Campervan Plumbing And Water Guide

One of the most important aspects of being a van lifer is water and plumbing. Water is essential for life, and having access to clean and safe water is crucial for your health and comfort. Plumbing is also important for your hygiene and convenience. Making sure your van conversion has a good water system when you convert it into a campervan is a worthwhile investment.

But how do you get water and plumbing in a van? What are the best options for water sources, storage, filtration, heating, usage, and disposal? How do you manage your water consumption and waste? How do you deal with the technical and practical issues of installing and maintaining a water system in a van?

In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will provide you with a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about plumbing and water van life. We will cover the following topics:

• Water Sources: How to find and access water for van life
• Water Storage: How to choose and install water tanks in a van
• Water Filtration: How to filter and purify water in a van
• Water Heating: How to heat water in a van
• Water Usage: How to use and conserve water in a van
• Water Disposal: How to dispose of wastewater in a van

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to have water and plumbing in your van. You will also learn some tips and tricks on how to optimize your water system and make your van life more comfortable and sustainable.

Water Sources – Finding Water On The Road

One of the first things you need to consider when planning your water system is where you will get your water from. Depending on where you travel, you may have different options for obtaining water for van life. Some of the most common options are:

• Public taps: These are faucets that are available for public use, such as at gas stations, rest areas, parks, etc. They are usually free or cheap, easy to access, and reliable. However, they may not be available everywhere, especially in remote areas. They may also have varying water quality and pressure.
• Campgrounds: These are places where you can park your van overnight and use their facilities, such as showers, toilets, laundry, etc. They usually have potable water taps that you can fill up your tanks with. They are convenient, safe, and comfortable. However, they may be expensive, crowded, noisy, or restrictive. They may also require reservations or memberships.
• Natural sources: These are bodies of water that are found in nature, such as rivers, lakes, streams, etc. They are abundant, scenic, and adventurous. However, they may be contaminated, illegal, or inaccessible. They may also require additional filtration or treatment.

Here is a table that summarizes the main features of each option:

To find and access water sources when living in a van, you can use various tools, such as apps, maps, websites, and more. Some of our favorite tools for finding places to top up the water tank are:

• iOverlander: This is an app that allows you to find places for camping, water, fuel, etc. It is based on user-generated data, so you can also contribute by adding or updating information.
• Park4Night: This is another app that helps you find places to park your van overnight, including campgrounds, parking lots, wild spots, etc. It also shows you the amenities available at each location, such as water, electricity, wifi, and more.
• AllStays: This is a website that provides information on various types of accommodations for travelers, such as hotels, campgrounds, RV parks, etc. It also has filters for water, dump stations, propane, etc.
• Google Maps: The map everyone knows about where you can search and find places and services by name. You can also use satellite view or street view to see the surroundings of each place. You can also use Google Maps offline by downloading maps of specific areas.

Water Storage – How To Store Water In Your Van

Once you have found a water source, you need to store it in your van. Water storage is important for van life because it allows you to have access to water when you need it, without having to rely on external sources. Water storage also affects how much water you can use per day, which depends on your personal needs and preferences.

The amount of water you need per day varies depending on several factors, such as:

• The climate and season: You may need more water in hot or dry weather than in cold or humid weather.
• The activities you do: You may need more water if you do physical or outdoor activities than if you stay indoors or relax.
• The food you eat: You may need more water if you eat salty, spicy, or dry food than if you eat fresh, moist, or bland food.
• The hygiene products you use: You may need more water if you use soap, shampoo, or detergent than if you use waterless or biodegradable products.
• The water system you have: You may need more water if you have a pressurized or electric system than if you have a manual or gravity system.

According to the World Health Organization, the minimum amount of water required for basic human needs is about 20 liters (5.3 gallons) per person per day. However, this amount may not be enough for your average van lifer, as it does not include water for cooking, washing, or other purposes. A more realistic estimate for someone living in a van is about 40 to 60 liters (10.6 to 15.9 gallons) per person per day. Of course, this is just an average and your actual water consumption may vary depending on your situation and preferences.

