SIMPLE & CHEAP Van Build PLUMBING | DIY Water System

This easy set up is all you need for a cheap, off grid, yet simple water system!
Materials:
Sink - amzn.to/2MhPQNc
Faucet - amzn.to/3iHvau0
Foot Pump - amzn.to/39biOqY
Water line - amzn.to/3pfyC1v
Bluie - amzn.to/39UxXfq
Plumbers Putty - amzn.to/39YX9Bl
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Help this channel out by supporting us on Patreon! / linneaandakela
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We are Linnea and Akela. In May, 2020 I purchased our 2016 Ram ProMaster, Togo, to become our full-time home. With this van build, I am using my stubbornness and drive to show individuals that they, too, can convert a campervan BY THEMSELVES and ON A BUDGET, with a lot of learning, rolling up the sleeves, and getting to work.
Our goal is to inspire individuals to chase their dreams... to break from societal limitations and live the life they truly desire. And, to GET OUTSIDE!
SUBSCRIBE for van build details, wanderlust travel, and the truth about van life with a big german shepherd!
Follow on Instagram: @linnea.and.akela

[@spiroszaharakis2648]

I love your videos! Here is one small tip about your gray water plumbing. Ditch that straight tube and either get a longer flexible tube so you can run a loop first before it goes down and into the tank so it effectively creates a siphon, or get a ready-made siphon. If you don't do that, all the bad smells from the gray water tank will be coming out from the sink and make your van smell like a cesspit. Keep up the good work.

[@jack-theoptimisticbaromete4278]

Just found your videos and enjoying watching them. To get that water pipe onto the fittings just stick the end of the pipe into boiled water for 30 seconds. It will slide on as easy as you like.

[@Linneaandakela]

THANK YOU!! I wish I knew this a long time ago! I appreciate the advice a lot and I’ll be sure to pass it on :)

[@jessicahickey4527]

THE BALL TOSS- I AM IMPRESSED

[@ashleighstewart7145]

Every time your notification pops up on my screen, I get so happy! Your videos really make my day. I hope you continue to make videos once you finish your van! You inspire me to build my own van one day. ❤

[@Linneaandakela]

I'm so glad! Thank you!

[@alankee1065]

I love your videos. I know this is a year old but I just found you. I did wanted to say one thing. As a retired water inspector and biologist, saying something is biodegradable is an industry misnomer. Liquor, orange juice and vegetable oil are all biodegradable, however if placed in a stream, wildlife can die. No fish or macro invertebrate can live in those products. Please use dump stations when possible and if not, dispose so runoff is contained at least 100 feet from any stream. Thanks.

[@RoddyPerry]

Hi Linnea! I really enjoy your videos and you are a source of knowledge for me. One thing that I just noticed is that you do not have an elbow pipe from the sink to your grey water tank. When you do not have an elbow, bad smells is likely to come up from the Bluie (six 😜) to the Sink (faucet) hole. There are some straight pipes (with some black magic in them) that have water traps that prevent bad smells where there isn't enough space for putting an elbow. I hope this helps!

[@Linneaandakela]

Hey thanks so much!! I appreciate it!

[@longhairmullet]

Oh yes i have seen these used in place of the elbow,. Thx “comment section” I too will look for this black magic in a pipe. 👍

[@drewdavison1858]

@@Linneaandakela hepvo trap, long balloon or the like with end cut off placed around your sink pipe hanging down into your white pipe should work pretty well

[@Simonofcalifornia]

To stop the water intake line curling inside the tank use a stainless steel or hard plastic straw insert.

[@passgoalejandro]

The dog throwing the ball was awesome

[@melrosze3116]

You're just the perfect sign, that my decision to buy a van and convert it myself was the right decision! I love your video's so much and I'm sure they will help me over some tears and hair pulling.. :D feel a big hug, Mel

[@mikestone9129]

You are an amazing young lady. If I had had a daughter I would hope she was an adventurist as you. You rock.

[@paulykramer8887]

I'd like a take a moment to thank you for the AMAZING music you've introduced me to from the bgm you've used. I've been watching the vids with Shazaam open and adding the artists to my playlists!

[@katievolk5205]

Love and Gratitude ❤❤❤❤❤❤I would never do what your doing!! I Love watching you!! The best!!!

[@drakejdf]

Crazy. I’m using the same reliance water containers I had in my garage for 4 years.I purchased the same whale water pump/i modded a stainless bowl and fitted a drain system and purchased a cold water faucet on Amazon.I’m converting a 6x10 cargo trailer into a camper.

