on in that Van! Awesome stuff.

[@trippymiracle1157]

Woohoo!! And Yay! for details on build.... and algorithms.

[@007nadineL]

This is the level of detail a girl like me wud need Thx

[@PapaBear1044]

I've watched a bunch of UTube videos and yours are among the best. HOWEVER, that said, you do leave out details and that's where I spend an inordinate amount of time - finding parts you didn't list, like the fittings in this video. I'll probably spend 2 days working through how to connect each joint and what parts to use. Sigh. I don't expect exact counts, but a simple list of things, like fitting name connect x to y. used on this part of system. other info Would save us.a lot of time figuring it out ourselves and/or having to watch other videos to find out what they used. Dave

[@delaneymiklos6817]

What a great video! We’re new to van life and working on our plumbing. This video was super informative, thank you!!!

[@Makelifehappennow]

Most excellent. I am in the middle of building my van and plumbing is coming soon. I also have the Bosch water heater. Got the 7 gallon version for my lady (also known as wife). Great vids. Keep 'em coming.

[@dawnankney7057]

Great explanation of how different types of fittings work together and their applications. You took a complicated topic and made it accessible. Also, loved the use of the filter at the point of filling. Keep making videos.

[@Lisa-bh7kk]

Nice set up, and thank you for the video!!

[@errolmagill1611]

Very informative, great ideas. I would want the fresh water tank to be more secure, a full tank will be heavy, braking and cornering will put a lot of strain on the straps and screws.

[@smarreel6071]

Question about fittings: Could you please add links and specify the connector diameters of the fill and drain ports (since they are the same) especially that white plastic connector that you bought off Amazon? Great tutorial. I love your explanations of the different types of fittings and connectors. The other videos that I have seen skim over these important details.

[@garrettmcgurk944]

Bumping because I'm looking for these fittings too!

[@salcolonsc]

Sharkbite also works on copper pipe. When used on Pex, you have to use the plastic sleeve so the pex won't deform. The sleeve is not used on copper pipe.

[@wallacemurray134]

The reason you got new subscribers is because you are a good craftsman and excellent presenter.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Wallace!

[@theother5053]

REALLY love and appreciate the time and detail you’ve put into this video. It’s Extremely helpful; absolutely loved it! Liked and subscribed :). Thanks for your help!

[@chrisbiernat2930]

Excellent content! Going to use this as a tutorial when tackling my plumbing portion of the build.

[@cjsmithfl]

(Thought/suggestion) I think a filter on the end of your vent tube would be a good idea. I know with any kind of dirt road or road driving could allow contaminants (dust, road dirt sand etc.) into your clean water. Given the location of the vent and knowing it will draw air through it presents the possibility of contamination and cleaning of the inside of the tank in the future. Just a thought. They also make a device known as an “auto air vent” that will allow air to pass both ways through it but not water. Overall I really like the setup.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Chris. I ended up Ting off the vent hose / over pressure drain hose and sent one side of the T up the wall inside the van. I put 2 check valves facing opposite ways on both ends of the T so that negative pressure sucks air through the hose inside of the van, while positive pressure exhausts out the drain plug end.

[@fyrecapital1194]

Seven O Savage Have a link to the check valves?

[@sophief.3617]

Thank you so much for your grandiose videos! I'm from austria and my mother tongue is german. But your explanations are grandiose also for me. Thank you! PS: for me the best videos about building a van!

[@peterandrews4172]

water tank takes up less floor space if you put it on it's side on the wheel well check with tank manufacturer ; mine said DO NOT hook onto house pressure hose to fill tank 90 degree barb to barb fittings ARE AVAILABLE cover bottom end of vent and drain lines with window screen held on with a zip tye have on off switch next to sink so you can shut off pump when not in use ; if you develop a leak with the demand pump on , you can get a 30 gallon leak... cut a vertical slot in side of water tank box so you can see the water level in tank, when water is almost to top , you can shut water off....slot on side is cheaper and easier than fill guage 1/2 inch ,12volt ball valve allows you to drain gray tank without getting out of van .

[@neilmarshall4927]

Great content, man. I'm building an off road squaredrop trailer and was looking for plumbing and fresh water information. I may try pex for the lines. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@tariqbacchus]

For PEX, there is no distinction between the colours, only to make it easier to understand for the installer. Each tube is rated for high temperatures as well as freezing temperatures due to its ability to expand up to 3x its size (however it can still burst in extreme conditions). The main advantages of PEX are its flexibility, lower cost of materials and labour, and its durability.

[@shelbysoileau4048]

Great video! Thank you a million!!

[@artemira]

Shiggity Diggity!! You did it again! Love your build, love your process and love your personality! More subs coming your way I'm sure. Also, you can never share too much details of the build. We love the details!

[@kimmytammyy]

Cant wait for you to finish this van and have some van tour video 🤗

[@seven_o_savage]

I'm going to make sure that the van tour vid is legendary!

[@journeywithernie]

This is the easiest I’ve ever understood plumbing!! Considering a van conversion and the plumbing and electrical were terrifying me! Not anymore!!!

[@seven_o_savage]

Awesome to hear!

[@jimmyvo1910]

Very professional. Thanks

[@goy1849]

Great video! Love how detailed this one was

[@Bluenoser613]

The hot water inlet and outlet should be those flexible metal wrapped lines for about 1-2' due to the heat transfer from the hot water tank.

[@abit2556]

Many thanks for such a helpful great video!

