Water Pump

Build the TripleTap Water Distributor: A DIY Pump System for Coffee Carts

If you have looked at prebuilt water pump systems online, you have probably noticed the steep markup. Most setups cost double or more compared to the parts that actually go into them. That is why I built my own, which I call the TripleTap Water Distributor. It is compact, affordable, and easy to build with just a drill, a few bits, scissors, and a wrench.

The TripleTap is designed to run an espresso machine, sink, pitcher rinser, or dipper well, all from one portable unit. Every fitting and component is NSF certified, so it is health department friendly.

Why the TripleTap Works

1. Quiet operation
   The pump sits inside a rugged, enclosed case, which makes it much quieter than open systems. Can it overheat? Technically yes, but realistically no. The pump has an automatic shutoff at 145°F, and the accumulator tank gives it natural breaks. Even in 95°F weather running from 8 AM to 2 PM, we have had zero issues.

2. Durability on the Mooove
   Coffee carts, food trucks, and mobile bars take a beating during transport. The protective case and handle not only make it portable but also shield the CPC quick-connect fittings from damage when stored in a bin or trailer.

3. Certified Parts
   Everything is NSF-approved and built with CPC quick connects. The valved fittings automatically shut off water when disconnected, so no messy drips or leaks.

4. Lightweight/Compact
   At just under 10 lbs. and about the size of a briefcase (16-1/2" x 13" x 6-3/4"), it is easy to move around and stash in a cart.

5. Expandable Design
   You can start simple with an espresso machine, sink, and rinser, and add more later. The fittings make it easy to customize as your business grows.

How to Build the TripleTap

Fittings and Hardware

• John Guest Stackable Stem Tee Polypro - 3/8 OD Stem x 3/8 x 3/8 — Qty: 1

• John Guest Union Tee Polypro - 3/8 — Qty: 1

• John Guest Stem Elbow Connector Polypro - 3/8 Stem x 3/8 — Qty: 1

• 29700 NSF Valved Panel Mount Coupling Body 3/8 PTF — Qty: 4

• PLC300 Coupling Body Plug — Qty: 4

• John Guest Locking Clip - 3/8 — Qty: 10

• Clear Flexible PVC Tubing 1/4 ID x 3/8 OD (50 ft roll) — Qty: 1

Pump and Tank

• Aquatec 5853-7E12-J524 Pump 1.7 GPM, 3/8 JG, 115V — Qty: 1

• Aquatec ACT-820-JG 3/8 Accumulator Tank — Qty: 1

Fasteners

• M5 x 30mm Flanged Button Head Socket Cap Screw — Qty: 4

• M5 x 20mm Flanged Button Head Socket Cap Screw — Qty: 4

• M5 304 Stainless Steel Serrated Flange Nut — Qty: 8

Case

• APACHE 3800 Weatherproof Protective Case, Large — Qty: 1

Tools

• Drill

• 7/32 inch drill bit

• 11/16 inch hole saw

• 1-1/2 inch hole saw

• Adjustable wrench

• 3mm hex

• 8mm socket

Guide

1. Prep the CPC fittings and splitter

   • Lay out all the CPC fittings and connections.

   • Precut your tubing and assemble the three-way splitter as shown in the reference photo.

   • Do not connect the 29700 CPC fittings to the three-way splitter yet. Instead, install a short stub of tubing about 3 inches long onto each fitting. You can trim these to the exact length you need once everything is installed in the case.

2. Drill the CPC fitting holes (Jig available in the next secion)

   • Remove the dovetail piece on top of the case.

   • Carefully drill four holes for the CPC panel fittings. Precision is critical. If the holes are misaligned, the case lid may interfere and the fittings may not seal properly.

   • Insert each CPC fitting, thread the nut from the backside, and fasten them down securely.

3. Layout the pump and accumulator

   • Place the pump and accumulator inside the case to determine the best mounting positions.

   • Connect the pump and accumulator with a short tube about 1 inch long.

   • Mark your mounting holes and pre-drill the case. Avoid drilling into any raised ridges on the backside of the case. This can cause the fasteners and fittings to sit unevenly.

4. Fasten components

   • Bolt down the pump and accumulator in their final positions.

   • Fasten all other components securely inside the case.

5. Connect tubing

   • Attach the 3-inch CPC stub tubes to the three-way splitter, trimming them as needed for a clean fit.

   • Connect the remaining side of the splitter to the accumulator.

