Water and Sanitation

Water, Fresh and Otherwise

A summary of camp water and plumbing. (Updated post burn 2025)

This template is used to keep a daily log by the water team on playa.

2025 Usage Spreadsheet

Fresh Water 

Plan for 2026

In 2026 we say fare thee well to ye olde Gayflower so fresh and grey water will depend on SSS.

2026 Order Plan:

item amount notes
Two (2) 500-Gallon Fresh Tanks
SSS charges the same for 2 500 tanks as they would for 1 1000 tank and it's safer. Also allows us to get a tank to empty before they fill it so they are always filling the full 500
Fresh Water 2500 Gallons

That's a lot
Two (2) 250-Gallon Grey Tanks

Double what we had in previous years, but then again, we don't have Gayflower
Grey Water 1750 Gallons

They can come daily and empty one of the tanks each day

SSS charges a lot more than United for grey water service so we use United for this
Motorcoach RV fills 2 fills (Build Team RV)


See 2025 Usage Spreadsheet for the calculations we used to arrive at this schedule.

Usage, 2025:

Kitchen (metered) 493 gallons
Ice machine (metered) 58.2 gallons, note, this was just to fill the ice machine tank when we discovered it was kaput so we made zero ice
Canteen filler / drinking water refills (metered) 524 gallons
Gayflower (inferred): 1215 gallons

Sources:

Tank Capacity (gal) 
 Refills Available? Used in 2024 Used in 2025
Gayflower Tanks 2310 No 1000 for kitchen
454 for showers		 1290
Build Team RV 176 Yes 251 for build RV

2 refills ordered

resulted in about 75 gal remaining
SSS Tank 500 Yes 600 for canteens

Preordered 1 refill

1000



2305 total
6.2 gal per camper day		 2290 total
Gayflower Tanks - Details

As of 2025 the Gayflower has 7 brand new IBC totes that hold 330 gallons each so we will have a capacity of 2,310 gallons.

The totes are filled in Gerlach for about $0.50 per gallon by Empire Storage and Rental (Andy "Fixxer" Owens) who store the Gayflower.

The gayflower tanks are directly plumbed to provide showers, toilets, and sinks in the Gayflower, however, there is also an option to hook up hoses. In 2024 we used the bright green hose to fill the tank in the Food Fort.

Build Team RV Fresh Water - Details

The build team RV has a large fresh tank which holds 176 gallons of water.

We usually fill that in Reno at the GSR RV Resort (where we stay for one night before driving in.)

We can also get it refilled on playa by pre-ordering from Sierra Site Services.

SSS Tank - Details

We can rent a 500 gallon tank from Sierra Site Services which comes with a pump and 15' hose. They bring it and fill it up, and they can come back to refill it.

In 2024 this tank was only used for canteen filling.

In 2025 this tank was used for kitchen and canteen filling.

There are other vendors besides Sierra Site Services, but we had terrible experiences with Meco in 2023 and SSS has been absolutely amazing.

Waste Water

"Grey Water" refers to water from sinks and showers which has come in contact with humans and is unsafe to reuse or evaporate. "Black Water" refers to water from toilets which is even worse.

Tank Capacity (gal) 
 Pumpouts Available? Used in 2024 (est) 2025 Plans
Gayflower Black Tanks 1250 No 600
Gayflower Grey Tanks 1250 No 1100
Build Team RV Black 100 Yes (flag a truck) 150  
Build Team RV Grey 100 Can be sump pumped to Gayflower 200
SSS Tank 250 Yes

1000

mostly from kitchen and neighbors

 We have preordered 100 gallons in pumpouts



2850 total
Gayflower Grey and Black Tanks - Details

Under the floor of the Gayflower are 10 (ten) 250 gallon tanks. The ones on the driver side are all plumbed together and hold black water from the toilets. The ones on the passenger side are all plumbed together and hold grey water from showers and sinks.

During the week we could use a sump pump or water bug to pump excess grey water from somewhere else (kitchen, RV) into the Gayflower since it has so much capacity. In 2024 we pumped this into the grey water side, but in 2025 we should pump it into the black water side since that side has so much more capacity.

As of 2025 there are water level sensors connected to these tanks so you can read their approximate level. We didn't have any way to test them in advance so we'll see how well they work!

RV Tanks

The Build Team RV has two tanks, probably about 100 gallons each, for grey and black water.

You can theoretically flag down a USS truck at Burning Man which will pump them out for some cash (in 2024 we didn't see many of those trucks)

You can also sump pump excess grey water to the Gayflower.

After the burn you can dump them at the GSR in Reno (if we're staying there), the TA Travel Center in Sparks, or at the Loves in Fernley. 

