Super simple RUNNING WATER for your van | Van Build #18

[@jesperholmelundulff-kalles1846]

Great Job - So many ways to obtain the same result - WATER Instead of an eletric pump we went for a manual footpump called little whale, it is sound free and you save a lot of water..... We love it. Also we have made a swich so we can let the water go straight out of the wan, when camping free on grass etc, and flip the wwich and the water goes into the tank...

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

_Thank you for the smiles, when seeing so happy, it made me happy too! Excellent job, Lenja!_

[@grf1426]

Need a "U" bend on the grey water to stop smells coming up the sink drain hole. You can get them compact so they'll fit

[@DavidHuffTexas]

That was one of the first things I thought, too. That corrugated drain hose looks pretty flexible, maybe it could just be bent into a U ?

[@tomdederen5893]

@@DavidHuffTexas exactly, if its long enough its possible. I was thinking the same.

[@Afrikaislife]

Gerard is absolutely correct. If you don't want the smells coming back up you'll need a U-bend.

[@grf1426]

You can buy a "bottle" that does the job

[@keithc904]

Hope that works as I was going to do the same thing, due to lack of space for a proper fixture.

[@tomnesler2089]

The pump seems extremely loud. Given that there are no doors on the cabinet, it will be softer once they are on. But I would recommend getting some rubber pads to keep the vibration from going through the wood. Otherwise, it looks great!

[@Viaticboston]

Tom Nesler agreed mate. It also prolongs the pump life as it reduces the internal components rattling around.

[@Frost-tb9qs]

Great advice

[@louie12330]

I have the same pump and its not as loud in person as it seems in The video

[@M-M772]

I have been searching for hours now and i couldnt find a video that explained and showed how to do this simple set up :D They all had complicated hot water system or expensive devices because of the pressure in the tank. So thank you so much for doing a simple video ! It helped so much.

[@marks-0-0]

I'd keep it simple and enlarge the hole for the fresh water tube, even 1mm larger would work. Also its helpful to attach a weight to the end of the tube to keep it at the bottom of the tank 👍

[@Cydoffgrid]

Great tip! What might you use as a weight? I was thinking about a kitchen faucet hose weight... but since they're not made to be submerged in freshwater I'm not sure.

[@carcharoclesmegalodon6904]

I'd add another hole with a thin pipe (like a plastic straw) attached to it, so that the water doesn't splash out

[@Greenmtnman3]

You might want to put bungy cords around your tanks, to keep them from falling over, when driving. (stretchy straps)

[@DavidHuffTexas]

Or some nylon straps with a quick release buckle ?

[@samurai3330]

There comes the water......magic. You are so cute. GREETINGS from Germany. Good Job

[@ivecamperbuild_thomas4084]

You did a good job , just a suggestion the pipe going into the water tank I would put a weight on the end of the pipe so it dose not float up so you will alway beable to get water and fit a accumulator then your pump will not always vibrate it should be quieter then

[@ovadyarachman7243]

nate murphy has an excellent van conversion tutorial and booklet. I recommend you buy it before you next van conversion. it really takes away all the risk from building your own van conversion.

[@arnoldtarbooz1420]

Great job - you should turn the flexible gray water hose into a P-Trap shape to avoid the smells coming from the waste water back to your space via the sink drain. That is why they gave a flexible hose to do that.

[@alanmay1945]

That leak was caused by the type of clip you used, called 'Jubilee' type clip. Greg Virgoe did a recent interesting video about how this type of clip causes leaking joints; basically, they have a 'notch' or 'step' in the circle, so it is not uniformly smooth all round. Greg solved this problem by using instead 'fuel line' type clips, which are perfectly smooth all round its circle. Greg is a very observant and clever man, you can depend on his workmanship. Best wishes from Alan, in England.

[@nathaliamendes4794]

Hi Lenja maybe put a stand pipe (straight plastic pipe) in your fresh water tank then connect your hose on to it so that means your suction is always at the bery bottom of your tank. Make sure cut the end of the stand pipe that goes inside your tank in an angle to gives a good suction. Hose itself intend to curl up inside your tank, this idea you are sure youll get all your water 100%

[@lifeoflenja390]

Hi Nathan! Thant's a really good tip! I was already in the situation several times where I couldn't get all of the water out of my tank. I will defenitely try this, thanks a lot!

