45. Replacing the sink tap in my campervan because the supply pipe leaked

[@mac760]

David , don't use garden fittings for quick connections on your water tank , they're notorious for leaking . Go to a good marine chandelrey , they'll have a much better alternative .

[@BillMSmith]

I'm sure I wasn't the only one watching you put the washer on shouting "NO! It goes on top!" Good you caught it early. BTW, I just replaced the cheap filter faucet on my sink yesterday because it was spewing water all over in the cupboard. It's endemic in the plumbing industry.

[@marsupial26]

John, just buy another identical water tank. Then you can just swap tanks, and go and refil the empty one

[@raider1822]

That sink could do with a bit of JIF 😂

[@deezynar]

My dad used to say the same thing, and that was decades ago. Here in the U.S. mobile homes, and RVs are built with fixtures that are different from what normal houses use, so the prices on parts are astronomical. My dad would get angry every time something broke, and we'd have to go to the specialty store to buy a specialty fixture. In later years, he began switching things over to standard fixtures. I've thought about putting a kitchen counter in my van. My idea is to just raise the water jug above the faucet and let gravity do the work of getting it out of the faucet. The jug would get set back down before we start to drive anywhere.

[@railfan439]

David: That white "ribbed thing" on which the hose pipe pushes is called a "barbed connector." Because it has three barbs there is practically no chance for a leak unless you constantly remove and reconnect it. If it does start leaking you can get a hose clamp. And don't forget to occasionally empty and sanitize the water tank. Moldy, slimy water does not make tasty tea. Thanks for the video. Jon

[@Kld4402]

Ok, 25 episodes in with Vandemonium now, 200 in with CtC, love both channels, love the adventure!

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you :-)

[@namespacetoosmall]

You’re right that everything commercially sold for campers and motorhomes is the most overpriced, flimsy plastic rubbish. For my camper conversion I used domestic bits as much as possible, including the tap. The pump is turned on with a switch combined with a foot switch for intermittent use (if desired). You may want to add some hoseclips to that pipe connection, too.

[@Vandemonium]

Not a bad idea, that!

[@mrbillmacneill]

totally agree there Tom. when we saw the usual RV mattress' that are offered we decided that using the same kind of mattress we have at home was the way to go... and it was believe me.

[@tjj300]

Nice job, David. Two ideas. If you have room for a spare jerry can just fill the spare and swap the bottles. The previous one is now your spare. This way you just take the pump out of one and into the other. Also, I don't know what that black plastic bit is like on the old tap, but if you can thread that inlet in the plastic you can get a threaded barb you can then screw into it. A regular machine tap lubed with soap should do fine to cut the threads.

[@JxH]

Still need to open the Jerry Can to fill it, so the lid is coming off anyway. And you don't want to set the pump down any old place outside. So instead, add a fixed catch can under the sink to hold the pump while you're out fetching water and while it's dribbling. Any dribbles will evaporate in between uses.

[@ccooper8785]

5:50 oh ! the start of "Keepitasasparitis" we all know where that ends; with a shed packed full of things that might be useful even if we never use it...

[@Vandemonium]

Haha true

[@Robert_DeVille]

May the faucet be with you (ok, I know it's the American word for tap, but that's as good a pun as I could think of at short notice)

[@toomaskotkas4467]

I am still in awe on what an awesome job you did all by yourself with building your camper van.

[@kevinscott8267]

Your sink needs a good clean lol 😂

[@jayoneill1533]

No unsolicited suggestions, just a well done lad !

[@davidoickle1778]

Yes, washer on top. I was shouting at you and I believe you heard me. Well done. HEAT GUN, you heard me again.

[@bgrigg07]

Thank goodness you were shouting too, I was getting hoarse!

[@JordaninJapan]

I hope someday you'll do a reflections video (much like you did on CC) discussing the things you like about your build and the things you would change or do differently. Thanks for your informative and interesting videos both here and on CC. Cheers!

[@camdenmcandrews]

Yup. One of the first and most oft-repeated lessons I learned back in engineering school was, "Don't trust friction!" Excellent work, David.

[@NicksKnives.]

I do very much enjoy these DiY videos

[@budworl2687]

David, another job well done. You are becoming quite the handyman. With a narrow boat and a camper van you are well propertied and a good catch for someone. keep your head on a swivel, your hand on the wheel and your strongbox locked and hidden. Enjoy life while you can.

[@Chris_In_Texas]

I would twist the wires off the faucet together just to keep them together. Then use a little plastic split loom tubing around the wires. Moving around there can be some wire chafing driving down the road.

