We've Had Enough Dealing With Gray Water Disposal! The Blue Boy Has Got To Go!

[@AlJohnsonLasVegas]

I use a macerator pump to pump through a 3/4 hose to my honeywagon 36 gal on the back of the flatbed tow vehicle.

[@GlendaNorris-qx3in]

I’m glad the new pump worked well for you. I’m also sure this dumpling job is not an exciting task but a must do. Just think about all those warm refreshing showers that will come. Enjoy! 💕

[@billanddeb]

It's just a chore you have to do every few days.no biggie

[@bobmclemore]

Great ideas all the time, thanks for sharing your thoughts, story and experiences.

[@debbies6192]

Try placing a small piece of wood under the back corner of the container and it will angle it down toward the drain tube.

[@anthonyguenther6008]

Job well done,great setup.

[@scottsimpkins350]

Hopefully I’m not repeating someone else … I think this is a great solution! A few minutes of hooking up hoses and power sure, but it’s a great work around. I think I would add a shorter piece of hose to your tank inlet - say maybe 4 or 5 foot so your connection from the pump would be on the outside of your van. When you are done transferring , disconnect the hose outside (at the back door area) and there will only be a small amount of gray water that escapes BUT none inside you van. ?? You wouldn’t even need to buy a shorter hose, simply cut your current hose at whatever length you want and install a coupler repair kit for you hose. Just a thought …

[@billanddeb]

That's a good idea. Thanks for the suggestion. We'll look into that.

[@carlmizell5930]

What about using leveling blocks under the front wheels or one under the front drivers wheel.

[@billanddeb]

That's a good idea

[@carlmizell5930]

@@billanddeb thank-you

[@Dave_Simmons]

Don't forget to lubricate the pump impeller every now and then. Vegetable oil works well.

[@billanddeb]

Thanks

[@EverythingAndAnythingGoes24]

I’m no technical engineer or anything, but maybe you could make a platform under the grey water tank in the van, with a lip to keep the tank from sliding off, that you could push down on the corner where the grey water empties, and grab a handle at the back and pull the back up and the front corner down, so any remaining grey water will just run down the drain tube due to gravity? I don’t know if this will work or how you’d make it work, but it seems like a simple concept to me.

[@billanddeb]

Since this video was released, we've discovered we can either enter the dump station so the van is pointing up hill or, in other situations, simply release the pressure in our air bags to drop the rear a little. Either seems to solve the issue.

[@drs3055]

P.S. We just found your channel. We are learning a lot and are enjoying your authentic wonderful relationship. 🙂

[@billanddeb]

Thanks for watching

[@stewartdunkley4108]

What a great idea to make your Living easier!! A quick question for you regarding your system. Do you have any problems with kitchen waste clogging your pipes, drain lines or transfer pump? I was thinking of installing a sediment trap before the tank to catch any solids/ vegetable matter. Any thoughts?

[@billanddeb]

We use a basket designed to catch stuff in the sink drain, plus we use a small tea strainer. So far we have not had an issue.

[@drs3055]

FYI, I use that exact pump for my rain barrels to access water for our garden. I am disappointed I couldn’t get Zero hose to work with the pump. The Zero hose would be a great way to store hose. Maybe, someone else has solved this problem.

[@billanddeb]

The zero hose is great, but dies need pressure to expand.

[@martysk8r]

For those who like to over-do things, you could use a 275 gallon tote which are commonly available.

[@billanddeb]

Hmmm 275 gallon tote when full would weigh close to 2000 pounds...

[@kooldude1964]

I read where in Brandson, where they are inviting RV's for a free weekend, just incase your interest

[@billanddeb]

We've had those invitations in the past. They're all excited about us coming until I tell them we have a cargo trailer conversion.

[@ronkuhn2291]

Why do you have y12 volt system when you have a 50 amp AC system? Other than boondocking what is the advantage. New to the hand made RV ideas. Thanks for your help.

