Installing a Campervan Water System

Rinsing your clothes in a river, brushing your teeth by the side of the road or overspending on bottled drinking water… all things of the past when you install a campervan water system. Whether it’s a simple setup to quench your thirst or a fancy 12V hot water system, having a dependable water supply in your van is fundamental to van life.

You’ll be using this water several times a day so it’s important to choose a system that suits your needs (and sticks to your budget!). Want to do the washing up inside your van? Have your heart set on the luxury of a steamy shower? Plan to go on extended off-grid camping adventures? It’s all possible with your van conversion.

A campervan water system can be as simple or extensive as you want - and can afford. If you’re on a tight budget, a water tank and cold water system may be enough, especially if you plan to stay at campsites for most of your time on the road.

But if your van is for more adventurous travels or going off-grid, you might opt for a sophisticated system with hot water and steamy showers. A bells and whistles system will make your van more attractive to hirers too – so you can make most of your money back!

Either way, your campervan water system will have the basic components of: freshwater tank, water pump, a sink and tap, and the necessary tubes, hoses, pipes and fittings to put it all together. A hot water system, grey water tank (for wastewater) and black water tank (for sewage water) can be added if you like. We cover all these features in this comprehensive guide so that you can understand them all before getting stuck in!

Disclaimer: This information is intended as a guide only and we’re not professional plumbers. We strongly recommend you research van water systems further before starting. If in doubt, always get a professional to advise on or fit your water system.

An overview of campervan water system components

“Water in, water out” is essentially how a water system works in a campervan. Without wasting water, your campervan water system will need to: store water for usage; dispense water when needed; and get rid of used water from the sink (and shower/toilet, if installing).

This means you’ll need a water tank to store the water, a manual or electric water pump to send it to the sink and taps, and a grey water tank to collect used water. The location of tanks and a sink should be among the first things you decide when converting a van; we have more info on that below.

Calculating your water use

You can only decide where to fit your freshwater tank when you know what size it will be! To figure this out, calculate your likely water usage, taking into account your overall plans for the van such as where you’ll travel and how easy it’ll be to fill up.

The water you’ll use is likely to cover drinking water, brushing teeth, washing dishes and handwashing as basics, with showers, clothes washing, toilet flushing and hosing off mucky gear obviously taking up more. This is the time to decide if you want a shower and toilet in your van!

It’s tempting to carry as much water as the van will fit, but remember this will significantly add to the overall weight. Each litre of water weighs one kilo – that’s a tonne for 1,000 litres! Unless you’re planning to bush camp in remote Africa, keep your water weight as low as you can get away with.

Our recommendation is to allow two litres of drinking water per person per day, and another 10-12 for essentials like teeth brushing, hand washing, dishwashing and clothes washing. Add a minimum of 12L per person per day for showering, saving water weight by turning the shower off between getting wet, lathering up and rinsing off.

Basically, your water tank should be big enough to hold enough water to keep you (and any passengers) going for a couple of days.

Choosing a water tank

Once you’ve calculated how much fresh water and therefore what size of water tank you’ll need, look at what type of tank best suits your needs.

A freshwater tank – and pump – must be made from food-safe material so it doesn’t leach chemicals into your water; even so, it’s a good idea to use water filters or boil the water you use. Stainless steel is a popular choice if you don’t want a plastic tank.

You can opt for a detachable tank or a fixed one, or a tank inside or outside the van. A water tank inside the van is better for discreet/wild camping, while a fixed one is easier to fill – there’s no point having a portable tank if you can’t carry it once it’s topped up.

Some campervanners choose to install the tank outside or have it fitted above the wheel arch. Both are clever options for space-saving but have their disadvantages, namely that the water in an outside tank can freeze in cold weather, while a wheel-arch tank is a little trickier to fit. We say keep it simple and stash your water tank under the sink!

Measure the space beneath where you’ll put the sink in the finished conversion, and buy as big a tank as you can fit comfortably. For a manual pump system, an under-sink tank could be:

Refillable plastic containers

Affordable, simple and easy to install – this is the most popular pick to keep things easy, quick and budget-friendly. From jerry cans to cooler jugs, there are loads of different styles and sizes available for refill containers; just measure your under-sink space and choose one or two to fit.

When you need to fill up, take one or both containers out of the van, fill them up, and replace them back under the sink. This is a great option too if you’re heading off-road and wild camping, as you can bring as many full tanks as the space and overall weight allows.

Unless you’re of rugby-player build, make sure before you buy a portable water container that you’ll be able to lift it, plus put it back into place, when full! There’s no point buying a 40L container if you can only manage to carry it a quarter full, or if your only space for it is near the ceiling.

Poly tanks

Polyethylene water tanks are pretty standard for campervans and motorhomes. Like refillable containers, poly tanks are available in a wide variety of food-safe styles and sizes, so it’s easy to find one to suit your particular van’s build.