[@Vandemonium]

Good idea

[@alanjackson4646]

Don’t over complicate your water system, even if you fitted ‘instantaneous’ connections on your water feed and 12V connections you still have to take the top off the container and remove the pump etc. Lift pump out of container and rest in mug while you go and fill container. Less to go wrong. Good informative vlog. Keep safe. Regards AJ

[@Jimfoxyboy]

I was kind of thinking the same thing as well. Better to just leave it as it is, since you need to take the pump out anyways while you fill it. Though, when the pump is just dangling there, perhaps placing it in a little container while you fill the big tank, so you don't end up with water all over the floor? If you are worried about spilling water while toting a full tank around, maybe find another screw on cap?

[@phoenix-_-1983]

Great help I have this tap that you replaced the old one with, I need to replace it and now I know how

[@jw4620]

Oh my! Spurting and spewing! Can't have that! Good video, thanks!

[@andrewcarmichael8683]

Was going to say you could have glued the fitting, but you enjoyed yourself with your project!

[@jsabo7098]

So true, everything in the campervan/RV world seems ridiculously overpriced for plasticky rubbish. That repair looks solid though. Thanks for sharing, excellent as always. Cheers!

[@sherrie-deejenkins6504]

Very impressed. Great job done

[@casaenlatada580]

You could buy a foldable (or collapsible) water container to bring the water to the van, so you don't need to remove the one that has the pump in it. They come in diferent sizes, and take little space. Many come with taps as well. You could keep it with the other containers under the sink, and use it to refill them. Much cheaper and easier than your current plan (and of course, placing a bowl under the pump to collect the water when you take the container away is another plan that is also easier, hehehe). Good luck with that, and thanks for the video. Really enjoyable as usual :)

[@bobbyhood101]

One of the main accessories for literally most home and auto maintenance and repair is the simple hose clamp , it's a cheap and generally a easy fix. Out of habit each time you visit the local hardware buy a couple for a few cents you can save yourself a flooded floor or a side of the road breakdown! Cheers from Tennessee

[@ianofsjkartwork]

Top job David....Water seems to be more controllable with the new tap....stay safe...thanks for sharing

[@Vandemonium]

Yes, it is certainly more controllable, which is a nice bonus.

[@kathyowens9901]

So glad you can now take trip! You have the best diy.

[@TheAdenau]

Your old tap is a comet london tap, there should be a screw and a plate that goes over the blue water union to hold it in there, it’s not just a push fit. The screw is very small so easily rips out of the plastic, bigger screw and fixed.

[@Vandemonium]

Screw (which does nothing) but no plate

[@thelastpilot4582]

I have now watched all your Vandemonium Videos as well, so I am due for a second gold star in my book. Hey!

[@awgroom]

Sorry something needed fixing, but love the videos on the van :)

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

A proper job. Water you hate it or love it. My sink tap is acting like a geyser. 50% water and air. Its driving me mad. Spit, splash and everywhere. New pump and pipework. Cheers from wet George

[@0HARE]

Nice work there. I agree that the jerry can/water pump configuration needs to be redesigned. Best Of Luck

[@kevgermany]

Should put a hose clip around the blue pipe where it goes over the white corrugated bit. Get the right type and you won't need to break the joint. Glad you posted this, I have exactly the same tap for my build. Will get that sorted before the problems start.

[@Vandemonium]

Trust me, it's not coming off!

[@nathanisip]

A very smooth replacement, and those removeable access panels served you well. For your upgrade plans, may I suggest plumbing a male quick connector into the tank, and a two pin electrical quick connect? You can then have a short hose with female ends, and a male quick connect adapter for the tap much like you do when filling the narrowboat. That way you won’t even have to open the tank unless you are cleaning it out.

[@robsin2810]

Well done , David 👍🇦🇺

[@christopherlussenden3021]

aah very satisfying doing that and very satisfying watching that, top notch work VDM!

[@kazcaw]

Just get a watering can or similar and get your water in that then fill your tank? Be loads easier.

[@whatliesbeneathurbanexplor1631]

I bought one for my campervan €67. These are pricey but are better than the original ones with the blue barb. At the bottom of the thread mount. Its very fragile and breaks easily as you said in the video. At least the one with the tail to a 10mm barb is ridged and doesn't move. Anyone replacing these taps I'd recommend the one in the video. I know the tap is expensive but campervan and caravan kitchen fittings are expensive

[@bobflinn7529]

I'd just unscrew the cap and put the pump in a bowl where the jerry can goes while you haul it off to fill it. The container could be a cut-off plastic bottle or jug. Adding more disconnect fittings, water or electrical just complicates things.

[@chrisneedham5803]

Great video, and what a fine job done 🍷🍺👍🏼

[@marks-0-0]

I feel your pain David, I'm not impressed by alot of fixtures and fittings. What i like to do is design in a non standard kind of way. For my sink I've fitted a Whale hand pump which works but I use a glass drinks dispenser with tap raised 4 inches over the sink. I find its more convinient if I'm just out for the weekend. Now I've proved it works for me I'm tempted to swap it out for a Berkey type stainless system.

