Cheap & Easy DIY Camper Van Plumbing System - Van Life
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- Our cheap and easy DIY campervan plumbing setup includes a bar sink, flexible phtalate-free pipes, a 5-gallon bucket with a sealed lid, 2 x Desert Patrol water jugs, a marine foot pump, a copper pipe faucet, a bulkhead fitting, hose bib, a garden hose, and quick release connections.
We planned this simple plumbing system for our van because we have zero plumbing skills, but we also wanted to make sure that we could pick up a replacement part at any hardware store. We didn't want to spend the extra money to buy an RV specific water tank or anything like that because it would be harder to install and replace if ever there was a leak or other problem.
We kept our entire system inside the van because we plan to spend most of our time in the van in Canada, and we thought there would be less chance of our water freezing if it's indoors.
Here are the links to the products we mentioned in the video. We hope you found this helpful!
Whale Marine Foot Pump:
whalepumps.com/marine/product...
Desert Patrol 6 Gallon Water Container:
relianceoutdoors.com/collecti...
NordVPN special offer:
www.NordVPN.com/exploringalter...
or use this discount code ‘exploringalternatives’ to save 77%
A special thank you to Create Wondr for helping us find this foot pump! We love it! You can check out their epic van conversion here:
/ @vanessaadam
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: /exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: @exploringalternatives
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VIDEO CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Mat of Exploring Alternatives - Jak na to + styl
Thank you for watching! Here are the links we mentioned in the video:
Whale Marine Foot Pump (affiliate link):
amzn.to/2vLs8O3
Desert Patrol 6 Gallon Water Container (affiliate link):
amzn.to/2BbhrcN
NordVPN special offer (affiliate link):
www.NordVPN.com/exploringalternatives
or use this discount code ‘exploringalternatives’ to save 77%
Do you have any videos on the cabinet build. I really like them. It's the look I'm going for in my cabin.
Cheaper
This is the best, most compact plumbing setup I've seen! Thanks very much for sharing!
Thank you so much for this video. This helps so much! Cheers from Newbrunswick Canada!
I went with your two thin-tank system as a interim solution until I can see what our consumption is like. Thanks for posting.
This might sound weird, but I'm gonna build this and out it in my dorm room because I really want a sink😂
I will do the same too.
Now I just need to learn how to make a kitchen mini 😂
It's not really that weird this basic setup principal is used in places like dry cabins in Alaska and stuff all the time
Make sure you read your dorm contract
They might not allow it.
Where did you get the 6gal jugs?
I know this was a year ago but...did it work out lol? And where do you empty the tank of greywater?
Simple is BEST because simple is cheap and dependable. Too many people look FIRST for the most elaborate and complicated solution.
I just bought a small ambulance and this water set-up is GREAT! haven't put it in yet but the advice and details really helped! Thank you! Keep them coming!
Thank you for your video, as someone with NO plumbing experience, it is doable. You were great at explaining how and why you chose this method.
This is soooooo brilliant! I've been longing for a hands-free pump for my bathroom sink situation for ages, and I could have this drain directly into the tub. I really can mount a sink above my tub now! Thank you! I'm looking at making my own pump with a siphon, tennis ball, hinge and pedal. Yeah, this is a win/win.
By far, the most helpful simple diy plumbing instructional I have seen. Thank you for taking the time to share!
I really appreciate this video - it is exactly what I have been looking for. I am an old man - 80 years old - and am getting ready to build a van to live in for whatever time I can now. I can't lift a lot and need convenience. I want a simple system, not expensive. This is perfect. No electrical, easy to handle containers, and inexpensive. I like that you have it at the door for easy access - better for me than on the opposite side. While I plan to have solar panels, I am not going to go wild over electric - just enough to take care of lights, a small entertainment center (probably no TV) and charging laptop, cellphones, small cameras, etc. I want easy and as low maintenance as possible. I have spent the last forty years maintaining a country home, working my tail off with plumbing problems, electrical problems, yard equipment problems, rodent problems, you name it. It is a van or probably a nursing home, and I still want to travel a bit and be able to continue fishing. Concerned about toilet situation - still looking for best solution to that, but I don't plan to do a lot of boondocking, so there will likely always be a WalMart or MacDonald's somewhere close enough for most needs.