To store water in your van, you need to have water tanks. Water tanks are containers that hold water and are connected to your water system. There are different types of water tanks that can be used in a van, such as:

• Plastic tanks: These are tanks that are made of plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. They are lightweight, cheap, easy to install, and resistant to corrosion and bacteria. However, they may also be prone to cracking, leaking, or deforming. They may also affect the taste or smell of the water.
• Metal tanks: These are tanks that are made of metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum. They are durable, strong, and reliable. However, they may also be heavy, expensive, hard to install, and susceptible to rust and corrosion. They may also require insulation or coating to prevent heat loss or contamination.
• Collapsible tanks: These are tanks that can be folded or rolled up when not in use. They are flexible, portable, and space-saving. However, they may also be fragile, unstable, or difficult to clean. They may also have limited capacity or compatibility with other components.

Here is a list of the main factors to consider when choosing a water tank for your van:

1. Capacity: This is the amount of water that the tank can hold. You should choose a tank that can store enough water for your needs and preferences. You should also consider the weight and space of the tank when full.
2. Durability: This is the ability of the tank to withstand wear and tear. You should choose a tank that can last long and handle different conditions and situations. You should also consider the warranty and maintenance of the tank.
3. Compatibility: This is the ability of the tank to fit and work with your van and water system. You should choose a tank that can match the size, shape, location, fittings, connections, and power source of your van and water system. You should also consider the ease and cost of installation and modification of the tank.

To install and maintain water tanks in your van, you need to follow some steps, such as:

1. Choosing the right location for your tanks: You should choose a location that is accessible, secure, and balanced. You should also consider the temperature, ventilation, and drainage of the location. Some of the most common locations for water tanks are under the bed, under the seats, in the cabinets, or on the roof.
2. Choosing the right size and shape for your tanks: You should choose a size and shape that can fit your location and maximize your capacity. You should also consider the weight distribution and center of gravity of your tanks. Some of the most common sizes and shapes for water tanks are rectangular, cylindrical, or custom-made.
3. Choosing the right fittings and connections for your tanks: You should choose fittings and connections that can seal and secure your tanks and prevent leaks or spills. You should also consider the compatibility and functionality of your fittings and connections with your water system components, such as pumps, filters, heaters, faucets, etc. Some of the most common fittings and connections for water tanks are hoses, clamps, valves, adapters, etc.
4. Insulating your tanks: You should insulate your tanks to prevent heat loss or gain and protect them from freezing or overheating. You should also consider the material, thickness, and coverage of your insulation. Some of the most common materials for insulation are foam, fiberglass, or wool.
5. Cleaning your tanks: You should clean your tanks regularly to remove dirt, sediment, or bacteria that may accumulate over time. You should also sanitize your tanks periodically to kill any harmful microorganisms that may grow in your water. You can use various products, such as bleach, vinegar, baking soda, etc. to clean and sanitize your tanks. You should also rinse and drain your tanks thoroughly after cleaning and sanitizing them.

Water Filtration – Fresh Water In Your Van

Water filtration is another important aspect of van life, as it ensures that your water is clean and safe to use. Water filtration is the process of removing or reducing contaminants, such as dirt, sediment, chemicals, bacteria, viruses, etc. from your water. Water filtration can improve the taste, smell, color, and clarity of your water. It can also protect your health and prevent diseases or infections.

There are different methods of water filtration that can be used for van life, such as:

• Carbon filters: These are filters that use activated carbon to adsorb impurities from your water. They are effective at removing chlorine, organic compounds, odors, and tastes from your water. However, they may not remove all microorganisms, heavy metals, or minerals from your water. They may also clog or lose their effectiveness over time.
• Reverse osmosis: This is a process that uses a semipermeable membrane to separate pure water from contaminated water. It is effective at removing almost all contaminants, including microorganisms, heavy metals, minerals, etc. from your water. However, it may also remove beneficial minerals and electrolytes from your water. It may also require a lot of pressure, power, and water to operate.
• UV light: This is a method that uses ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate microorganisms in your water. It is effective at eliminating bacteria, viruses, protozoa, etc. from your water. However, it may not remove other contaminants, such as chemicals, metals, or sediment from your water. It may also require a power source and a clear container to work.

