Plumbing for Shower and Sink in Our Bus

Plumbing for Shower and Sink in Our Bus | SKOOLIE BUILD

Рет қаралды 17,076

Күн бұрын

This week has been crazy busy, as we (mostly Jimmy) did ALL of the freshwater plumbing for our bus in just a few days.
There are four fittings on each of our two freshwater tanks, and we go through them in the order of easiest to hardest, which ends up being:
1. Drain
2. Air Vent
3. Fill Intake
4. Main Outtake
We have two freshwater tanks (for a total of 95 gal of freshwater) mounted underneath our bus that we're connecting the above fittings and systems to.
Our system includes a water pump with a silencer, an accumulator tank, a two-stage water filter, sediment filters, garden hose splitters (so that we can choose to fill/pull from one or both of our tanks), and PEX tubing with SharkBite connections. We also have a tankless, ventless water heater that uses propane. (Links for all of these are at the bottom of this description)
We also give a quick update on the window coverings, but we will give more detail and show how we make those in a future video. (We are waiting on supplies, so this project is on hold for a bit!)
Finally, we test our water and plumbing system (after enduring yet another mechanical issue) and our setup seems to work pretty well! We will just need to tighten a few connections and fittings, and make sure the pressure is able to build up enough for the water pump to work properly. We're one step closer to getting our bus on the road!
One final thing that we want to share this in case you're considering building out your own plumbing system:
We had an issue with some of the brass fittings we used for our potable water. After installing them in our lines, we realized that they have lead in them, so we will need to go back and replace those. We realized this after filming, so it's not explained in the video.
** If you're doing your own plumbing, please make sure to get lead-free fittings! **
We hope you stick around for our weekly videos!
#buslife #skoolieconversion
- - - Patreon - - -
/ jimmyandnatalie
- - - Chapters - - -
00:00 - Welcome!
00:57 - Plumbing Components & Overview
02:39 - Drain
03:29 - Air Vent Line
05:32 - Water Fill
07:27 - Window Coverings Update
08:39 - Main Outtake Line
10:07 - Water Heater
12:40 - Final Plumbing System Explained
15:48 - Mechanical Issues (Again)
17:28 - Testing our System
20:57 - We did it!!
- - - Social - - -
Find us on Instagram:
/ jimmyandnatalie
- - - Links - - -
Water Pump: amzn.to/3iJyGoe
Silencer Kit: amzn.to/3BCYIly
Accumulator Tank: amzn.to/2WeeAL3
Sediment Filter: amzn.to/3iRq5Qu
Water Filter: amzn.to/3rAOHR7
Water Heater: amzn.to/3y7B2DO
Garden Hose Splitter: amzn.to/2UEyJty
ID Tubing: amzn.to/3BFkO6P
Pex Tubing: amzn.to/3i0DWEM
Sink Faucet: amzn.to/2Txu0sQ
Shower Faucet: amzn.to/3zDJsTP
- - - FTC Disclosure - - -
The list above may contain affiliate links, meaning that we may get a small kickback from eligible purchases made through them (at no additional cost to you)
If you choose to use these links, thank you for supporting us! If not, no worries! And again, thanks so much for watching!

Пікірлер: 62

@JimmyandNatalie 3 жыл бұрын

Hey guys! There's one final thing that we want to share in case you're considering building out your own plumbing system: We had an issue with some of the brass fittings we used for our potable water. After installing them in our lines, we realized that they have lead in them, so we will need to go back and replace those. We realized this after filming, so it's not explained in the video. *If you're doing your own plumbing, please make sure to get lead-free fittings!*

@dejonsmall9886 2 жыл бұрын

Jimmy, you probably figured out the plumbing leaks, but use a paste pipe dope with the teflon tape and you wont have any leaks. Just found your channel on the 15th of December and I've been binging it to catch up.. You guys rock...

@jamiejackson5965 2 жыл бұрын

I will be honest, I have not read through the comments here and this is the first video I ran across from you so this might have been discussed, but I own a bus and had some starting/battery issues. I found out that my bus would draw power away from my battery when not used, even for a short period of time. I installed a battery disconnect on my system right in my battery box and turn that off anytime it's going to sit for more than a day and i have not had any problems since. They are fairly cheap and easy to install, so you might want to look into that for a fix to your battery issue. Good video and I will certainly be subscribing and watching you grow!