   • Run the input tubing from the CPC input connector to the pump.

6. Power cord access

   • Drill a 1-1/2 inch hole on the side of the case for the power cord.

   • Make sure the hole is located so that the cord can pass through when the case is closed.

Drill Jig for CPC Fittings

One of the trickiest parts of building the TripleTap is drilling the CPC fitting holes. If they are even slightly misaligned, the fittings can bind against the case lid or fail to seal properly. To make this step foolproof, I designed a simple drill jig.

The jig slides into the existing dovetail slot on the top of the case and positions your CPC fitting holes exactly where they need to be. Each guide has a pilot hole, so you can:

1. Slide the jig into the dovetail slot on the case.

2. Drill through the guides with a 1/8 inch bit to create pilot holes on the case.

3. Remove the jig.

4. Use an 11/16 inch hole saw, aligned with the pilot holes, to drill the final openings.

This keeps everything perfectly straight and evenly spaced. It also prevents the hole saw from wandering, which can easily happen if you try to drill into the case freehand. This jig is available for $25 shipped in the US, and has a lead time of 4 days.

Connecting Your Equipment

Building the TripleTap covers the pump system itself, but you also need the right fittings to hook up your espresso machine, rinser, or sink. These fittings connect directly to the CPC outputs on the pump system and ensure a clean, leak-free setup.

Standard Line Connection

25200 NSF Valved In-Line Coupling Insert 3/8 PTF — Qty: 1 per water line

Espresso Machine Connection

For the Lucca A53 / La Spaziale A53 espresso machine:

• PLCD24004BSPT Valved Male Thread Coupling Insert 1/4 BSPT — Qty: 1

*Note that some machines including the Lucca A53 highly "recommend" 30-45 PSI. The accumulator has a fill valve on the bottom, measure its filled to that range to avoid damage to your machine or add an in-line water pressure regulator on the designated espresso machine output line.

Pitcher Rinsers and Sinks

These vary by brand. Confirm thread type in your spec sheet and select fittings accordingly:

• Assorted fittings for rinsers and sinks

Fresh and Waste Water Tanks

You will also need a fresh water tank and a waste water tank.

Fresh Tank - 5.3 Gallon Rectangular Tank, you could also easily use a refillable 5 gallon jug from the grocery store if your local health department allows and use Silicone Replacement Gallon Caps in the next steps below.

Install a 29700 NSF Valved Panel Mount Coupling Body 3/8 PTF into the tanks cap (or silicone 5 gallon cap), connect a 1.5 foot pickup tube, and build a 1-2 foot supply line with two 25200 NSF Valved In-Line Coupling Inserts.

Health codes require the waste tank to be at least 15% larger than the fresh tank. For a 5.3 gallon fresh tank, that means at least 6 gallons.

Waste Tank - 6.6 Gallon Rectangular Tank

Air Lock Warning

When you first turn on the pump, open one of the output lines (for example, turn on the sink or depress the rinser). This clears air from the system. If you do not open a line, the pump cannot prime.

Cost Breakdown

TripleTap Unit: ~ $250
Connectors: ~ $60
Fresh and Waste tank with fittings: ~ $55

Total build cost: ~ $370

Comparable prebuilt water pumps online cost $700 to $1000+, then you have the tanks, and all specific connections. Next thing you know you're looking at $1500+ just to get water where it needs to go.

Closing Notes

I put this guide together because I know how frustrating it is to see overpriced prebuilt pump systems when you can build one yourself for far less. I am happy to help answer questions if you are working on your own build. Once someone picks up a prebuilt system, I will add step-by-step photos to show exactly how it comes together so you can follow along even more easily.

If you would rather not build one yourself, I also sell prebuilt TripleTap systems for $550 in the USA my markup is from the labor and time it takes to build these systems. My goal is to keep pricing fair and transparent, taking inspiration from Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs model.It is about offering a solid product at an honest price without the heavy markups you see elsewhere. These are not affiliate links.

If this guide helped you and you would like to support my work, you can donate HERE

Photos

TripleTap Front

TripleTap Back

TripleTap Components

Components/Tubes Close

CPC Fitting Tight Clearances

Drill Jig (available for $25 shipped)

Fresh Water Tank Fitting

Fresh Water Pickup Hose

Supply Line

Lucca A53 Fitting

Silicone 5 Gallon Cap (Connect CPC Fresh Water Tank Fitting)

In-line Water Pressure Regulator