How to fill a campervan’s freshwater tank

Follow these steps to filling the fresh water tank:

• Ensure that all taps are closed and the yellow drain-down valve is in the horizontal position. This yellow valve is next to the Truma Combi unit, which is usually under a bed or seat base.
• The freshwater tank is filled from outside with a standard hose inserted directly into the filler point.
• Remove the filler point cover. This cover usually displays a tap symbol and is locked with a key
• Insert the hose and turn on the tap.
• Monitor the level visually.
• Once full, turn off the tap. Remove the hose and replace the cover.

With the water tank full, open the hot tap in the kitchen. Go to the control panel and turn on the pump switch. As the pipes will be full of air and the 10-litre hot water tank will be the first thing to fill, water can take a minute or two to run from the tap. Once you have a steady stream, turn on the cold tap. Do this slowly, as air may escape first. Once the kitchen tap has free-flowing water, close it and carefully open all other taps one at a time, shower included. Close each tap when water runs freely. Your campervan water system is now ready to use.

 How to drain your campervan’s water system (taps, pipework and Truma Combi boiler)

• Most sites have a motorhome service point. Park your campervan’s outlet above the drain.
• Open the yellow drain-down valve. The valve is open when it’s vertical.
• Open all taps, shower included. Ensure that all taps are in the middle position so that both hot and cold taps are open.
• Water will drain from a small hose below the water heater until empty.

How to drain your campervan’s freshwater tank

• Ensure the freshwater drain tap (usually located by the vehicle’s rear wheel) is above the drain point. There may be a drain tap on either side, one for freshwater and the other for wastewater. Check the handbook for details.
• Open the tap.
• Close the tap when empty.

Emptying your campervan’s wastewater tank

• Ensure the wastewater drain tap (usually located by the vehicle’s rear wheel) is above the drain point.
• Open the tap.
• Close the tap when empty.

How often should I clean or sanitise the freshwater tank and system?

At a minimum, Puriclean should be used to clean the water system at least once a year. It may be overkill, but its a good idea to sanitise the water system every three months, especially after longer storage periods. It’s good practice to empty the water system after each trip.

What products are safe to use for cleaning the freshwater tank?

Puriclean is an industry-standard and it doesn’t attack components within boiler systems, etc.

How can I troubleshoot if water doesn’t run from the taps even after following the filling instructions?

The owner’s manual that comes with your Bailey campervan will have a section on the water system along with troubleshooting tips for different situations. Check this first and if the advice in the manual doesn’t resolve the issue, contact your Bailey Retailer or local Bailey Approved Service Centre for further assistance.

Can I use any chemicals or treatments in the wastewater tank to reduce odours?

Thetford’s Grey Water Fresh is designed to tackle wastewater tank odours. It is available from Prima Leisure.

Jump to:

• Beginners Guide to Campervanning – Homepage 
• How to use your Ford campervan
• How to load your campervan
• Arriving on site: Campervan Electrics – 230v Hook-Up or Leisure Battery?
• Arriving on site: Campervan gas system
• Arriving on site: Campervan water system
• Arriving on Site: How to use the Truma Combi Diesel heating system
• Arriving on site: Campervan compressor fridge
• Arriving on site: Campervan oven and hob
• Arriving on site: Campervan toilet cassette
• Arriving on site: How to adjust your campervan’s TV aerial
• Arriving on site: Campervan wind out awning
• How to set up the pop up travelling seats in your campervan
• Glossary