Tiny Homes On Wheels DIY : Chapter 7 - Plumbing - Tumbleweed Tiny House Company

Summary

The video script from Tumbleweed Tiny House features expert Chuck discussing RV-like maintenance for a tiny home. It covers sewer line installation with a flange and protective sleeve, and plumbing for gray and black water management using a gate valve. The system includes an on-demand water heater, water pump, and a combined 12-volt electrical system. Chuck also explains using PEX tubing for plumbing, detailing the process of cutting, fitting, and securing pipes with various connectors. The script touches on waste disposal options, comparing RV, low-flow, and standard toilets, and mentions composting toilets as an eco-friendly alternative.

Takeaways

• 🔩 For tiny homes, RV hookups are used due to their similarities, including the same maintenance and plumbing techniques.
• 💧 Sewer lines in tiny homes require careful installation to avoid leaks, with special attention to prevent contact with metal surfaces.
• 🚽 A gate valve is essential for tiny home plumbing to control the flow of black water and prevent unwanted backflow.
• 🌱 Tiny home owners can use gray water from their system to water plants with a dedicated valve, promoting sustainability.
• 🔌 Efficient mechanical systems in tiny homes are crucial and often combined into one area to save space and simplify installations.
• 💦 On-demand water heaters are recommended for tiny homes due to their space-saving design and energy efficiency.
• 🛠 PEX tubing is a popular choice for tiny home plumbing due to its flexibility, resistance to freezing, and ease of installation.
• 🔗 When connecting PEX fittings, it's important to use the correct type of crimp ring and crimping tool to ensure a secure seal.
• 🛁 Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient for tiny homes as they heat water on demand, unlike traditional tank-style heaters.
• 🚽 Composting toilets are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilets, requiring no water or sewer connections and reducing waste management concerns.

Q & A

What is the recommendation for maintaining an RV or a tiny home?

It is recommended to hire an expert for areas that you're not comfortable with, such as RV maintenance specialists for tasks like sewer line installation and maintenance.

How is the sewer line installation for a tiny home similar to an RV?

The sewer line installation in a tiny home is similar to an RV because they both require a flange to sit on the floor, a sleeve to protect the pipe from rubbing against the metal deck, and a gate valve to control the flow of black water.

What is the purpose of the gate valve in a tiny home's sewer system?

The gate valve in a tiny home's sewer system prevents black water from flowing in and out of the drain when not in use, and it can be opened to allow water flow when needed.

How can gray water from a tiny home be utilized?

Gray water can be utilized by connecting a garden hose to the bottom valve and using it to water flowers or vegetables, provided biodegradable soaps or detergents are used.

Why is it important to combine mechanical systems in a tiny home?

Combining mechanical systems in a tiny home is important because it saves space, increases efficiency, and makes installation easier.

What are the advantages of using PEX tubing in tiny home plumbing?

PEX tubing is advantageous for tiny home plumbing because it is flexible, resists freezing, is easy to connect with fittings, and is color-coded for hot and cold lines.

How should PEX tubing be cut to ensure a good fit for the fittings?

To ensure a good fit for the fittings, PEX tubing should be cut with a clean, square cut without any burrs. The cutter should be rocked back and forth rather than pressed down to maintain the circular shape of the tubing.

What are the two types of crimp rings used for connecting PEX fittings?

The two types of crimp rings used for connecting PEX fittings are brass or copper-brass combination material rings and stainless steel pinch rings.

Why are ball valves recommended for plumbing in tiny homes?

Ball valves are recommended for tiny home plumbing because they are secure, solid, and have fewer moving parts that can corrode over time, making them a worthwhile investment.

What are the differences between a tanked water heater and a tankless water heater?

A tanked water heater maintains a constant temperature in a reservoir of water, while a tankless water heater heats water as needed, resulting in a slight delay but using less energy.

What are the three most common types of toilets for a tiny home?

The three most common types of toilets for a tiny home are RV, low-flow water, and standard residential toilets, all of which require water to flush waste.