[@billanddeb]

All RVs have 12 volt DC systems to power lights, pumps, and even refrigerators. Usually, the fridge is a 2 way, meaning it can be powered either by standard AC power or 12 volt power. Older traditional RVs will have 3 way refrigerators meaning they can be powered either with propane, 12 volt DC, or 120 Volt AC. Our 12 volt system powers all of our lights, our pumps, and our USB charging ports for our phones, tablets, and cameras. Most modern RVs will have 2 batteries to power their 12 volt appliances and, when fully charged, the batteries will get them through a day or 2 of boondocking (unplugged). Our system is similar, but more like a 12 volt system "on steroids". We have a much larger battery bank and an 800 watt solar array on top of the trailer, along with 400 watts of auxiliary ground based panels. We do boondock occasionally, and we have the ability to boondock for extended periods of time.

[@ronkuhn2291]

@@billanddeb Thanks I appreciate your help and time. Keep on doing your work. It is always a help.

[@anthonybrannon2611]

Put the water hose at the dump station and put fresh water in the tank and drain it again.

[@txladywolf01]

Good idea…put a shim in the back of tank just enough to send water towards the drain. Just a thought instead of letting air out of air shocks.

[@shopart1488]

I use hose end ball valves on my garden hose so I can change spray ends when needed these are available in plastic and brass at any hardware.

[@serenitysealed485]

Great ingenuity.

[@billanddeb]

Thanks

[@user-yt3cv8ys7q]

Hi Bill, I've enjoyed watching your videos. Sorry for such a gross question - but where do you dispose your compost toilet waist and how frequently?

[@billanddeb]

The same place we dispose of our cats (kitty litter) waste. In the dumpster. Remember, we use pine pellets as our compost material. It's the same stuff they use to clean horse stalls. It is highly absorbent. By the the time we dispose of it (around 2 weeks) all of the "solids" are dried out and not much different than clay. The bag has no odor. We sometimes forget we have it in the van and end up hauling it with us for a week. Our "contribution" to the dumpster is nothing at all compared to the nastiness we've encountered at a campground dumpster.

[@tracykozil5029]

Walmart sells odoban disinfectant. They use in schools, nursing homes, hospitals. Removes odor.

[@cynicalrabbit915]

With a valve to protect the pump you could either flush the hose with fresh water OR use compressed air to blow it out. Personally I'd mount the pump under the trailer because you have gray water in the inlet hose as well as the discharge side. If you put in a two hose Y where you could close the gray water tank and a 5 - 10 gal fresh water tank open and flush both the hoses and the pump. This way the hoses could be drained instead of having to corral the gray water in the whole setup.

[@simol4538]

To resolve the residual water from the hose, I would mount the pump on the plywood wall by the tank and use 4 or 5 inch hose to connect the pump to the transfer tank and extend the power cord or use the van battery. Thanks for sharing

[@williamhudson4938]

While I applaud your idea for compactness of components, a pump has to have a "head" pressure to work efficiently. The pump needs to be below the tank you're emptying which causes gravity to create the head pressure. If the trailer tank was way above the tank in the van you could use a simple syphon system. The system as demonstrated had the trailer tank below the van's tank in which a syphon wouldn't work. Once the van tank is empty, simply elevate the "slinky" to drain residual water and use the often supplied water hose to rinse it out. Bill, do it how you want. After reading Simo's comment 20 times I'm confused. Does he want a 5" hose from the trailer to your van?. Keep on keeping on. Love you guys.

[@tamarawharton7755]

Anyone know of a biodegradable method so to not contaminate soil with Lysol? Might vinegar cut the smell and save the soil? Sadly, chemicals can be so harsh in vegetation and if we all use Lysol, that could destroy lots of land. Any chemists out there with alternative ideas? Thank you! 😇

[@billanddeb]

We use pine sol, not lysol. I looked up some info. The company states that all pine sol products contain biodegradable cleaning agents. Those were their exact words. We always dump our waste water at the dump station. The company also states that pine sol products will not harm your septic tank when used according to manufacturers recommendations. The amount we use per 65 gallons of gray water is less than manufacturers recommendations.

[@megaglowz8540]

You have probably heard of this before, I'm not sure how well it would work on a large system, but a trucker showed me that mouthwash is a fantastic neutralizer for odor. I mean that's what its job is, it kills bacteria and neutralizes odors. I used to have a small RV and I had had a little 25-gallon gray water tank and never had any issues with smell. Would take about half a cup or so. And didn't really matter what I used, the cheap stuff worked just as good. Good to see your problem-solving like this. You know the old adage "work smarter not harder." Y'all have a good one now.

