Cheap & Easy DIY Camper Van Plumbing System

Cheap & Easy DIY Camper Van Plumbing System - Van Life

Рет қаралды 924,328

Күн бұрын

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
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We occasionally include paid sponsor messages/integrations in our videos to help fund the channel. We do our best to work with companies and organizations that offer products or services that are in line with our values, and that we think would be interesting and useful to our viewers.
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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

Пікірлер: 680

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

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%

@RoadtripNeeded 5 жыл бұрын

Do you have any videos on the cabinet build. I really like them. It's the look I'm going for in my cabin.

@josephdupont 5 жыл бұрын

Cheaper

@maryjflanagan1922 4 жыл бұрын

This is the best, most compact plumbing setup I've seen! Thanks very much for sharing!

@cruelty113 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video. This helps so much! Cheers from Newbrunswick Canada!

@doraexplora9046 2 жыл бұрын

I went with your two thin-tank system as a interim solution until I can see what our consumption is like. Thanks for posting.

@gonecamper3510 3 жыл бұрын

Simple is BEST because simple is cheap and dependable. Too many people look FIRST for the most elaborate and complicated solution.

@jennifermarea8011 5 жыл бұрын

This might sound weird, but I'm gonna build this and out it in my dorm room because I really want a sink😂

@ChristianCastle 5 жыл бұрын

I will do the same too. Now I just need to learn how to make a kitchen mini 😂

@josephatnip2398 4 жыл бұрын

It's not really that weird this basic setup principal is used in places like dry cabins in Alaska and stuff all the time

@yomamaso100 4 жыл бұрын

Make sure you read your dorm contract They might not allow it.

@AlexandriaPerel 4 жыл бұрын

Where did you get the 6gal jugs?

@JJ-el6qx 4 жыл бұрын

I know this was a year ago but...did it work out lol? And where do you empty the tank of greywater?

@jimholmes4224 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@juliedorman1858 5 жыл бұрын

I think a composting toilet is best. No plumbing. No black water.

@jessparkles Ай бұрын

So cool!! I saw this is four years ago! How did it work out for you?!

@Frugaleater 9 күн бұрын

Nice .. I like the explanation on why the foot pump. I thought the rechargeable pump is the better option but now knowing that you can control the output with the foot pump is a great idea! Thanks for that info.

@MikeAndNary 5 жыл бұрын

No trap? No vent? I like the foot pump idea, a voltage and water saver!

@stephaniemoore3779 5 жыл бұрын

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!

@mannys4036 5 жыл бұрын

I had to take a moment and say how much I enjoy and learn from your channel. You guys are terrific!

@ExploringAlternatives 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the super positive feedback 👍😀😀

@meredithmoore5037 3 жыл бұрын

This was exactly what I was looking for

@martwne123 4 жыл бұрын

Good idea, simpler the better 👍

@amyspencer7815 5 жыл бұрын

By far, the most helpful simple diy plumbing instructional I have seen. Thank you for taking the time to share!

@jackrodgersjr 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@jamiesmith1343 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@clifforddavis8084 6 ай бұрын

The foot pump was a great idea

@TerryManitoba 6 жыл бұрын

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.

@pouredoutmywindow 4 жыл бұрын

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 😓

@jzt999 4 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@thanksmaddytv815 3 жыл бұрын

How much did your configuration cost?

@teagoldleaf4137 2 жыл бұрын

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. 🙏

@enado18 5 жыл бұрын

Super awesome! I love "low tech" solutions, they're often better than more common ones. Thanks for sharing.

@framono7259 2 жыл бұрын

This is the only video on KZfaq explaining how to install this kind of foot pump. I am building a low tech van, so thank you so much!

@dominiquebt 6 жыл бұрын

Brilliant plumbing solution! Super simple, yet highly functional. I love it!