@wegottafishdude Жыл бұрын

🤘🏻😎🤘🏻 Maybe by the time, my wife and I have to build a van, you guys will be having your own business converting vans, that would be cool I’d hire you guys for the conversion for sure

@ThatGuyFromArizona 2 жыл бұрын

I hereby declared you two the happiest couple on the internet.

@bobmurray3229 2 жыл бұрын

You 2 are such a nice, solid young couple. In the state our country is in, it’s great to see. You’re hard working and very bright. It’s a real joy to follow your journey. Thank you for documenting this

@neilbanschbach1508 3 жыл бұрын

Great job on the plumbing, Jimmy!!!! You are mastering your plumbing skills!!! Kudos to you. It always helps to have a beautiful smiling assistant to encourage you. Keep up the great job!!! You can do this!!!!

@JimmyandNatalie 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the encouragement! 😁 We know that we can do this, but it really helps to hear it sometimes! 💚

@jasonfrazier1498 2 жыл бұрын

Jimmy? Your Fucking Amazing!!!! Great Job on the pluming.

@robbyfisher9187 2 жыл бұрын

Yall make a great team. I'm also from S.C I grow up in Myrtle Beach.

@AnnettesVanTease 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been saving this video and my jaw just dropped. I didn’t know we would need so many things. Looks like we’ll be shopping through your links in the next few days. I’ll probably watch this video another 20 times to figure out what I’m missing for my notes which are seriously lacking. We will have a much simpler system. You two rocked it, Jimmy with your plumbing skills and Natalie with those handy blinds, love those. ~A

@JimmyandNatalie 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! 😄 And yeah, the number of little pieces and fittings you need for plumbing can definitely add up quick... Thankfully it doesn't have to be super complicated, just takes a lot of patience sometimes. 😅 Y'all got this! 💚

@AnnettesVanTease 2 жыл бұрын

@@JimmyandNatalie I thought we bought most everything it’s probably more the fittings and pipes that we have left to buy. We have the main things purchased. Good to hear this isn’t too complicated. We’ll need patience I think electrical and plumbing will be done the same week I have off for vacation. We’ll both need a vacation after to enjoy our little second home. ~A

@johnstuart8511 2 жыл бұрын

See when you do your research and planning. "It all comes together" (Like they say in the A-TEAM movie). Jimmy and Natalie you are both good. Enjoying your videos. Keep them rolling. What does your Sound system sound like. (Surround-sound). Just like being in the movie house. 🎬. Regards

@vaughn6371 3 жыл бұрын

Double check to make sure your clear hoses are potable or drink safe of chemicals. Secondly it's recommended to install a psi gauge on the end of your hose used to fill your fresh water tanks at the end where it hooks up to the water source. This just protects your plumbing from pressure that can vary from location to location. "High five"

@timklassen421 Жыл бұрын

You two are awesome .

@baanjones5910 2 жыл бұрын

I recommend the following to my family whenever they purchase a used vehicle. Perform the following… 1. Tuneup (new spark plugs, distributor, router, wires) 2. New Batteries 3. Replace break pads (rotors if worn) 4. Drain radiator fluid. Definitely replace the cap! 5. Replace all belts 6. Flush brake fluid 7. Flush power steering fluid 8. Replace gas filter 9. Replace headlight bulbs (doesn’t matter if they still work or not) 10. Have alternator and starter tested (I prefer to replace them) 11. Oil change 12. Transmission… if the owner kept track of the service, then continue. Otherwise run it until it goes out. 13. Buy extra fuses!! In case! Good owners will share information with you. I provide receipts with mileage service. At some point have air conditioner serviced.

@jkabholat 3 жыл бұрын

You guys make me smile and feel hopeful.☺️

@JimmyandNatalie 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! We are both so grateful and happy to know that ❤️😊

@brianpeterson5559 2 жыл бұрын

Well done 👍

@chhook949 2 жыл бұрын

Way to go Jimmy can’t emphasize enough how important the research & planning is to any project YOU GOT THIS!! Great job fix those minor leaks the system looks awesome! Be Well Be Safe & Stay Blessed

@r8edrv4fun65 2 жыл бұрын

That diesel engine sound reminds me of my Dad 🥰

@JimmyandNatalie 2 жыл бұрын

It’s such a cool sound, I just love it! ☺️

@tommussington8330 2 жыл бұрын

Low battery's cause higher current in turn causing starter and solenoid to wear our faster. It's a viscous circle.

