How to install a camper van water system?

Are you ready to hit the open road in your camper van? Before you do, make sure your camper van water system is installed and ready to provide you with a steady supply of water during your travels. This task may seem daunting at first, but don’t worry—if you follow the right steps, you can easily set up a camper van sink system by yourself. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of installing a camper van water system, ensuring your van life experience is as smooth as possible.

Step 1: Select Your Camper Van Sink, Faucet, and Water Tank

Before you start installing the system, it’s crucial to choose the right components for your camper van sink system. These include the sink, faucet, and water tank. Each piece plays a critical role in ensuring that your camper van water system functions efficiently, so it’s important to select the right ones.

Sink

The sink is the heart of your camper van sink system. Whether you’re using it for washing dishes, food prep, or cleaning up after a day of adventure, it needs to be the right size and made from durable materials. Torva sinks are an excellent option, as they’re specifically designed for camper vans with the right depth, materials, and space-saving features. When choosing your sink, make sure to consider the size of your kitchen space, the sink’s depth, and its overall durability.

Faucet

Once you’ve selected your sink, the next step is to choose a faucet. A good faucet ensures smooth water flow and will last throughout your travels. Torva faucets are a great choice for camper vans due to their durability, functionality, and ease of installation. A high-quality faucet can make your camper van sink system more reliable for daily use.

Water Tank

Now that you have your sink and faucet, you’ll need a water tank to store your water. A wheel well water tank is a popular choice for camper vans as it fits neatly into the space beneath the vehicle. Torva portable wheel well water tanks are built to be durable and provide a reliable water supply for your camper van water system.

Step 2: Plan Your Sink Installation Location

Before you start installing the sink, faucet, and water system, it’s important to map out where everything will go. Proper planning is essential to make sure everything fits and works efficiently within your camper van sink system.

Consider the space available for your camper van water system. You should take into account the location of your greywater tank, the space under the counter for the water pump and tank, and the overall flow of water from the tank to the faucet.

Tips for Planning:

• Use digital layout tools, such as drawing software, to create a blueprint of your van’s interior. This will help ensure that your sink and faucet fit perfectly within the space available.
• Make sure to leave enough room for the water tank, pump, and any plumbing that will be installed under the counter or seats.
• When deciding on the location of your sink, consider the accessibility of the greywater tank for emptying, and make sure the camper van water system is as efficient as possible.

Step 3: Connect the Water Tank to the Pump

Once you have your sink location set, it’s time to think about how you’ll store and pump the water. Here’s how you can connect your wheel well water tank to the water pump.

1. Mount the Tank:

First, you need to mount the tank in your camper van. Drill holes in the wall and attach the tank using threaded bars, nuts, and washers. This will ensure that the tank is securely mounted.

2. Connect the Outlet Port to the Pump:

Once the tank is in place, connect the outlet port to your pump using a PEX pipe and fitting. This will allow water to flow from the tank to the pump.

3. Install Venting and Drainage:

Proper venting is crucial for preventing airlocks in your camper van water system. Make sure to install a vent hose that connects to the inlet and secure it with jubilee clips. Venting ensures that the system doesn’t get clogged or experience pressure issues.

Additional Tip:

It’s important to install the fill point higher than the tank and at a slight distance from it. This prevents water from splashing back when the tank is full and you’re driving uphill.

Step 4: Connect the Pump to the Sink and Faucet

Now that the water tank is secured, it’s time to connect the water pump to the faucet and sink. Here’s how:

4. Use a T-piece:

To ensure that water is directed to both the sink and shower, use a T-piece to split the pipe.

5. Attach Pipes to the Faucet:

Connect the water pipes to the faucet and sink using jubilee clips. This will help create a leak-free connection. PEX pipes are highly recommended for their durability and flexibility.

6. Install the Shower and Sink Pipes:

If you have a shower, you’ll need to connect the water pipes leading to it as well. Use jubilee clips to secure the pipes, ensuring that they are tightly fastened.

Pro Tip:

If your camper van doesn’t have a hot water connection, you can connect both pipes to the cold water supply. This will ensure that you have cold water running to both the sink and the shower. If you prefer hot water, make sure to include a water heater in your setup.

Step 5: Connect the Sink to the Grey Water Tank

After connecting the water supply to your sink and faucet, you’ll need to connect the sink’s drain to the greywater tank. Here’s how to do it:

7. Install a Waste Trap:

A waste trap prevents odors from coming back into the sink. Use a flexible waste trap and connect it to a rigid pipe that will carry the waste to the greywater tank.

8. Connect the Drain to the Tank:

Once the waste trap is installed, connect the pipe to the greywater tank using a drain hose. This hose should be flexible and easy to remove when it’s time to empty the greywater tank.

Final Touches:

• Make sure the drain hose is securely attached to prevent leaks.
• Choose a greywater tank that’s easy to access for emptying. Torva’s greywater tanks are ideal for this purpose, with easy-to-remove lids and leak-proof connectors.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can easily install a camper van sink system that will provide you with clean, running water on all your travels. The process might seem complicated at first, but with careful planning, the right tools, and a little DIY effort, you’ll have a fully functional camper van water system ready to go in your camper van.

To make sure your system is reliable and long-lasting, choose high-quality components like those from Torva. Their camper van sinks, faucets, and water tanks are specifically designed for the rigors of van life, offering durability and ease of use.

By installing a camper van water system, you’ll enhance the comfort and functionality of your van, making your adventures that much more enjoyable. So, roll up your sleeves and start building your ideal van water system today!