I think you will have some solids as the water coming off the roof will have dust, debris and maybe other stuff (eek). If you designed a first tank as a cleanable settling tank, the system would be easier to maintain. I would recommend having a screen over the standpipe to keep the big chunks out. Another idea to keep out solids would be to have the standpipe be 6" with the discharge at the top so when pebbles, etc fell into the standpipe, they would fall into the bottom instead of flowing into the tanks. In sprinkler systems they call this a "mud leg" to let the fines settle BEFORE they enter the system. Also, the standpipe versus vent pipe relationship is not perfectly clear, since you did not SHOW that the standpipe funnel is lower than the top of the vent pipe. When it is "raining like a cow peeing on a flat rock" I am sure you will overwhelm the system's intake capacity, so the funnel is a great idea. Great job on the videos!
For the lighting between the tanks you could use LED lighting. Get marine grade led light strips. Low energy draw and almost no heat generation. That way you can leave them on as long as you need to while in the basement. The one thing I thought of as I was watching would be to lay a fiberglass flooring under the tank area with a one way drain. Not preformed but roll and lay it yourself. Looking forward to the next video.
+TheKillerPoncho i used those incandescent bulbs. low heat and they didn't require any special wiring. I wanted to make a "shower pan" under the tanks but financially i couldn't. at this point of my build I had set a move in date and had to move a little faster on my build so i only had so many bucks to spend on things.
+Tiny House Customs I definitely understand the budget and time crunch. It is an awesome build and I am looking forward to more videos. Stay safe and good luck. Ken.
I believe your overflow is going to create a siphon. Granted this should break when the water gets to the top bungs on the tanks but if your in an area that doesn't get as much rain you could be missing out a good amount of water.
I like your setup for the rain catchment system. The only thing I would have done is to add two valves (1 in and 1 out) and a cleanout hole for each tank. That way you can isolate a tank if there is a problem... such as a hole or clean the tanks if they get contaminated with dirt or anything else. You have no way to do that and with the floor system you are putting in...there will be no way to pull the tanks or really work on them with the other things you have in the floor with them.
HI Dan, I've been building and working with Aquaponics system (i.e. water n many pipes) for years and I am amazed at this water system you built. A few comments. The water exit is strikingly similar to a U-Syphon in Aquaponics. You will need to put the vent at the top of the U to prevent a syphon starting and emptying all the water in the tanks. The vent out the side won't prevent this from happening... as far as I can tell from the video. Second, be sure to install a first flush diverter to only collect "clean" rain water. I created a small version that would work great for a Tiny House. Basically, it is 4" pipe with a tap off of the down spout to fill. The first bit of crappy water is diverted to fill the 4" pipe that has a removable end cap with a few holes drilled into it. Only the over-flow is captured. This prevents leaves, sticks, debris, bird droppings, bacteria from entering your water harvesting barrels. You don't want that stuff to get in there. I intend to use it on our future Tiny House.
I don't the a syphon will occur. If the over flow was connected at the bottom of the tank then I would. The feed pipe will let air into the pipe preventing a syphon from happening. And yes I'll be redoing the funnel exactly how you described.
Tiny House Customs Trust me, if the water in the inlet and the vent go above the top of the U drain, which could happen during a heavy rainfall, a siphon can and will likely start emptying through the drain. I can't really tell by the video, but it looks like it could be possible from what I saw. Once it starts yer tanks will drain completely. You'll know if it happens because it will empty extremely fast and it will be loud. Some Aquaponic systems use these types of siphons in large daisy-chained Flood and Drain beds. One siphon for multiple grow beds. Two summer's ago, I visited an old timer that was trying to give away his water harvesting system. Instead of taking it, I spent two hours talking with him learning how to harvest water. His system looked so wild. He had about 16 -55 gallon barrels with 6 barrels against the garage and all others 40 feet away. One down spout filled them all. He had a first flush diverter and then all barrels were daisy chained together will a single pipe connected at the very bottom of each barrel. He explained that it was unnecessary to fill from the top because water will always find it's own level. He also said, if you have 1" of head you can run water a mile with a garden hose on the ground. Such simple ideas, but not so obvious until you see it work. I learned a lot from this old timer. I would have taken the old timer's water harvesting system if it wasn't so HUGE and the barrels originally had industrial cleaner inside. Nevertheless, it was a very cool setup. Your setup reminds of his configuration. All you need to do now is build-in an Aquaponics system into yer Tiny House! ;-)Edit: I agree the tanks probably won't empty, but a siphon could start and stop as the upside down U is filled and emptied quickly. I recommend replacing the first 90 elbow (tank side) with a T with the empty port connected to a pipe running straight up above the top of the water catchment reservoir. This will prevent any siphon from starting. He may have a black belt in PVC, but he's a ninja with a circular saw!