SSS Grey Water Tank - Details

We can rent a 250 gallon grey water tank from SSS which is a low cube. They will come and pump this out during the week (if paid in advance).

In 2024 was used primarily for the kitchen, but some neighboring camps who had not made arrangements for grey water also dumped their grey water in there. We filled it 4 times. 

In 2025 it will again be used exclusively for the kitchen.

    Vendors

    Sierra Site Services
    Office: 888-458-8777 
    Mobile: 530-957-5049
    Contact: Michelle Haley <michelle@sierrasiteservices.com> and they have an office on playa.

    United Site Services
    Email: burningmanorders@unitedsiteservicesinc.com and kristina.retzloff@unitedsiteservicesinc.com
    Contact: Kristina Retzloff
    Direct Line: 208-906-0399
    Office: 800-864-5387

    Moving Water in Camp (updated 2026)

    Every year we've been getting better and better at figuring out how to easily move water, clean and dirty, around in the camp.

    Fresh Water Well Pumps

    We use the Harbor Freight 1HP Well Pumps. (Manual).

    In 2026 we are expecting two 500-gallon fresh water tanks from Sierra Site Services, and they will bring two of these pumps, one for each tank.

    We also own a spare.

    These pumps seem to work really well, and they have their own bladder so that the pump doesn't have to flip on and off frequently. Basically, they will maintain pressure in a pressurized water system, supplying water to the food fort, shower, and sinks.

    image.png

    Pro Tip: When delivered, our pump was not primed. To prime it, you have to open a little nut and pour in some water until it overflows. We did this using a plastic bag with the corner cut off.

    Pro Tip: Do not run this kind of pump dry for more than 10 seconds.

    Pro Tip: The tank must be pressurized to 23 psi which can be done with a bicycle pump.

    Pro Tip: Use backflow preventers both before and after the pump so that the pump stays primed.

    NEVER use this tank for anything other than potable water.

    Fresh Water Connections

    The fresh water tanks (from Sierra Site Services) will be located close to the service road (fire lane). From there a hose will bring fresh water over to the hub between the food fort and the shower. We will set up a Y-adapter, with one side supplying water to the food fort, and the other side supplying water to the shower/sinks.

    The Shower has a five-way manifold which splits up the water for two handheld showers, two sinks, and a canteen filler.

    Grey Water Plan

    The grey water tanks (from USS) are located by the service road, too. 

    qi-1014-hauling.jpgThe new shower system comes with a black tote which serves as a grey water "hub". All the grey water in camp drains into it via gravity, and it has a pump which pushes that grey water out to the USS tank.

    1AAF84E1-DD85-480A-BD04-3D963F221392_1_105_c.jpeg

    There are two inputs on the top of the black tote (through the yellow lid) which are connected to the sink drains above it.

    There are also three garden hose attachments at the bottom. Two are connected to the shower drains and one can be connected to the food fort grey water output.

    Inside the tote is a yellow water bug pump that goes on and off automatically to pump water across the camp to the USS grey water tanks.

    Previous Years (no longer relevant)

    We have two of the Harbor Freight 3/4 HP Submersible Sump Pumps (Manual) 

    58029_W3.jpgThese were intended to move grey water around camp quickly, say, from the kitchen to the gayflower. They pump water into a thick red 2" hose that looks like this:

    Screenshot 2024-09-09 at 4.05.21 PM.pngWe have about 50' of this hose.

    There are two problems with this method of pumping grey water. The first is that the sump pump is meant to sit in a bucket that fills up with grey water causing the ball to float which turns on the pump. That means it never pumps the bottom n inches of water which can be a lot depending on the size of the bucket you put it in. The second is that those 2" hoses fill up with grey water and once the bucket is empty, they stay filled up with grey water... there is no way to cause the pump to push out the remaining contents all the way to wherever you're going. This means there is a manual step, after pumping grey water, involving walking the red hose from the source to the destination to gravity-force out all the water.

    The grey water tank provided by Sierra is low-slung and looks like this:

    qi-1014-hauling.jpgWith this tank, it's not a big problem to hand-caress the grey water from the hose into the tank. However, if you are trying to move grey water up to the Gayflower, where the tanks are probably 5' off the ground, it's not so easy.

    For the last mile, we have these little Water Bug Style Pumps:

    Screenshot 2024-09-09 at 4.24.32 PM.png
    That can be completely submersed in water and it will suck up virtually everything and pump it up through a narrow hose, which gets the last little bits of water up and out. It's slow, though, compared to the big sewer pumps.