[@billanddeb]

Sounds promising. We'll try it. Thanks.

[@pobo6113]

I wondered how long it was going to take for you to get fed up with the blue tank. Lol

[@masterblaster3397]

great idea guys, better then having to slug jugs, or move the whole trailer. -comments help the algorithm push your videos up fyi. cheers

[@paulsylvester1394]

Love the install. You might consider wedges under the tank but I would not lower the air bags or raise the front end with blocks. Each of those lessens the convenience factor. A few gallons in the bottom of the tank will hurt nothing and you can always do a tank rinse since it need not be potable water.

[@mrmichaeltscott]

This is a camper side gig. 😁

[@billanddeb]

Lol

[@rj16481]

Wow! I did not get the Notification about this video !! I almost did not see it !! Bill you are a very good handyman !! Keep up the good work !! Robert from Ohio !!

[@owlstarvideos]

I love the concept of making your toe vehicle a support vehicle, I had the same idea but for getting more water, I never eaven thought I might need to get rid of gray water, You just changed my build mind, now need two tanks now ! ya boondocking,, no hookups

[@wendalemoss5665]

Hey Bill & Debbie, what if you elevate the tank (like a wedge under it) in the back to compensate for the last inch or 2 of water?

[@tamarawharton7755]

Oops! Just read that Lysol can be toxic to animals, too! Hate to think such a chemical would harm our furry pets, especially when you don't know it has been dumped there. So, again, any alternative suggestions for a nontoxic chemical to remain in the soil. Any alternative ideas or, if not, does Lysol defeat the purpose by turning your waste water into black water? Let's save Fido. 🐾

[@billanddeb]

We always dump at the dump station. Most COE parks rule that you dispose if grey water responsibley. Pine sol is ok to use with septic systems. As far as researched

[@tamarawharton7755]

Thanks for weighing in! It's hard for some to find dump stations at all locations, so I'm glad you are fortunate where you stay. Unfortunately, it seems Pinesol is toxic to pets! I had no idea that even the fumes can make pets sick and that pets just walking over a freshly mopped floor can get I'll and that it is recommended to rinse off their paws if this happens and to call the vet asap if they get sick. So, in further digging, the best biodegradable solution can be baking soda, peroxide and citrus juices. I don't know how well they may work, but worth a try! Thanks, and best wishes! 😇

[@campingwiththeadamss8552]

Nice idea! At home if you wanted to water a garden that would work too with no soap of course.

[@DesignBuildFixReview]

They purposely dont have the right adapters available so you have to buy all those exta couplings. I wonder if ACE has them.

[@billanddeb]

Maybe they do.

[@rakereldridge6210]

I had gate valves on my pool, and I hated them. The force I needed to open and close them was almost more than I could handle. I wish I had known about the ball valve. I will keep that in mind.

[@RobertErickson]

Gate valves are ancient in design. It is brass against brass, not designed to completely shut off all water. On the other hand they will work for thousands of years. They are intended for emergency use.

[@rakereldridge6210]

@@RobertErickson Well , my question would be "Why did the pool place put them on my pool?" Maybe, they were cheaper. I had to pull those open & push close to stop the water into the filter and return. A ball valve would have been so much easier. Silly me. I didn't know there were options.

[@feathers352]

Small air compressor or transport air tank with quick connect and blow the hose into the tank.

[@billanddeb]

Might Try thar

[@walterriebe1823]

That is actually the black water, a camper has a fresh water tank a gray water tank and a black water tank

[@billanddeb]

Hmmmm, we have fresh water and grey water, no black water.

[@walterriebe1823]

@@billanddeb ok, I'm just saying the gray water isn't sewage yet I thought, maybe I'm confused. Anyways I love you folks and your videos, hope I can meet up with you time, moved down here to Springfield, MO. From Wisconsin. Have a blessed day.

[@michaelmitchell9612]

You don't need to lower air bags, just get those plastic levelers I saw in your van and drive your vans front wheels up on them so your vans rear is lower than the front.

[@atctraveler6218]

That's pretty slick Bill.. that blue toter can be rough on the back and knees..

