Water Installation

A reliable water installation keeps your caravan or motorhome comfortable on every trip. From pumps and hoses to valves and fittings, the right parts ensure clean supply, tidy routing and leak-free connections. Plan components that match and you will save time at the pitch and on the road.

Caravan and Motorhome Water Installation Basics

Start with fresh water storage, a 12 V pump and food-grade hoses sized to your layout. Add quick-connect couplers to simplify filling and draining while keeping lines hygienic. Plan for compatible diameters across tanks, pipes and accessories to avoid bottlenecks or leaks. For an overview of fresh, hot and waste-water zones, see our Water & Sanitation guidance.

Fresh water tanks, pumps and hoses for water installation

Choose rigid or flexible tanks to suit capacity needs, then pair them with submerged or inline pumps and a fine inlet strainer. Food-grade hoses keep tastes and odours out of the system, while anti-kink hose routing maintains constant flow during cornering and temperature swings.

Safe connections and push-fit fittings for caravan water installation

Most UK caravan plumbing uses 12 mm OD push-fit for cold and 15 mm for hot lines, with standard BSP threads for accessories. Quality connectors from brands like John Guest, Whale and Reich simplify upgrades and repairs and are easy to service in tight lockers.

Water Installation Fittings and Connectors

Build reliable runs with straight couplers, elbows and tees, then integrate reducers or adapters where appliances require different sizes. Use isolation valves before taps or appliances so you can service parts without draining the whole system. Hose mounting clamps keep lines secure on rough roads and reduce chafe that can cause pinhole leaks.

Adapters, reducers and BSP threads for motorhome water installation

When mixing hose and semi-rigid pipe systems, choose adapters that match both inner and outer diameters and check thread type. BSP-compatible parts prevent cross-threading and provide consistent sealing with PTFE tape or suitable gaskets.

Valves, distributors and isolation points in water installation

Multi-way distributors simplify tidy splits to kitchen, bathroom and external showers. Fit shut-off valves close to branches so a single area can be isolated if a tap or shower head needs replacing mid-trip.

RV Water Installation for Colder Weather

Protect your system from frost with drain valves and thermostatic freeze protection. Solutions like Truma FrostControl automatically open to drain when temperatures drop, helping prevent burst pipes and costly downtime at the campsite.

Winterising checks for motorhome water installation

Before storage, drain tanks, pipes and appliances fully. Open taps to the mid position so hot and cold circuits vent, and leave drain valves open until dry. Add an external cap or plug to keep debris out of inlets over winter.

Waste Water Installation and Pipe Systems

Route grey-water lines with gentle falls and robust pipework to avoid smells and backflow. Plug-in wastewater pipe systems make assembly straightforward and are temperature-resistant for year-round use. Match typical caravan waste sizes with the right fittings and adaptors for a drip-free set-up.

Securing pipes and preventing odours in water installation

Use clips at regular intervals, avoid tight bends and consider water traps near sinks to reduce odours. Keep venting clear so tanks drain freely without gurgling.

Maintaining your Water Installation on the Road

Carry spare O-rings, a few universal couplers and a short length of hose for quick fixes. Periodic cleaning and, where needed, in-line filtration help maintain taste and water quality. Pre-trip checks and basic maintenance routines will keep your system efficient and reliable throughout the season.