Thanks for your video - I am a subscriber but need to look for your other videos.
I think a composting toilet is best. No plumbing. No black water.
So cool!! I saw this is four years ago! How did it work out for you?!
Its a easy set up with the water...save on water...and you dont have to worry about stuff breaking....keep oy simple....love it
Super awesome! I love "low tech" solutions, they're often better than more common ones. Thanks for sharing.
I had to take a moment and say how much I enjoy and learn from your channel. You guys are terrific!
Thanks so much for the super positive feedback 👍😀😀
For the most part I've done the same sink layout in my van. It has served me well for the last 3 months and i am perfectly happy with the foot pump as it is amazing how little water you use because of the control it offers.
Terry B i have a foot pump pipe system and the pipe that comes out of the fresh tank is mouldy, why? we change the water every few days i don’t know how to stop this, no one seems to talk to talk about mould problems in the van i would love some answers 😓
@@pouredoutmywindow Try running a quart of vinegar through your system. I sometimes rinse out my water containers with a tiny bit of soap, and rinse them vigorously with vinegar. I've not has a mold problem in 4 years of doing this.
How much did your configuration cost?
I've been searching for a foot pump tutorial for a long time now, this is the best one I've seen. Been enjoying your channel for a few years now.
Thank you for sharing this and all your great videos. 🙏
I love the simplicity of this system! Great job. Thank you for sharimg. God bless.
I really like this. I always want to find innovative and inexpensive. Thanks for the tuturial
No trap? No vent?
I like the foot pump idea, a voltage and water saver!
This is the only video on CZcams explaining how to install this kind of foot pump. I am building a low tech van, so thank you so much!
I live in a McMasion and love this. Only thing I would do differently is use a cheap clearance regular faucet with aerator, swivel action and pull out sprayer. Also, undermounting a sink to wood is going to be an ongoing bacteria/deterioration/discoloration issue around the rim. No amount of caulking is going to help over time. I'd use solid surfacing here with integral bowl that can handle scrubbing & bleach etc. Good video!
Great job👍
Also good point on using less water. Cuts down on hauling it.
Looking forward to see it come together.
Great design! I like the whole system. On mine I will not put a drain in the bucket but just take the bucket out to empty it and then wash out the bucket for all the people worried about the smell. Thanks for the info on the foot pump.
P-trap is what people are referring to and available at any hard ware store. You could make one by bending a rubber hose. The idea is to capture a bit of water in the bend which blocks the odor and every time you wash some water remains.
Another idea would be a flapper that opens when water flows and closes when it isn’t.
I love this. I can't wait to do this. I really appreciate the simplicity and low cost.
Brilliant plumbing solution! Super simple, yet highly functional. I love it!
Cool! Happy you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching :)
Great design! I'll be converting a van soon myself and I'm going to to use this design, thanks from a new subscriber in Texas.
I love the simplicity of your plumbing system! Great design and great build!
One of the most practical builds I have seen. Save power and water 👍🏽
The ingenuity of simplicity and low cost. Thank You. My only concern would be if the water sourcing is scarce and the water may be questionable and the type of non-electric filtering.
My plan for the hi-top 2500 Promaster 159 WB has something like your setup next to a shower pan/curtain on the same side as you did. The shower will use one of those 'endless showers' where you can recycle/filter-clean the water and bathe with 1 gallon or less so a faucet with an extension long enough to the shower pan area is needed. Also, I would have to pre-heat/boil between 1 liter to 1/2 gallon of water in cooler days.
How practical is that?! Your design is truly a back saver” friend! I love, love the two access portals from the side door and the excess one from below!! Saving money on a retail faucet is pretty sweet too!!! Thank you!
The pump is such a great idea. Good work!
And: Most of the stuff can be found in any hardware store. Right man, it can be simple! GO AROUND THE World.
This is the best minimal setup I have seen, and it also looks very nice. Thank you for sharing!
It's kept simple and easy enough for a total beginner like myself, so thankyou..🙏
Happy Van Life to you both..☀️🌈
Your approach and build is spot on. You made it for your personal needs. Excellent explanations as well.
