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Plumbing

Constructing the plumbing network in your van can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be!

These step-by-step guides have been carefully curated to take away some of the stress, frustration, and confusion.

Disclaimer: We do not have any plumbing qualifications. All of our skills are completely self taught through a lot of research. We hope you find these guides helpful, but keep in mind this is not professional advice. The plumbing in a van is fairly straightforward, however if you do not feel comfortable be sure to consult a qualified professional.

Overview

Total Cost

£1,104.25

Total Time

7 hours

16 hours (including shower construction)

Van Plumbing Essentials

FIAMMA 70L FRESH WATER TANK

£74.90

underslung 50L grey water tank

£126.23

FIAMMA Locking filler cap

£23.76

John Guest 12mm flexible pipe

£1.75 per m

John Guest 12mm pipe fittings

from £1.49

Shurflo Water Pump

£74.99

Fiamma expansion tank (accumulator)

£28.99

Shurflo Water filter

£14.99

Propex 10L electric water heater

£199.95

water tanks

The first thing to do on your quest to getting running water in your van is to install the water tanks. You will need to install a fresh water tank and a grey water tank.

Prior to installing these tanks there is a few considerations you will have to take into account. These factors will determine whether you have an internal or external tank, where you position it, and how big it is.

Fresh Water Tank

Considerations:

will you be travelling to cold climates
do you have a shower in your van
how long do you want to stay off grid
how much water you will use daily

We opted for the 70L Fiamma water tank which is located inside the van. This is because it is a good volume and a good price. It also has a few customisable options for installing it. Although it takes up space inside the van, it is very unobtrusive.

Grey Water Tank

Considerations:

how big is your fresh water tank
will you be traveling to cold climates
how much space do you have inside your van

We chose an underslung water tank to save space. Although we do hope to travel to colder climates occasionally, it won’t be a regular occurrence. Therefore, it seemed foolish to waste more space inside the van.

How to Install a fiamma fresh water tank

A step-by-step guide showing you how to correctly install your Fiamma fresh water tank to avoid any leaks.

how to install an underslung grey water tank

A step-by-step guide showing you how to correctly install an underslung grey water tank

Water pump, filter, and accumulator

The next step when plumbing a van is installing all the necessary components to have running water. This includes a water filter, pump and accumulator.

Water Filter

We use a Shurflo Water Filter

A water filter stops dirt and debris from entering the water pump.

Note: this type of filter is design to protect the pump, not purify your water.

Water Pump

We use a Shurflo Trail King 10 Water Pump

An electrical diaphragm pump (e.g Shurflo Trial King pump) pressurises the water automatically when you use the sink or shower.

Accumulator

We use a Fiamma A20 Expansion Tank

The accumulator regulates the flow of water to be smoother, increases the lifespan of your pump, reduces unwanted cycling, and saves battery.

how to install a water system in a campervan

A step-by-step guide showing you how to connect your water filter, pump, and accumulator.

Install Water Heater

If you are opting to have a shower in your van, a water heater is ESSENTIAL. Honestly, we believe it is non-negotiable.

However, with so many to choose from at drastically different price points what one is right for you.

Thing to consider

how you intend on powering it – gas, electricity, diesel
how much you are prepared to pay
do you want tankless instant hot water (rare in the UK)
do you intend on having a combi boiler – water heater and air heater

Why we chose the Propex Water Heater

it’s cheap (by comparison to its competitors)
it is electric
it’s a good volume
And most importantly… it’s easy to install.

Find out how to install it below.

how to install an electric propex water heater

BEst of the Best

The water heater we use

Propex 10L Electric Water Heater – £189.95

Find out how to install it below.

how to install an electric propex water heater

The heater we would choose if we had gas in the van

IMASS LPG Instant Water Heater – £688.00

The heater we would choose if money was no object

Truma Combi 4e – £1,350.00

Install and plumb the shower

If you are similar to us, you will consider having a shower in your van a necessity.

However, with limited space, it can be tricky to find a shower that works for you.

The first place to start when installing a shower is finding a suitably sized shower tray – it must be small, but still comfortable enough for you to not feel claustrophobic.

Our shower tray is the smallest one we could find – measuring 585 x 585mm – and we LOVE it!