    New For 2025, we bought a new Milwaukee cordless pump:

    image.png

    This is a hand-sized pump that runs off the same chargers and batteries as our impact drivers. It uses garden hose fittings. We used this in 2025 to pump grey water from the food fort to the SSS grey water tank whenever the food fort fills up and it worked really well! Because it was so portable it was easy to move it to the Gayflower and move some grey water there, too.

    The Kitchen Fort Water System

    The kitchen fort, delivered in 2023, is a marvel in camp automation, allowing us to bring a commercial-quality working kitchen to playa and start using it without any setup. However, we're still learning about the best way to hook it up to water.

    Fresh Water

    There are two separately plumbed fresh water systems: one for sinks and one for the ice maker. The inlet for each of these systems is on the passenger side, front. They are 3/4" garden hose inlets:

    Final Exterior Pics Joel Spolsky June14 (10).jpg

    We no longer use the ice machine as of 2025, as so much of it was lost in the war.

    The fresh water system is laid out like this:

    drawing-1-1725919077.png

    Each one has:

    These tanks have an opening at the top, allowing air in and out so they can fill and empty. This opening also means that if you overfill them with a hose, the excess water just starts to pour out onto the ground without warning.

    IMG_1722.png

    Running the system off tanks

    In 2023/24 we ran the food fort by filling its tanks. Here's how that works:

    1. Open the valve inside
    2. Connect the hose, outside
    3. Turn on the hose until the tank is full
    4. Remove the hose
    5. Close the valve inside
    6. The pump will pump water up from the tank into the food fort system

    You need to do this for both the sinks and the ice maker, separately.

    We thought this was a nice idea because it got the water team involved every once in a while and avoided the risk of the kitchen using up all of our camp water by mistake. In reality someone had to fill the tanks once or twice per day, and in particular the ice machine's running out of water probably caused it to dump the water it had instead of just producing a lot of ice.

    Running the system without tanks

    In 2025 we started running the system without using its tanks. Here's how that worked:

    1. Close the valves inside
    2. Unplug the pump(s)
    3. Connect the hose, outside
    4. Turn on the hose outside
    5. The external water pressure should provide water inside the food fort.

    The way we set this up:

    Ice Maker (RIP)

    The ice maker system is just like the fresh water system, with its own tanks and pump and shut off valve. In 2023 and 2024 we were underwhelmed by the amount of ice this system could produce (it was nothing close to what it should have been able to produce based on specs) and overwhelmed by the amount of clean but undrinkable water that it dumped on the ground through an open spout under the trailer as a part of it's too-frequent "clean" cycle. In 2025 we want to give it one last chance by keeping it connected to pressurized water so it never runs out of water to see what it can produce.

    2025 Spoiler Alert. One thing we found was that the Ice Maker does not actually have a shut-off valve to bypass the tank. The Ice Maker must use the 50 gallon tank. Another thing we learned is that the Ice Maker was damaged probably due to not being properly winterized, and, for all intents and purposes, is no longer useful

    Grey Water - 2026 Plan

    We are going to try a system where the grey water goes, via gravity, through a hose to the shower grey water tote, where it joins with water from the showers etc. and is then pumped off to the main grey water tanks automatically.

    Grey Water - 2025 Plan

    There are grey water tanks under the kitchen which fill up about once a day. In. 2024, we pumped this water across about 100' to a grey water tank supplied by SSS.

    The waste spout of these tanks is a 1.5" ID threaded outlet. It is probably about 9" above the ground. 

    IMG_5853(1).JPG

    For 2025 the official plan will be to put the SSS tank right next to the kitchen, and it will be exclusively used for kitchen grey water. The SSS tank is about 17½" high with input from the top:

    Picture1.jpg

    To pump the water from the Food Fort tanks to the SSS tank, we connect a Valterra T01-0094VP or Valterra T01-0091VP to the 1.5" outlet, and then from there a small length of garden hose, to a transfer pump that can pump the grey water up to the SSS tank on demand. We use a Milwaukee cordless transfer pump which runs on the same batteries as our impact drivers; with that connected it takes about 10 minutes to completely empty the food fort.

    Shower 2026

    Starting in 2026, we have a new shower / sink system.

    044C6341-4C9C-445E-80E1-DC75B6238213_1_105_c.jpeg CE26DA84-48DB-441E-A6F4-90AAE4471473_1_105_c.jpeg

    Complete instructions for assembly and disassembly are in the technical reference PDF.

    Turtle Shower Tech Ref.pdf

     

    Sanitation

    2026

    In 2026 we are using United Site Services for porto-potties, grey water removal, and RV pumpouts for the build RV.

