Are you getting a health permit? That answers most of this.
A cart water system is four parts. A fresh tank, a pump, whatever the water comes out of, and a grey tank. The sink is the part a county has an opinion about.
7 sections · 2 pumps · 3 sinks
Start with the sink. A permit decides which one.
Cut the panels first and the county can send the cart back.
Two builds, two starting points.
Pick the sink that fits the counter and the pump that covers your connections. Two connections or fewer and no water heater, the simple mounted pump does the job. Anything past that, the Backbone.
The Moli Mini handwash sink is the one that goes in when space is the constraint and a full sink is not required.
The sink stops being your choice. The 9×9×5 stainless with the gooseneck faucet is the one we recommend most for permitted builds, and counties that require a full wash-rinse-sanitize workflow get the three-compartment ABS instead.
Call your county health department and collect their requirements before you talk to us. We cannot design to spec without knowing what they want. The permitting process covers the rest.
Two pumps, and the water heater decides.
Both move water. They split on how many things you can plumb in, and whether a water heater is in the plan.
Simple Mounted Pump
Pump and accumulator mounted on a plywood board. Straightforward and reliable for basic setups. Best suited for no-frills builds without a water heater.
- MountingPlywood board
- ConnectionsUp to 2
- FittingsPush-to-connect. No quick-connect fittings included.
- Water heaterNot recommended
- PriceQuoted with your build
The Backbone
A Seaflo pump and accumulator inside a brushed stainless waterproof enclosure, with valved outlets so a disconnected line closes instead of emptying onto your counter.
- Flow3.3 GPM
- Pressure60 PSI
- Power110V
- Outlets4× valved quick connect
- Inlet1× valved quick connect
- HousingBrushed stainless or powder-coated black steel, waterproof
- Water heaterCompatible
- Price$899 stainless, $799 black steel. Free shipping.
- Lead timeAbout three weeks before it ships
The full Backbone kit is not just the pump. It ships with a dedicated espresso direct-plumb line with a pressure regulator, a full fittings kit for the sink and pitcher rinser hookup, a fresh water tank connection line, all the tubing, and a step-by-step install guide written for cart builders rather than plumbers. Four outlets means the espresso machine, the rinser, the sink, and a hot water tank all run off one pressurized system at the same time.
The part your county has an opinion about.
Health code requirements vary by county, and every county runs its own health department, so ask yours early rather than after the panels are cut.
A compact, purpose-built handwash sink. It goes in when space is limited and a full sink is not required.
- Smallest sink we fit
- Ask us for dimensions and permit status before you design around it
The gooseneck gives you clearance for pitchers and carafes, which is the whole reason it is on the list. Accepted by most health departments.
- Stainless steel basin
- Gooseneck faucet clears a pitcher
- Exact dimensions get confirmed on your schematic
A three-compartment setup for operations that require a full wash-rinse-sanitize workflow. A common requirement for mobile food facilities in many counties.
- ABS plastic
- Three basins
- Check the requirement with your county before ordering
Rinsers, and the NSF question.
Two shapes, and one thing to check before you pick either of them.
We carry two sizes for different cup and pitcher diameters. A clean, practical add-on for coffee and espresso builds.
- Not NSF rated
- Ask us about current availability
A larger rinser platform with a small faucet built in. The faucet drains straight into the rinser pan, so there is one drain instead of two.
- Not NSF rated
- Larger footprint — confirm counter space
Add a knock box to your build and the cutout sits on the left side, below the pitcher rinser. Order one and the rinser moves up to make room.
- Placement is fixed: left side, below the rinser
- Knock box in the shop
NSF-certified pitcher rinsers start around $250. Our standard options are not NSF rated. If your health permit requires NSF-certified equipment, tell us during the quoting process and we will source the right option for your county's requirements.
What comes standard, and what does not.
The Hot Water Package belongs on a Backbone. The simple mounted pump is not recommended with a water heater, and only the Backbone is listed as compatible with the add-on. If hot water is anywhere in your plan, even a season from now, buy the pump once.
Seaflo pump and accumulator in a stainless enclosure. Four valved outlets, one inlet, all the tubing and fittings, and the install guide.
ViewTwo 5-gallon jugs. One becomes the grey water tank. The other carries a weighted drop-in line and connection tubing that hooks straight to the Backbone.
ViewInstant hot water heater, plumbed in and preinstalled on your sink. Hot and cold side. Backbone only.
ViewKnock boxes, add-ons for the flat pack, and the rest of what bolts onto a cart.
Browse the shopIf you bought the flat pack, the plumbing is in the box.
The Pack Flat DIY bundle ships with a Backbone plumbing kit, a pitcher rinser, a mini sink with faucet, and the drainage and tubing to connect them. Water jugs are a separate add-on, and so is the knock box.
What your county sees is the drawing.
A permitted build follows a different path than a standard order. The application and the approval sit between you and your county. We provide the schematics and the build.
Collect your county's requirements first. This one is not optional. We cannot design to spec without knowing what your county requires.
A 30-minute consult. We go through dimensions, sink specs, plumbing layout and NSF requirements together, and confirm what we can build for you.
Schematics and plumbing diagrams, a flat fee of $300. They show your build dimensions, plumbing layout, sink placement and countertop specs — everything your county needs to review the application.
You submit to your county. We do not submit applications and we do not follow up with health departments. Timelines vary by county and can run weeks to months.
"Not sure what you need? Tell us what you are serving and where."
Pick your plumbing options on the order form and we will include everything in the estimate. Or reach us at [email protected] or 714.519.6410.