I hear what your saying but trust me as soon as a syphon starts it will stop shortly after. You must be not seeing it correctly. If the feed pipe has water in it, it might syphon but that's ok. As soon as that pipes empty air will get in stopping the syphon.
It really is a cool system. However, since you aren’t going to travel with them full & you already have to do travel prep, why have all that space permanently inside ? The tanks -when traveling-could be nesting and then un-nest when in a place for some period OR... Just a thought....what about expandable “tanks” similar to the roll out drain pans down flow from house gutters?
I was looking at how you made the removable drain underneath , I was wondering if you could have come straight out with a 90' elbow on each down spout , and tied up the pipe to the bottom of the treated plywood , that way you would only have 3-4 inches sticking below , you might not have to remove it then.
my only comment on that otherwise outstanding job was that you may have wanted to place your inlet at the opposite end of the top pipe from your vent. As you said, in a torrential downpour, you may have considerable gurgling going on. - keep an eye on it. nice work D
Nice job, just make sure you have one of those emergency inflatable rafts handy, or at least a life jacket, and one of those black box data recorders so we can tell what happened. LOL?
I hear algae grows in clear/translucent water tanks. Although I know these are suppose to be underneath where no light gets through, you might want to paint those to keep them from growing algae and maybe get some sort of gauge to show you how full the water tanks are on the outside.... just my 0.02 Awesome shit man!
They are in a dark crawl space. I will do a bi yearly cleaning on them. And I've finally figured out how to do an exterior water gauge but not sure I want it hanging on the exterior. We'll see.
Great job! How is the water directed from the roof to the infill pipe.. I am assuming you will install a gutter that will catch all the water and direct it down to your infill pipe.. Is that right ? or?
After doing that project I might need one. But a plumber would rip it apart. A few mistakes. Those double T's should never be placed on there sides. Plus a few other things.
Do you going to make a "thing" to take out debris and leaf from the roof? some kind of filter before the water goes in to the tanks.? keep up your good work and love your dog.
It's a little late to suggest anything but a ball valve at the bottom of your collection pipe would have been nice so water wouldn't stand in the pipe, stagnating, when not collecting water. Also, a cap for the top of the pipe to keep junk out of it.
Great job but why do you need so much water? Couldn't you just prop those tanks on the ground wherever you set up and use the space where the tanks are for something else? I've lived off grid for years and even washing looooong hair (woman) I get by with 5 gallons a day as it has to be hauled in. Just curious?
I think the feed pipe would prevent that from happening. It might act as a siphon or a short time but once the feed pipe is empty it'll suck air and will stop.
I'm not following. Are you talking about the capped pipe? It's temporary. That's where I'll connect in the feed line to pump the water up to the shower.
Tiny House Customs Yup that is the one the capped end it is called. Thx for sharring. It makes sense now I could not think of why you would have a capped end in the middle of nothing but it makes sense now you say that it is for later use. Keep up the good work. I enjoy seeing the work you are doing, and love that you are collecting water, not many are thinking about that.
maybe i missed the part but, I wonder why your doing a rain catchment system in a tiny home . at full load that adds at least 1k lbs of xtra weight. Now , i understand you built it like a tank, Just inquisitive. Also, i have to say i enjoy the vids , def cause you dont try to edit human error. Youre great at it all ( minus good plumbing practice) but youre as clutzy as me and that makes me feel better about myself. Great job bro! I enjoy. And yeah the the sanitary cross shoulda been a double tee wye with flow pattern going with flow( for comment readers
+Randall Ijams I learned about bladders after the fact. but not sure I would have used one. Its a thin material, easily tears. If I have a tank failure, I might switch to a bladder because itll be easier to get in there.
+Tiny House Customs -- I don't know if cost is factor, but flexible bladders are about $10 a gallon. Your rigid tanks are about $2.50 a gallon. If you put your tanks or tank-holders on casters, you could slide the water system as a unit (after disconnecting from the rest of the house) out the side through your new side-door! BUT, those barrels are so tough, my rugby team uses them as ballast on a scrum sled ("blocking sled" for American football), for over ten years.
Been meaning to ask you, what angle is your framing nailer. I've been looking to get one and I see they come in 21, 28, 30, 34 degree and probably more. Is there a best one?