@dangriffiths613 2 жыл бұрын

Great job on the plumbing. I hate plumbing. You guys are doing such a good job. I really like your window coverings

@eloyanzaldua1889 2 жыл бұрын

Yall cooking now!

@JimmyandNatalie 2 жыл бұрын

Thankfully only a few leaks along the way too! 😂

@Randus62 2 жыл бұрын

Very impressive work!

@JimmyandNatalie 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad you like it! 💚

@Haeilifax 3 жыл бұрын

My heart stopped a little when the bus didn't start

@JimmyandNatalie 3 жыл бұрын

Ours too.. haha 😅

@NHComputerGeek 2 жыл бұрын

Hey guys I love watching and catching up on your build! Just wanted to add (if you haven’t already addressed it) maybe your starting batteries are being drained by something and you should look into a shut off for those batteries. If you had them on a charger that’s certainly weird but hopefully it pans out! Good job on the tank install and plumbing! Be careful with those shark bite fittings!

@dellaspringer386 3 жыл бұрын

Pressurize accumulator with air. Same psi as water pump. And you need to be able to flush the hot water heater

@JimmyandNatalie 3 жыл бұрын

I think we do need to up the pressure in our accumulator tank (it comes pre-pressurized at 30psi but our pump is 45)... But luckily the issue we had with the air bubbles and sputtering was due to a leak we had in the Shurflo sediment filter. Since we fixed that we have had no issues!

@billynnc1998 3 жыл бұрын

Another video in the books. Will you be adding a connection for city water? Thank you for taking us on your road to the wild blue yonder. Did you guys video the way you built the half wall under the windows which allows the treatment to disappear in the wall. I really like the window treatments. Have a great week.

@JimmyandNatalie 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! We are not planning on a city water connection since we are planning on boondocking as much as possible. And we do the wall framing in our Roof-Top Deck video (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/n5Zjn6iKttneqKc.html), but we don't go into too much detail about the window coverings. We knew we wanted to have hidden window coverings at that time, so we framed with that in mind. Although, we didn't really mention it because we still weren't sure if we were going to go through with it.

@garyputnam4181 2 жыл бұрын

The good thing is to building your own plumbing in your bus is if there is a leak in your system you'll no how to fix it.

@JimmyandNatalie 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely! That's a big upside to doing the conversion ourselves, but plumbing and electrical are really great things to know how to repair. Hopefully we'll remember how we did it when/if that day comes! 😅 Thanks for watching! 💚

@aprilgriggs5071 3 жыл бұрын

🥰🥰🥰

@JimmyandNatalie 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! 🥰🥰🥰

@rockhardbrosproductions7749 2 жыл бұрын

How did you cut the inside of the pre made holes in your tank. I have the same one and I’m not sure out to properly make it so the plastic doesn’t fall into the tank? Thanks guys. Great job and very inspiring :)

@annaarellano8241 2 жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for the video! I was wonder if you would tell me where you purchased the drain reducer

@jake-mv5oi 3 ай бұрын

Did y'all add an accumulator in the line downstream of the pump? Might be why it's pulsing.

@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284 10 ай бұрын

Unfortunately, it had to be one person working on the job. There are simply too many moving parts for two people to keep track of it all. This is a situation where two cooks absolutely would spoil the soup. Good job, guys.

@brutally_honest 2 жыл бұрын

dope setup! I cant seem to find the 1 ½ to ½" pvc reducer at home depot or amazon.... link?

@PapaDrewsRV 3 жыл бұрын

Cool video and good info. are you all going to Skooliepalooza in parker Arizona?

@JimmyandNatalie 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! And yes! If our schedule works out we would love to be in Arizona for Skooliepalooza. We've always wanted to go to Skooliepalooza so we really hope we can make it! 🤞

@Nine-zx7jb 2 жыл бұрын

Hi guys why don’t you check your alternator that it isn’t holding the charge.

