Thread: Humbert's Hideaway in the Hinterland

Originally Posted by Norton

Originally Posted by Humbert

I am installing a filter, pump and water tank which I have already bought shortly.

Sure you've thought of this but supply to filter to tank to pump.

I have. And then a single line to the exterior interior taps.

Originally Posted by Humbert

I also have to lay a big drain pipe to take the grey water out to the street.

An alternative suggesting. Run grey water into a simple underground concrete tank. The one I have allows water to percolate into earth but option to use the grey water for plant watering.

I was thinking about a French drain system but I am afraid of creating a marshy area. How big is your underground tank? Plastic or concrete? Perforated?

Originally Posted by Humbert

How big is your underground tank?

1m wide, 2m deep. Concrete. Not perforated. Used two round sections of the ones you see all over Thailand. Bottom is open. Water seeps out but slowly.

Cheap and easy to build.

Originally Posted by Norton

Originally Posted by Humbert

How big is your underground tank?

1m wide, 2m deep. Concrete. Not perforated. Used two round sections of the ones you see all over Thailand. Bottom is open. Water seeps out but slowly.

Cheap and easy to build.

I like this idea. Sounds like you are describing a big precast pipe that you sunk in
the ground with the bottom open. How is it covered?

Originally Posted by DrAndy

with a lid! they sell them just for that purpose

Great! Learned something new.

Originally Posted by DrAndy

the only possible problem with them, besides drainage, is that mosquitoes can breed in them, so you need to keep an eye on that

I suppose you should regularly throw in some chemicals to deal with the residual organic matter too.

I suppose any organic matter decays and doesn't leave much residue

I have never noticed anything significant left when the drain is dry

Originally Posted by Humbert

I suppose you should regularly throw in some chemicals to deal with the residual organic matter too.

Yes. I do. Cement lid as Andy says. Fits snugly and when vegetation grows around it pretty much air tight. My lid has a plastic threaded bit on top in case ever need to pump it out. Never have had to since house built.

^You use a hand bucket to obtain the grey water?

They use the same CRP for septic tanks as well. Friends digging a well next door to the BIL are inserting 8 rings in the newly dug water well. BIL dug a septic last year for his new outdoor bog. Three CRP rings and lid with vent pipe.

Originally Posted by ltnt

They use the same CRP for septic tanks as well.

Sounds exactly like how they built my septic tank.

Originally Posted by Humbert

Sounds exactly like how they built my septic tank.

Same stuff.

Originally Posted by ltnt

You use a hand bucket to obtain the grey water?

Have only used a couple of times for watering so not something done regularly but used a small submersible pump.

Originally Posted by Humbert

Originally Posted by ltnt

They use the same CRP for septic tanks as well.

Sounds exactly like how they built my septic tank.

yes, two sets of rings is a cheap sort-of equivalent to a septic tank, works well enough

the proper ones are large plastic containers with concentric passageways

New pics taken this week:

The ceilings and eaves are almost completed.


The completed tile installation.

Great looking house, I'm really enjoying the thread.
The kitchen looks good, but is there a reason why they didn't centralise the sink and gas hob over the cupboards? Just looks a bit odd to me.

^The contractor thought you were buying one of those stand alone gas burners frequently utilized by Thai's, that's why its recessed. Not a mistake in Thai terms of thought or application.

I like the looks of the kitchen and the depression does not detract from its overall appearance. If you're wife is short then the lowered burners will suit her even more so. Keep the photos coming. I'm enjoying the thread.

^Exactly. I went to his house and that's what he had in his kitchen. Its the right height for my wife.
It's difficult to do a project like this if you are not on the site daily to supervise everything and we only made occasional visits at critical times. They really couldn't comprehend the plans and elevations so all the locations had to be marked on the site in chalk.

Originally Posted by Humbert

It's difficult to do a project like this if you are not on the site daily

Of highest priority to prevent rework and cost associated. Unfortunately not always possible.

Looking good so far Humbert. I especially like the decking on the second floor and the shape of the kitchen. I can't wait to see this project completed. Best of luck.

Giidday Humbert....I like the gas cooker on, like a hot plate...is the gas bottle stored underneath? Mine is a more traditional gas cooker setup but it wouldnt be too difficult to change to something like yours

^Yes the gas tank goes underneath. A 55 x 35 void is left in the concrete countertop for the hob to drop into and the glass surface sits on top of the completed tile then you silicone around the edges. Very simple.

Never leave a plumber alone. Ever. They will not use glue on the pipes if you don't watch them!
House looks amazing! Very jealous!

Looks mighty fine, love those big windows, nice drawings too.

Originally Posted by panthira

Never leave a plumber alone. Ever. They will not use glue on the pipes if you don't watch them!
House looks amazing! Very jealous!

They're glued - everything checked out. Rin was there to inspect that part. Cheers mate.