I was on a mountain ridge in Ecuador for 2 1/2 years in Peace Corps , followed by 2 in a remote village in Tanzania, and in both places, getting water was a serious problem. Almost twenty years later, I still treat water like a very limited resource. Even more than the ingenuity you put into building this, I respect the same sort of appreciation you show by going to that much effort "just for a few gallons of water. You make a good example in several ways here; my hat's off to you. I do have a bone to pick with you, though. Now, the project that got sidetracked when I resumed one simple chore before getting distracted by something I'd set aside earlier only to have that interrupted by remembering that I still needed to finish a chore that I was detoured from when I noticed the very thing that I'd looked all over for to complete a different task, etc etc, has been pushed back once again as I go into "scrounge mode" seeking to make one of my own.
That looks great. I made one years ago for the toilet in our garden, work room toilet. That toilet is used by me and every worker that comes to the house. It was mucht more basic but works fine to this day. Anything we can do to reduce water use is a good thing. How much time did it take you? What was the cost? Lots of ways to reuse water. I was able to get a permit to use washer water on my lawn, I set up a 50' 2" hose that I unwind.. An upstairs shower was rerouted to fill 2 toilet tanks on the lower level. With good planning and of course permits there are ways to save water and money. Many parts of the world, including the US have a water crisis. We need to get rid of lawns and have native, natural plants that don't need excess watering. Vehicle washing and other wasteful practices needs to change.
I realize that this post is several years old but I must say that as a DIY homeowner myself, this is one of the neatest projects I've seen in a long time. You did an excellent job all around and the result is very impressive. I am using the Henry Feather finish to fill nail holes in underlayment I am installing in my kitchen upon which Armstrong Luxury Vinyl tiles will be adhered to. It's a great product and I am going to consider using it for future crafts projects. Keep up the great work.
Love this. In Portland Oregon there are companies that make these "grey water" conversions. The only reason we didn't install one is because in winter the tap water is almost freezing. I suppose we could just use the sink for warm water during that season but we could never really have it replace a sink completely. Awesome job and beautiful craftsmanship. :)
Thanks! I was wondering why everyone was so worried about the cold water. I forgot you need warm water in the winter up north. Here in Florida we use "cold" water to wash our hands year round.
The only thing you might want to ensure is the drain from the sink is directed into the overflow tube where the small bowl refill hose used to go, or else the toilet bowl could be close to dry, and then have a very weak flush, and clog. This would also ensure hand soap would be directed straight to the toilet bowl and not risk deteriorating any parts within the tank.
I think you’re right about parts but the rank would likely be over filled rather than under filled if anything. Routing it to the overflow might render the bowl under filled tho.
Such a sharp, concise video. So much information so well presented in a mear five minutes and 22 seconds? I’ve subscribed. Best home repair/how to do video I’ve seen on TH-cam.
Seems like concrete would be too heavy for the bowl to support for very long. Have you noticed any cracking at the tank to bowl connection? Surprising how many people think the water is coming from the poop water or that toilets have a different fresh water line to them.
Nice job and to top it off... it actually works!.. You learned some new skills, gave us a useful tool and ended up with a 100% functional project. You deserve a cold beer.
I think that holes actually make it more interesting than if it was totally smooth. Keep up the great videos. Loving your work from all the way down under in Australia.
Thanks! That half cylinder actually wasn't planned, I had to add it last minute when my faucet wasn't tall enough. I like how it looks soooo much better with it. An real life Bob Ross happy accident ;)
Holy Moly! I'm blow away by the amount of criticism and negativity about a sink....In your house.....that your not telling anyone else to use. It turned out great, good job! Btw, what have you two been up to!? I binge watched all of your financial videos when I first found your channel, and have been craving more!
I like the idea. But cold water only. Back ache leaning over. I like the use of the water that fills up the tank for some kind of water feature just not to wash hands with.
Awesome execution of a toilet sink. This would have to be the nicest one done that I have seen. Mike - What's the weight of the sink/lid now? Another thing is to find the best soap to use that will also help the toilet stay clean!
+The Vegetarian Baker - I shouldn't think it would. Lime scale is more of a component killer and even that takes time. Best bet would be liquid soap like he is using. No scum, and the toilet would always smell nice.