[@dprider02]

Right up to minute 6, I was thinking to myself, "I wonder why he didn't try gluing it first?" Then you kindly answered my question! :)

[@MikeB_UK]

David, maybe of use; have an interweb search on magnetic connectors. Something along that idea for the pump wire plus a hosepipe quick connector for the water would probably make your life easier. Cheapest magnet connections are single wire and literally 2 small neodymium magnets with wires attached. Even 2 sets of those would do with colour coded heat shrink around so you just click red to red and black to black, Cheers.

[@marydyer281]

I just subscribed to Vandemonium although I've previously watched all of the vlogs. I truly enjoyed your tours in Wales, I've actually been to Hay on Wye and purchased several books there. I look forward to your next vlog on either/both Vandemonium and CTC. Per your suggestion I jumped over and watched a bit of Slim Potatohead's vlogs. Beautiful shots of the wilderness trails.

[@andrewschmitz9707]

I am so not good at fixing things, and I know you have said you learned alot,but you did pretty well.

[@chrissayers7076]

Anytime leisure is applied to anything then the cost just goes through the roof, i can't remember how many of those taps I've replaced over the years, if you forget to drain them down over the winter months you can bet your life that they have frozen and broke. The plastic has the feel of being oily, and as I understand it, it's made from the same plastic that the Atari games console joystick was made from, you could not glue those either. That tap does not like too much mecanical handling, David could I suggest clamping the tap pipe to something so the pipe is supported while you remove the water tank for filling.

[@brianmoffit2012]

I hope some one mentions removing the blue plastic off the plug.

[@eamonfire]

A fiddly job well done. Always a good thing to sort out your "downbelows"!

[@fishlessclive5517]

you could use a container to put pump in to catch drips. cheaper than buying new parts and the faf of fitting them.

[@debbie62140]

Same thing happened with my tap the same as yours. I fixed it by sliding a bit of heat shrink sleeving over the bit that comes out. It's a struggle to get it back in, but once in it stays in.

[@Vandemonium]

Nice idea, I like that

[@temaskell08]

Hey For your next project with the water have a look at Neutrik powerCON. Water proof electric connector which are quick disconnect. For the water pipe look at EHIEM. They make quick disconnect for water pipes that we use for our aquarium. Great video as always

[@mrbillmacneill]

I was going to say 'hang on Dave that gasket has got to be on top eh? ' when... that was close! I think a new tap was the way to go. That old unit was built to a price point would be the nice way of saying it.

[@purecountrified]

I sure would love to see more videos of your driving adventures.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers, I haven't really been anywhere in it. Did a day trip recently, not filmed but pics on Instagram

[@afordbabblecampervan7555]

I fitted the same tap in my camper and the one Lorna bought off me. Imagine my embarrassment when she came to view it and the water leaked all over the floor. I did the fix you suggested and secured the pipe through a bulkhead so it would not pull directly on the bottom of the tap. It seems to have done the trick a few months on. I can't believe they still sell the tap with that connection, it must happen to everyone at some point.

[@annettefournier9655]

New tap looks better in quality. Well fone you!

[@stilcrazychris]

Hi David, good job fixing that & it's good you caught it in the Nick of time. Could of been a great big mess if you would of left it for a longer time. I know I have a HONEY TO DO LIST for my husband.... lol.... I guess you have one of them for yourself to. Well job done sir. Keep on doing you. Have a great day & weekend, Chris from Missouri

[@whitcwa]

If you ever need to use the backup pump, a zip tie can be used around the loose fitting to pull it up. A cable tie mount can be screwed into the bottom of the sink surround to secure it .

[@cathrynbagley8005]

Perhaps the solution to filling the water is to take a collapsible water carrier and a funnel (I think you can get those that collapse too) then you wouldn't have to disconnect everything.

[@ndcisivemommy605]

Just stopping by for a view, comment and a like! Keep up the amazing work!

[@brodie2711]

Through age-old experience campervans and caravans have always been a nightmarish time on what my parents continued to call a holiday.

[@edtuckerartist]

Got to the bit where your testing the fit of the new tap and my first thought was where's the washer - then you realized. 🧐 (now to watch the rest of the episode)

[@peterhendry2154]

Hozelocks will drip unless you get the really good metal ones but even then you'd be best to pick up a pack of spare "O" rings too

[@SteveMorton]

Agreed, fine in a garden set up, but not so good for your intended set up.

[@cjholmes2]

I have the same sink and water tank set up. When refilling the water, or emptying it, I just take the pump up and put it into the sink, so you end up with the pump in the sink and the glass top trapping the hose to stop it from falling out. Any dribbles go into the sink and waste tank. I have a spare screw on cap (solid rather than flexible with hole) if I'm going to be carrying the water back from the tap a fair distance. I try to drain most of the water in the pipe first if possible by holding it down outside of the van and opening the tap.