These types of tanks are fixed rather than portable, so you’ll also need to add a remote water inlet and filler hose for easy refilling… slightly more of a faff to set up at first, but much easier to fill the tank. We have more info on this below.

Choosing a grey water tank

Continuing the “keep it simple” theme, leave space underneath your sink and next to your freshwater for a grey water tank. This collects used water to be disposed of later, normally at a grey water disposal point. Any kind of plastic water container will get the job done but we suggest using a transparent tank that will let you see exactly when it needs to be emptied – look for something with about 20L capacity.

Installing a grey water tank in your van is as quick as connecting its opening directly to the drainage hose. Just make sure to find a container that’s compact enough to fit beneath your sink, yet big enough to avoid daily visits to a campsite waste disposal point. Emptying a portable grey water tank is easy – simply take it out from under your sink and pour out its contents at the designated point on the campsite.

Some campervan conversions don’t use a grey water tank at all, as the owners have opted to save as much space and weight in the van as possible. This works by only using water when the van is stationary and placing a container under the van at the water pipe outlet to collect any wastewater while stopped. As with a grey water tank, make sure to dispose of this water responsibly. We always recommend using eco-friendly washing-up liquid and soap in any case!

The water pump – manual versus electric

The water in your freshwater tank gets to your tap/s via a water pump, either worked manually or on the van’s electric system. Manual pumps are by far the easiest to use, running without electricity and with no water waste.

You can also choose from a hand or foot pump water system. We recommend going for a foot pump, as it gives you a bit more control over water flow while keeping your hands free. And when it’s time for installation, all you have to do is mount the pump and pedal to your floor and then clamp on some food-grade tubing: the first tube connects to the tap, whereas the second tube leads directly into your freshwater tank.

Alternatively, you can install an electric water pump. This pump starts automatically when the pressure inside your system drops, supplying on-demand water flow without any manual action. However, a constant stream of running water wastes more water, in turn calling for larger fresh water and grey water tanks. A 12V water pump can also be fairly loud when running, so you won’t want it switched on 24/7 (not to mention the power usage).

Luckily, an accumulator serves as a pressure chamber, holding a bit of water each time your water pump operates. This storage means that you can use your sink even if the motor is turned off. Accumulators also steady the water stream, as your electric pump will sometimes produce an oscillating water flow (due to its reliance on pressure levels).

It’s always a smart move to include a strainer at the inlet port of your electric pump, as this will prevent any debris from getting in. You will also need to attach a filter either in front of or onto your pump to keep the water supply clean. Lastly, you should install a power switch for your electric pump so that you can turn off its motor when you want to save energy.

As above, do get a professional in if you’re unsure about installing any aspect of your water system or associated electrics, making room in your budget for this from the start. Ourcampervan conversion cost guide gives an overview of the main budgeting items for a van conversion, including having someone fit a basic water system.

Sink and taps for your campervan water system

The next part of your water system hardware is your sink and its tap/s. Even if you’re keeping things simple, a van kitchen with a built-in sink and tap will make your new home on wheels feel like a proper living space, letting you fill up the kettle, wash dishes and freshen up, all without stepping a foot outside. Campervans with sinks and running water also give you an edge if you want to make costs back by hiring out your van.

Any design goes for your van’s sink and taps: go for stainless steel, sturdy plastic, ceramic in black or white, round or square, and taps as fancy as you like. That said, a square or rectangular sink bowl will be much easier to fit: always go for angles that are easy to cut around.

Top tip: buy a tap suitable for a pressurised sink, which comes with a showerhead attachment. Remove this and add a retractable tap… and voilá – outdoor showers!

Tubes and fittings for your campervan water system

So you have your tanks and other bits… but how do you fit them all together to link your water tanks, pump and sink? Fairly obviously, you’ll need tubing for this, held in place with connectors or jubilee clips.

One option is PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping, popular because of its flexibility, its lack of corrosion over time and its durability in withstanding high temperatures and freezing. PEX pipes are also colour coded for ease of use, using red for hot and blue for cold.

PEX piping is popular for household plumbing but isn’t the best option for campervans. It can’t be installed anywhere it might be in the sun as it isn’t UV resistant, plus it needs specific tools and fittings which will push your costs up. It’s also difficult to fit as its sizes are slightly different from the recommended dimensions for caravan pumps and taps.

So what pipes should you use for your campervan plumbing kit? Look for clear vinyl tubing – it’s cheap, durable, easy to source, quick to install and comes in several sizing options. Ensure that any tubing you buy conforms to UK food safety standards.

You should also use plastic fitting (not metal), so the threads don’t damage the tubing, and plastic thread sealant (not lubricant) to seal threads. Finally, use hose clips on top of the tubes to clamp everything together.

Step by step guide to installing your campervan water system

Ready to install your water system’s kit? Here’s our step by step guide.