    THREE PEOPLE from the build team, Joel, Gary, and Viv, are listed on the USS contract as authorized representatives. One of them will have to go to the USS office on playa to get vouchers and tell them we're ready for delivery.

    United Site Services
    Email: burningmanorders@unitedsiteservicesinc.com and kristina.retzloff@unitedsiteservicesinc.com
    Contact: Kristina Retzloff
    Direct Line: 208-906-0399
    Office: 800-864-5387

    2025 Water Plan

    This is the 2025 water plan.

    Camp Layout

    Screenshot 2025-06-24 at 12.28.53 PM.pngThis year's layout places the Food Fort much closer to the Gayflower, and with its inlets and outlets facing the fire lane. That means pumping between those two locations is closer and Sierra Site Services ("SSS") can easily service everything if needed.

    Food Fort

    Read more details on the Food Fort plumbing

    Fresh Water

    For the Food Fort we expect to use 1000 gallons, same as last year. To make this easy, we'll rent a 500 gallon tank from SSS that will be dedicated to the food fort. We will schedule a single refill of this tank on Wed Aug 27.

    Plumbing:

    RV

    We scheduled RV water refill for August 22 and 27.

    Grey Water

    We also expect to generate 1000 gallons of grey water from the Food Fort. We'll rent a 250 gallon tank from SSS and put it right next to the Food Fort. We'll schedule three pumps of this tank (750 gallons) during the week, on Mon, Wed, and Fri, and we can also leave it full.

    During the week, grey water from the food fort will accumulate in its internal tank which holds 104 gallons. On a regular basis, we will use a portable pump to empty that into the SSS tank.

    Plumbing:

    The pump needs to be manually activated to dump the tanks every day.

    The ice maker dumps a bunch of semi-clean water out the bottom, too. This does not go into any kind of tank. We have to put a large concrete mixing tub under there to catch this water and regularly pump it out to the SSS tank.

    The goal is to get the SSS tank as full as possible by the time they come to pump it out, so as to take advantage of all 250 gallons pumping that we paid for.

    Daily Routine:
    1. check available space in SSS tank
    2. if room available, pump ice water into it
    3. if room still available, pump grey water into it
    4. is the SSS tank full and the food fort threatening to be full? Organize a pump operation all the way to the Gayflower Black tanks.

    Gayflower 

    The Gayflower will come with over 2000 gallons of fresh water which should be enough for showers, toilets, drinking water (canteens), and as emergency backup for food.

    It can accommodate 1250 gallons of grey water and 1250 gallons of black water. Last year the grey water tanks were much fuller than the black water tanks. So if we ever have to pump excess grey water from the RV or food fort into the Gayflower, we should pump it into the black water tanks.

    We can set up a hose from the Gayflower to provide fresh water for drinking, which can go through a water filter.

    Our initial plan will be to use SSS water for canteen filling, because it's better located near the food fort.

    2026 And Beyond

    1. Ultimately I'd like to get the SSS usage down to zero and rely solely on the Gayflower. It's way cheaper that way.

    Gayflower 2.0 Cost Estimates

    This is an overview of the costs and benefits of using a single trailer for shower, toilets, fresh, and grey water as opposed to using OSS services (what's OSS, you ask?).

    Assumption: 2300 gallons fresh water, 2300 gallons waste water (mostly grey), two toilets, 2025 OSS pricing.

    Scenarios:

    OSS + Portos - using OSS providers with portopotty rental
    OSS + Ecozoic - using OSS with Ecozoic toilets
    Gayflower - using the Gayflower
    Water Only - using a water trailer for fresh and grey water; OSS for everything else

    Annual Operating Costs

    Item OSS+Portos OSS+Ecozoic Gayflower Water Only Notes
    Potable Tank 1000gal 1500 1500 0 0 SSS price incl pump and hose
    First Fill 1000gal 1000 1000 0 0 SSS price $1 first fill
    Addl Fill 1300gal 2275 2275 0 0 SSS price $1.75 each addl gal
    Grey Tank Rental 250gal 400 400 0 0 SSS tank rental only
    Grey Water Pump 2300gal 4600 4600 0 0 SSS price per gallon
    Gerlach Water Fill 0 0 1495 1495 Gerlach 2025 price 0.65
    Portopotty Rental (2) 2082 9211 0 9211 United Site price for porto
    Ecozoic prices based on 2024
    Trailer storage Empire 0 0 1200 1200 Empire Storage and Rental (Temen probably similer)
    Annual trailer DOT inspection 0 0 250 250
    Round trip OSS delivery 0 0 1350 1350
    BMORG OSS Fees 0 0 275 275
    Total 11857 18986 4570 13781






    savings over ecozoic

    		14,416 5,205

    Build Costs (est)