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

Cool! Happy you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching :)

@pamelamolina5623 6 жыл бұрын

I really like this. I always want to find innovative and inexpensive. Thanks for the tuturial

@papa54321 3 жыл бұрын

Thats gonna works for years without issues and if issues happens, gonna be an easy cheap fix! Great video

@jkxtc2016 5 жыл бұрын

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

@ccpperrett7522 5 жыл бұрын

I love the simplicity of this system! Great job. Thank you for sharimg. God bless.

@jzt999 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@ProfessionalPepper 6 жыл бұрын

Very well thought out, efficient, fail safe, and effective. Great content and well produced.

@ExploringAlternatives 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you :)

@KarenCalypte 4 жыл бұрын

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

@KNIGHTJUMPS 5 жыл бұрын

I love this. I can't wait to do this. I really appreciate the simplicity and low cost.

@aerofpv2109 5 жыл бұрын

Your approach and build is spot on. You made it for your personal needs. Excellent explanations as well.

@JRR31984 4 жыл бұрын

Very GOOD. Man. SPEAK ABOUT IT. Sink creativity. Can't tell me "it" can't be done. LEGIT.

@SrSrk98 6 жыл бұрын

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!:)

@sherrymuzykazekestravels6793 5 жыл бұрын

I love the simplicity of your plumbing system! Great design and great build!

@stellablue7435 5 жыл бұрын

Well done! Exactly what I've been looking for. This system is ideal for me. Thank you so much

@jorasparents 5 жыл бұрын

Music is wonderfully relaxing and just the right volume!

@anythingartificial 3 жыл бұрын

Thankyou thankyou thankyou a like and subscribe this is so simple and feels so less overwhelming than the expensive van builds

@acela30th 3 жыл бұрын

One of the most practical builds I have seen. Save power and water 👍🏽

@azilon007 5 жыл бұрын

Simple and effective, love it. I'm actually going to go that route also in my conversion. Thank you

@mickyunit 6 жыл бұрын

This is pretty much exactly what I had in mind for my van. Thanks for sharing! 👍

@0HARE 5 жыл бұрын

You did a great job designing and building this system. I really like it. Thanks for another great video!

@4um360 5 жыл бұрын

You did a great job building the system, and your explanation covered every question I had. Thanks!

@BradyRay_333 Жыл бұрын

This is the best minimal setup I have seen, and it also looks very nice. Thank you for sharing!

@flip4butter 5 жыл бұрын

I have looked at so many sources of installing a nonelectric pump, this system is by far the easiest to understand!

@flip4butter 5 жыл бұрын

I will be adding this system to my tent trailer, thanks for sharing!

@stevensuarez8443 6 жыл бұрын

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.

@ilubbov 5 жыл бұрын

How you implement your ideas is inspiring!Thanks for sharing!

@tushaye2175 3 жыл бұрын

It's kept simple and easy enough for a total beginner like myself, so thankyou..🙏 Happy Van Life to you both..☀️🌈

@frankbarthold4916 4 ай бұрын

Very economical, simple, affordable and efficient. Looking forward to watching more videos 😊

@stevenmorris2293 5 жыл бұрын

Great job👍 Also good point on using less water. Cuts down on hauling it. Looking forward to see it come together.

@LivingUnderARock333 6 ай бұрын

I love the door that can be accessed from outside. I’m definitely using that idea in my build.

@sunnyseason6543 4 ай бұрын

The way Im shopping even before your video is over.Thanks for the details. ❤🎉 You've saved me some headaches.

@deejaydark07 5 жыл бұрын

I like that idea more than your standard faucet setup. Thank you for sharing.

@noemoments 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome! I'll install a foot pump in my van too and the video really helped me figure out how. Thanks so much!

@cathylynnpietranton 6 жыл бұрын

We really enjoyed your video and that is a cool idea. My husband really likes your foot pump.

@gcvrsa 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@petefrost1787 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@johnnyhwang7869 5 жыл бұрын

I like it. ..simple. .save battery. ..and less pipe system need.

@chriscourtney5692 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely genius, thank you so much, I think I will utilize a similar setup in my off grid tiny home!!

@FrankGreenway 5 жыл бұрын

I love this setup. Simple. Efficient.