[@michaelsintown9008]

Hi young man,I believe you have a factory behind that little shed and all the workers come out at night and do all your work before you get up in the morning,there called (leprechauns) probably Irish one’s not America,you have really done so well good luck with your build,. Mike. London ...

[@markbirchall2060]

You MUST use the PEX red heat pipe for the blow off on the water heater. That soft flex pipe would melt if that valve released all the heat into it at once. Copper is required on gas home water heaters for the blow off pipe. Other wise - great work and presentation. Thanks I am using some of your ideas in my van build.

[@harveygoldberg6069]

If you can use additional strapping for the Fresh water tank. Also when you install the grey water tank under the van, insulate it so witch will protect it from both debris and freezing . I have seen the grey water tank come loose in other vanlife videos and require new strapping/mounting of the grey water tank.

[@Merlmabase]

Another great video. Really appreciate the clarity and depth you include in these. Keep it up!

[@meowzic]

Excellent video 👍 Thanks for taking the time to fully explain everything. I rarely see that in any video and I'm shuffling through videos trying to put the pieces together.

[@vagabeast44]

I learned sooooooo much by watching this video. Thank you. I'm working on a similar project and really needed this video. Thank you again

[@bikerjohn]

Great video and descriptions of materials and processes. Extraordinarily helpful information!

[@bluejeans8001]

Very informative vid. Congrats on a successful diy water system build.

[@warney77]

Amazing video mate!! I virtually never comment, but your video from all aspects was educational

[@bikeninja956]

thanks, SUPER helpful, all the basics pretty much covered. Sink drain is a small ID and a long run....going to have to make sure your plates are really clean of food debris before washing them lol. Also, I noticed you didn't wire loom some of your wiring in the back there and it's sitting right against the sharp edges of the vans stamped metal re-enforcements, I'd be worried over time from vibration, that might cut through and cause a short or fire.

[@LostNative]

Already completely lost. I saw this and though "yes" plumbing could be my next part to start and now I'm think I'm back to zero thought. Gonna go and find something simple.

[@bencuraza6503]

GREAT JOB and for providing the Detailed Parts and Steps for NON Plumber Background experience. New Sub here and CONGRATS on your Subs.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Ben!

[@BrianOsterhoudt]

Did he say, “easy and simple” lol. Great work!

[@rfoxyou]

Excellent video

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you Richard!

[@janeenpuckett4708]

Awesome video! Love the detail. Very helpful for my build!

[@M30263]

Just started watching your videos. Found your Chanel while researching different bed installations. I’m now trying to find some software to use to design the 80/20. Stuff looks amazing for my project! While watching I noticed your water holding tank install. I would highly recommend you install some chaffing protection from the metal strap you are using due to vibration while driving etc. You could consider vinyl strapping. I’d also recommend you install grommets to protect any water lines passing through any penetrations. Anyway, back to your Chanel as I’m still in the research stage of my future project! 😂 Considering converting a Unimog or some other 6x6 if I can find one that won’t break the bank! Enjoying your project btw. 👍👍

[@Aastan]

Put the "T" after the filter. Filter the Hot as well.

[@seven_o_savage]

I’m actually planning on doing this tomorrow :)

[@robertlafont9177]

Excellent job!

[@iamwhoiam9529]

This is the best video yet, all these converted for couples don’t give any technical info,

[@lornehenrypoole5229]

dude...fire...simply fire...

[@biglo9889]

i will be hiring an experienced plumber for my water system. not ashamed to say id mess this up. im building a coffee van and need cold/hot sinks.

[@Al_Idrissi_]

You are the best bro 👍😎

[@cristinakim2479]

Thank you so much for being so detailed about the explanation. I really enjoyed it and most likely will use your video to convert my sprinter next month or so. I thought it was going to be bored and would need to fast forward it but that was not the case. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Cristina!

[@bmonck5110]

Great stuff. Detail really useful. Cheers

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@banntheman7925]

GREAT JOB LOVED ALL YOU VIDS SO FAR HAPPY DRIVING FROM THE UK

[@lostgriz]

Good stuff Dude. I am working on a Sprinter build myself. You may already know, but some guys fill their water takes with food grade whiffle balls to minimize any sloshing noise.

[@seven_o_savage]

Very interesting! I had not heard of this. If the sloshing starts getting annoying I will def try this out.

[@lostgriz]

@@seven_o_savage yeah, never knew there was such a thing as food grade wiffle balls, but there is. They fill the water tank solid with the balls. I hear it works great, I plan to use them.

[@MrJsteed2009]

Very instructive; thanks. Just a thought: I would use grommets where the hoses pass through metal holes, even though they’re tough. And I might beef up hose insulation in a couple spots for cold country. Solid build 👍

[@darlenecribbs1483]

Great video. Thanks!

[@tonynotstated695]

Compare this tank and plumbing install with humble road and wow!!! Humble road wins in every way.

[@skipdippity]

Great video..congrats. I’m excited to get started..!

[@isaacfox4222]

Staples work better than Brad nails.. learned the hard way.. nails come loose overtime especially down bumpy roads

[@rinooneone3]

the vent can be run in the van up a wall panel no outside contamination but i really like your van build i might use the bed shower design as a shower is a must for me.

[@smandler2000]

Thanks for the details! Now I have to watch again and take some notes!

[@cannabutter635]

Love your videos! I'm so inspired and look forward to my own DIY van someday.

[@HeyYoItsGabz]

Subscribed! Thank you so much. Just getting started with my layout, and this is very informative!