The Vegetarian Baker the soap doesn't go back to the interior of the toilet tank. this water is going down into the bowl. the water that fills the tank comes from the bottom of the fill valve. He says it at 4:34
I am adding a bedroom and VERY SMALL BATHROOM in my attic...I NEED THIS!! I've seen other ones, but I LOOOOOOVE yours!!! How do I get instructions from you so my Son can build it???
Great video and mechanism! Thank You! If someone doesn't feel like making changes of such a magnitude, a regular bucket in the bathroom sink while washing hands/teeth/face would do. Just use the greywater to flush. When the guests in the house, you can remove it, and put it back when they're gone. Also the same goes for the kitchen sink when not using the dishwasher.
Haa.....oh that is some good thinking. Looks great. Now that you've done the first one, I can see making the mould to cause the walls to be thinner - like say as thin as the toilet tank itself. But - you did it first. Great job!
I love this!! Yes, cold water only and maybe slightly awkward reaching over/straddling the toilet but WHO CARES! You had me at saving $$ on water. I like the waterfall idea too though.
Fantastic!! I guess been in the corner as it is maybe it would be better to have the tap on the other side so it's more confortable to wash your hands? No idea but this is great! it is water you will flush anyway so even if you don't use it all it's for sure saving! cheers!
Got to be honest: I doubt if I would have come up with such an idea myself. However, watching your actions, you once again showed your prowess and initiative in creating very novel -- and dare I say workable? -- ideas! Thank you!
I'm not sure if anyone else has mentioned this, but, this would be a great way to conserve water in the motorhome. One possible addition would be to add some vermiculite to the ready mix concrete to make it lighter.Just my thoughts!! Looked great to me!!
I put lime and normal quartz paint to change color of concrete but after seeying this I am going to add some black to some concrete and then make a Lion Head cast.
What type of fill valve is in your toilet? I can see the red cap. Your valve seems to redirects all water into the refill tube, and that gives you the good water flow from the faucet. The valves I tried direct only portion of the water to the refill tube, and the rest of the incoming water is going in via the holes in the valve bottom. Due to that my sink-over-tank setup I just built gives me very weak pressure from the faucet. Please advise what fill valve you use, or can recommend.
How is your cleaning augmented by this process because basically your toilet is flushed by water that is grey and could sit for awhile. And how do you turn the sink off when your done does it continue to run until tank is full?
Awesome idea! Is this something you plan on executing for the RV? Not exactly sure how those systems work and if they are the same as a standard house toilet? If you decide to make a V2, you could probably skip molding the lid of the tank and instead trace the outer profile of the tank on to a piece of paper. I think all you would need is a small recess of that shape because the weight of the entire thing would be enough to keep it from being knocked off and save you the cost of the silicone.
Cool idea I'm surprised you sprung for that mold compound. I wonder if you could pour a lightweight concrete and then use that as the mold bye coding it in a thin layer of that mold compound. The reason I'm giving this thought is I have many ambitious concrete molds I want to make and I can't afford that price for that compound. So if everybody knows if this method would work for me I just kind of thought it up. If it's stupid let me know. 1) coat the object with latex and mold release 2) create a couple inch thick concrete mold secure that mold to a wooden frame. Once I create a frame I can poor quick set concrete in the gaps to create a solid piece. 3)coat the rigid frame with a much smaller amount of that mold making compound. The one issue I found is that it takes more time because of the added steps also I believe I'd be giving up some flexibility but on some projects I'd prefer that the frame and the mold is extremely sturdy so that I can use toolbox like clamps it's really hold it secure. My goal is to create a form for medium sized bathtub. If anybody has any input or would like to make fun of me while I'm doing this project let me know how to get in touch. Really I could use some pointers though. thanks you Tube land
Yeah if you something to vibrate the concrete after you dumped it in there would’ve helped a lot of those air bubbles escape as well as drill and a couple holes of course in the forms also I was wondering with something like self leveling Underlayment or concrete
Muy ecológico. El agua que usas para lavar tus manos, bajará la poceta como decimos aquí. Hace muchos años un invento como éste pero usando agua residual de la ducha para llevar el tanque ganó un premio en Europa. Se preocupan por los restos de jabón y suciedad que puedan dañar el sistema de válvulas de la poceta, es cuestión de asear el tanque cada tanto.