Fit and connect the freshwater tank

If your water tank is fixed, you’ll have to set up tubing to allow you to refill it easily. This means installing a remote water tank filler, mounted to a convenient surface so you can access it easily.

The filler can be attached to the outside of your van or on the side of your counter fixture inside the tank entrance. The latter option is easiest and avoids cutting a hole in the side of your van.

Use a filler hose to connect the water inlet to your freshwater tank, connected by hose clamps on either end. Make sure you place the hose so it slopes towards the tank and avoids air locks when filling.

As always, ensure that any materials you use are food-safe.

Connect the freshwater tank to the water pump

Next, fit your outlet hose, the hose that connects the freshwater tank to the water pump. For a manual pump, connect the pump to the outlet hose with a hose clamp at both ends, taking care there are no kinks in the pipe that could block water flow.

If you’re using an electric pump, add a flexible hose before and after the outlet hose to minimise vibrations and therefore noise. As with a manual pump, ensure there are no kinks in the pipe when you install it.

You might also need a non-return valve to prevent water from flowing back into the outlet hose.

Fit and connect your grey water tank

Finally, connect a drainage hose from the sink bowl to the grey water tank. Any kind of tubing will do here; we recommend a corrugated drainage hose to prevent kinking.

Make sure any hose you use is self-draining, as any undrained water trapped inside will start to smell… not what you want in your newly converted campervan!

That’s it – you now have a water system installed in your campervan conversion. Want to take it a bit further? Read on for details of campervan hot water systems and showers.

Adding a hot water heater to your campervan conversion

Hot water on demand, steamy showers and sparkling dishes while on the road – what’s not to love? Having hot water when wanted is a tempting prospect for many van owners, who want the benefits of hot water without having to park up at a campsite.

Installing a water heater in your van conversion is a little more complicated than just being content with cold water all the time, but the good news is it’s reasonably straightforward. All you need to decide is how you want to use your hot water – do you want a hot tap so you have on-demand hot water like at home, or do you just want to indulge in a hot shower now and again on your camping trips?

If you just want a hot shower, things are simple: buy a portable water heater with its own water pump, tap and showerhead. These are easy to set up, install and maintain, making them a great option for van owners who don’t want to bother with anything complicated.

But you might want to take things up a step and add hot water to your existing 12V sink setup. Unfortunately, it’s not easy (or sometimes not possible) to add a portable water heater to a sink system. So if you want to add hot water to your already-installed setup, it’s time to consider installing a gas hot water system in your campervan.

This is the most complicated option, but again is a feature that will make your van much more attractive if you’re renting it out! Again, we recommend you do further research – but here’s an overview of the main steps.

How to install a hot water system in your campervan

First, find exactly the right placement in the van for your water heater. You need a place that will get plenty of ventilation, and where you can access the heater easily for safety checks and adjusting settings.

Next, find the three hose connection points on the water heater – the cold water inlet, the hot water outlet, and the gas line. An essential note: make sure the gas and water lines are turned off.

Now you’ll attach the water line, using the water tubing that came with the gas heater. (If you want to change the tubing for something longer, look for tubes of 0.5-inch thickness and mace of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride or CPVC.)

Power next – insert two D-cell batteries into the heater’s battery box, usually on the bottom of the heater. These trigger the automatic ignition of the heater.

Then attach the gas supply line, taking care not to over tighten it as this can cause a leak. Once this is installed, connect the heater to a power source, usually a 12V cigarette lighter plug. That’s it – hot showers on the road!

Get started on your campervan water system

If this all sounds complicated but take a deep breath! There are loads of professionals, blogs, video guides and lots more to help you get to grips with your campervan water system. But the best way to figure this all out is to see it in action, so have a browse of our UK vans for hire to take one out on the road!

Trying before you buy will give you plenty of ideas for installing a water system when it’s time to do your conversion. And when your own conversion is complete, make your investment back by hiring out your van on Camplify!

Don’t forget to check out ourDIY campervan conversions, van conversion ideas and campervan interior ideas guides for an overall view of fitting your perfect van!

Earn extra income from your campervan

Camplify connects owners like you with local and international holidaymakers - all of whom are verified to maximise the safety when you hire out your campervan or motorhome. Discover more of our advantages for owners below:

• It's free to list your van.

• If you don’t have all-risk insurance, we can provide you with it when you sign up.

• We give your van a 24/7 RAC breakdown cover.

• You have complete freedom to approve or reject guests interested in renting your van. Your wheels, your rules.

• We provide you with tips and step-by-step guides on how to improve your service and your vehicle to get more and more bookings!

Start sharing your van today

The sooner you set up your listing, the sooner it will start to receive visits and bookings! See how much you could earn if you rent out your van with ourfree income calculator or sign up now to start enjoying the above advantages today.

If you still have questions, want to discuss your income potential with an expert or get more information on how to list your vehicle, call us on ☎ 0330 808 1811 or visit www.camplify.co.uk. We’ll be happy to help you with anything you need!