A reliable water system is essential for any caravan trip. But when taps stop working, water pressure drops, or strange smells appear, it can quickly ruin your experience.
Here’s a quick guide to common caravan water system problems and how to fix them.
1. No Water Flow from Taps
Possible Causes:
- Airlock in the system
- Pump failure or loose wiring
- Blocked or kinked pipes
- Empty or faulty water container
How to Fix:
- Check the water container – ensure it's full and the hose is fully submerged.
- Inspect the pump wiring and fuse – loose connections can stop it from working.
- Clear airlocks by turning on all taps (hot and cold) for a few minutes.
- Look for kinked or blocked hoses and straighten or clean them.
2. Weak or Intermittent Water Pressure
Possible Causes:
- Blocked filters or pipes
- Low battery power (for electric pumps)
- Faulty pressure switch
How to Fix:
- Clean or replace the water filter if clogged.
- Check the battery if using an electric pump.
- Adjust or replace the pressure switch if water keeps stopping.
3. Water Pump Constantly Running
Possible Causes:
- Leak in the system
- Faulty pressure switch
- Air getting into the pipes
How to Fix:
- Check for leaks around hoses, taps, and connections—tighten or replace if needed.
- Adjust or replace the pressure switch if it’s stuck in the "on" position.
- Ensure all connections are airtight to prevent air from entering.
4. Water Tastes or Smells Bad
Possible Causes:
- Bacteria or algae in the water tank
- Dirty or old water pipes
- Contaminated water supply
How to Fix:
- Use a Puriclean treatment to deep clean the system.
- Regularly flush the water tank and pipes with fresh water.
- Always use a food-grade hose to fill your tank to avoid contamination.
5. Hot Water System Not Working
Possible Causes:
- Truma or Whale heater not igniting
- Airlock in the boiler
- Faulty thermostat or heating element
How to Fix:
- Check if the gas supply is on and the pilot light ignites.
- Run hot taps to clear any airlocks in the boiler.
- If the water isn’t heating, check if the thermostat or heating element needs replacing.
6. Leaking Pipes or Water Tank
Possible Causes:
- Loose or damaged pipe connections
- Cracked water tank
- Over-tightened hose clamps (jubilee clips)
How to Fix:
- Tighten any loose pipe connections.
- Seal small cracks with waterproof sealant or replace the tank if needed.
- Avoid overtightening hose clamps, as this can cause leaks.
7. Waste Water Draining Slowly
Possible Causes:
- Blocked waste pipe
- Grease or food debris buildup
- Poor drainage slope
How to Fix:
- Flush pipes with hot water and a waste tank cleaner.
- Ensure the waste pipe has a good slope for proper drainage.
- Use a waste trap cleaner regularly to prevent blockages.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
- Clean and disinfect the freshwater tank and pipes regularly.
- Use a water filter to reduce dirt and limescale buildup.
- Inspect hoses, fittings, and pumps before trips for leaks.
- Drain the water system before winter storage to prevent freezing damage.
A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your caravan’s water system in top shape. If you're ever unsure or need repairs, Thomas Auto Tec is here to help.
