Van Plumbing: A Full Guide to Water Systems for Your DIY Conversion

Van life looks like freedom on Instagram, but the reality hits hard when you turn the faucet and nothing comes out. Poor van plumbing can ruin your adventure faster than a flat tire, leaving you stranded without drinking water, working sinks, or functioning toilets miles from civilization.

Here's what most people don't tell you: van plumbing isn't rocket science, but it's not house plumbing either. With the right approach, you can build a water system that works reliably for years.

The good news is that with the right approach and quality components, you can build a water system that works reliably for years of adventures. 

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about van plumbing, from basic planning to final testing, and best of all… without any engineering degree required.

Why Van Plumbing Is Different (And Why That Matters)

Your van moves. A lot. This simple fact changes everything about how water systems work.

House plumbing stays put. Van plumbing deals with constant vibration, temperature swings, and the occasional pothole that launches you six inches off your seat.

When you're living in a van, water becomes precious. You're carrying maybe 30 gallons total - that's what most people use for one shower at home.

The good news is that thousands of people have figured this out already. The systems that work are actually pretty simple.

Van plumbing failures usually happen because people overcomplicate things or use the wrong parts. Stick to proven approaches and you'll be fine.

Start With The Basics: What You Actually Need

Most people overthink van plumbing. You need water to come out when you turn the faucet. Everything else is optional.

Here's your basic system:

• Freshwater tank (20-40 gallons)

• Water pump (creates pressure)

• Some pipes to connect everything

• Faucet and sink

That's it and you can live comfortably with this setup for months.

When building a camper van, resist the urge to copy someone's $80,000 Instagram build. Simple systems like these work much better and cost way less.

1. Pick Your Tank Size

Tank size depends on how you'll use your van. 

Bigger tanks mean more weight and less interior space. Smaller tanks mean more frequent water runs.

Most people find 30 gallons hits the sweet spot. That's enough for 4-5 days of normal use without refilling.

2. Choose Your Pump

Water pumps create pressure so water flows out your faucets. You have two main options:

Diaphragm pumps cost less and work fine for basic setups. They make some noise but get the job done.

Gear pumps run quieter and provide smoother water flow. They cost more but worth it if you're sensitive to noise.

Both types work well. Pick based on your budget and noise tolerance.

Step 1: Plan Your Layout

Before you buy anything, figure out where everything goes. This prevents expensive mistakes later.

Think about your daily routine. Where do you want your sink? How often will you fill water tanks? Where's the easiest place to dump greywater? Draw a simple sketch of your van layout and mark where you want fixtures and where tanks will fit.

• Tank Placement Options

Freshwater tanks can go under the van or inside. Each approach has trade-offs:

Under-van tanks save interior space but can freeze in cold weather and they're also harder to monitor and maintain. Interior tanks take up space but stay warmer and are easier to access and that is why most people prefer this option.

If you go with under-van mounting, plan for freeze protection in cold climates.

• Keep It Simple

Your first van plumbing system should be as simple as possible, and you can always upgrade components later as your needs become clearer. Start with cold water only and add hot water after you've lived with the basic system for a while to understand your actual usage patterns.

Skip complex features like multiple water heaters, pump controllers, and numerous fixtures until you understand how basic systems work and what you actually need.

Many people ask how much does van life cost and get scared by complex builds. Simple plumbing systems work just as well for a fraction of the cost.

Step 2: Install Your Tank

Tank installation is probably the most important part of your plumbing system and if you get this right everything else is easier.

Tanks need secure mounting that handles vehicle movement. They also need proper connections for filling, pumping, and venting.

• Mount It Securely

Van tanks experience forces that house tanks never see. Acceleration, braking, and cornering all try to move your tank around.

Build a solid mounting system by using steel or aluminum angle to create a frame that supports the tank on all sides. Don't just strap the tank to the floor because it needs support to prevent flexing and stress on connections. Leave room for the tank to expand. Water expands when it heats up. Rigid mounting can crack tanks over time.

• Add the Right Fittings

Most tanks come with basic fittings that work fine for vans. You'll typically need:

• Fill fitting (to add water)

• Outlet fitting (for the pump)

• Vent fitting (prevents vacuum)

The vent is critical because tanks without proper venting will collapse as water pumps out, creating a vacuum that can damage your entire system. Make sure to route the vent line outside your van to prevent any water or odors from entering your living space.

Consider adding a tank level monitor so you can track how much water you have left and plan your refill stops accordingly.

Step 3: Install Your Pump

The pump creates pressure for your faucets. Mount it close to your tank but away from sleeping areas if possible.

Pumps make noise when they run. Even quiet pumps cycle on and off during the night if you have small leaks.

• Wire It Right

Water pumps need 12V power and a pressure switch that turns them on automatically when you open a faucet. Use the right wire size for your pump's current draw and remember, undersized wire reduces pump performance.

Most pumps come with installation instructions that cover the electrical connections.

• Test Everything

Before you close up walls and move on, test your pump thoroughly. Fill your tank, turn on the pump, and check for leaks.

Let the pump build pressure and shut off automatically. Open a faucet and make sure the pump turns on.

Fix any problems now and it will be much easier than tearing apart finished walls later.

