Master Van Plumbing: Build a Reliable Water System in 5 Easy Steps

If you’ve ever dreamed of hitting the open road in a van that’s as self‑sufficient as your favorite coffee machine, you’re probably thinking about the one thing that can bring a road trip to a screeching halt: plumbing failure. Fear not! In this post we’ll walk you through a step‑by‑step guide to create a robust, low‑maintenance water system that will keep you hydrated and the engine humming.

Step 1: Pick Your Reservoir Wisely

The heart of any van water system is the tank. The choice you make here will determine how often you need to refill and how much water you can carry on a long haul.

• Material matters: Stainless steel tanks are durable and odor‑free but pricey. Plastic (polypropylene or polyethylene) is lightweight, cheaper, and easy to seal.
• Capacity: A 30‑liter (≈8 gal) tank is a sweet spot for most campervans. It gives you roughly 3–4 days of water per fill if you’re conservative.
• Location: Mount it where it won’t shift during turns. Most installers favor the rear cargo area or a custom cut‑out in the floor.

Pro tip: Seal the edges with a silicone gasket to prevent leaks when you bolt it down.

Sample Tank Setup

Step 2: Route the Pipes – The Backbone of Your System

Think of pipes as the veins that carry life‑sustaining fluid. Use PVC or CPVC for the main line; they’re cheap, flexible, and resistant to corrosion. For short runs (e.g., from tank to sink), PEX is a great choice because it expands slightly with temperature changes, reducing the risk of cracks.

1. Plan a schematic: Sketch where the tank, pump, filter, and fixtures will sit. Keep the path as straight as possible to reduce pressure loss.
2. Use fittings wisely: Elbows, tees, and adapters should be 90° or 45°—never make a U‑turn unless absolutely necessary.
3. Secure everything: Anchor pipe sections with zip ties or hose clamps to the frame. This stops movement and reduces vibration damage.

Quick Pipe Installation Code Snippet

# Example for connecting a PEX pipe to the tank
PEX_Tank = Pipe("PEX", diameter=0.75, length=2)
Valve_Tank = Valve(type="gate", position="open")
Connect(PEX_Tank, Valve_Tank)

Step 3: Add a Pump – Because Gravity Is Not Your Friend

A submersible pump is the engine that forces water from your tank to the faucet. Pick a pump with at least 1 GPM (gallon per minute) flow rate; it’s enough for a sink, shower, and a few cups of coffee.

• Power source: Most pumps run on 12 V DC, perfect for a van’s battery system. If you’re on the road a lot, consider a solar‑powered pump.
• Check the head: The “head” rating tells you how high the pump can lift water. Aim for at least 10 ft of head to reach a standard van ceiling.

Installing the Pump

“Always keep the pump in a dry, ventilated area. A leaking pump is a recipe for mold and ruined insulation.”

Step 4: Filter & Sanitize – Keep the Water Clean

A good filter** (e.g., a 1/4” inline carbon filter) sits just before the pump. It removes sediment and chlorine, extending your pipe life.