[@nathaliamendes4794]

You are welcome. Actually I'm jealous that you have a van already, I'm still dreaming and aiming to have a van to convert it to camper van like what you are doing now. All the best 🤗

[@rickardenstedt]

Hi Lenja! You can use a backvalve for the containers... the fresh water needs to suck in air and the grey water need to blow out air when using the fawcet. But when not using the fawcet the back valves should keep closed. Then for the smell of greywater you need a U or S bend on the pipe. You are an inspiration for sure! Well done! Regards Rickard from Sweden

[@brianrussell1565]

Probably smartest van woman. Known how to do everything yourself. Learning lot with your videos

[@maxweston1]

Thank you for making this video! I prefer yours over all of the other "pro" vloggers/tutorials.. I will be using your setup!

[@markbailey3996]

By far the simplest and easiest to follow video on KZbin that I’ve seen. Thank you! Doing our van water system today 🕺🏼

[@michellec4857]

I'm off grid too and found ur channel because I have a SeaFLO and want to install it because, I'm so over bottles of water. Just to do everyday task take so much time. The Joy on your face when the water came out was priceless!

[@Russellbeta]

I love how you get lots of helpful tips from people :) If that's your only source of water I would consider having some extra water storage somewhere.

[@Swimdeep]

The pump is so loud-aber gut gemacht on the install. As a solo female, it’s great to watch you do your build. Thanks.

[@NomaddUK]

Bizarrely, this is exactly what I have been doing in my van today!! If you drill two 1mm holes either side of the pipe and then two 1mm holes in the inner sealing ring (THe first blue bit to fit on the tank) you shouldn't lose any water no matter how much you shake it. The holes in the two plastice pieces don't need to line up provided there is an air gap between them both. The holes only need to be tiny to allow the pressure to balance.

[@Trailvagabonds]

Great idea!

[@rachelavil6598]

I can't wait to get my van to try to convert it. I will be on my own building too. No experience. LOL But if I did my kitchen and livingroom remodel, I think I can do this.

[@bicanoo_magic3452]

Someone already mentioned it...but either a 'U' bend or what's easier is a loop held together with a cable tie !! Oh. BTW. I would install a cheap non-return valve before and after the pump. That gives you 'instant on' water rather than waiting for the pump to prime. I would also use ratchet tie-down straps to keep the tanks in place.

[@mhelander]

Lenja, I would add breather tube to fresh water tank, pointing from cab to upward. And, for gray water tank, overflow/breather tube downward, if possible through floor to outside. Add P trap between sink and tank, will keep smells out, and works properly with breather tube. This is how my camper van has tanks plumbed, and how my van build will get water system installed.

[@K1GBD]

I just built a portable pump system using this pump for my overlanding rig but it came in VERY handy recently when we had a water main break at the house and didn’t have running water. I appreciate your expression of how really amazing it actually is that we “just have” water at our houses! When you DONT have it you really appreciate how amazing it is! And it makes it even that much more exciting to be able to recreate that even in a small way when you’re on the road! Great vid and I hope you’re travels continue to be rewarding!

[@hilaireoloughlin]

Brilliant. Great job. Try to bend your flexible down pipe into an S shape. This would create a syphon and stop nasty smells coming up from your used water tank.

[@davebuts1921]

Wow, that is looking good Lenja, on the freshwater tank I would only fill it 4/5 or 2/3rd, I say this as the greywater will have food debris and bits in it, the last thing you need is a greywater overflow. But it is looking so very good. your doing so very well.

[@jcrefasi1]

I suggest a strainer for the sink drain. Some smaller ones are sold that fit bathroom fixtures. Cheaper than for an rv sink

[@RwP223]

You know those weird looking stepped drill bits, like a christmas tree, with a straight cutting flute (not a spiral flute like a normal drill bit), those are practically made to drill into plastic. Specifically, the straight flute is what does the magic, it's a neutral cut where a spiral flute pulls itself into soft materials like plastic; this is why it grabs as it takes an excessively deep cut.

[@coyotegene86]

Pefect set up! Exaclty what I was looking for to replace my dumb hand pump faucet I got. ** pro-tip ** ...hand pump faucets won't make you save more water bc it takes the same amount of water to clean dishes and hands regardless and you just make more work for yourself XD....try washing hands with one hand pumping the water...

[@EricsVeganVan]

Coming together nicely. A lot fewer leaks than I had when I did mine. You'll quickly know which is your grey water tank but starting off I clearly marked it so as not to confuse them.