Step 4: Run Your Water Lines

Water lines connect your tank, pump, and fixtures. Route them carefully to avoid problems later.

Use PEX tubing for most van applications. It handles vibration better than copper and costs less than specialty RV tubing.

• Route Lines Carefully

Plan routes that avoid areas that flex when driving. Lines that rub against moving parts eventually wear through.

Keep lines away from exhaust pipes and other heat sources. Heat damages plastic tubing.

Support lines every 2-3 feet to prevent sagging and vibration noise.

Group hot and cold lines together where possible. This simplifies installation and future maintenance.

• Use Quality Fittings

Don't cheap out on fittings. Vibration destroys low-quality connections.

Use push-to-connect fittings for PEX tubing. They're easier to install than crimp fittings and just as reliable.

Install shut-off valves at key locations. You'll want to isolate sections for maintenance without draining your entire system.

When considering the most reliable van for conversion, remember that quality plumbing components matter more than the base vehicle.

Step 5: Add Hot Water (Optional)

Hot water transforms van life from camping to comfortable living. But it's not essential for your first system.

Once you're comfortable with cold water plumbing, adding hot water is straightforward.

• Choose Your Heat Source

You have several options for heating water in vans:

Electric water heaters work with solar power but have limited capacity. Good for quick hand washing and dish washing.

Propane water heaters provide unlimited hot water but need propane and proper venting. Better for showers.

Combination heaters provide both space heating and hot water. These save space in smaller vans.

Start simple. A small electric heater handles most daily needs without complex installation.

• Keep It Simple

Your first hot water system should be as basic as possible. Add complexity later if needed. A simple 6-gallon electric water heater meets most van life needs. It heats water slowly but provides enough for washing and quick showers. Route hot water lines close to fixtures to minimize heat loss. Insulate lines in cold areas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Most van plumbing problems come from simple mistakes that seem minor but cause major headaches.

1. Don't Overcomplicate Things

Simple systems work better in vans than complex installations and every component you add creates another potential failure point. Avoid systems with multiple pumps, complex controls, and unnecessary features. Stick to proven basics.

You can always upgrade later once you understand how everything works.

2. Use Quality Components

Cheap fittings fail quickly in van environments. Vibration and temperature changes destroy low-quality parts.

Spend a little more on marine-grade or RV-specific components because they're designed for moving applications. The extra cost is tiny compared to dealing with failures in remote locations.

3. Plan for Maintenance

Design your system so you can actually maintain it. Don't bury pumps and fittings behind panels.

Leave access panels for key components. You'll need to service pumps and replace parts eventually.

Stock spare parts for critical components. Remote failures leave you without water until you can get to a parts store.

Many successful people wonder how to live in a van comfortably, and reliable systems you can maintain yourself are essential.

Professional vs DIY Installation

Van plumbing difficulty depends on your experience and system complexity. Simple systems work well as DIY projects.

If you're handy with basic tools and comfortable following instructions, you can install most van plumbing systems yourself.

When to Get Help

Consider professional help for:

• Gas appliance installations (propane water heaters)

• Complex electrical integration

• Major structural modifications for tank mounting

Professional installation makes sense when time matters more than money or when safety is a concern.

DIY Success Tips

• Start simple and add complexity over time. Basic cold water systems teach valuable skills without overwhelming complexity.

• Take your time and test everything thoroughly. Water leaks cause expensive damage if not caught early.

• Watch YouTube videos specific to your components. Seeing the actual installation process helps tremendously.

• Join van life forums and Facebook groups. Experienced builders share tips and help troubleshoot problems.

• Understanding camper van electrical systems helps with pump installation since water pumps tie into your electrical system.

Essential Tools and Components

Having the right tools makes van plumbing installation much easier and more reliable. Here's what you'll actually need:

Don't buy every tool at once. Start with basics and add tools as your projects get more complex.

Quality tools pay for themselves in time saved and better connections. Cheap tools create frustrating installation experiences.

Water System Component Costs

Budget planning helps prevent surprises during your build. Here's what quality van plumbing components typically cost:

These prices don't include installation labor if you hire professionals. DIY installation saves money but takes more time.

Quality components cost more upfront but last longer and cause fewer problems on the road.

Getting Started: Your First Steps

Ready to build your van plumbing system? Here's how to start:

1. Plan your layout - Sketch where everything goes before buying anything

2. Start simple - Cold water only for your first system

3. Buy quality components - Spend more on parts that handle vibration

4. Test thoroughly - Check everything before closing up walls

5. Document everything - Take photos for future maintenance

Don't try to build the perfect system on your first attempt. Build something that works, live with it, then improve it based on real experience.

Most people spend way too much time planning and not enough time building. Perfect is the enemy of good enough.

Conclusion

Van plumbing doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Simple systems work reliably for years when built with quality components and proper planning. Start with the basics, test everything thoroughly, and add complexity only when you need it.

Infinity Vans offers proven van conversion solutions with integrated plumbing systems designed specifically for mobile living. Our modular approach includes pre-planned plumbing routes, quality components, and professional installation support that eliminates guesswork from your van conversion.

For More:

1. How to Live in a Van?
2. Building a Camper Van
3. Getting Your Camper Van Electrical System Right