Water pumps are an essential component when installing the plumbing system in a camper van. Without these pumps, you would not be able to draw water from your storage tanks and send it to the faucet and/or shower. Installing a camper van water pump might feel like a daunting task, but in this post we provide intuitive diagrams to help you finish your plumbing project quickly and accurately.
In addition, we also list all the useful components and accessories you will need to complete the water pump installation process. These are all products we use in our own camper van and that have successfully helped to provide us water during our 4+ years on the road.
So if you’re ready, let’s get to it.
Types Of Camper Van Water Pumps
There are two primary categories of water pumps for camper vans and RVs; electric pumps and manual pumps. We review both below and discuss the pros and cons for each.
12V Water Pump
Electric pumps typically operate on 12V power and can provide strong water flow up to 3.5 gallons per minute. We use the Shurflo water pump and have been happy with the quality. While electric pumps do require additional wiring, compared to manual pumps, this isn’t overly complicated to do if you follow our diagrams.
Compact electric water pump for camper vans & RVs. Can be installed in any direction and comes with attached wires to connect to the leisure batteries. Recommend to purchase filter, accumulator, and silencing kit to complete pump installation.
Pros
- More convenient vs. manual
- Strong water flow
Cons
- More expensive
- Requires electrical wiring
- More components involved
How To Install? For step-by-step instruction how to install an electric pump in a camper van, skip to the next section.
Manual Pump
Foot and hand pumps provide a popular alternative for those who are on a tight budget, prefer simplified plumbing, or who do not have the space to store an electric pump. These manual pumps can deliver a surprisingly strong flow rate, if operated correctly.
Popular manual foot pump for camper vans. Small footprint, but delivers up to 2.2 gallons per minute of water. Popular alternative to electric pumps for extreme water conservation.
Pros
- Water conservation
- Cheaper
- Space efficient
- Simple plumbing
Cons
- Requires frequent pumping
- Slower flow rate
Download our free PDF to help build your van's plumbing & water system. From the fresh water tank to the pump and finally to the faucet and shower, this free eBook has you covered. 12+ pages of detailed diagrams and product recommendations.
How To Install A Water Pump In A Camper Van
In this section, we show you how to install an electric water pump and connect common accessories to the pump, like a filter and accumulator. Afterwards, we show you how to wire the pump to the leisure batteries.
Required Tools: We will be using PEX pipe during various parts of this pump installation guide. We love using PEX because it’s lightweight, easy to cut & connect, and more affordable than traditional copper pipes. We recommend the below PEX starter kit, which comes with tubing, fittings, clasp rings, and all the tools you’ll need.
Convenient all-in-one plumbing kit. Includes blue & red 1/2" PEX pipe, ring clasps, brass fittings, and assembly tools. Everything you need to get started ASAP.
Throughout our plumbing diagrams, if you see thick blue or red lines, we are referring to this PEX tubing.
Step 1: Understand Pump Water Flow Direction
Before installing the RV water pump and connecting any accessories, it’s important to know where water enters and exists the pump. This way you can connect the components in the correct location. In the diagram below, you can see where water enters and exists in this “Shurflo” branded pump.
We will eventually connect the “Water In” half of the pump to the fresh water tank. And the “Water Out” half will lead to the water faucet and shower head.
Step 2: Connect Water Pump To Accessories
Though you could connect the pump directly to the water tank and faucet, we recommended installing the following four accessories for a better experience and extending the life of the water pump.
- Pump Silencer Kit: Reduces pump noise and vibration during operating
- Filter: Prevents particulates from entering the pump
- Female-to-Female Adapter: Allows for connection to accumulator
- Accumulator: Maintains water pressure and reduces pump cycling for smoother water flow
Refer to the below diagram to see how the pump connects to these four accessories. For a tight fit between components, we recommend using plumber’s tape.
Materials
Reduces vibration to/from the pump, helping to quiet the pump when in operation.
Filters out particles before they enter the pump and cause damage.
Required to attach the Shurflo water pump to the accumulator.
Maintains water pressure to deliver a smoother flow of water to the faucet. Also prolongs pump lifespan.
Step 3: Connect Water Pump To Switch & Batteries
The last step involves connecting the water pump to the leisure batteries. To complete this part of the installation, you’ll need the following components.
- 14 AWG Wire: Recommended wire size to connect pump to 12V fuse panel
- Butt Connectors: Connects 14 AWG wire to existing pump wires
- Switch: Turns pump on and off
- Spade Connectors: Connects 14 AWG wires to switch
- #8 Ring Connectors: Connects 14 AWG wire to fuse panel
- Fuse Panel: Distributes 12V power from batteries to all 12V devices
In the diagram below, we show how to wire the water pump to a switch and then to the 12V fuse panel. This fuse panel is then wired to the leisure batteries. For more information regarding the next steps, read our 12V electric guide.
Materials
Distributes power from the leisure batteries to each 12V device, including the pump.
Fuses individual 12V circuits and protects 14 AWG wire.
Attaches 14 AWG wire to 12V fuse panel.
Ideal wire size for connecting 12V devices to the fuse panel. Pure copper wire with protective outer jacket.
Attaches 14 AWG wire to switch.
For more electrical installation help, read our camper van electrical guide to connect the 12V fuse block to the leisure batteries.
