What You'll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the right equipment:
- A mains water hook-up hose — this must be a food-safe hose rated for drinking water. The Truma Ultraflow Waterline Mains Water Hook-Up 15mtr is ideal for Truma Ultraflow systems, while the Whale Watermaster Mains Water Hook-Up 7.5mtr suits Whale-based systems.
- A water filter — mains water can contain sediment that damages your pump and pipework. The Truma Ultraflow Water Filter (part 46020-01) fits directly into the Truma Ultraflow inlet housing.
- A pressure reducer — site mains pressure is often too high for caravan water systems. Many hook-up hoses include one, but always check.
Step-by-Step: Connecting to Mains Water
1. Locate your water inlet
Your caravan's water inlet is usually on the exterior, often near the front or rear. It may be labelled "water inlet" or marked with a tap symbol.
2. Turn off your onboard pump
Before connecting to mains, switch off your 12V onboard pump (usually via a switch inside the caravan). Running both simultaneously can damage your system.
3. Connect the hose
Attach one end of your food-safe hose to the site's water standpipe and the other to your caravan's inlet. Make sure connections are hand-tight — do not over-tighten.
4. Turn on the water slowly
Open the standpipe tap gradually to let water flow in. Check for any leaks at both connection points before fully opening.
5. Check the flow inside
Open a tap inside the caravan and let the water run for a few seconds to clear any air from the pipes. You should get a steady flow.
Important Safety Tips
- Always use a food-safe hose — standard garden hoses are not suitable for drinking water.
- Never leave a mains connection unattended overnight on a site without flood-safe connectors.
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Fit a filter — it protects your pump, pipes, and water heater from sediment and extends their life.
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Disconnect before moving off — it sounds obvious, but it's easily forgotten!
- Check for leaks -- periodically check your water connections inside the caravan for leaks & turn the tap off when you leave your caravan just in case something starts to leak while you are out.
Compatible Water Systems
This guide covers the two most common caravan water systems in the UK:
- Truma Ultraflow — uses the dedicated Truma Ultraflow inlet housing and filter system. Compatible hose: Truma Ultraflow Waterline Mains Hook-Up 15mtr. Part no. 46091-01
- Whale Watermaster — uses the Whale SmartFlo or Watermaster pump. Compatible hose: Whale Watermaster Mains Water Hook-Up 7.5mtr. Part no. EM9433.
If you're unsure which system your caravan has, check your handbook or look for the brand name on the pump housing inside the caravan.
Shop all caravan water system accessories at Stour Leisure www.stourleisure.co.uk.