[@schism420420]

You are so happy when water flowed !

[@honestview]

You can buy a tap pump, like for example the "Xiaomi SOTHING Automatic Water Pump" just as an example. tap-pumps are faster to install, work off 12v or 5v USB and have a built-in battery.

[@jacquesolivier65]

Hi Lenja, perharps you should add an accumulator just after the pump to prevent it from kicking on and off all the time

[@craftymulligar]

I might use some type of bucket for a simple setup. They are selling a 1000 to 1500 water element ring at tractor supply. Plug it in to ecoflow for a little while to get some hot water. Then a pump will bring out hot water

[@darlenewillbrandt1628]

Good job ! I am converting a shuttle bus into my adventure before dementia bus. Plans are to explore national parks and other places in the lower 48 states.

[@Viaticboston]

Don’t worry about the knuckle grazes. I’m used to Yorkshire grit stone jamming routes, it just shows you’re climbing hard!🤣 great vid again. I’m trying to come up with a solution for hat water on tap with my Landy build.

[@mns0306]

HI Lenja, I think t might be better if you install the pump the other way around. That is the cylinder end (where the motor is) to be on the upper side and the pump is on the bottom. Such any leaks will not sip into the motor. Great job by the way.

[@SV_SheDevil]

Great job with the sink. Just a bit of info for you. I did the same set up you did in mine. I love it. The one thing I added later was an air exhaust fan under the sink and exhausted the air from under the sink to outside as your gray water tank can get stinky over time.

[@goldsteinist]

Is the filter included in your pump? Otherwise I would recommend to put a filter between the water tank and your water pump to make sure your pump is actually protected. Well done otherwise. Pretty loud water pump myself building my bicycle caravan and really looking for a silent water pump if there any exist. Keep up the great videos your smile is so authentic and makes others happy. Cheers from Denmark

[@keithc904]

Nice to see you have a stress free job on this one, and ever thing worked as it should.

[@librab103]

Things that connect things are always useful! Just drill a hole in the handle of the jug so it allows air to flow in. Also try to find some rubber "feet" for your pump so the vibrations are not as bad.

[@jcrefasi1]

Rubber washers under the attachment screws. Or some of the "noise reduction" sheet that came with your faucet might help on the wall before attaching the pump

[@PMacleod3000]

Such a happy smiley face at 11:07 LOL when things go right. You might want to consider boxing in the pump under the sink it will reduce the noise. Also get a piece of rubber and re-screw the pump to the wall that might help as well. Lenja, there is something called a one way valve you can add to the water tank as well. It’ll let water in one way but not back out. So far so good. Also one last observation, put a U bend waste under the sink, or you’ll get smells coming back through the sink. Did you manage to hand your thesis in yet? Hope you’re keeping well.yes I’m very late commenting lol

[@yourpcmd]

On top towards the back of your water tank, just a simple 1/8th inch hole is all it take to relieve the pressure. Thats what we had to do with ours and worked a treat and no water escapes.

[@kevgermany]

Good job. Was wondering what you were going to do about vents. But you found it. Vent on the fresh tank can be small, couple of mm should be enough. Need to test the overflow as well. Guess you'll strap them in to stop them falling around when you drive. U bend on grey water needed.

[@marcbruneel1858]

What I learned from other video's, because of the lack of a RV, is that grey water isn't smelling very well. So I also was confused the was no water slot, u-turn. For venting you can drill a little hole ate the end of the handle (underneath)

[@PeaceChanel]

Peace… Salam... Shalom... Namaste and Thank You so much for All that you are doing to Heal our Mother Earth 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ❤

[@alanmay1945]

Lenja, you have to have a U bend fitting, put under the sink, screwed into the drain hole, to stop the grey water smell coming up into the van.

[@Bear-cm1vl]

Lenja if you decide to seal the drain connection to the tank and use a P-trap as many are suggesting and as you have configured, you will need to run a vent from the grey water tank outside, both to prevent the tank from pressurizing, not allowing waste water to flow into the tank smoothly and to carry out odors from the grey water tank away from the living space. Both the fresh water and the grey water tanks will need an air vent as long as tight connections are used, however only the grey water vent will need to run outside. Otherwise you will get weird issues and odors from your system, including what I suspect is causing your pump to sound funny when it starts up. Those diaphragm style pumps are noisy at the best of times and sound isolation from the wall, as well as two more mounting screws will help too. Nice job so far! 👍

[@discoveringlockenest8420]

I like the simplicity of this! Thank you for sharing!

