Switching Water Sources: A Guide For Campers

Switching from tank to city water in a camper is a straightforward process. Most campers have separate connections for filling up the tank and using city water, but some have a single connection with a valve that lets you switch between the two. To use city water, simply connect your hose to the city water inlet and turn on the water supply. If your camper has a separate connection for city water, make sure to switch the valve to the city supply or local supply option and turn off the water pump. It's important to use a water pressure regulator to protect your plumbing from high-pressure city water. Remember, when using city water, you're bypassing your fresh water tank.

Check the bypass is open near the water pump

To check if the bypass is open near the water pump, you must first locate the water heater bypass valve. This is usually found near the bottom of the water heater tank, where the cold water line goes in.

There are three types of RV water heater bypass valves: a three-valve system, a two-valve system, and a one-valve system.

For a three-valve system, you will see one valve at the cold-water inlet, one at the hot water outlet, and a third in the bypass plumbing line. To open the bypass, turn the valves on the cold-water inlet and hot water outlet so that the handle is in line with the bypass line. Then, turn the valve in the bypass line until its handle is also in line with the bypass line.

For a two-valve system, there will be one valve at the cold-water inlet and another in the bypass plumbing line. Open the bypass by turning both valves so that they are parallel to the line, allowing water to bypass the heater.

For a one-valve system, the valve will be located at the cold-water line and the bypass line. Turn the valve 90 degrees to the supply line to stop the water supply to the heater and open the bypass.

Once you have located the bypass valve and confirmed that it is open, you can proceed with switching from tank to city water in your camper.

Ensure the water tank is full

Ensuring that your water tank is full is a crucial step when switching your camper from tank to city water. Here are some detailed instructions to help you keep your water tank full and maintain a consistent water supply for your journey.

First, locate your RV's fresh water tank. It is usually found on the off-camp side of your vehicle, opposite the main entry door. However, some RVs may have the fill location on the camp side or at the back. If you're having trouble finding it, consult your owner's manual for guidance.

Once you've located the fresh water tank, follow these steps to keep it full:

• Position your RV near a potable water source, such as a water spigot or faucet. Pull up close enough so that your potable water hose can reach between the spigot and your fresh tank fill.
• Connect a water filter to the spigot. This step is essential to ensure the water you're filling your tank with is safe and free of contaminants.
• Connect your fresh water hose to the water filter. Use a potable water hose that is safe for drinking water, as regular garden hoses are not recommended for this purpose.
• Insert the open end of your water hose into the fresh tank fill.
• Turn on the water spigot and let it run. Continue running the water until you see it spurting out of the tank vent. This ensures your tank is completely full.
• Once full, turn off the spigot and remove the hose from the tank fill. Replace the fill cap securely.
• Disconnect the hose and filter, then clear any remaining water from the hose before storing it.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your water tank is full and ready for your next adventure. Remember to refer to your RV's manual for any specific instructions or variations in the process.

Additionally, if you're ever in a situation where you don't have access to a hose, you can fill your RV's fresh water tank directly from a portable water container. This method is known as "gravity filling" and may require a funnel or a DIY gravity fill device made from a clean funnel and a short section of potable water hose.

Keeping your water tank full is a crucial aspect of RV ownership, and it will ensure you have access to clean water for all your camping needs.

Turn the pump on

Turning the pump on is a simple process, but there are a few things to check first to ensure your water system is working properly.

First, make sure that there is water in your freshwater tank. Check the tank gauge to see if your tank is empty or low, as your pump will not work without water. If your tank is full, make sure that there is water flowing to the pump. You can do this by carefully loosening the water line to the pump and checking if water is travelling towards the pump. If there is no water in the line, there may be a blockage or tube damage.

If there is water in the line, the next step is to check the pump itself. Turn the pump on and inspect for water flow. If water is coming out of the pump, the issue may be between the pump and the faucets. If there is no water flow, the pump may need to be replaced.

If you have checked these things and the pump is still not working, there may be an electrical issue. Check the fuse panel to make sure there is electricity and that the pump is grounded. Use a volt meter to check for a full 12 volts at the pump. If there is no electricity, you may need to call in a professional.