Got a question for anyone I am almost done with a job which I removed about 100 mix pieces of 2,4,6, and 8 inch steel pipe from a factory using a torch. I want to haul everything back to my shop but need to cut them down to manageable size. What do you think the fastest way to cut them down. I do not have a plasma cutter I have grinders chop saw torch bandsaw Reciprocating saw and a arc air slicer Or is there something else I should buy
that's a very ingenius item very nice but kinda exspensive, when you have another sink 2 feet to the right, but I guess you do save a gallon or two, or 1.6 gallons.
I was on a mountain ridge in Ecuador for 2 1/2 years in Peace Corps , followed by 2 in a remote village in Tanzania, and in both places, getting water was a serious problem. Almost twenty years later, I still treat water like a very limited resource.
Even more than the ingenuity you put into building this, I respect the same sort of appreciation you show by going to that much effort "just for a few gallons of water. You make a good example in several ways here; my hat's off to you.
I do have a bone to pick with you, though. Now, the project that got sidetracked when I resumed one simple chore before getting distracted by something I'd set aside earlier only to have that interrupted by remembering that I still needed to finish a chore that I was detoured from when I noticed the very thing that I'd looked all over for to complete a different task, etc etc, has been pushed back once again as I go into "scrounge mode" seeking to make one of my own.
That looks great. I made one years ago for the toilet in our garden, work room toilet. That toilet is used by me and every worker that comes to the house. It was mucht more basic but works fine to this day. Anything we can do to reduce water use is a good thing. How much time did it take you? What was the cost? Lots of ways to reuse water. I was able to get a permit to use washer water on my lawn, I set up a 50' 2" hose that I unwind.. An upstairs shower was rerouted to fill 2 toilet tanks on the lower level. With good planning and of course permits there are ways to save water and money. Many parts of the world, including the US have a water crisis. We need to get rid of lawns and have native, natural plants that don't need excess watering. Vehicle washing and other wasteful practices needs to change.
I have seen something like this in one of the tiny house builds and it is a very ingenious way of saving space, water and money! Great build!
I realize that this post is several years old but I must say that as a DIY homeowner myself, this is one of the neatest projects I've seen in a long time. You did an excellent job all around and the result is very impressive. I am using the Henry Feather finish to fill nail holes in underlayment I am installing in my kitchen upon which Armstrong Luxury Vinyl tiles will be adhered to. It's a great product and I am going to consider using it for future crafts projects. Keep up the great work.
Love this. In Portland Oregon there are companies that make these "grey water" conversions. The only reason we didn't install one is because in winter the tap water is almost freezing. I suppose we could just use the sink for warm water during that season but we could never really have it replace a sink completely. Awesome job and beautiful craftsmanship. :)
Thanks! I was wondering why everyone was so worried about the cold water. I forgot you need warm water in the winter up north. Here in Florida we use "cold" water to wash our hands year round.
The only thing you might want to ensure is the drain from the sink is directed into the overflow tube where the small bowl refill hose used to go, or else the toilet bowl could be close to dry, and then have a very weak flush, and clog. This would also ensure hand soap would be directed straight to the toilet bowl and not risk deteriorating any parts within the tank.
I think you’re right about parts but the rank would likely be over filled rather than under filled if anything. Routing it to the overflow might render the bowl under filled tho.
This SHOULD Be On Every Toilet! For real.......
Such a sharp, concise video. So much information so well presented in a mear five minutes and 22 seconds? I’ve subscribed. Best home repair/how to do video I’ve seen on TH-cam.
This is super cool! Does the toilet seat still stay up when you raise it?
Thanks! And yes, it still stays up.
Seems like concrete would be too heavy for the bowl to support for very long. Have you noticed any cracking at the tank to bowl connection? Surprising how many people think the water is coming from the poop water or that toilets have a different fresh water line to them.
This is what I was thinking as well. But there is a lighter concrete material isnt there?
@@michaelamanow1886 Aircrete
@@michaelamanow1886 Ramon noodles... th-cam.com/video/907SUATLNC0/w-d-xo.html
Feather light concrete
Many people do not understand basic household plumbing.