[@nathanmciver6496]

Love the upside-down metal

[@johnbarber4853]

Greeting from Baltimore Md. I have been binge watching your van build and you are doing an amazing job! I think if you loosen the water cap on your freshwater tank you may get enough air to solve your problem. I would try that first before drilling a hole in the cap that may leak.

[@Unzyme]

That sounds like the best solution to me.

[@peterbakker2572]

Same setup like mine, perfect and good choice...

[@hotwireman49]

A thought that came to my mind watching your video about that flex hose that goes from the bottom of your sink to your gray water tank: the folds in that material is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. How are you going to clean it? Maybe just a piece of smooth hose would be better than that Flex stuff? How is it working out for you?

[@thomascrook6826]

Good point

[@OzMacro]

I’d consider a water accumulator so that your pump doesn’t have to prime all the time. Also you could attach a one way check valve to the handle of the container or drill 1mm holes in the handles, which would be the cheaper way to go. Being that the holes would be in the handles they are at the highest part of the containers so no leaks. It’s looking good. What happened to the back of your left hand Lenja?

[@barrysoutthere]

Small vent hose mounted straight up

[@hiliaryjohnson5188]

Listen! I started watching this video and your eNergy hooked me right from the getgo! Sehr Gut! Love it…I am subscribing…

[@surchin4serenity474]

Hi, great vids and quality van build. A bicycle tyre valve will allow pressure in whilst stopping water escape when you're travelling. Also I would recommend securing the water containers because when full they will move around on uneven roads. Keep the vids coming and stay safe. 👍

[@dalewilson59]

you know more about pluming at your young age than my brother who is 65!...lol

[@almich-s1v]

Me and Ken really like the vid. GREAT WORK

[@JaWuJoLoJa]

Top Job. Aber je nachdem wie lang das Wasser im Abwassertank steht bzw. wie stark dieser mit der Zeit vergammelt, gehe ich stark davon aus dass du Probleme mit Geruch bekommen wirst. Einfach noch einen kleinen Siphon im Rohr installieren bzw den Flexschlauch noch etwas biegen wenn der lang genug ist. EDIT : Gerade gesehen dass es darüber schon einige Kommentare gibt. 😅 ignorier meinen. Lg :)

[@fungoorstitch]

You can get pumps that automatically shut off at a certain water pressure for about the same price as non-switch pumps. Then all you have to do is use the water faucet normally.

[@Joe_Sant]

You definitely need a u bend on the waste water. Maybe if you fixed some sort of sound reduction insulation between the water pump & the cladding on the van may make the water pump a bit quieter. Just trying to help a little. Nice video nice to see you happy after doing the job. Maybe you could fit a breather valve in you fresh water tank lid. 😁✋

[@chairfitcamp]

Excellent

[@LAStupidDrivers]

You need the water trap in the Gray tank. If you don’t have sink water trap the water smell will come out from the tank. You need just bend the sink hose to make as water trap.

[@pgrieger]

Learning more and more from you. Especially about attitude 🤗

[@pascallecorvaisierjournali2524]

You are just Brilliant

[@mfsolutions]

Great job... I was thinking you might have to add a pressure switch but it appears your pump has one. You may need a check valve or reroute your pipe so you don't lose your prime every time you turn the tap on... you can hear the pump labour to prime itself. I expect your pump will not last near as long in this setup. You could check online to see how other people have handled this or shoot me a response and I will track it down for you. Greg

[@fritzfromswitzerland]

Gregory Dalton I think that it doesn't have a pressure switch, it's just to weak. And if you let it on like that for too long maybe it catches on fire 😂

[@mfsolutions]

@fredrik bergquist I don't know if I want an accumulator with a rubber diaphram on my potable water. if you do get some bad water you would have a tough time sanitizing the system.

[@mfsolutions]

@fredrik bergquist I know I have worked in the food industry for many years but I think the cost and level of complexity for Lenja's simple system ( clear lines let you know if you have anything growing) is overkill. AND since accumulators go on the pressurized side of the pump it may not stop the loss of prime by the pump when it shuts off.