[@VictorVictor-hq7ui]

The brass ball thingy is called an Olive. Love your enthusiasm. 👍

[@benoitbenoisbenoistchaine]

Voila , water pipe installed.. wow emotional installation done.. haha .. fun to look at

[@rickwieland7920]

Your videos are inspiring, your doing and excellent job. Can't wait to purchase a van and get started. I'm currently looking for a van, I am handicap so I expect my build to take 1 year. Hope to see you on the road. Looking forward to the adventure.

[@bridgesadventures]

Hey girl. I love love your videos so much. I am starting to build my van out soon and I love how you explain things. So easy to understand.

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you! Good luck with your own build :)

[@ggolds5]

My wife and I are considering buying a 76 VW Westfalia Camper. It's been completely restored. However, it is missing the one piece sink, stove, fridge unit. They are impossible to find. Watching this definitely gave me the idea that I CAN build pretty much the same unit using materials that you showed in your video. Thank you for that. By the way, I'm pretty sure you can buy a cheap water pump that can replace the foot pump so the water can just run like a regular sink. On Amazon, there is a $20 mini pump that I bought to drain gas from the mower and other things so when winter comes they won't sit with fuel in them all winter. That simple device makes it pretty obvious that a simple electric or battery operated- in that case- pump will work instead just so you know. Thanks again!!!. Love the puppy.

[@jhrhiggi]

Having a smaller faucet you’d really be continued about how much water you’re using. Love your kitchen set up, very cool!

[@TheSockmonster3]

You could probably add a 1 gallon pressure tank after your foot pump to get most consistent/quicker water flow. Might need to add a check valve but that's no biggie

[@Linneaandakela]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@TheSockmonster3]

@@Linneaandakela www.amazon.com/Jabsco-30573-0003-Mini-Accumulator-Tank/dp/B01L2VD41M/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=bladder+type+accumulator+tank&qid=1611538966&sr=8-8 That one is 21.5 ounces capacity (about 2.5 cups), and it comes with 2, 1/2" hose barb fittings that would fit right on your hose you used. Its small size (8.4"x4.7") should fit perfect in your tiny home on wheels

[@margiesvanmori]

This is amazing! I'm getting my van furniture from thrift stores and cutting up the wood.

[@gtrs8037]

Great build..I like this alot..Thanks for sharing 😊

[@craigmorton8693]

nice easy set up...good work!

[@cindycleland7026]

If you decide you need more room under the sink, fit a salad bowl with a drain, set it on top of a new counter. Only drill 2 small holes in your countertop/wood. One for the faucet, one for the drain that holds the sink/bowl. Lots of room underneath!!!

[@64PaulR]

I love Akela. Beautiful dog.

[@Alan.livingston]

Simple is good.

[@judylloyd7901]

My minivan is named Bluey 😁 Not that I have written it on, but that's her name. Love the simplicity of your plumbing system. I'm all for the simple approach 👍👍

[@TS-rd7oy]

You are an awesome young woman!! Yours is my go to channel now that I'm building out my van. Thank you so much.

[@tasteofbrownie]

Great job girl!!

[@matthewkeating6970]

You could add veneer (thin sheet wood) over scrap wood pieces later at any time.

[@rosmutti]

They are so perfect as they are! Adding to the charm of the van!

[@howard6433]

Nice install. If you start to get bothered by the smell of your gray water, you can install a p-trap between the sink and gray water tank.

[@johnbroystonjr23]

Hey Linnea & Akela!!! I just adore how practical your projects are. Those gasping sounds that you make when you realize the shyt that you created actually works. ☺ Great job as usual, valuable lessons along the way. Be SAFE out there and Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. 😎

[@mikejohn4155]

Hi Linnea, I'm converting a cargo trailer. The similarities are many. Your video on your sink project helped me decide how my sink will be . Thanks.

[@CallsignRiot]

Just wanted to say, I've been watching every episode as soon as they come out, and I am loving this series. Keep up the good work, and I can't wait to see whats next :)

[@CallsignRiot]

Also, it was good to see some more of Akela this episode :) she's so adorable

[@RecklessRobbie]

Great job. You kept talking about what a simple water setup you have but don't sell yourself short. You took on more then I did with my water setup. I especially like the gray water release. Very smart.

[@Linneaandakela]

Haha, well thank you!

[@paulmarker9206]

As a former HS shop teacher, you rock! Love your "go for it attitude" and your problem solving mindset.

[@petmom74]

THANK YOU! Finally a detailed foot pump how-to!

[@cathietonkin5577]

😝 😂 ‘don’t tell Mom’!!!! Love it! 🧡💛❤️🤎

[@ericjohnmason8384]

Thank you so much. This video really helps me out because in the future I want to do van life and be a KZbin and travel and share my experiences living in a van.