WOW!!!!! You have solved a problem for me, being in order to make my shower larger I had to do away with my sink. Not now!!!!!!
Thank you so much.
who could say No to a great idea for several reasons! plus great execution!
Nice job and to top it off... it actually works!.. You learned some new skills, gave us a useful tool and ended up with a 100% functional project.
You deserve a cold beer.
Can you please share the connections you made inside the flush tank..pls...it would be great help
wow, genius. I love this too much. well done!
Thanks!
great, your channel is going to make me late for school! Love it!
These are all over Japan. I love it. yours is expensive, but hey, you did it yourself. congrats, you're awesome!
I think that holes actually make it more interesting than if it was totally smooth. Keep up the great videos. Loving your work from all the way down under in Australia.
Thanks! And yea it did look cool, I just wanted to see if I could get it to be smooth.
this wouldnt even work for your toilets right? flushing the other way and all
This would also be cost effective for those who have to pay for their water intake ! Great video guys !
Very cool project. I first saw this concept in Japan in 2000, but I've never seen one since.
Really cool!! I love the monolithic pour
Rub some paste wax on your melamine and the form will be a lot easier to remove.
Thanks! That half cylinder actually wasn't planned, I had to add it last minute when my faucet wasn't tall enough. I like how it looks soooo much better with it. An real life Bob Ross happy accident ;)
Wow it actually came out a lot nicer than expected. Very cool
I'm impressed mate, well done!
This is amazing, should be the way to go. Saves water, space and gives the water some scent
Holy Moly! I'm blow away by the amount of criticism and negativity about a sink....In your house.....that your not telling anyone else to use. It turned out great, good job! Btw, what have you two been up to!? I binge watched all of your financial videos when I first found your channel, and have been craving more!
Haha thanks! We actually just picked up our trailer for the wood shop so Mike has been working hard to get it ready for our trip!
Really creative love it for my children who uses alot of water at times don't remember to wash their hands, that's a obvious reminder
Wow!!!! That is very creative!! Glad it came out the way you envisioned!! Great job!!
all japanese apartment has these since the 90's :p
I like the idea. But cold water only. Back ache leaning over. I like the use of the water that fills up the tank for some kind of water feature just not to wash hands with.
That was Lauren's idea and maybe a future project! She said I should make a waterfall or something that looks/sounds nice when you flush.
Mike and Lauren that would be cool. a water fall into a stream that spins a paddle wheel.
My dad plumbed a mix of hot and cold water to his toilets so they wouldn't sweat in the summer :)
Ty for saving the planet, it's gorgeous
Awesome execution of a toilet sink. This would have to be the nicest one done that I have seen. Mike - What's the weight of the sink/lid now? Another thing is to find the best soap to use that will also help the toilet stay clean!
The old tank top weighs 10 lbs, and the sink weighs 50. Significantly heavier but the porcelain tank doesn't seem to mind.
Very smart and very good thinking for the consumption of water .
Great project Mike your right they should be standard issue on every toilet!
This is brilliant. What a cool idea.
Does the soap interfere with any of the toilet inner parts?
+The Vegetarian Baker - I shouldn't think it would. Lime scale is more of a component killer and even that takes time.
Best bet would be liquid soap like he is using. No scum, and the toilet would always smell nice.
The Vegetarian Baker the soap doesn't go back to the interior of the toilet tank. this water is going down into the bowl. the water that fills the tank comes from the bottom of the fill valve. He says it at 4:34
Illlegal in Colorado. Using water twice. You, sir, have earned my sub.
Is there an instructables for this? I'm really interested in making this.
Yes! www.instructables.com/id/I-Made-a-Toilet-Tank-Sink/
I am adding a bedroom and VERY SMALL BATHROOM in my attic...I NEED THIS!! I've seen other ones, but I LOOOOOOVE yours!!! How do I get instructions from you so my Son can build it???
Great video and mechanism! Thank You! If someone doesn't feel like making changes of such a magnitude, a regular bucket in the bathroom sink while washing hands/teeth/face would do. Just use the greywater to flush. When the guests in the house, you can remove it, and put it back when they're gone. Also the same goes for the kitchen sink when not using the dishwasher.