[@boulala21]

awesome video! exactly what is was looking for. Everyone else was so complicated about all this

[@jonnytacooutdoors]

Great video! Thank you. I have the same water pump and I’ll be doing this same kind of setup 🎉

[@ClissaT]

You need a one-way valve to let the air in or out but not let the water out. You will find one of those at a good water pump shop, camping store, caravan or boat repair shop or maybe a hydroponic shop. It will have threaded ends because normally it would be situated inline. But you just need to drill the right sized hole and mount it with silicon at the top of each water tank.

[@johnguerard1355]

Lenja another awesome video. Keep them coming. 😃

[@PatriotOne1]

You might need a inlet relief valve like : 1/4 in. NPT Tank Drain Valve by Powermate. It's drain valve, but if you place it on top it might work like an air inlet valve once you open it. If you carry the water tanks it will not leak once closed.

[@ManWander]

nice job Lenja! you might want to add some rubber behind the pump to ease vibrations

[@terry4265]

Great Job : I am so impressed with how good a job your doing. I'm still looking for my Short Bus. Very excited about finding one. In the mean time. I'll keep learning from you. Thanks for the Video. :)

[@ryblife4616]

okay you definetly should put some rubber in beteween the pump and the wood to make it much much more quiet ;) you can use the rubber whats used for washing maschine or from an old tire

[@paulk8152]

I Always enjoy you

[@Trailvagabonds]

Super exciting and so simple! We plan to do something very similar in our build! Great video! Still debating if we'll want a spigot out the back of the van to wash off our dogs and bikes on top of a sink?

[@joshstumpf8476]

A simple breather valve that is raised up will solve all the issues. Put one on each tank. Cheap and easy

[@Quickblood1]

I was wondering about these cheap water pumps. Your's works well even without the accumulator but wow is it noisy. I think I'd just go for the 12v submersible with a micro switched tap.

[@cldub2cw]

Good job

[@robertoambrosi9876]

Well done Lenja

[@Aweber87]

If it hasn’t been said. Drill A hole the size of the tube as you’ve done for the water hose. Add an additional hose about 8-12 inches (maybe shorter maybe longer. Loop it around the handle a couple times so I’m theory it can suck the water as needed but will have to go around a few loops (unlikely) to be able to spill

[@_Astrovert]

great solution!!

[@michealpigram3570]

Well done going strong van looks great 👍👍👍

[@grzegorzradecki7500]

Great work! Simple and good explanation!

[@thomascrook6826]

Lovely and simple, well done 👍🏻

[@thomasmaes6620]

You are the only one thinking about a vent, I'm looking for hours now because I don't find a damn jerrycan over here that has one. Did it work to just leave some room between the hole and the tube?

[@raimundasvainauskas601]

Is this pump 12V

[@abbeyjane1306]

Thanks for your excellent video.

[@henrissonbeitzfamily5492]

Late subscriber here.. did you think about putting a S bend in the sink outlet?.... to prevent any possible smells ? (great watching btw!) :-)

[@henrissonbeitzfamily5492]

ok... should have worn my glasses!

[@RichCompMan]

Looking good so far. Can’t wait to see the finished product.

[@77mucha]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Now I'm smarter! :)

[@aahmaz7465]

great video keep going

[@patricklee780]

I like it, I like it, great job Lenja!!

[@billjacobs8035]

Happy Easter 🐣 From 🌅 Florida 🇺🇸

[@peterwhitcomb8315]

Great job so far. That water pump is awfully loud though. As far as a way to relieve the air pressure build up, I second (or hundredth) the suggestion of putting a one way valve on it so air can get in but water can't get out. Or a small hose (very small diameter) that extends about 6 inches higher than your fresh water tank. I can picture it (saw it in another van build with similar water set up) but having difficulty explaining it or doing the concept justice.

[@jcrefasi1]

You probably arent going to have both potable water jugs empty at the same time so you only need a pin hole in the lid that remains under the sink permanently. You just take the empty out leaving the lid on the tubing. Remove the lid off of the replacement jug and install it. under the sink. The lid with the solid insert is then put on the jug to be refilled and stored

[@donwyates]

Nice job Lenja! Is this the last "major" hurdle in the build? Seems like that type of drain hose would collect nasty bits from the grey water (food & whatnot) in it's folds - maybe not. I guess an occasional bleach solution before dumping might help? Looking good!

[@SaiPhet]

Wish I knew where to get those white pipping and fitting you’re using

[@safeharbor7]

You're an impressive girl Lenja, beautiful too. Always enjoy your videos. Big thumbs up...

[@pharpester]

I think the pump should be mounted the opposite way, that way no water leaks onto the motor.