Campervan Conversion Plumbing

How to install campervan water systems starts with understanding the complete plumbing setup needed for DIY van conversions. Best campervan water pumps include 12V diaphragm models from Whale, Shurflo and Reich delivering 8-25 litres per minute through pressurised systems that automatically activate when you turn on taps. Complete motorhome plumbing kits feature everything from water tank installation components to John Guest push-fit fittings, microswitched taps, and waste water management solutions. Van conversion water system installation requires food-grade tubing, pressure accumulators, and inline filters to create reliable hot and cold running water identical to home plumbing systems.

Campervan water tank sizing depends on your travel patterns and space constraints, with popular choices including 70L Fiamma tanks, custom MDPE containers from 20-100L capacity, and dual internal/external setups for year-round use. Where to mount water tanks in campervan conversions affects weight distribution and freeze protection - underslung external tanks save interior space but risk winter damage, whilst internal systems consume storage area but operate reliably in sub-zero temperatures. Professional van conversion plumbing uses semi-rigid 12mm polyethylene tubing for cold water, 15mm for hot systems, connected via tool-free John Guest Speedfit fittings rated to 10 bar pressure. Truma water heater installation, Whale pump wiring, and Reich tap compatibility all integrate seamlessly with standard UK motorhome plumbing components.

Why does my campervan water pump keep running relates to common pressure leaks, faulty microswitches, or missing accumulators that smooth pump cycling. Troubleshooting campervan plumbing problems involves checking push-fit connections, ensuring proper pipe inserts prevent blow-offs, and installing pump switches to prevent continuous operation during transit. The main limitation involves space constraints requiring careful routing of water lines, with most builders locating all taps and outlets on one side to minimise complex plumbing runs. Van life water system maintenance includes winterising external tanks, cleaning grey water containers with biodegradable treatments, and replacing microswitched taps when flow activation fails.

Taps

Complete range of water taps for campervan conversions. Kitchen mixers, cold taps and shower taps from Reich, Whale, Comet and Dometic. Microswitched designs with ceramic cartridges and folding spouts. Perfect for tight spaces with 12mm fittings and various mounting hole sizes. Essential for any van conversion project.

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Sinks

Sinks for campervan conversions provide essential washing and food preparation facilities in DIY van builds, ranging from compact Dometic Smev combination units to standalone stainless steel models. Popular choices include the Dometic Smev 9222 and 9722 combination hob and sink units that maximize space efficiency in tight galley kitchens, alongside standalone sinks from brands like Dometic, Thetford & CAN.

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Water Heaters

Water heaters and space heaters for camper van conversions. Choose from Truma combi units, Whale underfloor systems, electric tanks or diesel heaters. Popular brands include Propex, Alde and Eberspacher. Capacities from 6-20 litres with gas, electric or diesel power options. Essential heating solutions for DIY van builds requiring hot water and warmth.

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Toilets

Toilets for camper van conversions including Thetford cassette systems, Dometic portable units and Fiamma models. Fixed and portable options with 4-5 gallon capacities. Essential sanitation solutions for DIY van builds requiring exterior access doors, 12V power and fresh water connections for permanent installation.

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Water Pumps

Water pumps for camper van conversions. 12V submersible and diaphragm pumps from Whale, Reich, Shurflo brands. Flow rates 8-25L per minute with pressure switches and accumulators. Essential components for van plumbing systems providing pressurised water supply from fresh water tanks to taps and showers.

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Showers

Showers for campervans. Shower trays for various systems and complete shower assemblies. Chrome shower heads, flexible hoses and outdoor shower kits for campervan washing facilities.

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Waste Pipe & Fittings

Waste pipe and hose fittings for your campervan grey water system. Available in 20mm, 23.5mm, 28.5mm sizes with sink wastes, convoluted hose, drain taps, push-fit connectors and tank fittings. Essential components for connecting waste water drainage systems to tanks and outlets.

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Water Supply Fittings

Water supply fittings connect caravan plumbing systems via push-fit connectors, BSP adaptors, and specialised components from Reich, Whale & Truma. Features pressure switches, ball valves, drain taps, and tank fittings using 12mm/15mm semi-rigid tubing. Food-grade materials rated to 10 bar pressure with tool-free installation for reliable fresh water distribution to taps, pumps & appliances.

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Waste Water Containers

Portable waste water carriers for caravans, motorhomes & camper vans. 23L-46L capacity containers with wheels & ergonomic handles. Compatible with UK waste outlets. Includes Wastemaster, Fiamma roll tanks & traditional black containers. Shop grey water collection solutions for off-grid camping & campervans.

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Water Containers

Premium water carriers for caravans, motorhomes & camper vans. Aquaroll 40L rolling tanks, Fiamma roll containers & BPA-free jerry cans 5-25L. Food-grade portable storage with wheels, handles & tap connections. Shop UK's best-selling water transport solutions from FL Hitchman.

