Fresh Water Plumbing
This was kind of tricky, since you have to find the right tube sizes and the right adapters that fit your water containers, faucet, and water pump.
I designed my system to work with 3/8" inner-diameter tubing.
Number | Item |
---|---|
#1 | 3/8" ID polyethylene tubing (from Fresh Water Systems) For literally all the tubing, including pick-up tube and tubing for the faucet. Tastes great, no plastic taste! |
#2 | 1/2" ID copper tube (from Home Depot) For the pick-up tube, so that the polyethylene tubing stays straight inside the fresh water container |
#3 | Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Water Container (many stores) Fresh water tank |
#4 | JB WaterWeld Putty (many stores) For attaching copper tube to Aqua-Tainer lid |
#5 | Elbow quick connect (from US Plastic) Stays on the water container lid and is what my quick connect tube plugs into. Elbow style was important to minimize the height (so the tubing goes horizontal from the lid). |
#6 | Quick connect with valve (from US Plastic) Getting a valved version is important so that when you disconnect it, it doesn't spill water out! |
#7 | Seaflo 35 PSI water pump (from Amazon) 35 PSI is plenty of pressure for a small kitchen faucet! |
#8 | 3/8" Hose ID to 1/2" FNPT adapter (from US Plastic) For connecting the hose directly to the faucet. Make sure to use plumber's tape on the threads of the faucet, since these don't seal with a washer. |
#9 | Plumber's tape Make sure to use plumber's tape on the threads of the faucet, since these don't seal with a washer. My faucet included some plumber's tape, convenient! |
#10 | Cold Water Only Faucet (from Amazon) Getting a cold-water only faucet is nice! |
Tubing
Make sure you buy drinking water safe (NSF 61 certified) tubing. I went with Polyethylene tubing since that seemed to have the least taste according to people online, and my wife is picky about plastic taste. I'm happy to report that she actually thinks the water from the system tastes okay!
I bought 3/8" inner-diameter (1/2" outer-diameter) tubing from Fresh Water Systems: Neo-Pure 1/2" OD LLDPE Polyethylene Tubing in Blue.
Water pump
You don't need anything super high pressure for just a faucet. I bought the SEAFLO 35 PSI pump, which has been plenty of pressure.
It's definitely noisy when you're using the water, but the convenience of having an adjustable speed faucet is really nice.
Power switch for water pump
You'll need your own power switch so you can remotely turn off the water pump. I bought a small DaierTek Round Rocker Switch, and wired that between the positive cable of the water pump, so I can turn it on and off.
Faucet
Most faucets have both cold and hot water hookups. Finding a cold-water only faucet is a little difficult. I found this Cold Water Only Faucet from Amazon. It's worked well so far!