Campervan water system: complete DIY setup installation guide

Forget brushing your teeth in the bush, cleaning cutlery in rivers and buying loads of litres every time you hit the road. Whether it’s a simple setup to quench your thirst or a 12V hot water system, having a dependable water supply is fundamental to life in your DIY camper. In this guide to setting up a campervan water system, we walk you through each DIY step for the three major components:

• The fresh water system (i.e. the blue water system)

• The waste water system (i.e. the grey water system)

• The toilet water system (i.e. the black water system)

For each of these major components, you’ll learn how to choose and install the required parts, including water tanks, pumps, heaters, sinks, taps, tubes and additional components.

By the time you’re done, you’ll have a campervan water system that you can use for drinking, washing up, showering and bathroom breaks.

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Installing a campervan water system - DIY guide

Fresh water system set up

Your campervan's fresh water system holds and disperses water for drinking, cooking, washing up and even showering.

Because you will be consuming this water, your campervan fresh water setup must be easy to clean and refill. It should also be made out of food-safe materials.

The fresh water setup in your campervan will consist of six key components:

• Fresh water tank (also known as the blue water tank)

• Water pump

• Water heater (optional)

• Additional components (accumulator and inlet port strainer)

• Sink and tap

• Connecting components (tubes/hoses, fittings and clamps)

Step 1. Choosing and installing a fresh water tank

When choosing a fresh water tank for your campervan water system, you need to consider three factors: size, material and detachable vs fixed.

Size

The average person travelling in a campervan uses about 10 litres of water per day - 2 litres of drinking water and an additional 8 litres for washing up, brushing teeth and making coffee (not including showers).

Use this equation to calculate the size of fresh water tank you require:

• 10 litres x number of people travelling in the campervan x number of days you plan on camping off-grid.

For example, if you were alone on a 2-day off-grid camping trip in your campervan, you would want at least a 20L fresh water tank. A couple travelling together would need to double this and install at least a 40L fresh water tank.

Most campervan water systems include a fresh water tank that is between 40 - 60 litres, as this size of tank comfortably fits in the kitchen cupboard under the sink.

Food-safe material

The fresh water tank in your campervan must be made out of food-safe material that won’t leach harmful chemicals into your water.

Detachable or fixed

A detachable fresh water tank can be removed from your campervan (such as a jerry can or water drum). When you want to refill a detachable water tank, you take it outside and fill it at a tap before placing it back in the campervan.

There are several advantages and disadvantages to detachable water tanks:

• Highly affordable

• Easy to set up (no drilling or screwing required)

• Easy to clean

• Can fill up at any fresh water tap

• No need to cut an inlet hole in the side of your campervan

• No need to manoeuvre the campervan close to a water tap

• Not as practical as a fixed tank if you need to refill regularly

• Smaller storage capacity than a fixed tank

• Can be strenuous to carry a full tank to the campervan

• Likely not enough storage for a shower

Alternatively, fixed fresh water tanks are secured to your campervan (such as a polyethylene water tank). They come in different shapes and sizes and can be fitted internally or externally. To refill a fixed tank, you must cut a hole in the side of your campervan and install an inlet hose.

There are several advantages and disadvantages to fixed water tanks:

• More secure than a portable tank (can be screwed to the body of the campervan)

• Generally more storage capacity than a portable tank

• Can be installed externally to save space inside

• Wide variety of shapes and sizes to fit your campervan design

• More durable than a portable tank

• Less strenuous because you don’t have to carry a heavy portable tank

• Harder to install (may need to be fitted by a professional plumber)

• Need to cut an inlet hole in the side of your campervan

• Need a water level gauge to see how much water is in the tank

• More difficult to clean

• More storage capacity means a heavier campervan

• Have to manoeuvre campervan need tap

• Have to carry an extra inlet hose

• More expensive

Step 2. Choosing and installing a water pump

The water pump is responsible for pressurising and pushing the fresh water from the tank to the tap.

There are three main types of water pumps used in campervan water systems:

• Manual water pump

• Submersible water pump

• Electric water pump

Manual water pump

Most campervan owners favour a manual pump. This type of pump does not require any electricity. Instead, you pump the water yourself by hand or foot. The foot pump is preferable because it gives you slightly more control over water flow while keeping both hands free.

Installing a manual pump is easy. One tube leads from the fresh water tank to the pump and is secured via a clamp. From the pump, another tube connects to the faucet.