Connecting Water Pump To Water Tank
Once you have selected a water pump for your camper van, you will need to connect the pump to a water source. In most cases, you have two water storage options:
- Portable water containers (i.e. jerry can)
- Fixed water tanks
Below, we show you how to connect a water pump to both a portable container and a fixed tank.
Option 1: Connect To Portable Water Container
If you select a portable water container as your water storage solution, we recommend using the Reliance 7-gallon ‘Aqua-Tainer’. This is because the container cap comes with a threaded spigot hole that you can take advantage of.
Product Recommendation: This removable 7-gallon tank lasts us ~4 days. Because the tank can be removed (with a quick-release fitting), it is easy to fill and clean. Useful cap design for attaching a PEX straw to draw water. Hard rigid plastic is durable for van life.
In the diagram below, you can see how to connect the camper van water pump to the water container. Notice the two parts of the “Quick Release” component; the bottom half and top half. This component easily separates in two, which allows you to remove the water container to refill it with water.
In the images below, you can see how the “1/2″ PEX to 3/4″ NPT” fitting inserts through the container cap’s threaded hole and connects to the bottom half of the “Quick Release” fitting. The red PEX tubing acts as a straw and draws water from the bottom of the water container.
Materials (part 1)
Perfect all-in-one starter plumbing kit. Includes all basic materials & tools.
Inserts through Reliance cap's threaded hole and attaches to NPT-GHT adapter.
Adapter to switch from NPT to GHT threads.
Makes it easy to separate the water tank from the water system to refill with water.
Materials (part 2)
Connects to quick connect fitting via GHT threading and changes to NPT threading.
Reduces vibration from the pump, helping to quiet water pump when in operation.
Filters out harmful particles before they enter the water pump and cause damage.
Option 2: Connect To Fixed Water Tank
If you chose to use a fixed water tank, refer to the below diagram to see how to connect the tank to the water pump. Note that there are four port openings in a fixed water tank to take care of, but in this diagram we are only showing the “water out” connection.
Tank Recommendation: If you decide to get a fixed water tank, we highly recommend getting the ‘spouted’ water tanks from Class A Customs.
We also use a water tank from Class A Customs and love the strong, rigid plastic build. We recommend getting a 'spouted' water tank, which simplifies the water inlet installation process.
Materials
Perfect all-in-one starter plumbing kit. Includes tubing, basic fittings, and tools.
Reduces vibration from the pump, helping to quiet the pump when in operation.
Filters out harmful particles before they enter the water pump and cause damage.
Compact electric water pump for camper vans & RVs.
Haven’t yet selected your water containers? Read our camper van water tanks post to learn about all your options.
Connecting Water Pump To Water Faucet & Sink
By connecting the water pump to the faucet you can finish the flow of fresh water from the tank to the sink. Refer to the diagram below to help you. From the previous section, you should already be able to connect the RV pump to the silencer tube. The materials we list below will start after the silencer.
For more details, read our camper van sink installation guide.
Water Supply Lines: The blue and red dotted lines are the hot and cold water supply lines to the faucet. These lines come included with the faucet and connect to the pump via the faucet adapter valve.
Materials
Required adapter to attach water pump to accumulator.
Maintains water pressure to help deliver a smoother flow of water to the faucet.
Makes 90-degree turns in your PEX pipe tubing.
Connects to the faucet's water inlet tubes & PEX pipe.
We've been using this exact faucet for over 4 years and love it.
Need a faucet recommendation? Ready our van faucet review and why we love ours for van life.
Download our FREE PDF to help build your van's electrical system; from batteries, to solar, to inverter, and more. 38+ pages of detailed diagrams, product recommendations, and links to additional resources.
Connecting Water Pump To Hot Water Heater And Shower Head
You can also connect a camper van water pump to a water heater and shower head to take hot water showers. This is a great option to reduce your reliance on public showers, gyms, and paid campsites. Refer to the below diagram to see how to connect the pump to a shower head via a water heater.
For more information, read our camper van shower plumbing guide.
Electric Connection: To use an electric heater, you will need a minimum 3000W inverter and we recommend at least 200Ah (12V) of lithium batteries. Read our electric guide to learn more.
Materials
Required to attach the Shurflo water pump to the accumulator.
Maintains water pressure to deliver smoother water flow to the faucet. Also prolongs the pump's lifespan.
Connects NPT fittings to PEX pipe.
Simple hot & cold water mixing valve for showers.
Great water saving shower head recommendation. Includes on/off pause switch.
Compact, yet powerful, mini water heater. Uses 1440W of power.
Water Pump FAQ
How much power does a camper van water pump use?
When in use, a 12V water pump will require roughly 60 watts of power, or 5A. Assuming a dish washing session requires 3 minutes of water pump run time, the total power demand is roughly 3 Watt-hours.
Water is the best water pump for camper vans?
The Shurflo water pump is perfect for camper vans and RVs. The pump runs on 12V, requires minimal power to operate, and is easy to wire to the leisure batteries. The unit is also compact and space efficient, making it easy to install directly under the sink.
What size water pump do I need for my camper?
Aim for a water pump that can deliver 3-3.5 gallons per minute (GPM), or 11-13 liters per minute (L/min). This is enough water flow for dishes and showering but still water efficient for camper vans and RVs.
Conclusion
We hope this post taught you about the basics of water pumps for camper vans. If you have any questions regarding the installation process and how to connect a pump to either a water tank, faucet, or shower, please send us an email to the address listed in our footer.
Happy plumbing!
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