Here is a list of the main benefits of having a water filter in your van:

• You can use any water source without worrying about its quality or safety
• You can save money and reduce waste by not buying bottled water
• You can enjoy better tasting and smelling water
• You can prevent health problems and infections caused by contaminated water
• You can extend the lifespan and performance of your water system components

To choose and use a water filter in your van, you need to consider some factors, such as:

1. The type and level of contamination in your water source: You should test your water quality before using it and choose a filter that can remove or reduce the specific contaminants in your water.
2. The capacity and flow rate of your filter: You should choose a filter that can produce enough clean water for your needs and preferences. You should also consider the speed and pressure of your filter and how it affects your water system.
3. The installation and maintenance of your filter: You should choose a filter that is easy to install and compatible with your van and water system. You should also check the filter lifespan and replace the filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You should also test your water quality after filtration to ensure its effectiveness.

Water Heating – Warm Water Options For a Campervan

Water heating is another aspect of van life that can enhance your comfort and convenience. Water heating is the process of increasing the temperature of your water to make it suitable for various purposes, such as showering, washing, cooking, etc. Water heating can also prevent your water from freezing in cold weather.

There are different ways of heating water in a van, such as:

• Electric heaters: These are devices that use electricity to heat water. They are fast, efficient, and easy to use. However, they may also consume a lot of power, which can drain your battery or require a generator or shore power. They may also be expensive, bulky, or noisy.
• Gas heaters: These are devices that use propane or butane to heat water. They are powerful, reliable, and independent of power sources. However, they may also produce carbon monoxide, which can be dangerous if not vented properly. They may also require refilling, maintenance, or safety precautions.
• Solar heaters: These are devices that use solar energy to heat water. They are eco-friendly, cheap, and passive. However, they may also depend on the weather and the sun exposure, which can be unpredictable or insufficient. They may also have limited capacity or performance.

Here is a list of the main features to look for in a water heaters for your van:

• Power source: This is the type of energy that the heater uses to heat water. You should choose a power source that matches your electrical system and your availability of resources.
• Size: This is the amount of water that the heater can heat at a time. You should choose a size that meets your demand and preferences. You should also consider the space and weight of the heater in your van.
• Location: This is the place where you install the heater in your van. You should choose a location that is accessible, secure, and ventilated. You should also consider the distance and connection between the heater and the water source and the water outlet.
• Venting: This is the process of releasing the exhaust gases from the heater to the outside. You should choose a venting system that is safe, efficient, and compatible with your heater and your van. You should also consider the noise and appearance of the venting system.

Water Usage – How Much Water Do You Need

Water usage is another aspect of van life that can affect your comfort and convenience. Water usage is the amount and frequency of water that you use for various purposes, such as drinking, cooking, washing, showering, etc. Water usage can also impact your water consumption and waste.

To optimize your water usage in your van, consider the following factors:

• The climate and season: You may need to adjust your water usage according to the weather and the temperature. For example, you may need to use more water in hot or dry weather to stay hydrated and cool, or less water in cold or humid weather to avoid freezing or condensation.
• The activities you do: You may need to vary your water usage depending on what you do in your van. For example, you may need to use more water if you do physical or outdoor activities that make you sweat or dirty, or less water if you stay indoors or relax.
• The food you eat: You may need to modify your water usage according to what you eat in your van. For example, you may need to use more water if you eat salty, spicy, or dry food that make you thirsty or require more cooking or washing, or less water if you eat fresh, moist, or bland food that hydrate you or require less cooking or washing.
• The hygiene products you use: You may need to change your water usage depending on what you use for your hygiene in your van. For example, you may need to use more water if you use soap, shampoo, or detergent that create more foam or residue, or less water if you use waterless or biodegradable products that reduce or eliminate the need for rinsing.