@JimmyandNatalie 2 жыл бұрын

Good thinking! We actually did have a mechanic check the alternator, and they said it was alright… We never found the source of the drain, but the kill switch seems to have fixed the issue! 😬🤞

@sylvainpelletier8341 Жыл бұрын

You should not have used sharkbite fittings, especially on a bus. They are terrible with vibrations

@allmomomosthomebus3895 3 жыл бұрын

You may find that those expensive shark bite fittings leak. Crimp pex B or Uponor pex A are likely more secure in a mobile application. Glad to see you doing it yourself and learning new skills. I am plumbing a air compressor chuck behind a ball valve to test our plumbing for leaks and to be able to blow it out with a compressor when parking over cold months if we do that. If using compressor don't exceed 70 to 75 psi. Better than nasty RV antifreeze. That air line was a tip from Yvan LaCroix who has built multiple bus conversions.

@JimmyandNatalie 3 жыл бұрын

Smart idea about plumbing the air compressor! We'll definitely keep an eye out on the sharkbite fittings. We opted for the "crimp-less" ones since we are so new to plumbing and we wanted to keep it simple. As part of that, we made sure that every single joint/fitting will not be behind a wall. So if there is a leak down the road (knock on wood... 🤞) we can fix it easily!

@allmomomosthomebus3895 3 жыл бұрын

@@JimmyandNatalie good idea. I'm also not plumbing anything where it's inaccessible. Not wise in a mobile application. The fitting for 1/4 air hose male to 1/2 pex male is on Amazon. Pair with a ball valve or you've created a nice water jet spray nozzle.

@allmomomosthomebus3895 3 жыл бұрын

It's a crimp fitting.

@christinamcintire1908 2 жыл бұрын

Could it be an alternator or starter? Just a question.

@JimmyandNatalie 2 жыл бұрын

We did have our starter repaired in the last few months as well as a killswitch added to our alternator. A lot of diagnosis later and we are still not sure. So the main battery disconnect switch seems to be our main fix for now!

@stevenannett1739 3 жыл бұрын

i would love to redo all my plumbing with my redo rv,,,and expect to have air in your lines all the time,,,is something that happens

@JimmyandNatalie 3 жыл бұрын

Exactly! I think it’s okay to have a few air bubbles every now and then, and especially with this being our first attempt at plumbing, we consider this a big win. 😄 A redo rv sounds like fun!!

@AR-cp5dz 2 жыл бұрын

Is it possible to add a battery charger from your solar system to the bus battery?

@KSSilenceAU 2 жыл бұрын

This! @Jimmy & Natalie, You should fit a DC-DC charger to allow your House Batteries to keep the Vehicle / starting batteries charged if needed, such as if you were stranded or parked up somewhere where you need to leave exterior marker lights on at night for safety, as those run off the vehicle battery, and can drain the vehicle battery in a few hours. You'd probably want at minimum a 40 Amp if not higher unit. Renogy does have some to fit your existing ecosystem. Wouldnt hurt to have 2 DC-DC units with their own switches too, One to charge the Vehicle from House batteries, and the other to do the reverse of charging the house batteries from the alternator. That should cover most eventualities such as Dead alternator can leave you walking so being able to run the engine / vehicle systems from house batteries and solar could be useful. As could being able to charge house batteries from the engine alternator, eg if the Solar has a failure or you manage to deplete batteries due to say an entire week of shit weather and not getting enough solar charge. You could also add an emergency parallel switch (which directly connects both battery banks), but thats really kind of a last resort thing that would be used ONLY to assist the vehicle battery to start the engine if its too low (in that instance, use DC-DC to charge the vehicle battery first for say 15 mins, then parallel to crank and then isolate again). Also on the Subject on Renogy, it looks like all your Renogy gear so far is the stuff with RS498 data ports, so you can get their RS485 Hub and connect a single central monitor screen or bluetooth adapter to that and be able to monitor / control the entire system from one screen or phone.

@TMCotton 2 жыл бұрын

I love that you have taken the plunge to quit your jobs and do this build and to learn new skills! But.... that plumbing is awful :-( Sometimes it is best to have an expert help to avoid issues down the road. Same with electrical.

@ds98tj98 Жыл бұрын

You are a cute couple. I don’t what to be to critical. The LP tank inside is dangerous. Use less hose fittings thy are not designed for what you are doing.