Simple and effective, love it. I'm actually going to go that route also in my conversion. Thank you
Very well thought out, efficient, fail safe, and effective. Great content and well produced.
Thank you :)
This is an excellent video. You give details for construction as well as your reasoning behind each decision. I haven't seen anyone else do much of that. I look forward to more of your videos. thanks very much.
This was absolutely amazing......wow...honestly wow. No need for all this over complicated nonsense always seen in vanlife videos. Just keep it easy, functional and built well. I love it!!
I like that idea more than your standard faucet setup. Thank you for sharing.
you two are the nicest people I know ever...wish you all the best with the van conversion...God bles you guys:)
be happy...keep smiling!:)
Awesome! I'll install a foot pump in my van too and the video really helped me figure out how. Thanks so much!
Thanks for this helpful video. We just used this set up for our outdoor kitchen. So lovely to wash my hands next to the grill!
You did a great job building the system, and your explanation covered every question I had. Thanks!
How you implement your ideas is inspiring!Thanks for sharing!
We really enjoyed your video and that is a cool idea. My husband really likes your foot pump.
Absolutely genius, thank you so much, I think I will utilize a similar setup in my off grid tiny home!!
Really good video. Clear concise and informative. I am getting closer to my van purchase stage. I will buy a white panel as opposed to a motorhome. I love the idea of designing it myself. Looking forward to watching more videos about the van build.
I have looked at so many sources of installing a nonelectric pump, this system is by far the easiest to understand!
I will be adding this system to my tent trailer, thanks for sharing!
You did a great job designing and building this system.
I really like it.
Thanks for another great video!
Great video! I have a hydroponic bucket setup that could be used in this application if you don't want to drill a hole in your floor. Plus, my bucket has a standing hose that lets you see the water level in your bucket. When it is full you simply rotate the hose to floor level and drain (wherever you would be draining anyway) using your very cool access door.
Simple yet efective. I like the foot pump, can also use the hand crank pumps.
Great setup! Simple and effective. Could easily be adapted to a portable unit to use outdoors as well
Well done! Exactly what I've been looking for. This system is ideal for me. Thank you so much
The way Im shopping even before your video is over.Thanks for the details. ❤🎉 You've saved me some headaches.
This is pretty much exactly what I had in mind for my van. Thanks for sharing! 👍
If my husband and I get one of the vans, we would only be using it for camping. This would be perfect! Just creating a nice little source of water to wash up (being careful to rid plates of solid waste first of course). Nice.
excellent video , very helpful for anyone doing a budget build . The simplest designs are often the best .
Great build. One thing y'all might want to try is a "P" trap underneath for odors and sanitation. Good Stuff.
Music is wonderfully relaxing and just the right volume!
Thats gonna works for years without issues and if issues happens, gonna be an easy cheap fix! Great video
Love it! Thanks for another amazing video :) My wife and I are long time fans of your channel and have used a lot of your ideas for our solar set-up on our off-grid home and suburban camper.
Love your plumbing setup...I'm working on a cargo trailer conversion and I'm going to use your grey water setup idea...Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you very much for the video which is from 2018 but I just discovered it. Thank you above all for your very good pronounciation because English is not my mothertongue - I understood every single word. Last but not least I wanna thank you for your good ideas regarding the watersystem in the van. I want to convert my own van without any previous knowledge (I don't install the electric) and I have an upset stomach regarding several parts of the conversion - f.i. the water system... But I know that you loose your fear as soon as you understand how to do things. Nice regards from Germany, Judith
I love the door that can be accessed from outside. I’m definitely using that idea in my build.
Drain pipe is great to use for a grey water tank. Various sizes 2” to 6” and bigger. Diameter can be chosen to fit in long thin places and various shapes can be made to go into unused places.
Very GOOD. Man. SPEAK ABOUT IT. Sink creativity. Can't tell me "it" can't be done. LEGIT.
Well done! I like the simplicity and effectiveness of your system! 👍🏼
Great video, thank you for the ideas. That pumpdesign is way old and stil going strong. I would use a dumptank that is at least the size of (one of) your water tanks. To prevent overflow.