    Item Gayflower Water Only Notes
    53ft x 102in Dry Van Trailer, Used, Nevada 16000 0 Price est based on TruckPaper completed auctions
    53ft x 102in Flatbed, Used, Nevada 0 8000  
    7 IBC Totes, 330, new, delivered Empire (Fresh Water) 4000 4000 Cary Company
    7 IBC Totes, 330, used (Grey Water), pickup Reno 0 1050 Nevada Container Supply
    10 Grey Water Tanks, 250 gal each 5790 0 PolyJohn HT01-0250 at Webstaurantstore
    Fresh Water Hoses and Connectors 2000 2000  
    Grey Water Hoses and Connectors 2000 2000  
    Pumps 340 340 Harbor Freight DRUMMOND 1 HP Stainless Steel Shallow Well Pump plus backup
    Steel hardware and welding 10000 2500  
    Floor decking 5000 0  
    Dry Van modifications for doors and utility access 8000 0
    Interior framing 5000 0  
    Macerating RV toilets 3000 0 (two)
    Waterless urinals 600 0 (two)
    Interior Plumbing Parts 3000 0
    Sinks, faucets, vanity 3000 0
    Shower enclosures, shower heads 2500 0 (two)
    Pond liner secondary containment 3000 3000 For gayflower, secondary containment is permanently built into trailer.
    For water only, secondary containment consists of external evap ponds that must be set up on playa.
    Lighting and electric 4000 0
    Parts, not including labor 77230 22890
    Labor 50000 10000 how much of this can you get from your campers? How good are you at hiring and supervising construction workers? Where are you going to build it?
    Parts, including labor 127230 32890
    years to amortize 9 6.3

    2026 Remount Shower

    Existing condition (spring 2025):

    shower-large.jpeg

    Problems:

    Plan:

    STATUS AS OF FALL 2025

    Shopping list:

    qty 4 - 1/2 in. Brass PEX-B Barb x 1/2 in. Female Pipe Thread Adapter 90-Degree Drop-Ear Elbow - mounts the shower on the wall using screws

    or

    qty 4 - Sharkbite Max 1/2 in. Push-to-Connect x FIP Brass 90-Degree Drop Ear Elbow Fitting - just a little bit easier to use Sharkbite

    small box - #8 and #10 wood screws

    qty 4 - 1/2" x Close MIP Brass Hex Nipple Fitting (or alternate 1/2" MIP x 1/2 MIP) which will connect to existing spring-loaded valves

    50' roll - 1/2" PEX-B

    qty 10 - Sharkbite Max 1/2 in. Brass 90-Degree Push-to-Connect Elbow Fitting - to connect the PEX-B back to the hot water heater

    qty 4 - Sharkbite Max 1/2 in. Push-to-Connect Brass Tee Fitting - to create tees to get water to all four shower heads

    box - Apollo 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. 2-in-1 PEX Pipe J-Hook Pipe Support Pro Pack (40-Pack)

    5 - 1" x 4" x 8' Premium Kiln Dried Board - as appropriate to create a nice backboard for mounting the shower heads and PEX. Get it cut in half at Home Depot so it's easier to transport

    Gayflower Repair List and Wish List

    IMG_1366.jpg

    Introduction

    The Gayflower is an absolute marvel, but it is not particularly robust or fancy. So we always have a ton of improvements we'd like to make to get it better and better! This chart summarizes those plans.

    Priority
    		 Project
    		 Status
    DONE Fix Leaks Around Fresh Water Pump
    The main green fresh water pump has a few little drips. There is a second leak on the thin brass fitting where water goes off to the swamp cooler.

    COMPLETED spring 2025
    DONE Replace IBC Totes With New
    The four IBC totes in the back were used for fruit juice concentrate and cause the water to smell poorly. One of the three IBC totes in the front (the rearmost one) has a broken shutoff valve.
    		 COMPLETED spring 2025
    DONE

    Seal Waste Line at Second Urinal

    We haven't been able to use the second urinal because the waste line leaks.

    		 COMPLETED spring 2025
    DONE

    Leaks around sink bases

    		 COMPLETED Fall 2025
    DONE

    Leak in Grey Water Connecting Hoses

    The one we noticed was probably the rearmost, passenger-side grey water holding tank.
    		 Completed Summer 2025
    Not Needed

    Better Support For IBC Totes in Back

    Weld in place a steel structure to support the weight of the water tanks in back, or add more wood    		 The wood that is there appears to be adequate
    5 URGENT

    Secondary Containment for Grey / Black Water Tanks
    There is an interesting problem that if the grey or black water tanks leak or the hoses connecting them come apart, the contents go onto the playa.

