Plumbing

Plumbing is an essential part of your van build if you plan to live full-time on the road. Whether it’s your own kitchen tap, a toilet, or even a hot shower after a long hike, having water on demand adds serious comfort and freedom to your mobile lifestyle.

Some minimalists skip plumbing entirely, and that’s totally valid for short trips or summer vanlife, but if you’re living in your van full-time — especially in colder climates — I highly recommend building a proper plumbing system.

Plan It Right, or Pay the Price

Plumbing, like electricity, needs to be planned carefully. And it’s not cheap. The last thing you want is to cheap out on pipes, fittings, or connectors — and later find yourself with leaks behind your walls.

💡 Tip: I prefer to install plumbing after my walls are up so that I can monitor for leaks more easily. That said, if you're confident in your fittings and want to save space, installing behind the walls is totally doable — just be extra careful and pressure-test everything before sealing it up.

🧰 What You’ll Need – Main Components

Here’s an overview of the most common components in a van plumbing system:

🔹 Fresh Water Tank

• Typically 70–100L for full-time vanlifers
• Mounted inside (for cold weather) or underneath (if you’re in warmer climates)
• Choose BPA-free, food-grade plastic tanks

🔹 Grey Water Tank

• Collects water from your sink or shower
• Usually smaller than fresh water tank
• Can be mounted under the sink or under the van

🔹 Water Pump

• Pressurized 12V pump is most common (e.g., Shurflo 11 L/min)
• Optional: Add an accumulator tank to reduce pulsation and extend pump life

🔹 Pipes & Fittings

• Use PEX tubing or food-grade flexible hose
• Secure with stainless steel hose clamps or proper push-fit connectors (like John Guest or Whale systems)

🔹 Faucets and Showers

• You can install standard RV or household faucets (just check pressure rating)
• Consider a pull-out outdoor shower for smaller builds

🔹 Drainage System

• Include a water trap under your sink to prevent odors
• Make sure your grey water tank is easily accessible for emptying

🔥 Choosing the Right Water Heater

If you want hot water, you’ve got a few options:

Electric Water Heaters

• Runs off your battery/inverter or shore power
• Compact units (e.g., Bosch Tronic 2.5 gal, or 6–10L RV models)
• Best for solar-heavy setups or if you regularly plug in

Gas-Powered Water Heaters

• Propane on-demand systems like Camplux or Eccotemp
• Works without draining your battery
• Some models are designed for outdoor use only, others can be installed inside with proper ventilation

Heat Exchangers

• Uses your engine’s coolant to heat water
• More advanced install, but energy-efficient

🛠️ Can You Do It Yourself?

Absolutely. I had zero plumbing experience before my first van build — and it turned out fine. The key is to:

• Use quality components
• Triple-check every fitting
• Test your system under pressure before sealing any walls

To make your life easier, I’ve created a complete DIY plumbing guide that includes:

• Diagrams and layout plans
• Step-by-step install order
• Material and product recommendations (with Amazon links)
• Tips for winter-proofing your water system

Final Words

Having running water on the road is one of the best upgrades you can add to your van — but only if it’s done right. Avoid leaks, mold, and headaches by planning carefully, testing thoroughly, and using quality materials.

If you’d like help designing your water system or need a custom layout based on your space and needs, feel free to book a consultation or leave your info to request a personalized plan.

👉 Next chapter: Heating, Cooling & Climate Control