Connecting Your Touring Caravan to Mains Water

Nov 14, 2025

Ever wrestled with a hose while your neighbour relaxes under their caravan awning, coffee in hand? Here’s the trick: connect your touring caravan to mains water for a constant flow and easy hot showers! Learn how to connect mains water and how to get hot water in your touring caravan—simple, really!

The Essential Requirement: Serviced Pitches and Safety First

Only Connect to “Serviced Pitches”

Identifying a Serviced Pitch

Look for a pitch with both a dedicated water tap and a grey waste drain.
These setups are designed for continuous water connections and make life easier when you’re on site.

Why a Standard Pitch Tap is Impractical

Standard taps are often shared or placed too far away.
They’re not built for permanent connections, so trying to use them can cause pressure issues or even leaks.

White caravan with a large grey awning and red chairs set up beside a dining table on a grassy field surrounded by tall trees.

The Golden Rule: Always Use a Pressure Regulator

The Risk of Bursting Pipes

Mains water pressure can reach 4 bar or more, while caravan plumbing is usually rated for just 1.5 bar.
Without a regulator, the extra pressure could damage pipes or fittings and cause costly repairs.

Regulator Function

A pressure regulator brings mains water pressure down to a safe level (around 1.5 bar).
This small device protects your caravan’s internal plumbing and ensures a smooth, steady water flow.

The Two Connection Methods: Direct vs. Float Systems

Method 1: The Safer Float Valve System (Recommended)

The Float Valve Kit (e.g., Aquaroll Mains Adaptor)

This system includes a float valve and a food-grade hose.
It connects indirectly to the mains through a water barrel such as an Aquaroll.

How it Works

The float valve screws into the Aquaroll and works like a toilet cistern.
It keeps the barrel topped up automatically, without feeding mains water directly into your caravan’s plumbing.

Advantage: Built-in Safety Buffer

Your caravan pump still draws from the low-pressure Aquaroll.
This acts as a safety buffer, preventing over-pressurisation and reducing the risk of flooding.

Method 2: The Direct Connection System

Required Equipment

For a direct setup, use a purpose-built mains water connection kit such as the Whale Aquasource or Truma Mains Waterline.
These are designed to attach straight to your caravan’s water inlet.

The Built-In Regulator

Most direct connection kits contain a built-in regulator in the connection plug.
It keeps the water pressure within safe limits while maintaining a constant flow.

Disadvantage: Potential for Leaks

Because the line stays under pressure, any fault in the hose or regulator could lead to leaks or flooding.
Regular checks are vital to keep everything safe and working properly.

Grey caravan awning with arched windows attached to a caravan on a white background.

Step-by-Step Setup and Essential Equipment Checklist

Essential Equipment Checklist

Food-Grade Hosepipe

Use a blue, reinforced food-grade hose that’s chemical-free and suitable for drinking water.
It ensures safe, clean water in all conditions.

Tap Connectors

Choose universal fitters or 1/2" and 3/4" threaded adaptors so you can connect easily to different site taps.

Non-Return Valve (NRV)

Some setups need an NRV to prevent water from back-filling into the site’s tap or tank.
It’s a small detail that helps protect the site’s plumbing and your own system.

Setup Steps for the Float System

Insert the Float Valve

Secure the valve into the Aquaroll’s side opening and make sure the float can move freely.
This ensures it will fill and stop at the correct water level.

Connect the Hose

Attach one end of your hose to the site tap and the other to the float valve unit.
Tighten both ends properly to avoid leaks.

Bleed the Caravan System

Turn the tap on slowly, then open the taps inside your caravan to release any trapped air.
Check for leaks and steady flow before you finish.

Modern grey and white caravan awning with a dining setup inside, placed on a green grassy field with hills and blue sky in the background.

Maintaining Your Caravan’s Water System

Connecting your touring caravan to mains water is just the start.
To keep your system running well, check hoses, regulators and filters regularly.

Drain everything when you’re not using it to prevent bacteria growth, and sanitise occasionally to keep the water fresh.
These simple habits will help your water system stay reliable for years.

Whether you’re relaxing under your caravan awning or cooking up dinner after a long drive, you’ll have a safe, steady flow of clean water wherever you go.

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Phil McEleney

Get to know me

Started CamperNation to make buying caravan and glamping gear feel simple, honest, and stress-free. Now helps customers daily with awnings, power solutions and outdoor setups. Usually found talking canvas, campsites, and why the kettle is the most important piece of kit.

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