    There is a black liner there of some sort but it will not contain anything. It is is starting to rot away and probably has a lot of holes and screws going through it right now

    First attempt of adding more pond liner in back did not help. Currently we don't have any idea for what to do about this
    DONE

    Level Indicators for Waste Water Tanks
    Apparently there are already sensors connected to the grey and black water tanks to measure the level, but they are not hooked up to anything that can be used to read their output.

    COMPLETED spring 2025

    Indicators are not reliable for black water presumably due to dirty sensors.
    DONE

    Main faucets broken

    cheap old faucets broke. Replace

    		 Replaced by Adam Pence (Summer 2025)
    DONE

    Shower heads clogged and corroded beyond repair

    		 Replaced by Adam Pence (Summer 2025)
    5 Urgent

    System for easy winterization

    We were able to winterize during strike 2025 using the connectors we bought and the RV air hose. Adam Pence also disconnected a lot of things like the backs of the toilets October 2025
    2 Low Pri

    Repair Hand Wash SInks

    Both of these were damaged around the foot pump by freezing.

    People barely used this IIRC

    Might be easy just to swap out the foot pumps, though.
    DONE

    Light in back room

    Done by Adam Pence (Summer 2025)

    Post 2025 Event List

    Priority
    		 Project
    		 Status
    5 Urgent Remount Shower
    Shower plumbing has fallen from the ceiling    		 removed 
    5 Urgent Repair Waterless Urinal
    One of these waterless urinals is still not draining properly    		 After investigation it became clear that the waste line is misrouted underneath the floor such that it bumps up rather than sloping purely downhill. This might be correctable by shortening the length of the pipe coming down from the urinal by 6", but the real fix would be to climb underneath to reroute it.
    5 Urgent Replace shower water supply
    The current galvanized metal pipes being used to provide water to the showers will always corrode. The corroded material will clog the showers time and time again. Probably should replace with PVC    		 Plan for fall 2025
    5 Urgent

    Investigate dumping situation

    Need to discuss with fixxer. What do we need to do to make it easier to dump and clean the black tanks?

    		 Tanks can only be emptied about 75% and there is no provision for rinsing.
    5 Urgent

    Rear left door to van can't be closed without a crowbar

    Gayflower: Spring 2025 Plan

    This documents the replacement of the fresh water system in the Gayflower that was completed May 2025.

    "Before" Photo:

    IMG_1731.jpg

    IMG_1710.jpg

    0. General conditions

    1. Install plywood on rear wall to support the plumbing stack for the pump outlet. DONE
    2. Get a big tool box and parts box to organize all our plumbing tools and parts DONE

    1. IBC Tote Replacement

    Replace all seven totes with new ones and completely replace all plumbing connecting them.

    This design had one bug: the pump would not work without a check valve at the input. We added that in and everything worked great!

    Design considerations

    New plumbing configuration

    IMG_2254.jpgIMG_2255.jpg

    A IBC tote 
    B 2" Camlock valve, preinstalled on tote
    C 2" Camlock to 3/4" Male Garden Hose adapter
    D 2' long 3/4" Female to Female Garden Hose Extender (get some 1' as well to minimize slop)
    E

    3/4" Garden Hose splitter with valves (F - M - M)
    F 5' long 3/4" Garden Hose (M - F)
    G

    3/4" Garden Hose three way splitter with valves (F - M - M - M)
    H

    50' 3/4" Garden Hose (M - F)
    I

    Hole in floor
    J

    2" Female Camlock to 2" Male NPT Adapter, Stainless Steel (example)
    K

    2" Female NPT to 1" Female NPT
    L

    1" Male NPT to 1" Sharkbite
    M

    1" PEX-B
    N

    1" - 1" - 3/4" Reducing Tee (Sharkbite)
    O

    1" Sharkbite Elbows
    P

    1" Sharkbite to 1" Male NPT
    Q

    Pump, with 1" Female NPT inlet
    R

    3/4" PEX-B
    S

    3/4" Sharkbite to 3/4" Male NPT
    T

    3/4" Female NPT to 3/4" Male Garden Hose
    U

    3/4" Garden Hose Shutoff Valve (M-F)
    V

    3/4" Garden Hose Male to Male Coupler

    The pump requires 1" diameter input, so it draws from the nearest tote using 1" PEX-B (put together with sharkbite fittings). That tote, and the other six, are all interconnected using 3/4" hoses, which allow the water to seek a level between them.