Very economical, simple, affordable and efficient. Looking forward to watching more videos 😊
I like how clean and simple it is. I think a "ball valve" would make a better 5 gallon bucket dump valve. The existing garden hose valve is only designed to flow perfectly clean water.
thanks so much. you have no idea how simple this is 'cause i can understand how to do that. i really needed to know this. thank you so much! water! yeay!!!
Brilliant video, clear and very informative. You have just given us our plumbing system for our van 😊. Thank you
Excellent! This has solved my questions about which system to use. Well done.
'well thought out, executed and explained.
Ideally lead free solder is used.
Your editing dept. gets an A+ 😎
I love this setup. Simple. Efficient.
that looks freakin perfect. i miiiight have put a sheet of formica on top of your counter though. that wood might get kinda dinged up and colored if you're using it for food prep. well, you could use cutting boards. but a sheet of formica makes a pretty good cutting board. regardless - very nice job.
You can add a hinge on both sides with a foldable board to add more counter space when needed and drop them back down when you need to save space.
Hello, Very nice design. set up and construction. Well thought out and constructed for your requirements. The best part is: If anything breaks or fails to function, you can just take it off and head to Home Depot, get parts, and fix it and to this in less than 2 hours and be on your way. Doesn't get any better than that. Regards, ~~ Karen Calypte
Exactly what I was looking for!! So cool. Thanks for the great info and instructions. Well done!
'drains into a dump station = Ha Ha Ha
'well explained system you put together
I love 'simple'
ideally you used lead free solder
I'm going to check out the link to the foot pump
thanks
gary gerard lead free makes sense but hopefully he’s not drinking this water. If so I would install water filter and if water isn’t chlorinated consider it.
This is so cool! We were just trying to figure out our grey water design and stumbled across this video. We're totally stealing this idea! Thanks friends!
Very cool share. Can't wait to get going on my new sprinter!
I'll have to get really creative and build everything to accommodate lifestyle and functionality for work...
But the challenge I the fun!
Great presentation- we plan to use your campervan plumbing setup-
Thank you-
Good stuff! That van is coming out nicely done. Can´t wait to see it finished! Thanks for sharing
I’m going buy 1 of these floor pumps great video very helpful
Very clever and superior functionality to so many of the high end designs.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS!! LOL K I'M DONE MY HAPOY SHOUTING now!! ♡ I think I'd like to see more of of these types of videos and I'm betting that many MANY (UH OH) others would agree...much thanks again!! From moi 🍁
What a very organized & informative how to. I learned so much. Thank you
i’d like to see a video on exactly what tools you used to do all of this :) it would be very helpful in my journey to van life! great videos, very informational!
Working on a little outhouse this is super helpful as I want to try to have a little hand washing sink love the foot pump😊
Omg I love the foot pump idea. Great way to save water👌
Cool I have a conversion van I'm going to try to add a sink to, and have been looking at this water pump. My sink will be on the back door and hopefully removable. That's the goal at least. Not trying to live in my van, but camp comfortably in it. Small sink on 1 door, metal shelf for a camp stove on the other one.
Thanks for the post, been thinking about an outdoor kitchen setup. Would be great for the BBQ.
Great little set up, the simple things in life are often the best things in life 👍 thank you for sharing 😉❤️🏴
Very cool. I am going to run a similar setuo. I couldn't help but notice that the soldering wasn't being done properly. When soldering you want your flame an inch away from your connections so that when you actually touch the pipe with the solder it will suck it in and create a very good seal. By placing the flame directly on or too close to the connection point you risk there being gaps you can't see and having a leak now or in the future.
thanks for posting this one. gave me a bunch of ideas for my camper trailer.
Exceptionally lean and helpful video.
Every second had value. Ty
This is pretty much exactly the system I designed for my tiny house, except I have a P-trap on my drain to keep odors from coming back up the drain pipe, and I don't bother with a drain on the bucket, itself. It's a simple enough matter to simply remove the entire bucket and dump it when needed.
i really liked the alternative way to have water through the foot pump
Thank you so much for sharing this! It really helps for someone who's new to van life:))
Nice. Thanks for video. I would’ve made the drain that empties the bucket as big as possible. Even the slightest food debris is going to want to clog that tiny outlet.
...Or, just have a fine screen in the sink 👍
I am going to purchase a 7x14 cargo trailer and basically do the same thing. Nice setup and good job on it.