Keeping your caravan’s water system clean is crucial for safe water use, eliminating nasty odours, and preventing expensive blockages that can derail your adventures. Whether you're new to caravanning in the UK or just looking for a refresher, this guide will walk you through sterilising your fresh water supply—including the aqua roll, pump, pipe work, unclogging drains, and maintaining everything in top shape with practical tips to ensure smooth sailing on your trips.
Why Cleaning Your Caravan Water System Matters
A well-maintained water system prevents the build up of bacteria, algae, and biofilm, which can lead to foul tastes, smells, and even health concerns. Stagnant water in an unused system can become a breeding ground for harmful organisms, making regular cleaning vital for safety and comfort. This process ensures water is suitable for washing, cooking, and potentially drinking, enhancing your overall caravanning experience across the UK’s campsites.
Understanding Your Caravan Water System
Before starting, it’s helpful to understand the components of your caravan’s water system, which consists of two main parts: the water supply system and the drainage system.
The Water Supply System
Aqua Roll: This portable plastic container holds fresh water for your caravan, typically connected to the system via a pump.
Pump: Usually a submersible pump inside the aqua roll, it moves water to the taps and shower.
Pipe Work: Flexible plastic tubing distributes water throughout the caravan, prone to biofilm build up if neglected.
The Drainage System
Drain Pipes: Flexible, corrugated plastic pipes carry wastewater from sinks and showers to the grey water tank or external drainage.
Grey Water Tank: Stores used water for disposal at designated sites, susceptible to smells if not cleaned regularly.
How to Clean and Sterilise the Water Supply System
Cleaning the water supply system involves sterilising the aqua roll, pump, and pipe work to eliminate contaminants. This is especially important for new or second-hand caravans or after long periods of disuse.
Products for Sterilising the Water Supply
Several products are widely available in the UK for sterilising caravan water systems:
Puriclean: A popular choice, this cleaner and steriliser is designed for caravan systems. Available in 100g and 400g tubs, it’s effective for tanks up to 270 litres.
Pro-Kleen: Another reliable option, available in a 5L bottle, known for removing bacteria and algae.
Bicarbonate of Soda: A natural alternative, using four heaped tablespoons in the aqua roll can gently clean without harsh chemicals.
Milton Fluid: While used by some, it’s less recommended due to potential reactions with stainless steel components, which could damage the system.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage and application to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Empty the System: Begin by draining all water from the aqua roll, internal tank (if present), and pipes. Turn off the water heater and pump, open all taps, and locate the drain valve to fully empty the system.
Add the Cleaning Agent: For the aqua roll, you can use a natural cleaner like bicarbonate of soda: add four heaped tablespoons to the aqua roll and fill with water. Alternatively, for full-system sterilisation, mix a chemical steriliser like Puriclean (e.g., 8–9 teaspoons for a full system) into the aqua roll, then fill with water.
Circulate the Solution: For Puriclean, connect the aqua roll, turn on the pump, and open each tap (including the shower) one at a time, starting with the furthest, to ensure the solution flows through all pipes and the pump. If using bicarbonate of soda, keep it in the aqua roll—don’t run it through the system, as it’s not a steriliser.
Let it Sit: For Puriclean, allow the solution to sit in the system for 1–12 hours, depending on the system’s condition. For routine cleaning, 1–2 hours is often sufficient; for a deep clean (e.g., at season start or after long storage), up to 12 hours ensures thorough sterilisation. If using bicarbonate of soda in the aqua roll, let it sit for 24 hours to clean the container, then rinse thoroughly.
Flush Thoroughly: Drain the system (aqua roll and pipes), refill with fresh water, and flush all taps until no chemical smell or taste remains. You should use at least one full tank of fresh water but repeat with a second, if necessary. For the aqua roll after bicarbonate of soda, rinse multiple times to ensure no residue remains.
Replace Filters: If your system has water filters, remove them before cleaning to avoid damage, then replace them after flushing, typically every three months per manufacturer guidelines.
Safety precautions include wearing gloves, ensuring good ventilation, and avoiding mixing different cleaning agents to prevent harmful reactions.
Maintaining the Drainage System
The drainage system requires regular attention to prevent clogs and eliminate smells, ensuring wastewater flows smoothly.
Preventing and Identifying Clogs
Clogs often result from food particles, hair, grease, or soap scum build up in the drain pipes. To prevent issues: avoid pouring grease down the drains, regularly check for slow drainage as a sign of blockages, and empty the grey water tank at designated disposal sites to avoid overflow.
Cleaning the Drainage System
Since drain pipes are typically flexible, corrugated plastic, use cleaners safe for this material:
Mild Cleaners: General-purpose floor cleaners or RV-specific tank cleaners can be poured down the drains and left for a few hours to dissolve residues and remove smells.
Hot Water: Pouring hot water down the drains helps dissolve grease and flush debris, improving flow.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Strong drain unblockers can damage plastic pipes, leading to leaks, so stick to gentler options.
For stubborn clogs, a drain auger or plunger designed for flexible pipes may help, but always confirm compatibility first.
Should You Drink Water from Your Caravan Tap?
Drinking water from caravan taps is a debated topic among UK caravanners, with safety depending on maintenance and water source quality.
Pros and Cons of Drinking Tap Water
Pros: If the system is well-maintained and the water source (e.g., UK campsite taps) is of drinking quality, it can be convenient. Some caravanners use it for drinks and cooking without issues after proper sterilisation.
Cons: Risks include bacterial growth like biofilm, especially in systems left unused. Even non-drinking uses, such as showering, can pose risks through inhaling water vapour. Vulnerable groups like children or the elderly are particularly at risk.
Alternatives to Tap Water
Given potential risks:
Bottled Water: A safer choice, ensuring no contamination. Look for low sodium (under 200mg/L) and sulphate (under 250mg/L) levels if using for baby formula.
Boiled Water: Boiling tap water kills bacteria, making it suitable for tea, coffee, or cooking, a common practice among caravanners.
Many prefer using tap water for washing only, avoiding health risks by opting for bottled or boiled water for consumption.
How Often Should You Clean the Water System?
Cleaning frequency depends on usage and storage conditions:
Regular Users (Weekly or Monthly): Cleaning once a year may suffice if the system is frequently used and drained between trips. Check for unusual tastes or smells as indicators.
Occasional Users (Seasonal or Infrequent): Clean before each trip, especially after months of disuse, to prevent bacterial growth.
Seasonal Users: Perform a thorough clean at the season’s start, and consider cleaning before storage to avoid issues over winter.
It is recommended that the system be cleaned twice yearly (once before and after the camping season), particularly for systems left idle, to reduce risks like legionella. Always drain the system if unused for more than a couple of weeks.
Additional Tips for a Clean and Safe Water System
To keep your caravan water system in top shape:
Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect pipes, connections, and the aqua roll for leaks or damage that could lead to contamination.
Proper Storage: Drain the system completely when not in use, using compressed air (up to 15 psi) to remove residual water and reduce bacterial growth.
Professional Inspections: Consider periodic professional checks, especially after long storage or if persistent issues arise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t use harsh chemicals like household bleach, skip allowing the cleaning agent to sit for the recommended time, neglect thorough flushing, or forget to replace filters.
Safety Precautions: Wear gloves when handling cleaning agents, ensure ventilation, and read product labels for warnings about material compatibility.
Verify Cleaning Success: After flushing, taste the water and check for chemical smells. For drains, ensure water flows freely and smells are gone.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll ensure your caravan’s water system remains safe, functional, and ready for your next journey across the UK, providing peace of mind and a more enjoyable trip.
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