    2. Evaporative Cooler Supply Rerouting

    The water supply line for the evaporative cooler should be rerouted so it does not interfere with that IBC tote. Also, it might be responsible for the leak at the top of the pump.


    3. Rework plumbing above the pump

    The main goal here is to make something that allows for quickly swapping out a failed pump, and eliminate the PVC+glue that is prone to leaks.

    IMG_2257.jpg

    A Existing DRUMMOND 1 HP Stainless Steel Shallow Well Pump and Tank with Pressure Control Switch - 950 GPH
    B 1" Female NPT output
    C 1" Male NPT to 1" Sharkbite U140LF 
    D 1" PEX-B Pipe
    E Sharkbite 1" Check Valve (U2020-0000LF)

    Provide Sharkbite disconnect tongs (U715) for winterizing.
    F 1" Sharkbite Elbow
    G

    1" Sharkbite PVC Fittings

    Also provide different connections because I don't know what is over there
    H

    Existing water line, splitting to cold water and hot water
    I

    1" - 1" - 3/4" Reducing Tee (Sharkbite)
    J

    3/4" PEX-B Pipe
    K

    Brass Push Drop-Ear Elbow (3/4" Sharkbite to 3/4" FNPT) (U340LF)
    Can be screwed onto plywood so that FNPT is facing out
    L

    3/4" Male NPT to 3/4" Male Garden Hose (amazon)
    M

    3/4 in. Evaporative Cooler FGH x MGH Sill Cock
    N

    1/4 in. x 1/8 in. Evaporative Cooler Angle Needle Valve
    O

    1/4 in. Evaporative Cooler Copper Tube leading to swamp cooler
    P

    This section to be mounted on plywood 
    Use some 1" and 3/4" pipe hangers like this to make it strong

    4. Urinal leak repair

    Reference photo: 

    IMG_5958.jpeg

    Not sure what size PVC this is. It is most likely 1 1/2" or 2".

    To repair this, we would need:

    Everything here is going to be available from Home Depot.

    Consolidated Shopping List

    This list has been added to the manifest on the Reno Warehouse (2025) page.

    Qty Item Vendor

    Notes
    4 1" Male NPT to 1" Sharkbite Sharkbite U140LF  
    10' 1" PEX-B Pipe - White Home Depot
    5' 3/4" PEX-B Pipe - White Home Depot
    2 Sharkbite 1" Check Valve Sharkbite U2020-0000LF
    1 Sharkbite Disconnect Tongs 1" Sharkbite U715
    1 Sharkbite Disconnect Tongs 3/4" Sharkbite U713
    7 Sharkbite 1" Elbow Sharkbite U260LF
    3 Sharkbite 1" Coupling 
    		 Sharkbite U020LF
    1 Sharkbite PVC Transition (1") Sharkbite UIP4020
    1 Sharkbite PVC Transition (3/4") Sharkbite UIP4016
    1 Sharkbite 1" to 3/4" Reducing Coupling Sharkbite U060LF
    3 Sharkbite 1" - 1" - 3/4" Reducing Tee Sharkbite U416LF
    1 Sharkbite Brass Push Drop Ear Elbow 
    (3/4" Sharkbite to 3/4" FNPT)
    		 Sharkbite U340LF
    1 3/4" Male NPT to 3/4" Male Garden Hose Amazon comes as a two pack to provide spare
    12 1" Pipe Hangers Home Depot 12 total needed. Check quantity per pack, don't order 12 packs!
    10 3/4" Pipe Hangers Home Depot 10 total needed. Check quantity per pack, don't order 10 packs!
    1 1/4 in. x 1/8 in. Evaporative Cooler Angle Needle Valve Home Depot (link)  
    50 feet 1/4 in. Evaporative Cooler Copper Tube Home Depot (link)
    1 3/4 in. Evaporative Cooler FGH x MGH Sill Cock Home Depot (link)
    1 1/4 in. x 1/8 in. Evaporative Cooler CC and MPT Male Union Home Depot (link) spare part
    1 1/4 in. Compression Brass Nut Fitting Home Depot (link) spare part
    1 Mini Copper Tubing Cutter Home Depot (link) tool
    20 Copper tube straps Home Depot (link) need 20 total, not 20 packs
    7

    Rebottled or new IBC totes

    330 gallon
    2" Camlock Valve

    		 The Cary Company
    EST104097    		 To ship to Empire
    7 2" Camlock to 3/4" Male Garden Hose The Cary Company or
    Amazon    		  
    2

    3/4" Female - Female Garden Hose

    5' Length

    		 Amazon
    3 3/4" Female - Female Garden Hose
    2' Length    		 Amazon
    3 3/4" Female - Female Garden Hose 
    1' Length    		 Amazon
    2