[@adbc8737]

Simple works… if it breaks or wears out, it is easy to fix! Thank You for the excellent video!🌀❤️🌀

[@Vibrant_Goo]

This was a project I was long dreading and I just finished it - finally no leaks! The hardest part for me was getting all the fittings and everything connected. I basically used a garden hose quick connect thing and attached it to CPVC to get the potable water - yours is much simpler and works just as good. Crap, I didn't know you're suppose to putty the drain.

[@CihaPet]

I found this entertaining and informative. Love your can-do attitude!

[@almostrvperfect6203]

Just a thought ... To easily secure your water jugs while driving drill a small hole (or two) in the cabinet floor for a 1/2 inch dowel rod, probably any length will work.

[@ericdavis1987]

Pretty amazing series. Way to capitalize on quarantine life

[@davidlewis8066]

Hey thank you for your water system installation I was wanting somthing simple and you answer that ??? For me. Thanks I will take it. Keep it Real and keep it moving.

[@beeamerica5024]

Yay Aquila

[@timothypowell5446]

Missed your videos! Because of you I bought a van! Thank you for being so tough and doing this on your own! Thank you thank you please continue videos. You motivate me and teach me so much not just about the Van build... about being strong and having faith in myself! Much love

[@nancycard4299]

Linnea, I just got home with my new (slightly used) Promaster 136WB. I will be watching all your videos again! Thanks for all the great information - looking forward to more!

[@LauraOnTheMove]

I'm planning to do almost exactly the same thing in my van! It's great to see you installing everything. I also love that you know you don't need more. I think most people over do it on plumbing...

[@kathylewis4071]

the rubber gasket fits up into your sink then the nut tightens the rubber up into it... you just have it mixed up... good effort for your first time..

[@Linneaandakela]

That is what I did! I just needed to add some more before I added the but otherwise it didn’t fit the thread correctly :)

[@kathylewis4071]

clapping for your work done so far... really enjoying your tenacity in getting it done... good on you woman!!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much!

[@cynthiabush2581]

I absolutely love your van..❤

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you!

[@hesham1319]

I am in love . Thank you so much for the great idea . Greating from Tokyo. Marry Xmas snd happy new year in advance

[@bryanmoss2780]

I'm just now starting my own build from scratch on a cargo van and I don't know anything. Your videos help tremendously. Thank you!! My motto: 1s" Simplicity is the highest form of art." I want to keep it, no thrills simple, as your methods. Thank you!!

[@RaymondWardJr]

Love your happy vibe and your videos... Might install a P-Trap if you start to get a smell from the gray bluey :)

[@lauriesammons7357]

Amazing video! I'm doing the exact same thing in my mini van and this has been incredibly helpful. You're a badass!

[@shipless33]

Great job! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@karaleigh_eva]

I love thisss, this is exactly how I was planning to do my sink, so I’m relieved to see someone break it down in so much detail. Most videos seem to assume that everybody has at least a little bit of experience. The foot pump isn’t going to be the easiest thing to wash my hair w, but I’d rather that inconvenience than to deal w wiring an electric pump and using more electricity.

[@marlenagolba7499]

Loads of love for you ❣️❣️❣️

[@marlenagolba7499]

How did you teach her throwing ball?! ❣️ Awesome trick 😍

[@Linneaandakela]

She has always done it on her own and I have encouraged her each time she throws it, over time I just praised her when she would get a good throw in my direction, and now she has a pretty good "arm" haha

[@marlenagolba7499]

@@Linneaandakela that's so cool! She is talented! 😍

[@FnAVanLife]

Get it girl you are killing it. Nice job!

[@melissastafford508]

I used a bar sink for my van. The plastic tube you used is the same I used and it makes the water taste terrible but it is great for washing hands and dishes. I love your videos keep em comin!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you!I haven't actually noticed it making my water taste weird haha I am glad that it is working well for you though!

[@timothypowell5446]

You might want to put a u trap in so you don’t get stinky smell back through from grey water blueie

[@isabeldejesus1924]

whats a u trap?

[@OP-mz3hr]

Love your video. Not just educational but also entertaining :)

[@peavine2949]

Superb job, thanks for the help.

[@dorothysfriend]

Thanks, very simple system. The only suggestion I would make for a minor improvement is turning the grey water tank sideways so that the depression under the handle will allow you to slip it out easier from under the sink. The slide in pipe is a great idea, so use the depression in the tank to slide it out from under the pipe much easier.