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Water Hose & Fittings

Professional campervan water hose systems. 12mm/15mm John Guest push-fit fittings, food-grade tubing & BSP connectors. Tool-free installation for Truma, Whale & Reich systems. Complete plumbing solutions from tanks to taps.

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Water Tanks

Professional water tanks for motorhomes, caravans & campervans. Fiamma 70L standard & custom tanks from 20-100L+. Food-grade MDPE construction, dual installation options & comprehensive fitting kits. Underslung & internal systems with anti-frost protection available.

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Thetford Service Doors

Thetford service doors for campervan external access. SD3 cassette toilet, SD4 gas bottle, SD5/SD6 storage doors. FD3/FD5 flush-mount options. Complete spare parts including seals, locks, hinge pins & repair kits. UV-resistant watertight construction.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Campervan Plumbing

How much water do I need per day in a campervan?

Daily campervan water consumption averages 15-25 litres per person including 3 litres drinking water, 8 litres cooking and washing up, 4 litres toilet flushing, and 10-15 litres personal hygiene. With shower use, expect 25-40 litres per person daily. Military-style navy showers use 4-6 litres whilst full showers consume 15-20 litres. Plan tank capacity based on days between refills multiplied by daily usage.

Shurflo vs Whale water pump - which is better for campervans?

Shurflo pumps like the 4008 series offer 45-55 PSI pressure with 11-15 LPM flow rates and built-in pressure switches, making them ideal for high-pressure applications. Whale pumps including the Gulper 220 provide quieter operation at 10-30 PSI with self-priming capabilities. Shurflo excels for shower systems requiring strong pressure, whilst Whale pumps suit basic sink-only setups with lower noise levels.

Why does my campervan water pump keep cycling on and off?

Water pump short cycling indicates pressure leaks in John Guest fittings, blown connections, or missing accumulator tanks. Check push-fit fittings are fully inserted with pipe supports, inspect tank connections for micro-leaks, and verify accumulator pressure matches pump cut-in settings. Test by isolating sections - if pump runs without taps open, locate leaks at fittings, through-floor penetrations, or tank outlets.

What pressure should I set my accumulator tank to?

Set accumulator tank pressure 2-3 PSI below pump cut-in pressure - typically 35-40 PSI for Shurflo pumps with 40 PSI start pressure. Factory pre-charge is usually 10-20 PSI which must be increased using tyre pump through Schrader valve. Correct pressure eliminates pump pulsing, reduces cycling frequency, and provides smooth water flow without pressure spikes at taps.

How long does 100 litres of water last in a campervan?

100 litres typically lasts 2-5 days for two people depending on shower usage. Without onboard showers, expect 4-5 days using campsite facilities. With daily showers using 15-20 litres each, 100L provides 2-3 days maximum. Conservative users practicing navy showers and minimal washing can extend to 7-10 days by using 10-15 litres per person daily.

Can I use PEX pipe for campervan water systems?

PEX-A tubing is excellent for campervan plumbing with 500 PSI burst pressure rating and superior freeze resistance compared to semi-rigid LLDPE pipe. Use PEX-A with Uponor expansion fittings for mobile applications as it handles vibration better than PEX-B crimp systems. Standard sizes are 12mm for cold water, 15mm for hot systems, compatible with most UK motorhome components.

Do I need a water filter in my campervan conversion?

Water filtration is essential when filling from unknown European sources including motorway service areas and rural taps. Install inline particle filter before pump to protect components, plus 0.2 micron filter for bacteria removal. UV sterilisers like Alde AquaClear UV-C systems eliminate viruses and parasites whilst carbon filters improve taste and remove chlorine from municipal supplies.

Internal vs external water tank placement - which is better?

Internal water tanks prevent freezing down to -30°C but consume valuable storage space and raise centre of gravity. External underslung tanks save interior room and improve handling but require heated compartments or winterising in cold weather. Many builders install both - using external capacity in summer and internal freeze-proof systems for winter travel.

How do I stop grey water tank smells in my van?

Prevent grey water odours using P-traps or compact non-return valve under sinks creating water seals blocking tank gases. Empty tanks every 2-3 days, use only biodegradable soaps, and ensure proper tank venting. Regular cleaning with eco-friendly treatments like Thetford Aqua Rinse prevents bacterial buildup causing sulphur smells from waste water decomposition.

What size John Guest fittings do I need for campervan plumbing?

UK campervan standard uses 12mm outside diameter John Guest fittings for cold water systems and 15mm for hot water lines. Always use pipe supports and locking clips in mobile applications to prevent blow-offs from vibration. BSP threaded adaptors connect to pump outlets whilst straight connectors, elbows, and tees create distribution networks rated to 10 bar pressure.

Can I connect multiple taps to one water pump in my van?

Single diaphragm pumps supply multiple outlets using tee fittings and manifold systems from main supply lines. Ensure pump flow rates exceed simultaneous demand - 15+ LPM handles concurrent sink and shower use. Install individual shut-off valves on each branch for maintenance access and selective winterising of unused circuits during cold weather storage.