    3/4" Male - Female Garden Hose

    6' Length

    		 Amazon
    1 3/4" Garden Hose Y-Splitter With Valves Amazon
    2 3/4" Garden Hose Three way splitter With Valves Amazon
    2 3/4" Garden Hose, 50' Amazon
    2 2" Camlock to 2" Male NPT Adapter The Cary Company
    or
    Amazon (two included)
    2 2" Female NPT to 1" Female NPT Reducer Amazon
    10' 1" PEX-B - White Home Depot
    2' 3/4" PEX-B - White Home Depot
    2 3/4" Sharkbite to 3/4" Male NPT Sharkbite U134LF
    2 3/4" Female NPT to 3/4" Male Garden Hose Amazon
    2 Garden hose shutoff valve
    3/4" male to 3/4" female    		 Amazon
    1 set Garden Hose Couplers (M-M and F-F) Amazon
    1 3/4" Plywood
    24" x 48" panels    		 Home Depot in Reno

    They sell precut 24x48 pieces (or buy 4'x8' pieces and cut in four)

     

    Consider buying an extra 14 to replace crappy shelves in Empire Fort
    20 Wood-to-metal self-driving screws
    #10 diameter
    1 1/2"

    		 Home Depot in Reno
    (link)

    We might have them in the tool fort
    1 Teflon Tape Home Depot


    1 Tru-Blu Pipe Thread Sealant with PTFE
    		 Home Depot


    1 PEX-B cutter

    I might already have this in the LED Lab
    1 2" Ratcheting PVC cutter Home Depot


    1 Assortment of wood screws Amazon


    1 Storage packout on wheels for all plumbing parts and tools Home Depot
    Milwaukee Packout    		 probably best to buy this at Home Depot in person

    Gayflower Leak Prevention

    If one of the black or grey water tanks leaks, it pretty much goes straight onto the playa. There was a small leak in 2024 mostly caught in a bucket. This page is mostly a thought experiment in how we could solve this by constructing a bathtub out of a pond liner.

    The idea

    We install a "bathtub" around the entire grey/black water tank area to serve as secondary containment. This could be made out of a 45mil EPDM Pond Liner which seems like it would be bulletproof. There is also something called RPE which is even stronger.

    The pond liner would be folded in the corners as follows:

    IMG_2258.jpg

    It is probably enough for the sides of the liner to be 8" - 12" to create a large basin that could handle a serious spill.

    At the front of the truck, the corner folds would be permanently glued together with EPDM pond liner adhesive.

    At the rear of the truck, we would construct a low gate (like on the back of a pickup truck), hinged at the bottom, out of wood, with very heavy duty latches holding it up.  The gate would be connected to the pond liner. It would remain up/closed during the week to seal the bathtub and provide protection. It could also be lowered off-playa to drain the tanks using the hoses provided. In the event of a an emergency spill, we would pump the grey water out of the bathtub before attempting to open the hinged door.

    Remaining Questions

    I don't know how easy it would be to retrofit this, since there is a subfloor above the tanks. Here are some questions to study:

    1. How hard is it to work in that crawlspace?
    2. How is the subfloor above supported? Is it supported entirely from the sides, or are there columns coming down in the middle which would interfere with layout out a pond liner?
      1. If there are columns of some sort, can they be removed temporarily so that the pond liner, with some protection, can be slipped underneath.
      2. Otherwise would we be able to do two separate pond liners, for left and right sides of the truck?
    3. What are the exact dimensions of everything?
    4. While we're working on this, could we reinforce the subfloor in back which holds the fresh water tanks?

    2025 Shortcut

    For 2025, knowing that there is already a little bit of a black liner on the floor (as seen in this picture), we could probably improve the situation a lot by just extending the liner in the very rear to create that flap in the back. This can be done without taking out the tanks and relining everything. It would probably be sufficient to prevent leaks like this year's small leak, although it would not be that helpful in case of a more significant failure.

    293282660_342874988052329_720694618782060161_n.jpg

    How we might do this:

    1. Get a 2x10 board (at least the length that the interior is wide, probably 101"). Maybe this is 2 pieces of 1" plywood glued together? Cut it to size in Empire.
    2. Get a bunch of hinges so it can open and close
    3. Get some latches for the sides and middle to hold it closed
    4. Get a big sheet of super thick EPDM, say, 15' x 3'. Glue it to the existing liner and then run it up the side of the wood board.

    There is not that much space for the new door behind the rearmost tanks. It might have to be mounted in the steel frame of the truck doors.