There are several advantages and disadvantages to manual water pumps:

• Simple to set up and use

• Does not require electricity

• Conserves water usage

• Highly affordable

• Quiet

• Reliable

• Can be irritating if you need to pump lots of water

Electric submersible water pump

A submersible water pump is submerged in the fresh water tank and powered by an external 12-volt power supply (i.e. a battery).

The pump can be turned on and off via a switch (typically near the campervan sink). However, modern designs might use a tap that has an inbuilt micro-switch, meaning that the pump is activated automatically whenever the tap is opened.

There are several advantages and disadvantages to electrical submersible water pumps:

• Easier to set up than an electric pressure-sensitive water pump (see below)

• Can run off a battery separate from the campervan battery

• More affordable than an electric pressure-sensitive water pump

• It may get damaged if running dry

• Less robust than an electric pressure-sensitive water pump

• May provide less water pressure than an electric pressure-sensitive water pump

Electric pressure-sensitive water pump

A pressure-sensitive water pump is connected via tubing to the fresh water tank and powered by the 12-volt campervan battery.

The pump starts automatically when you open the tap and the pressure inside your system drops, supplying on-demand water flow without any manual action. When you close the tap, the pump shuts off.

There are several advantages and disadvantages to electrical pressure-sensitive water pumps:

• Fully automatic water flow

• Can be run dry without being damaged

• Built to last

• Uses more power than other water pumps (although relatively minimal overall)

• Noisier than other styles of water pump (should be shut off when not in use)

• Uses more water than other pumps (requires larger tanks)

• More expensive than other water pumps

Step 3. Choosing and installing a hot water system (optional)

If you want hot water in your campervan to wash dishes or shower, you will need to install some sort of hot water system.

There are three main types of hot water systems available for campervans:

• Solar showers

• Gas-powered hot water systems

• Combination (gas and battery-powered) hot water systems

Solar showers

Solar showers are great if you only want hot water for showering or rinsing dishes outside of your campervan.

A solar shower is separate from the fresh water setup in your campervan. They are left outside and exposed to direct sunlight, which heats the water inside the bladder or tank.

Examples may include solar shower bags (made out of PVC material) or roof-mounted solar showers (made out of powder-coated aluminium tubing).

There are several advantages and disadvantages to solar showers:

• Perfect for those who just want a hot shower or rinse

• Easy to set up

• Some models are portable and take up little space

• More affordable than other campervan hot water systems

• Can take several hours to heat up

• Low water pressure

Gas-powered hot water systems

Gas-powered hot water systems rely on LPG gas cylinders or canisters to heat the water inside via coils and burners. They can be integrated into your campervan fresh water system or used separately as a portable shower.

However, many gas-powered hot water systems also require a constant supply of running water (e.g. from a tap). If you want hot water when camping off-grid, make sure that the system is capable of running off of a fresh-water tank.

There are several advantages and disadvantages to gas-powered hot water systems:

• Can supply hot water for sink and showers

• Heats water in seconds

• Good water pressure (if attached to a hose or electric pump)

• More difficult to set up

• Requires LPG gas cylinder

• Less affordable than other hot water systems

Gas and battery-powered hot water systems

Combination hot water systems are usually portable and powered by a rechargeable lithium battery. The water is heated by an LPG gas cylinder or cartridge.

Most combination hot water systems don’t require a running water source, as they have an inbuilt pump (powered by the battery). This makes them a good fit for campervan owners who want a hot water system for both showering and washing dishes.

There are several advantages and disadvantages to combination hot water systems:

• Can supply hot water for sink and showers

• Good water pressure

• Heats water in seconds

• Rechargeable battery can provide 1 - 2 hours run time

• Easy to set up

• Portable

• Requires LPG gas cylinder

• Less affordable than other hot water systems

• Need to recharge the battery

Step 4. Add additional fresh water system parts

Accumulator

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 - helpful if you want a glass of water late at night.

Accumulators can also steady the water stream, as an electric pump will sometimes produce an oscillating water flow (due to its reliance on pressure levels).

Connect the accumulator to the outlet side of your water pump.

Inlet port strainer and filter

If you choose to use an electric pump in your campervan water system, include a strainer at the inlet port to prevent debris from entering the pump.

You must also attach a filter either in front of or onto your pump to keep the water supply clean. Change the filter at regular intervals (as suggested by the manufacturer).

