Once you have built your motorhome, go on as many adventures as possible. But during these adventures, you should also make sure your home on Wheels is in its best shape. It must be taken care of, and there should be a keen look into its different parts. Different motorhome parts may get out of shape during travel due to wear and tear. Maintaining the camper van and all its effort components should be a part of your routine.
One such maintenance is regarding the water system. It is important to check the water system in the motor home. It helps properly function this system and the longevity of different water system components. A regular checkup can prevent issues like blockages, leaks, and contamination that will help keep the water running smoothly in all parts of your RV.
The campervan water system has different parts and components that bring water to your taps and faucets. Even if any one of these parts stops working, you won’t be able to enjoy easy water delivery. Hence, let’s walk through the different parts of the water system and how to maintain them.
1. Regular Inspection of Water Pump and Lines
This is the most essential part of any water system. Keeping a schedule of regular checkups of your water pump, pipes, and connections can save you from any sudden mishaps with the water system. It would help if you kept looking for any leaks or blockages in the RV water system to ensure there is constant and even water flow and no sudden disruptions with the water flow.
Keeping an eye on the water lines will save you a lot of time and money, which, in the opposite case, could even cancel your trips on the RV until complete maintenance is done. You should start maintenance if you find leaks or apparent blockages in the water flow. You can hire a professional to do the job or look into it yourself. Once you spot the faulty or loose connection part, replace it or fix it immediately with high-quality water system components.
2. Clean and Sanitize Sink and Water Tanks
Cleanliness must be a priority for your RV home, especially in your sink and faucets. It would help if you carried out constant sanitization, mainly before you use it. A complete sanitization process will help you avoid bacteria growth in the water system and keep the water and sink outlook fresh and clean. It would help if you cleaned the sink, grey water tank, fresh water tank, and black water tank wholly and thoroughly occasionally. This will prevent odors and bacterial growth from happening in your RV home.
When picking a sink for your van water system, you must choose highly durable and easy-to-clean options. You can find the best sinks at TORVA that offer nanotechnology in the water system components. This technology helps prevent scratches and stains, keeping the sink shiny and as good as new for many years. The sink will remain clean by itself and will take less time from your end to maintain its look. Regular maintenance of the water tank will ensure the safety and high reliability of the water system for constant usage.
You can use different options for the sanitation of the sink and areas around it. DIY methods, such as making a bleach and baking soda solution, may work fine for water stains and odors. You can also look for readymade sink cleaning agents left over the sink surface for some time and cleaned later with water. It will help maintain the outlook of your water system and allow you to enjoy a clean environment for cooking and living in an RV home.
· Keep the area dry
Another method of keeping the water system clean is keeping it dry. Once you’re done cooking and eating in the kitchen, wipe the sink kit using dry towels or paper towels to remove any remaining water. It will help remove any chances of bacterial and mold growth in the kitchen and reduce humidity as well.
· Monitor for leaks
Leaks are the major problem affecting your travels in the van water system. Hence, you must monitor the plumbing system for water leaks beforehand. They can also disrupt the working of gas systems and pumps; hence, you should not let this issue prevail.
· Get high-quality sink components.
Investing once in good-quality sink kit parts will prevent you from spending money in the future to get a whole new water system fixed in your RV. You will have to deal with less maintenance or damage over time.
· Get service for your water system regularly.
Just as with all electrical devices, sink kits should also receive regular checkups by professionals. Once the system has an issue, repairs are essential.
3. Replace Water Filters
Along with maintaining different parts of the water system in your RV, you should also check the water filters. These filters help clean water in your RV that you will use for different purposes. It is important to replace these filters every 3-6 months, depending on what kind of water quality you are putting in the water system in your travels. Replacing water filters will help maintain the water quality and prevent contamination from disrupting the system. The pipes may get clogged if you use hard water in the RV without a water filter. New water filters every 3-6 months will ensure a fresh water supply for all RV needs, including cooking, cleaning, and washing.
4. Winterizing the Water System
RVs are great for travel, but they should also be maintained according to the seasons. You can not leave water in your RV water system in winter as it can freeze and clog the pipes, blocking all ways for fresh water to be used inside the RV. Hence, here is why you should winterize the water system for van beforehand.
· Remove water filters
Remove the inline water filters to winterize the RV, as antifreeze might damage them. Most RV insurance policies don’t also cover the damage done by frozen water, as it is avoidable.
· Drain the water tank.
First, drain the freshwater tank. This tank is mainly under the RV near its exterior wall and is located so that it can directly supply showers and sinks. You can find its valve and open it. Next, locate its drain plugs to access the black and gray water tanks. These tanks are present around the exterior wall under the RV bathroom. They should only be emptied in approved dumping facilities. It would help to ensure the drain hose is attached correctly on both ends before you begin draining.
· Drain the water heater and the lines.
Turn all power switches reaching for the water heater off so there is no issue while cleaning it. Shut off the water that is reaching the water heater. Now open the pressure relief valve and wait as long as the water stops running from PRV and the valve opens. Unscrew the drain plug and start draining the unit. It would help if you used a bucket to catch the very first few gallons of water from it. You can remove the plug to let the water heater drain thoroughly.
· Bypass water heater
Before adding antifreeze to the plumbing system, you need to bypass the water heater. If done correctly, de-winterizing will be easier as well. Most RVs have a bypass installed, but you can visit an RV maintenance facility and get one installed if you don’t.
· Add the antifreeze
Now, you can pump the antifreeze in the system, protecting the plumbing when the temperature drops below freezing. You can do this in two ways, including installing a water pump conversion kit or using the inlet side of a water pump.
Disconnect the line from the freshwater tank and attach the tubing to the water inlet. Now, put the other end of the tubing in the antifreeze container. Then, you can turn the pump on, which may pressurize the plumbing system in the water system for van.
5. Check for Leaks
Keep a regular check for leaks and blockages. It would help if you often inspected the pipes, fittings, and connections. If you spot leaks, tighten or replace components showing any signs of leaks to avoid water waste or further potential damage. Leaks can ruin your water system over time and disrupt water flow to your faucets and taps. A regular inspection can save you from wasting your time and money on a disputed water system.
6. Flush and Maintain the Grey Water System
The greywater system is as important as the other two water systems. Most RV owners ignore the grey water tank, but you must also maintain it regularly. It would help if you prevented clogs or unpleasant odors affecting your RV travels. Using biodegradable cleaning agents will help keep this system clean and safe without unnecessarily cleaning it manually.
Conclusion
Maintaining your camper van’s water system is crucial for a hassle-free travel experience. Regular checks and upkeep ensure clean, reliable water flow, preventing issues on the road. By following essential maintenance tips, you can enjoy your adventures with peace of mind, knowing your water system is in top condition.
These maintenance tips for your water system for van will ensure you enjoy great journeys and trips anywhere you want. This is an efficient and reliable guide to keep the water system working great and prevent costly RV repairs. Your travels will be full of fun and adventure if you get it checked and inspected thoroughly before traveling. Your van’s water system must be in its best shape and should not have any issues with irregular working.