@SeekingSnow 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@lucycastro9428 5 жыл бұрын

Well done! I like the simplicity and effectiveness of your system! 👍🏼

@ypsson3624 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@Blastoffbri 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing this! It really helps for someone who's new to van life:))

@tubbyrainbow111 5 жыл бұрын

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!!

@WhalePumpsLeisure 5 жыл бұрын

Spotted our Whale Babyfoot Pump, great video !

@alysonkillam4477 3 жыл бұрын

Exactly what I was looking for!! So cool. Thanks for the great info and instructions. Well done!

@Gigolowattz 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@oldfarmer9004 2 жыл бұрын

Great minimalist design!

@flyjasonwallace Жыл бұрын

thumbs up for starting out showing us what you're making! A+

@jayg4424 Жыл бұрын

Exceptionally lean and helpful video. Every second had value. Ty

@manuelwebe 5 жыл бұрын

Good stuff! That van is coming out nicely done. Can´t wait to see it finished! Thanks for sharing

@kayo6004 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video, clear and very informative. You have just given us our plumbing system for our van 😊. Thank you

@osheaalley 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@anniewilliams114 3 жыл бұрын

Great presentation- we plan to use your campervan plumbing setup- Thank you-

@marilynrandall9337 5 жыл бұрын

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!

@kittentude 3 жыл бұрын

Simpler is often better. I like it.

@gerrymulroy2545 3 жыл бұрын

excellent video , very helpful for anyone doing a budget build . The simplest designs are often the best .

@leethefixitman7530 5 жыл бұрын

A clear and well thought out simple design. Good job!

@journeywithnichole 4 жыл бұрын

What a very organized & informative how to. I learned so much. Thank you

@ungoutdeforetaveclaurence1163 3 жыл бұрын

AMAZING VIDEO ! Thank you so much... so much clearer than other videos. I will use this easy system so many thanks !

@therealgirlinthewoods Жыл бұрын

very helpful- thanks~!

@byates59 6 жыл бұрын

The van looks great and nice job with the plumbing! Thanks!

@rutyael18 6 жыл бұрын

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.

@briancurran1140 5 жыл бұрын

I’m going buy 1 of these floor pumps great video very helpful

@ChickyDoodleAnnie 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent! This has solved my questions about which system to use. Well done.

@itzcryssie2732 5 жыл бұрын

Omg I love the foot pump idea. Great way to save water👌

@madcowusa4277 5 жыл бұрын

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!

@alsmith1025 5 жыл бұрын

thanks for posting this one. gave me a bunch of ideas for my camper trailer.

@taihajoy1792 3 жыл бұрын

You guys are amazing! Thank you for this video. Super helpful ❤️

@brettnbeckvalleyvan 5 жыл бұрын

Great little set up, the simple things in life are often the best things in life 👍 thank you for sharing 😉❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@skylarbrooks4524 5 жыл бұрын

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!!!

@carolinemandragone6016 5 жыл бұрын

Great! Exactly what we were looking for :) Keep it simple and not too expensive!

@rawanduncutliving 5 жыл бұрын

That foot pump alone is $40- $50 I know this because I'm looking to get one for my bus but I also saw that you can use a siphon pump and it works just the same and it's way cheaper

@bennyarivanlife4382 5 жыл бұрын

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!

@daleanderson1727 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this.

@calcal5135 5 жыл бұрын

Love the simplicity.

@tisfortiny 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome explainer and run through Mat. Loving the vids.

@garygerard4290 5 жыл бұрын

'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

@marlinweekley51 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@paulwilliams2024 4 жыл бұрын

This video was absolutely brilliant

@oldguy5458 6 жыл бұрын

Good Job,,,Simple,,, Cheap and Easy to maintain,. Best Regards

@carolhewett4378 5 жыл бұрын

Very clever and superior functionality to so many of the high end designs.

@VKSgtSLaughter 6 жыл бұрын

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing!

@hughisafungi 5 жыл бұрын

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.