[@mariad4183]

Great info and tips! Thank you for sharing honey! xoxo

[@thebear7729]

Hi I love your videos and I LOVE your tik toks and your dog is SO SO SO cut

[@sherrijones307]

This was a great video, we are just building out our van and this is our next project. Thanks for the info. I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@HappySoulTraveler]

Missing the p-trap or a one way flap to prevent smells from the grey water coming back up the sink? Might not be an issue in the winter, but definitely you will know in the summer.

[@X31-k9b]

I know this is old video but I'm doing my sink now in a minivan though,and I have to tell you yours is still to small even for me in a minivan. That said I might have went that size if I didn't see it in your video. So I have to thank you. I do like the blues,I just can't find them,but I guess they were five gallon tanks though. Thanks again.

[@bernadettelee5949]

Thank you. Love it.

[@rosmutti]

I love your mis matched cupboard fronts! Lovely job! Your van build is beautiful.

[@seandeyoung01]

I have just now been through several dozen videos on this kind of thing. You gave me faith back in humanity. Most those publishers I am convinced have to be idiots. Not you way to go

[@Linneaandakela]

Aw thank you so much! :)

[@patrickjobling8676]

Lets spare a thought for jack n jill. ..they had to go up the hill to fetch a pail a water .. now had they had a fancy foot pump .. we would never known of there struggle ..😁pip pips

[@john0413]

Excited on your next video

[@d-arts7139]

so many people are going to really appreciate your videos linnea. nice work! now, since youve completed your van, you should tear it all out and start over... for everyone to learn totally new ways to do everything!!! LOL im just kidding! oh hey, thats an idea isnt it! over and over!

[@DCGULL01]

What an AWESOME adventure, Linnea!!! We Love Aquila (sp?), I love your cool H2O system- very impressed that it's DRY!!! May I recommend (better late than never?) those 5 gallon 'soft sided' clear plastic H20 bags with strong handles- may be easier to pump? But, blueys are perfectly fitted- so, I'm totally down with it! I was wondering in gravity could've worked harder for you on this build, but... that's just spitballing. Love the van- you GO GRRL!!!

[@patriciamoranatheras7934]

Awesome job!

[@1wildwackywoman]

Well done!

[@jamelcampbell4984]

I bought a usb charged water faucet thing from amazon for $12-$16. This goes on rhe top of a 3-5 gallon plastic water jug. May be a great backup for you. Love your van build and your dog. I too bought a deisel heater, 200w solar setup, in prep for a van or ?

[@ilpierpa1973]

Nice job as usual...if I can give you a suggestion, you should add a siphon under the sink to prevent bad smell from returning up...

[@longhairmullet]

I dont know what a siphon is referring to but I have watched the tiny home sink installations where they found the importance of a P trap, or a curve in the pipe for smells. Just take a look under a sink in a home to see it.

[@ilpierpa1973]

@@longhairmullet it’s exactly what I meant. Maybe siphon is too technical....😂 sorry. A curve will be fine...

[@georgehouse4747]

Just love each and every video.. you Rock ✌️

[@Thatoneninja22]

Thinking of building this now while I'm gutting and still converting so I can have clean hands then eventually put it where the toilet will be so I don't have to split plumbing

[@liannehoenderboom1018]

Akela tossing that ball was awesome, my boy has the same ball, and half the time I can't even get him to go get it and bring it back to me, or he'll go get it and get halfway down the field on his way to me with it and he'll just drop it and go sniff somewhere else, and every now and then he'll even give me a look like he's saying "is there anything wrong with your legs and arms, or any other reason you're not just getting it yourself? you are the one that threw it after all" haha

[@klaramelamedmusicchannel6184]

Thank you so much!!!

[@vanialynd]

Awesome thanks 😊

[@hgdance]

This is awesome!

[@aradiantjoy]

It looks so good and I have to say, while I’m so glad your van is almost done I will miss your videos! Looking forward to what you will be sharing once the tweaks are done ❤️

[@crismccomber3304]

Looking awesome, Linnea!!

[@tomsopinion962]

I just think you are great!!!!!!

[@Q2bFF]

I started with the rust prevention video

[@mandelish1978]

Awesome!

[@georgehouse4747]

Another Awesome video from a Great inspiration 🙂 you truly do Rock

[@sandylee1717]

Great job Again!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you!

[@cas5324]

You're a genius!

[@davidjaeger7850]

You have done a great job throughout your build! I’ve been following you guys from the beginning. I’m building out a new cargo trailer in AZ. Well done Kiddo I like your style!!

[@michaelfishkin4332]

Fantastic

[@alicebrewer8838]

Great video again , very informative & easy to follow x

[@tomgreen5701]

Great job girl

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you!

[@highgate7429]

Simple but effective. Way to go!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