Once you have turned the pump on and ensured that it is working, you will need to pressurise the lines. To do this, turn on the cold water in your RV and make sure the faucets are completely open. Let the water flow for a while, then turn the faucets off. You will need to purge all the air from the faucets, so make sure to open and close each faucet one at a time, including the showerhead and RV toilet. Your pump will be fully primed when the water pump only turns on when a faucet is open.

It is important to note that if you are hooked up to public water, you will not need to turn the pump on as the water will be pressurised by the external water source.

Check for leaks

Checking for leaks in your camper's plumbing system is an important part of maintenance, as water leaks can cause extensive damage if left unattended. Here are some detailed steps to help you check for leaks:

Initial Checks

Before performing any tests, there are a few initial checks you should carry out. First, ensure that your fresh water tank is filled. Additionally, make sure to turn off all appliances connected to the water system, such as the ice maker, clothes washer, dishwasher, and water heater valves. Inform others in the camper not to turn on the water while you are performing the test.

Test Using the Freshwater Pump

Disconnect your camper from the RV park water connection. Add some water to your freshwater tank and turn on the freshwater pump. The pump will initially run to pressurize the system, and you should hear it running. If you cannot hear it, open the panel covering the pump. Once the system is pressurized, the pump will turn off and remain silent. If the pump cannot obtain pressurization and continues to run, or if it turns off but keeps turning back on, you likely have a leak.

Test Using Air Pressure

For this test, you will need a small oil-free air compressor tank with at least 25 PSI of pressure, an air hose, and a blowout plug to connect to your city water inlet. You may also need a screwdriver to remove wall panels covering water lines. First, ensure that your water heater is in bypass mode. Adjust the air compressor outlet pressure to 25-30 PSI. Connect the blowout plug to your RV's city water connection and wait for the pressure to stabilize. If the pressure continues to drop, you have a leak.

Locating the Leak

To locate the leak, start by turning off the water heater and bypassing it. Open any areas inside the RV where water lines are located, such as behind wall panels, inside cabinets, drawers, and storage compartments. Turn off any noise-generating devices like radios and TVs so you can hear the air escaping from the lines. Fill the air compressor tank to 100%, set the pressure to 25-30 PSI, and reconnect the blowout plug. Go to each water line and listen for escaping air or look for tiny sprays of water. If you find a leak, try to tighten the fitting by hand first, as the fittings are usually made of plastic. If the leak is around a fitting with a clamp, try disconnecting it and checking for a cracked fitting.

Additional Tips

If you are unable to locate the leak, it may be in an inaccessible area, such as under the floor or behind a wall. In this case, consider installing water leak detectors in key areas like under the sink or in storage compartments to alert you of any leaks. Additionally, remember to regularly check external areas like the outside showerhead, if your camper has one.

Use a water pressure regulator

Using a water pressure regulator is essential when switching your camper's water supply from tank to city water. It protects your RV's plumbing system from high-pressure city water, which can cause damage to pipes, hoses, and appliances.

Water pressure regulators are typically made of brass or plastic. Brass regulators are more durable and long-lasting, while plastic regulators are cheaper. When choosing a regulator, ensure it's made of lead-free brass to comply with drinking water safety standards.

There are three main types of water pressure regulators:

• Single-stage: These are the most common type, with one pressure reduction stage, and they are typically adjustable.
• Preset: Preset regulators are set to a specific output pressure, usually 40-45 psi, making them simple to use but less flexible.
• Dual-stage: Dual-stage regulators offer finer control and greater stability with two stages of pressure reduction but are heavier, bulkier, and more expensive.

When installing a water pressure regulator, it's best to screw it directly onto the city water supply spigot. Then, attach a water filter to the regulator, followed by the city water hose, and finally, connect it to your RV's city water inlet. This setup ensures the water pressure is regulated and filtered before entering your RV.

Some regulators have a built-in pressure gauge and filter, allowing you to monitor the water pressure and trap sediment. While a water pressure regulator is not necessary for filling your freshwater tank, it is crucial for protecting your RV's plumbing system when using city water.

Frequently asked questions