Best idea I've seen in a while. I'd totally put one in my apt. And, it would certainly wow any company that visits.
pure genius. the amount of water wasted every day is simply unacceptable. ideas like this will get us to where we need to be, some day.
I think you did a fabulous job. I think it's pretty neat
Haa.....oh that is some good thinking. Looks great. Now that you've done the first one, I can see making the mould to cause the walls to be thinner - like say as thin as the toilet tank itself. But - you did it first. Great job!
Japan did it first actually ;)
I love this!! Yes, cold water only and maybe slightly awkward reaching over/straddling the toilet but WHO CARES! You had me at saving $$ on water. I like the waterfall idea too though.
I think the waterfall could be a project for the near future!
It seems like such an obviously good idea!!
I think it's awesome, you did a great job on your project!!
Fantastic!! I guess been in the corner as it is maybe it would be better to have the tap on the other side so it's more confortable to wash your hands? No idea but this is great! it is water you will flush anyway so even if you don't use it all it's for sure saving! cheers!
Clever idea. It would be great for those places where placing independent uints would be a problem.
For someone who just jumped into it I say great job man seriously.......
I have no idea how I found this video but I'm impressed with your handy work. Great Job!
Got to be honest: I doubt if I would have come up with such an idea myself. However, watching your actions, you once again showed your prowess and initiative in creating very novel -- and dare I say workable? -- ideas! Thank you!
It is far from an original idea, just google it, dozens of them out there already
Sink Twice and Sink Positive are two models available in the US Commercially, but this is a very well executed home build.
I'm not sure if anyone else has mentioned this, but, this would be a great way to conserve water in the motorhome. One possible addition would be to add some vermiculite to the ready mix concrete to make it lighter.Just my thoughts!! Looked great to me!!
The vermiculture is a great idea. RVs are already pretty good with water. There's no tank, you control the flow of water with a foot valve.
I put lime and normal quartz paint to change color of concrete but after seeying this I am going to add some black to some concrete and then make a Lion Head cast.
What type of fill valve is in your toilet? I can see the red cap. Your valve seems to redirects all water into the refill tube, and that gives you the good water flow from the faucet. The valves I tried direct only portion of the water to the refill tube, and the rest of the incoming water is going in via the holes in the valve bottom. Due to that my sink-over-tank setup I just built gives me very weak pressure from the faucet. Please advise what fill valve you use, or can recommend.
How is your cleaning augmented by this process because basically your toilet is flushed by water that is grey and could sit for awhile. And how do you turn the sink off when your done does it continue to run until tank is full?
Great job! How much time did it take from start to finish?
Would you just use the standard bathroom sink, if you just needed to wash your hands, say from working outside?
Before I even watch the video, I have to say I am thrilled! thrilled! thrilled!
Looks so good! Good job!
This would be great for the tiny house movement. Great idea and execution.
Awesome idea! Is this something you plan on executing for the RV? Not exactly sure how those systems work and if they are the same as a standard house toilet? If you decide to make a V2, you could probably skip molding the lid of the tank and instead trace the outer profile of the tank on to a piece of paper. I think all you would need is a small recess of that shape because the weight of the entire thing would be enough to keep it from being knocked off and save you the cost of the silicone.
Cool idea I'm surprised you sprung for that mold compound. I wonder if you could pour a lightweight concrete and then use that as the mold bye coding it in a thin layer of that mold compound. The reason I'm giving this thought is I have many ambitious concrete molds I want to make and I can't afford that price for that compound. So if everybody knows if this method would work for me I just kind of thought it up. If it's stupid let me know.
1) coat the object with latex and mold release
2) create a couple inch thick concrete mold secure that mold to a wooden frame. Once I create a frame I can poor quick set concrete in the gaps to create a solid piece.
3)coat the rigid frame with a much smaller amount of that mold making compound. The one issue I found is that it takes more time because of the added steps also I believe I'd be giving up some flexibility but on some projects I'd prefer that the frame and the mold is extremely sturdy so that I can use toolbox like clamps it's really hold it secure. My goal is to create a form for medium sized bathtub.
