Water on board: campervan plumbing systems
Discover reliable, leak-proof clean water, grey wastewater, and hot water (water heater) solutions that won't compromise home comfort during your travels.
Fresh Water Systems: The Foundation of Comfort
In campervan living, the fresh water system is indispensable for daily hygiene and comfort. At our İzmir Karavan Ustası workshop, a properly designed fresh water system with marine hoses ensures efficient use of your limited resources during travels. You need leak-proof and reliable plumbing for basic needs such as drinking, cooking, showering, and cleaning.
Clean water system and submersible pump diagram for a modern motorhome
Basic Components of the Fresh Water System
Freshwater storage tanks typically ranging from 50 to 150 liters in capacity. Made from food-grade polyethylene plastic, UV resistance is crucial to prevent algae growth.
It is the connection point mounted on the exterior surface of the campervan, with a locked cover and usually compatible with standard hose connections, used to fill the water tank.
It is a 12V electric pump that provides water pressure from the tank to the faucets and outdoor shower. Pressure-switch (switched) hydrofor models are preferred, allowing automatic activation when a faucet is opened and reducing vibration/noise via an expansion tank.
These are carbon and sediment filters used to ensure water is potable quality and to protect the hydrofor from sand. They are especially important when sourcing water from external sources (tap, well) to protect the plumbing.
Expert Recommendation: Empty your campervan water tanks completely and let them dry when not in use for extended periods. This prevents mold and bacteria growth and extends the life of your hydrofor system.
Dirty Water (Grey and Black) Systems: Eco-Friendly Solutions
In campervan living, the proper collection, transport via leak-proof marine pipes, and disposal of wastewater are crucial for both comfort and environmental responsibility. Campervan wastewater systems are divided into two categories: 'grey water' (shower, sink) and 'black water' (toilet).
Differences Between Grey and Black Water Systems
| Feature | Grey water system | Black Water System |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Wastewater from shower, sink and kitchen faucet | Cassette or marine toilet waste |
| Tank Capacity | Typically a 50-100 LT tank mounted under the vehicle | Generally 15-25 Litres (for cassette toilets) |
| Chemical Usage | Not required (Siphon/Esmatik is used to prevent odours) | Special waste shredder and deodorizing chemicals are required |
Wastewater System Components
This is the tank where kitchen and shower water are collected. At Karavan Ustası workshop, it is usually mounted under the chassis with insulation to prevent freezing.
A portable leak-proof system where waste from Thetford or similar cassette toilets is collected; easily accessed via an external service hatch and emptied using a pull-pull mechanism.
Manual or electric (12V) motorized valves that allow practical and safe emptying of the grey water tank into campground drains.
These are digital float sensors that show the fill levels of fresh and waste water tanks on the campervan control panel (CBE, Caravan Control, etc.). They indicate when you need to refill or empty the tanks.
Motorhome grey water tank (waste water reservoir) under-chassis mounting
Important Information: Empty your campervan waste tanks only at designated dump stations in campervan parks. Discharging wastewater directly into nature causes significant environmental damage.
Campervan Shower and Hot Water (Boiler) Systems
Hot water in a campervan is not just a luxury but a basic necessity, especially for winter camps. Modern campervan water heating systems (Truma, Webasto, etc.) provide fast and comfortable hot water despite their compact size.
Campervan Water Heater Varieties
Hermetic water heaters like DAXOM used in campervans. They provide instant hot water with cylinder gas. Closed combustion chamber models that draw air from outside and expel exhaust gases are essential against poisoning risk.
Luxury systems that both heat the interior (blowing warm air through vents) and heat water for showers and kitchens. They run on diesel (from the vehicle tank) or LPG. The most popular, space-saving, and efficient system.
These are heaters like the Truma Therme TT2 or marine-type 12V/220V resistance heaters. They are highly efficient when external power is available at a campsite; battery usage requires attention to your solar panel capacity.
Installation of a compact campervan shower cabin and hot water system at our İzmir workshop
Practical Tip: Don't forget to install an outdoor shower head with hot/cold mixer mounted on the rear or side of the vehicle for showering outdoors or rinsing off sand after swimming.
The Karavan Ustası Difference
As İzmir Karavan Ustası, we reduce water leakage risk to zero in plumbing systems by using pneumatic (push-fit) connectors, food-grade pressure-resistant hoses, and high-quality clamps. Incorrectly installed plumbing can rot the campervan's wooden floor; therefore, we conduct all tests under pressure before handing over the vehicle.
FAQ Questions (Plumbing)
For free camping (off-grid) accommodation for 2 people lasting 3-4 days, a tank between 100-120 liters including shower and dishwashing is ideal. Very large tanks negatively affect the vehicle's weight balance and fuel consumption.
There may be a water leak in the system or air entering from the faucets. Additionally, if an expansion tank (pressure equalizer) is not used, the hydrofor pump may continuously switch on and off to balance pressure.
If you use your campervan in winter, the grey water tank located under the chassis is at risk of freezing. To prevent this, heating pads (12V) are attached to the tanks, and waste pipes are insulated with elastomeric foam. One of the warm air ducts from the Webasto heater is directed into the fresh water tank to prevent freezing.