+Baz GSrider I don't think you understand its purpose. It makes the over flow the highest point. Water needs to hit that peak and then the tanks are full.
Tiny House Customs Got you! Would be nice to have a "seal" in and out to stop "things" you don't want breeding. A lot depends on the part of the world you live in I guess. Great job by the way.
I'm confused why you don't understand why I need water? Do you shower, brush your teeth, wash your dishes and clean your clothes? If I can collect my own water and save $50 a month don't you think that's a good thing. We consume water at such a high rate because it's so easy to get. This system makes you think about water usage and also I don't always have to rely on the government for my water. Of course I'll consume more then I can collect but this is a good start.
Lol. I'm a plumber and watching you plumb is like watching me frame.
We love your idea, we are building a larger tiny house right now. We are in the planning phase, and video's like yours help so much.
great videos, I'm learning a lot. Your dog is a star , gotta love the Peanut !!!
Nice to see your system work
I think you will have some solids as the water coming off the roof will have dust, debris and maybe other stuff (eek). If you designed a first tank as a cleanable settling tank, the system would be easier to maintain. I would recommend having a screen over the standpipe to keep the big chunks out. Another idea to keep out solids would be to have the standpipe be 6" with the discharge at the top so when pebbles, etc fell into the standpipe, they would fall into the bottom instead of flowing into the tanks. In sprinkler systems they call this a "mud leg" to let the fines settle BEFORE they enter the system.
Also, the standpipe versus vent pipe relationship is not perfectly clear, since you did not SHOW that the standpipe funnel is lower than the top of the vent pipe. When it is "raining like a cow peeing on a flat rock" I am sure you will overwhelm the system's intake capacity, so the funnel is a great idea.
Great job on the videos!
For the lighting between the tanks you could use LED lighting. Get marine grade led light strips. Low energy draw and almost no heat generation. That way you can leave them on as long as you need to while in the basement. The one thing I thought of as I was watching would be to lay a fiberglass flooring under the tank area with a one way drain. Not preformed but roll and lay it yourself. Looking forward to the next video.
+TheKillerPoncho i used those incandescent bulbs. low heat and they didn't require any special wiring. I wanted to make a "shower pan" under the tanks but financially i couldn't. at this point of my build I had set a move in date and had to move a little faster on my build so i only had so many bucks to spend on things.
+Tiny House Customs I definitely understand the budget and time crunch. It is an awesome build and I am looking forward to more videos. Stay safe and good luck. Ken.
The thermal stability that 200+ gallons of water will provide will be a great savings in workload for your climate controller.
I believe your overflow is going to create a siphon. Granted this should break when the water gets to the top bungs on the tanks but if your in an area that doesn't get as much rain you could be missing out a good amount of water.
I like your setup for the rain catchment system. The only thing I would have done is to add two valves (1 in and 1 out) and a cleanout hole for each tank. That way you can isolate a tank if there is a problem... such as a hole or clean the tanks if they get contaminated with dirt or anything else. You have no way to do that and with the floor system you are putting in...there will be no way to pull the tanks or really work on them with the other things you have in the floor with them.
HI Dan, I've been building and working with Aquaponics system (i.e. water n many pipes) for years and I am amazed at this water system you built. A few comments. The water exit is strikingly similar to a U-Syphon in Aquaponics. You will need to put the vent at the top of the U to prevent a syphon starting and emptying all the water in the tanks. The vent out the side won't prevent this from happening... as far as I can tell from the video. Second, be sure to install a first flush diverter to only collect "clean" rain water. I created a small version that would work great for a Tiny House. Basically, it is 4" pipe with a tap off of the down spout to fill. The first bit of crappy water is diverted to fill the 4" pipe that has a removable end cap with a few holes drilled into it. Only the over-flow is captured. This prevents leaves, sticks, debris, bird droppings, bacteria from entering your water harvesting barrels. You don't want that stuff to get in there. I intend to use it on our future Tiny House.
I don't the a syphon will occur. If the over flow was connected at the bottom of the tank then I would. The feed pipe will let air into the pipe preventing a syphon from happening.
And yes I'll be redoing the funnel exactly how you described.
