Having access to clean and running water is fundamental for comfortable and hygienic living in your campervan. This guide equips you with the knowledge to design and install a functional and efficient plumbing system to keep the fresh water flowing and greywater managed on your adventures.
Having access to clean and running water is the cornerstone of comfortable living in your campervan. This section dives deep into understanding your water usage habits to design a plumbing system that perfectly suits your adventures.
Daily Usage: Estimate the amount of water you'll typically use per day. Consider how many people will be traveling in your van and their water consumption habits. Here's a general breakdown to get you started:
Drinking: A good rule of thumb is to allocate 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene.
Cooking: Factor in water used for cooking meals, washing vegetables, and making coffee/tea. This can range from 1-2 gallons per day depending on your cooking style.
Dishwashing: Washing dishes with a minimal amount of water can be achieved with a spray bottle and a dishpan. Aim for 1-2 gallons per day for this purpose.
Showering: Shorter showers with a low-flow showerhead can significantly reduce water usage. Allocate 2-5 gallons per person per shower depending on shower length.
Trip Duration: Once you have a daily water usage estimate, multiply it by the number of days you plan to be off-grid between refill opportunities to determine the minimum freshwater tank capacity you'll need. For example, if you use 5 gallons per day and plan for 3-day trips, a 15-gallon freshwater tank would be a good starting point.
Campground Hookups: Many campgrounds offer designated freshwater fill stations where you can refill your tank using a hose and freshwater fill port on your van. Ensure the source is potable water and use a clean drinking water hose to avoid contamination.
Considering Your Fresh Water Needs:
Travel Style: Boondockers (campers who enjoy remote locations without hookups) will need a larger freshwater tank capacity compared to those who frequent campgrounds with refill facilities.
Conservation Habits: If you're committed to water conservation practices like shorter showers and using a spray bottle for dishes, you can get away with a smaller tank.
Greywater refers to wastewater generated from your sinks and shower. Here are some options for managing greywater:
Fixed Greywater Tank: This permanently mounted tank collects greywater that needs to be emptied at designated dump stations at campgrounds. The size of the tank will depend on your freshwater tank capacity and your tolerance for emptying it.
Mobile Greywater Container: A more portable option is a collapsible container that you can attach to your van's exterior. This allows for more frequent emptying but requires more attention during travel due to potential sloshing and leaks.
Remember: Always dispose of greywater responsibly at designated dump stations to protect the environment and avoid polluting water sources.
Freshwater Tank: Choose a food-grade freshwater tank made from polyethylene or stainless steel. The size will depend on your estimated daily water usage and trip duration. Consider mounting locations that maximize van storage space and ensure proper weight distribution.
Water Pump: A 12-volt submersible pump draws water from your freshwater tank and pressurizes the system to supply water to your faucets and shower.
Plumbing Lines: Use PEX tubing or flexible water lines designed for drinking water applications. Avoid rigid pipes due to space constraints and vibration concerns in a moving vehicle.
Freshwater Fill Port: A convenient port allows you to refill your freshwater tank from an external source at campgrounds or with a hose.
Shut-off Valves: Install shut-off valves at the freshwater tank fill port, pump inlet, and various branches in your system to isolate sections for maintenance or winterization.
Faucet(s): Choose faucets designed for campervan use, often featuring smaller sizes and lightweight construction.
Sink (Optional): A compact RV or campervan sink provides a designated washing area for dishes and hands.
Greywater Tank (Optional): A fixed greywater tank collects wastewater from your sinks and shower. Alternatively, you can use a mobile greywater container that needs to be emptied regularly at designated dump stations.
Planning is Key: Sketch a diagram of your desired plumbing layout considering water flow and component placement before drilling holes or installing components.
Secure Connections: Use hose clamps rated for your chosen plumbing lines to create leak-proof connections at all fittings and joints.
Winterization (if applicable): If you plan to camp in freezing temperatures, consider a winterization plan to protect your plumbing system from freezing and potential damage. This may involve blowing out the water lines with compressed air or using antifreeze solutions (consult an RV professional for specific methods).
Use food-grade tanks and hoses designed for drinking water to ensure safe consumption.
Maintain a clean water system by regularly sanitizing your freshwater tank with a bleach solution (consult proper dilution ratios and flushing procedures).
Dispose of greywater responsibly at designated dump stations to protect the environment.
By following these steps and tailoring them to your specific van layout and water usage habits, you'll be well on your way to building a functional and efficient plumbing system for your campervan adventures. Remember, a well-designed system provides the peace of mind of having clean water readily available while minimizing the hassle of refilling and emptying tanks. So, grab your tools, unleash your inner plumber, and get ready to experience the freedom of self-sufficient living on the open road!