Water inlet and filler hose (fixed tanks only)

If you install a fixed water tank in your campervan, you will also have to install a water inlet. This means cutting a hole in the body of your van, right above the top of the freshwater tank. Most inlets are secured to the side of the van via screws.

Filler hoses join the water inlet to your freshwater tank, connected by hose clamps on either end. This tubing should be laid to slope towards the tank so that no air locks form when filling.

Step 5. Installing the sink and tap

The second-last step when setting up your campervan water system is to install a built-in sink and faucet.

It is recommended that you invest in a stainless steel or acrylic campervan sink that is square or rectangular. This is because it is more difficult to cut and fit a circular sink on your countertop.

Once you’ve measured your sink and traced an outline in the countertop, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw. Follow the same procedure when installing a tap in your campervan.

It is also recommended that you buy a sink strainer that will keep solid leftovers out of your drain.

For more information on installing the sink and tap in your benchtop, please see our guide to DIY van conversion in Australia.

Step 6. Connect the components of the fresh water system

Now that you have collected and fitted the separate components of a campervan fresh water system, it is time to connect them all using tubing/hosing, fittings and clamps.

Tube types

There are various types of tubing that you can use to link your fresh water tank, pump and tap.

It’s recommended that you use vinyl tubing that meets standards for food contact use. A cheap, durable and stress-free option, it’s easy to source, quick to install and will last you many years. It’s also available in a range of sizing options.

It is not recommended that you use PEX piping for your campervan water system. Whilst PEX is great for home usage, it has the following disadvantages:

• Its installation requires distinct tools and fittings, which will significantly increase your DIY conversion costs.

• It won’t fit well because its sizes are slightly off from the recommended dimensions for campervan pumps and faucets.

• It can’t be installed anywhere it might face sun exposure, as it isn’t UV resistant.

Outlet hose The outlet hose links your fresh water tank to the water pump. Connect it to a manual pump with a hose clamp at both ends. If using an electric pump, make sure to place a flexible hose before and after it to minimise vibrations being passed on to other surfaces. This will make it quieter.

Depending on your particular pump, you may need to install a non-return valve to prevent water from flowing back into the outlet hose. And no matter the pump type, be careful not to install your outlet hose with kinks that could block water flow.

Fittings and clamps

The tubing fittings and connections throughout your water system will differ according to the materials you buy. If you purchase van-specific components with standard sizing, you shouldn’t need to do much extra work. However, if you’re tailoring your tubing with custom connections, remember these pro tips:

• Use plastic (rather than metal) fittings so that the threads don’t damage your tubing.

• Use plastic thread sealant (not lubricant) to seal any threads.

• Place hose clamps on top of the tubes to hold everything firmly together.

Grey water system set up

Your campervan's grey water system collects and holds waste water from the sink or drain (e.g. after washing dirty dishes).

You will have to empty your grey water tank regularly to prevent overflowing waste water and foul smells inside your campervan.

The grey water setup in your campervan will consist of two key components:

• Waste water tank (also known as the grey water tank)

• Drainage hose

Step 1. Choose and install a grey water tank

Because the fresh water system in a campervan is fairly simple and small in capacity, the grey water setup is very straightforward.

There is no need to invest in a large caravan grey water tank. Almost any kind of plastic water container can be used to collect grey waste water.

However, we do recommend that you use a transparent tank so that you can see when it needs to be emptied (such as this clear 20L water cube). Plus, it should have a large release tap, so that it can drain freely and quickly.

Step 2. Connect your grey water tank

The drainage hose is the tube that leads from the sink or drain to your grey water tank. It is recommended that you use a corrugated sullage hose that prevents kinking.

Make sure that the drainage hose is self-draining and slopes down into the grey water tank. If any undrained water gets trapped inside, it will start to smell inside your campervan.

Black water system set up

A black water system collects and holds waste water, faeces and urine from your campervan toilet (if you have one installed).

Most campervans do not have a permanent toilet installed inside the campervan.

If you don't want a campervan with a toilet, you can have a portable camping toilet that you store inside a dedicated cupboard. You will only use this toilet in an emergency and empty it as soon as possible at a dump point. When you are camping in a campervan, you will rely on campsite toilets most of the time.

Make a return on your campervan water system

Now that you know how to set up a campervan water system in your DIY conversion, you’re all set to hit the road and get things flowing!

But what about when your road trip comes to an end and your campervan is sitting idly in the driveway?

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for use as a general guide only. Please do further research before installing your campervan water system.