Tiny House Customs Trust me, if the water in the inlet and the vent go above the top of the U drain, which could happen during a heavy rainfall, a siphon can and will likely start emptying through the drain. I can't really tell by the video, but it looks like it could be possible from what I saw. Once it starts yer tanks will drain completely. You'll know if it happens because it will empty extremely fast and it will be loud. Some Aquaponic systems use these types of siphons in large daisy-chained Flood and Drain beds. One siphon for multiple grow beds. Two summer's ago, I visited an old timer that was trying to give away his water harvesting system. Instead of taking it, I spent two hours talking with him learning how to harvest water. His system looked so wild. He had about 16 -55 gallon barrels with 6 barrels against the garage and all others 40 feet away. One down spout filled them all. He had a first flush diverter and then all barrels were daisy chained together will a single pipe connected at the very bottom of each barrel. He explained that it was unnecessary to fill from the top because water will always find it's own level. He also said, if you have 1" of head you can run water a mile with a garden hose on the ground. Such simple ideas, but not so obvious until you see it work. I learned a lot from this old timer. I would have taken the old timer's water harvesting system if it wasn't so HUGE and the barrels originally had industrial cleaner inside. Nevertheless, it was a very cool setup. Your setup reminds of his configuration. All you need to do now is build-in an Aquaponics system into yer Tiny House! ;-)Edit: I agree the tanks probably won't empty, but a siphon could start and stop as the upside down U is filled and emptied quickly. I recommend replacing the first 90 elbow (tank side) with a T with the empty port connected to a pipe running straight up above the top of the water catchment reservoir. This will prevent any siphon from starting. He may have a black belt in PVC, but he's a ninja with a circular saw!
I hear what your saying but trust me as soon as a syphon starts it will stop shortly after. You must be not seeing it correctly. If the feed pipe has water in it, it might syphon but that's ok. As soon as that pipes empty air will get in stopping the syphon.
It really is a cool system. However, since you aren’t going to travel with them full & you already have to do travel prep, why have all that space permanently inside ? The tanks -when traveling-could be nesting and then un-nest when in a place for some period OR... Just a thought....what about expandable “tanks” similar to the roll out drain pans down flow from house gutters?
cool design really enjoy watching this getting built.
ps. I'd think about getting yourself a hole saw kit they are handy af to have.
I did eventually but a few whole saws. They're just so expensive
Nice! maybe angle the tanks to the center. lift it a little up outer ends of the tanks. nice.
That would reduce my water storage. It would make a larger air pocket on top.
Tiny House Customs that's tru. But easy to drain all the water out.
I was looking at how you made the removable drain underneath , I was wondering if you could have come straight out with a 90' elbow on each down spout , and tied up the pipe to the bottom of the treated plywood , that way you would only have 3-4 inches sticking below , you might not have to remove it then.
my only comment on that otherwise outstanding job was that you may have wanted to place your inlet at the opposite end of the top pipe from your vent. As you said, in a torrential downpour, you may have considerable gurgling going on. - keep an eye on it. nice work
D
Awesome job. Now let's see some more finish work. Give us a rundown on what's ahead.
Next week I'll be doing some framing and the the 2 weeks after that I'll finish the pump system.
Nice job, just make sure you have one of those emergency inflatable rafts handy, or at least a life jacket, and one of those black box data recorders so we can tell what happened. LOL?
I hear algae grows in clear/translucent water tanks. Although I know these are suppose to be underneath where no light gets through, you might want to paint those to keep them from growing algae and maybe get some sort of gauge to show you how full the water tanks are on the outside.... just my 0.02
Awesome shit man!
They are in a dark crawl space. I will do a bi yearly cleaning on them. And I've finally figured out how to do an exterior water gauge but not sure I want it hanging on the exterior. We'll see.
Great job!
How is the water directed from the roof to the infill pipe.. I am assuming you will install a gutter that will catch all the water and direct it down to your infill pipe.. Is that right ? or?
Nice design. Do you have a black belt in PVC?
After doing that project I might need one. But a plumber would rip it apart. A few mistakes. Those double T's should never be placed on there sides. Plus a few other things.
Tiny House Customs Sometimes getting things done is more important than spending a year planning it all out. If it works then it's okay.
Do you going to make a "thing" to take out debris and leaf from the roof? some kind of filter before the water goes in to the tanks.? keep up your good work and love your dog.
Yes. I'm gonna re do the funnel thing on the outside.
Tiny House Customs OK. You plan this build werry good. You have a follower now. Keep up the good work.
It's a little late to suggest anything but a ball valve at the bottom of your collection pipe would have been nice so water wouldn't stand in the pipe, stagnating, when not collecting water. Also, a cap for the top of the pipe to keep junk out of it.
Great job but why do you need so much water? Couldn't you just prop those tanks on the ground wherever you set up and use the space where the tanks are for something else?