If anybody has any input or would like to make fun of me while I'm doing this project let me know how to get in touch. Really I could use some pointers though. thanks you Tube land
Great idea for narrow and small space
Homemade Modern mentioned not too long ago that Quickrete had a 1 bag challenge. You should check into it and submit if still available...
Thats awesome but I would love to have it rerouted to the original sink. Is that a possibility?
Very cool idea. I've never seen one of these before. Does the soap that will sit in the tank until the next flush pose any problems?
Really slick Mike. I may have to steal this one!
Do it and send us pictures!
thats an awsome idea. I think you could use some cheep foam in a can from the hardware store to make the lid mold instead of 175 $ molding.
What silicone/rubber product did you use for the mold?
you can use any vibrating thing while pooring the concrete to avoide aire bubbles, like a drill or a kitchen stuff at low speed of curse
Great but why make it this bulky and this heavy?
you could make your improved model and post it for us to see
Do you carry your toilet around with you sometimes?
It doesn't need to be portable....
That turned out sweet! Way better then your 15% chance!
Thanks! It's funny looking back at the footage. I thought there was no way it was actually going to work.
Very smart and functional. I wish I could have something like this.
Will the soapy water cause your toilet to fill with bubbles when you flush?
I had to come back and watch that one again. Super neat.
I love it! I wonder what a substitute could be to make the mold?
Are you an engineer or do you just see how its done and then repeat? How long did you go to school if you are an engineering student?
Yeah if you something to vibrate the concrete after you dumped it in there would’ve helped a lot of those air bubbles escape as well as drill and a couple holes of course in the forms also I was wondering with something like self leveling Underlayment or concrete
this is an amazing way to save water
Muy ecológico. El agua que usas para lavar tus manos, bajará la poceta como decimos aquí. Hace muchos años un invento como éste pero usando agua residual de la ducha para llevar el tanque ganó un premio en Europa. Se preocupan por los restos de jabón y suciedad que puedan dañar el sistema de válvulas de la poceta, es cuestión de asear el tanque cada tanto.
I think it's clever. It's a good idea if your wanting to save space.
Cool! I have seen this somewhere before - maybe it was in a tiny house video. Nice to see how it can be DIY. Thanks!
Has soap and grime buildup in the tank been an issue?
This blew my mind. Great Job!
Thanks!
Good idea.. I think I will copy this for my nxt project.
Absolute genius! Nice idea!
California is going to be calling you. Nice Job.
This is quite common in Japan, Google Japanese toilet faucet and look at the images. Nice design, we should have more of this here in the US.
how long will the water run on average after the flush (how much time do you have to wash your hands before the water runs out)?
Got a question for anyone
I am almost done with a job which I removed about 100 mix pieces of 2,4,6, and 8 inch steel pipe from a factory using a torch. I want to haul everything back to my shop but need to cut them down to manageable size. What do you think the fastest way to cut them down. I do not have a plasma cutter
I have grinders chop saw torch bandsaw Reciprocating saw and a arc air slicer
Or is there something else I should buy
Awesome project, and fun video!
That is an awesome crazy idea . Love it
Is this the new camera? Looks great! Cool idea!
It is! And thanks!
that's a very ingenius item very nice but kinda exspensive, when you have another sink 2 feet to the right, but I guess you do save a gallon or two, or 1.6 gallons.
That is so cool, job well done. Hope to try this.....
Excellent idea, I like it. One question, can you use it for peeing also?
Like pee in the sink?
One question, will it make me a grilled cheese sandwich?
You want to pee in the sink. 😂😂😂😂
Now THAT would be a TH-cam Video??? What was that guys name years ago???
I think that What's is referred to as an "upper decker".
i think you are amazing this Japanese idea should be globally done to save water
Nice project!
That Feather Finish is awesome
Thanks, I was really pleased with the feather finish!
good space saver for like a small bathrooms. with this i can get rid of my sink & cabinet and put in A flat screen Tv
You know, at first, I was standoffish about it but then it grew on me. I like it! 👍
this definately beats walking to the sink, I'm in
Love your backwards monster contraption looks like it works , better patent it.
Also, a spray-action head or aerator might be better, if you can effectively use one at that low water pressure.
Very nice! Super over kill but very nice!