Here is a table that shows the estimated daily water consumption for different activities in a van:

With limitations to water capacity being conservative with your water consumption is a win for both you and the environment. Here are a few things you can do to save on your water usage:

1. Using low-flow faucets: These are faucets that reduce the amount of water that flows out of them. They can help you save water by limiting the pressure and volume of your water stream.
2. Reusing greywater: This is the wastewater that comes from your sinks and showers. You can reuse it for other purposes, such as flushing toilets, watering plants, washing clothes, etc.
3. Collecting rainwater: This is the water that falls from the sky when it rains. You can collect it by using a tarp, a bucket, a barrel, etc. You can use it for various purposes, such as drinking, cooking, washing, etc. However, you may need to filter or treat it before using it.

Water Disposal – Emptying Your Grey/Black Water Tanks

The final aspect of van life that can affect your comfort and convenience is water disposal. This refers to how you get rid of the wastewater that you produce in your van from activities like washing, showering, cooking, etc. Wastewater can also affect how much water you consume and waste.

Wastewater comes in two types: greywater and blackwater. Greywater is the water that drains from your sinks and showers. It is usually less dirty and less harmful than blackwater, but it may still have soap, grease, food particles, bacteria, etc. that can cause problems like odors, clogs, or pollution. Blackwater is the water that flushes from your toilet. It is usually more dirty and more harmful than greywater, as it may have feces, urine, paper, chemicals, pathogens, etc. that can cause diseases, infections, or environmental damage.

When you dispose of wastewater in your van, you need to think about some factors, such as:

• How much and what kind of wastewater you produce: You should estimate how much greywater and blackwater you generate per day and per week. You should also consider the quality and composition of your wastewater and how it affects your disposal options.
• Where and how you can dump your wastewater: You should research and locate places where you can legally and safely empty your wastewater tanks into a sewer or septic system. These places may include campgrounds, RV parks, gas stations, rest areas, etc. You should also consider the cost, convenience, and frequency of using these places.
• What kind of disposal system you have: You should choose a disposal system that matches your van and water system. You should also consider the capacity, durability, maintenance, and performance of your disposal system.

Some of the common options for disposing of wastewater in a van are:

• Dumping stations: These are places where you can connect your wastewater tanks to a hose and empty them into a sewer or septic system. They are convenient, reliable, and sanitary, but they may also be expensive, crowded, or restrictive. They may also require some equipment like hoses, adapters, gloves, etc. to use.
• Septic tanks: These are underground tanks that store and treat wastewater by using bacteria and chemicals. They are independent, discreet, and eco-friendly, but they may also be illegal, risky, or inaccessible. They may also require some actions like permission, pumping, or maintenance to use.
• Composting toilets: These are toilets that turn human waste into compost by using natural processes like decomposition and evaporation. They are installed inside the van and do not need water or plumbing. They are sustainable, odorless, and waste-free, but they may also be expensive, bulky, or complicated. They may also need some features like ventilation, electricity, or additives to work.

Some of the main challenges and solutions for wastewater disposal in a van are:

• Following local regulations: You should always follow the laws and rules of the places where you travel and dump your wastewater. You should avoid dumping your wastewater in inappropriate or prohibited places, such as storm drains, lakes, rivers, etc. You should also get permits or licenses if needed.
• Using biodegradable products: You should always use products that are biodegradable or environmentally friendly for your hygiene and cleaning in your van. You should avoid using products that have harsh chemicals or substances that can harm your water system or the environment, such as bleach, ammonia, phosphates, etc.
• Avoiding dumping near water sources: You should always dump your wastewater away from water sources that are used for drinking, fishing, swimming, etc. You should also avoid dumping your wastewater near wildlife habitats or sensitive ecosystems that can be affected by your wastewater.

Conclusion

We hope that this article has helped you understand how to have water and plumbing in your van. We also hope that this article has given you some tips and tricks on how to optimize your water system and make your van life more comfortable and sustainable.

You’re now ready to hook up that sweet van of yours with some life giving liquid and hit the road!