[@billanddeb]

It was getting harder to do, and we want life easy.

[@NEELWELLVIDEO1]

I LOVE DEBB'S LAUGH HAHAHAHA❤

[@rickstonewall2557]

For drainage more toward the back of the van: why not use leveling blocks? Drive the front of the van up on leveling blocks, to get it higher, then drain it.

[@jamelcampbell4984]

Love that. You guys do great jobs. I used your shelf and fabric cubes idea for what I'm building.

[@DesignBuildFixReview]

Maybe you can put a small clear pipe on that hose so you can see when it is done pumping and not run pump dry.

[@billanddeb]

Yes that's our plan. We just wanted to get it up and running with what we had on hand, just to make sure it did work.

[@michaelmitchell9612]

Nice ideal and job!

[@davidpatrick1813]

Good Job. You can maybe get a well or some other check valve our make one and use it for controlling the back flow. Also maybe a ball valve inserted at each end of the garden hose. You could also put in a "clear" section of tube in the hose at both ends too. Maybe just put the inside of the tank up on a 1x3 across side by side...

[@billanddeb]

Good ideas to consider.

[@Chefsantatravels]

What a fantastic idea to drain your tank. Tell your doctor right away I hope you're having a good summer, stay safe ,stay strong, stay healthy ,God bless and enjoy life ✌💪💖🎅🌻👍

[@darrellkuhn5310]

Do you have room to lift the low end of the gray tank so you wouldn't have a to let air out everytime?

[@billanddeb]

Kinda needs air to drain and air needs to escape when filling

[@darrellkuhn5310]

@@billanddeb did you say you would adjust the level by letting air out of the shocks? I may have misunderstood.

[@billanddeb]

@@darrellkuhn5310 the air bags. We can release them and refill with air pretty easy.

[@dinabutler5797]

Glad you are able to make life easier for yourselves!

[@billanddeb]

We are al ways looking for easier

[@billanddeb]

Had to do something. Deb was starting to complain. 😃

[@lauratibbles6598]

Bill and Deb this is a great set up and your current tank you make less trips to dump gray water this is a great job

[@dianak2348]

Ball valves hands down are superior to the gate valve if you are only running grey water, otherwise a macerator would be necessary. Excellent setup and well documented! I could easily buy and find what you used and build this from this one video! Excellent job Bill! Deb I love the bucket idea even if you put ends on the hose, organized and contained. Thanks for the video.

[@dianenaylor2104]

So smart!!!👍❤️

[@CarlFiocca]

Perfect.

[@Grumpyneanderthal]

The garden could be drained back into the grey water trailer tank (if there isn’t a check valve on the pump) by throwing a cord over a branch and pulling the hose up. Might not always be a suitable branch nearby.

[@secretlocketsparks8092]

Yeah?

[@billanddeb]

Makes life easier

[@sherrysullivan3495]

Hey Bill get your clean bucket water and take the hose loose from the trailer sticking that bucket of water Lil pump room clean your pipe out hose out

[@billanddeb]

We could do that.

[@doingitwithnothing]

Great rig up … like it

[@billanddeb]

Thank you. We've been thinking on it for a while

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Good stuff 👍 You might want to leave vans rear end up so the stuff in the drain pipe does not leak out. You also shim up the front of the tank to get 100% out if that's what you want. Cheers

[@lauratibbles6598]

Well also Deb you said Greg water stinks. But black water is much worse that is why I’d do compost toilet as you all are

[@billanddeb]

I'm glad we do not have to deal with black water.

[@shamooar123]

Are y'all at Blue Mountain Lake

[@billanddeb]

Right now we are at Lost Bridge on Beaver Lake

[@johnbettiebishop6673]

What not just put it in a gal empty milk jug. The little bit of grey water that is

[@billanddeb]

Great idea

[@lauratibbles6598]

Wow that is really draining fast

[@billanddeb]

Makes short work of it

[@billanddeb]

I know! Ain't it cool?

[@mileage_master]

tRiGGeRed!! Lol

[@danthompson1467]

👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Swampkrew]

Just add a filter before the pump to keep it from getting gummed up. And take that hose off into the grass or woods and let it drain at night under the cover of darkness.

[@billanddeb]

Lol, we try to follow the rules.