I've lived off grid for years and even washing looooong hair (woman) I get by with 5 gallons a day as it has to be hauled in. Just curious?
Just a thought if you remove or cap off the vent pipe you might end up with a siphon effect that could drain most of the water from your tanks.
I think the feed pipe would prevent that from happening. It might act as a siphon or a short time but once the feed pipe is empty it'll suck air and will stop.
Nice work you have done.
A quick question, what the the endstop for on our left side ???
Keep up te good work and tx for sharing.
I'm not following. Are you talking about the capped pipe? It's temporary. That's where I'll connect in the feed line to pump the water up to the shower.
Tiny House Customs Yup that is the one the capped end it is called.
Thx for sharring. It makes sense now I could not think of why you would have a capped end in the middle of nothing but it makes sense now you say that it is for later use.
Keep up the good work.
I enjoy seeing the work you are doing, and love that you are collecting water, not many are thinking about that.
Yeah in 2 weeks that video series starts.
maybe i missed the part but, I wonder why your doing a rain catchment system in a tiny home . at full load that adds at least 1k lbs of xtra weight. Now , i understand you built it like a tank, Just inquisitive.
Also, i have to say i enjoy the vids , def cause you dont try to edit human error. Youre great at it all ( minus good plumbing practice) but youre as clutzy as me and that makes me feel better about myself. Great job bro! I enjoy. And yeah the the sanitary cross shoulda been a double tee wye with flow pattern going with flow( for comment readers
Oh yeah... and all the space it takes up!
What length nails did you use for your framing? Were they 16D? Smooth shank?
I bought 3-1/2" 16D smooth shank and I'm wondering if that's sufficient.
+TJ Houston yeah that's what I used. plus 2.5" galvanized ring shank for the plywood.
I've seen bladders that hold 100s of gallons. One would need some flexible tubing to connect. Did you consider a bladder? Thoughts?
+Randall Ijams I learned about bladders after the fact. but not sure I would have used one. Its a thin material, easily tears. If I have a tank failure, I might switch to a bladder because itll be easier to get in there.
+Tiny House Customs -- I don't know if cost is factor, but flexible bladders are about $10 a gallon. Your rigid tanks are about $2.50 a gallon. If you put your tanks or tank-holders on casters, you could slide the water system as a unit (after disconnecting from the rest of the house) out the side through your new side-door! BUT, those barrels are so tough, my rugby team uses them as ballast on a scrum sled ("blocking sled" for American football), for over ten years.
Been meaning to ask you, what angle is your framing nailer. I've been looking to get one and I see they come in 21, 28, 30, 34 degree and probably more. Is there a best one?
I think it's 21. It doesn't really matter. I would buy a gun that has nails that are easily purchased.
nice job
+jayden morrison Thanks
Hey Dan! How much did you spend on the tiny house total?
+Kita FaimalieVlog I'm not finished yet.
Is this a tiny house on wheels? If so what area is it that the barrels are in? Bedroom, living room, etc?
+Krystal Odom keep watching.. But it's under a floor.
epic!
Hey Mate, I think your overflow trap is upside down. Have a look at the trap under your sink at home eh! Same principle. Water seal stops the shit....
+Baz GSrider I don't think you understand its purpose. It makes the over flow the highest point. Water needs to hit that peak and then the tanks are full.
Tiny House Customs Got you! Would be nice to have a "seal" in and out to stop "things" you don't want breeding. A lot depends on the part of the world you live in I guess. Great job by the way.
be careful a pothole doesnt take your joints
I still don't understand way you need this water are you in a dry area and how about, a filter
I'm confused why you don't understand why I need water? Do you shower, brush your teeth, wash your dishes and clean your clothes? If I can collect my own water and save $50 a month don't you think that's a good thing. We consume water at such a high rate because it's so easy to get. This system makes you think about water usage and also I don't always have to rely on the government for my water. Of course I'll consume more then I can collect but this is a good start.
there some advantage to these instead of IBCs?
What are ibc's.
Tiny House Customs en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermediate_bulk_container
Steven Richards probably that they were 50 bucks for all four tanks would be the main advantage
Yeah I think a week is to long to have to see the next video
I hear Ya. I'll see what I can do.
Ok thanks
Did you spill the primer?
+Garage 69 Yeah I did. Clear primer for me from now on.
Perhaps I should have watched the video before commenting. ..lol
+Garage 69 I wish I caught it on camera.
+Tiny House Customs Would've been cool!
Ey' yo bro...you put that pipe on wrong...
Thanks.. Which one?