Fresh water hose – Are you going on vacation with your motorhome or roof tent soon?
In addition to electricity, there is another important thing you need to consider: water.
The fresh water tank supplies your motorhome with clean water for showering, washing your hands and cooking.
To keep everything hygienic, you need to take good care of the fresh water hose in particular.
Here you can find out everything you need to consider when buying an optimum fresh water hose and how to use and care for it correctly.
Camping Ratgeber:
That’s why fresh water is important when camping
Fresh water hoses are often available on the campsite, but these are not necessarily hygienic.
The damp hose often lies in the blazing sun for a long time and is therefore the perfect breeding ground for germs.
To avoid this, you should ideally get yourself a fresh water hose.
Functions of the various water tanks
When camping, you have fresh water as well as gray and black water.
They all have different functions and different uses.
For example, you need the gray water tank to store the water used in the dishwasher, sink and shower.
On the other hand, waste water from the toilet is called black water.
Both the waste tank or cassette toilet and the gray water must be emptied every few days to guarantee a pleasant camping trip.
Here you can find out everything you need to know about the water tank, how to fill it and how to empty it correctly:
You can easily install a fresh water tank in your camper yourself at a later date!
Fresh water and waste water hose
Especially on longer trips, you should always remember to fill up with fresh water early enough.
It is important to note here: If you do not have your own fresh water hose, there are hoses provided at most service stations.
Be careful, however, as these can still become soiled through improper use.
You should therefore always clean it carefully before use in order to maintain hygiene standards.
If your fresh water tank is dirty, it will be all the more difficult to clean everything.
You need to keep this in mind:
- Always remember to fill up with fresh water early enough
- Ideally, use your own fresh water hose
- Hoses are usually available on campsites
- Clean the hose properly before use
How to fill your motorhome with drinking water correctly
Watch the following video for more helpful tips and tricks on how to safely fill your motorhome with water and drink it without worrying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMtg4SCukJY
Drinking water: safe places and dangers
Within Europe, drinking water points are very strictly controlled, which is why you should usually not worry.
Nevertheless, you should inform yourself in advance when entering some countries.
In many Eastern European countries, such as Russia and Ukraine, tap water is not safe to drink.
Drinking water should not be a problem at designated drinking water points located at campsites, petrol stations or rest stops.
You usually have to pay a small fee at campsites if it is not included in your overnight stay.
You can even dispose of gray water and black water at many filling stations.
Safe places where you can drink without hesitation:
- Camping and pitches
- Petrol stations and service stations
- Public water points
Wells and springs: Unsafe water sources
The situation is different for wells and springs.
Here, the locals are indicators of clean water.
As soon as they make use of the water, this is usually a good sign.
However, it is no guarantee of high-quality water.
Streams, rivers and lakes can be very dangerous.
Filtering and boiling is an absolute must here.
Microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses can lurk in seemingly clean lakes and rivers.
This can result in nausea and diarrhea.
Unsafe water sources:
- Fountains and springs
- Lakes, rivers and streams
You should bear this in mind when buying: Diameter & length
When buying a fresh water hose, a number of aspects are important.
You should think about the diameter, length and material in advance.
If possible, it should be food-safe and certified in accordance with the Drinking Water Ordinance.
The drinking water hose with a diameter of 19 mm is the most suitable because, on the one hand, refueling is faster and, on the other hand, it offers more for the same price with time-controlled dispensers.
The disadvantage is the space that the hose takes up.
An average hose length of 10 meters is suitable.
A garden hose can also be used, but this should only be used in exceptional cases.
Water hoses are available in the following sizes:
- 1/2 inch or 12 mm diameter
- 5/8 inch or 15 mm diameter
- 3/4 inch or 19 mm diameter
Tip! The shrink sleeve, which grows from 8 m to 22 m under pressure, is particularly advantageous.
It can be used almost anywhere and its inner adhesive coating makes it weather-resistant, waterproof and double-sided.
Adapters and connections: Prepared for every emergency
Different country, different rules – this also applies to the connections!
Not only the power connection with CEE plug, but also the water connection can be your downfall when traveling.
That’s why it’s a good idea to take a collection of adapters with you so that you don’t end up empty-handed.
Here are the most important adapters for your trip:
- Adapter ½ inch
- Adapter ¾ inch (most common)
- Adapter 1 inch
- Water strainer for connection to a tap without thread
- Coupling connector
- Nozzle
- Watering can (in case there is no tap)
Reading tips! Hygiene and drinking water when camping
Alternatively, you can read more articles about sanitation and hygiene when camping as well as helpful tips on drinking water treatment here, although fresh water is definitely an advantage.
Cassette toilet: cleaning & emptying
Cassette toilet – When camping, there are not sanitary facilities everywhere you stop.
That’s why it makes sense to install a permanently integrated cassette toilet, especially in a caravan or camper.
This gives you much more comfort and freedom and makes you more flexible on your trip.
Read everything you need to know here:
Camping shower: bag, pump system & hot water
Camping shower – For many people, taking a shower in the morning is part of their daily routine.
Even if you spend most of your time camping in the great outdoors, you don’t want to have to do without your usual hygiene on camping trips.
This is no problem with a mobile camping shower.
You can simply take it with you in advance and refill it when needed, so you can enjoy your shower anytime and anywhere as usual. Read more here:
Water treatment: sensible outdoor methods
Water treatment – Of course, you should always drink enough liquid.
In order to be able to drink water from a river or lake spontaneously when you’re out and about, we recommend that you always have suitable water containers and filters with you on your excursions in the great outdoors.
Find out everything you need to know here:
