Sink/Water option

[Cheli]

I am not planning on having running water in my van for showering or a toilet but I do want a little sink area for at least washing hands, a dish or two and maybe even a little personal hygiene.

I came across this set up and it looks pretty simple and inexpensive.

All it needs is a mini sink with two 5 gallon square jugs underneath and the hand pump for water.

I think this is what I am going to do but was wondering if anyone had any opinions on it.

TIA

http://vandwellersteve.blogspot.com/p/water.html

 

[highdesertranger]

my opinion is, it works. if you think it would work for you then go for it. I have used something similar only I had a 12v pump instead of the hand pump. highdesertranger

 

[Canine]

I saw a picture where a guy had mounted an 8 ft section of 6in. PVC along one side of his van roof.He had a small pipe coming out with a faucet over his sink.Would probably work great if you could spare the room overhead.Would probably have to have a small vent on the big pipe.

 

[highdesertranger]

"I saw a picture", that was someone here. highdesertranger

 

[Cheli]

I have used something similar only I had a 12v pump instead of the hand pump.  highdesertranger

I saw the 12v pump.  If I get power in it at the beginning I will use that instead.  It looks expensive to get power in with the batteries and inverter but I'm not ruling it out yet.  

 

[johnny b]

I use this set up at the race track...mainly for hand washing, but I fill it with good tap water so its drinkable as well.
At the track it just sits outside behind my truck, but could easily be put in a counter top set up.
Runs on two D cell batteries like a flashlight. When both hands are dirty its nice to just flip a switch and not have to pump.

 

[Cheli]

When both hands are dirty its nice to just flip a switch and not have to pump.

Good point.

 

[coolmom42]

That looks like a workable system, and simple.

I've wondered if you could find a place to mount a freshwater jug relatively high, so you could just use gravity feed if you wanted to. Cutting it off and on could be tricky, though.

I suppose you could use a gravity feed into the supply line for a faucet like this, instead of pumping by hand or electric.

 

[VJG1977]

An early water system, consisted of a bowel and pitcher.  

A system could be as simple as a DISPENSER/STORAGE BOTTLE on a shelf over a dish pan

 

[cherterr]

I think you're on exactly the right track, Cheli!

I got the little valtera rocket hand pump. It's a little pricey, but eh.. I splurged! I'll be posting video in the next few days on my YT Channel, but I used a plywood 'kitchen' at the rear of my mini van, cut a hole for a cute (melmac bowl) 'sink', and have tube connecting the pump to the water storage (same as in pics you linked.. lol I've had those two bottles for years!)

ANYWAY, I decided against making a 'drain' in my 'sink'. I decided it would be easier and more space saving to just pour it out the window or door. I mean, seriously.. How much water can I use in one day? I'm not gonna be washing dishes that much... paper towels will be very popular for wiping off the first layer. If dishes don't sit around drying out w/food on them.. they're EASY to clean.

SO... That means I only need my fresh water bottle. (Mind you, I am not on the road yet, so this is my 'theory' for now.)

I am still kind of 'torn' about disposal of toothbrushing rinse and 'spit water'! Ew.

 

[Cheli]

I think you're on exactly the right track, Cheli!

Thank you.  


ANYWAY, I decided against making a 'drain' in my 'sink'.  I decided it would be easier and more space saving to just pour it out the window or door.  I mean, seriously.. How much water can I use in one day?  I'm not gonna be washing dishes that much... paper towels will be very popular for wiping off the first layer.  If dishes don't sit around drying out w/food on them.. they're EASY to clean.

SO... That means I only need my fresh water bottle.  (Mind you, I am not on the road  yet, so this is my 'theory' for now.)  

I am still kind of 'torn' about disposal of toothbrushing rinse and 'spit water'!  Ew.

I want the drain because I'll be living in it full time and will use the sink for not just washing dishes, I'll be using it for hand washing, brushing my teeth, quick hygiene etc. so I'd rather set it up to begin with then try and add it later since I think I can do it fairly inexpensive.


Btw, love your signature.....that's exactly why I'm using "my adventure" because "journey" is used too much.  hahaha

 

[cherterr]

Thank you. (Hopefully, I didn't offend anyone re: 'journey') It's still a great word.

 

[66788]

my opinion is,  it works.  if you think it would work for you then go for it.  I have used something similar only I had a 12v pump instead of the hand pump.  highdesertranger

I had a similar setup in my VW Westfalia camper, except like HDR I had a small 12vdc pump.   You can get a small pump on eBay for about $20.00 and wire in a switch, or get on that has on demand capability.   The electric pump is handy when you want to wash both hands at the same time (duh!) or rinse something in the sink using 2 hands.

It is a very workable system, the only drawback would be emptying the holding tank and filling the fresh water tank.   Judicious use of the water would extend the periods between doing that.