[@brianlopez8855]

That original tap was a 'Friday afternoon design' after a good lunch. Ideally fit a rubber grommet on top and below the steel sink. If you can't get the plastic nut properly tight I recommend buying a separate brass equivalent to which you can apply grips to fully tighten. Taps now come with brass nuts following mass complaints.

[@tonybirdwell2917]

Well done mate!

[@ncplantdoctor]

Utterly fascinating video of you tackling a mundane task. It could have been improved had you not deleted the words you probably either said aloud or thought of while forcing the hose barb into the hose. It called to my mind the time I replaced a leaking plastic P trap with a new metal one. Funny thing had a line on it like a mold mark, oh well, I installed it. Days later I realized that the under sink area was flooded and soaked and the line was actually a crack in the metal.

[@Vandemonium]

Haha no words were deleted, I assure you

[@bxmachine]

I like that crimping tool😎

[@DBarnim]

David how about adding in a tee with valve and and run hose up to another water container and siphon down, no need to remove reservoir tank. Just a thought.

[@carolinecoward469]

So much of life is held together with fresh air and hope...🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@carolinecoward469]

Well done, btw.

[@OurDaysOut]

We are looking for a Day Van, and your videos have been very helpful for converting the inside. Perhaps we could come and show you the finished job once we have done it. We live not far from where you visited recently, (Billing Aquadrome). 😃

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers, good luck with your build!

[@leatherkid02]

I know u dont like doing repairs.... But its quite relaxing to watch.... 😁 Did u make tea as well after the repairs? 🤔😁

[@Vandemonium]

Of course!

[@borntraveller007]

I'd put a jubilee clip round where the 2 pipes connect even if you do the hoselock connectors (which is a great idea by the way), Belt & braces and all that 👍

[@Aeolian4]

Just a thought, how about a funnel you could pop into the top of your water storage can and a second can you could use to go get more water in. Of course the secondary can would need to be made with a nice pouring spout.

[@davidpiper3652]

I use one of these: Whale EP1622 Water Master. It's an all in one water and electric connector. Intended for a caravan, it's also stupid expensive but so is everything as you noted. But it is easy to use.

[@Vandemonium]

Hmm. None of the descriptions I just read make it clear what it actually does! They say "Simplifies connections" but that's it!! How does it help?

[@davidpiper3652]

@@Vandemonium It's a connector that has water and power in one unit. So I only have to pull it to disconnect, rather than fiddle with a water connector and a power connector separately.

[@ionstorm66]

@@Vandemonium looks like a pump with the wire built into the hose. On the other end it has some sort of quick connect for the sink side

[@gafrers]

Great as always

[@ltguy]

Yay! Van vlog!

[@stephenr6427]

You can use RC vehicle connectors they are high amp although your not running high amp the best one for me is called xt60

[@sueokeefe301]

tip. /when screwing on plastic to plastic use a dab of soap or detergent at the start to lubricate the threads.

[@stitch4076]

Please don't add hozelock to the water pipe. As over time, they will leak. You are making more work for yourself and introduce an opportunity for leaks, which you are trying to stop. Best wishes

[@ivanhowlett4907]

Beware of hose locks David, they are mainly for garden hoses and tend to drip.

[@MidnightAmratha]

Store the waterpipe upside down with a small clamp on the inside of the cupboard, you have this post at the front where You can place it inconspicuously. That way you won't have to contend with possibly leaky fittings.

[@davidbagley1783]

Yes.. better improvement...or make a way to refill the tank without moving it

[@KellyH0878]

Really Enjoying this channel. I have been binge watching the build videos. You have done a wonderful job with the van! Also watch Cruising the Cut and just received my t-shirt and the mug is soon to arrive. I’m in Ohio USA. Best Wishes to you and Cheers! (By the way - I hate cheese so that means there is more for you to love because I am not eating it) 🙂

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy the shirt and mug 😀

[@haroldwalma255]

I would use a hose clamp or two on the jerry can connection.

[@MrDrummer316]

Great vid. Been with you along time on Cruising the Cut. Just an idea, and I know space is at a premium, but if you had two identical water containers, you could swap the empty for a full, all in one easy action. Plus you would always have a full (or empty) replacement on board? Just a thought. Take care and thanks for all your content.

[@Vandemonium]

In fact, I *do* have another identical container!! Good plan.

[@sandcrabronco]

A dab of 3M 5200 Marine Sealant would probably fix the old tap for a hot spare, 5200 ROCKS! A second identical water tank would be the simplest solution, levels of complexity is a factor we try to avoid for reliability.

[@Vandemonium]

And indeed I have one of those!

[@karl9460]

I didn't want to insult some other people in a question you asked about CL & CS ( those 5 van site thingy's ) on someone else's video... in answer to your question, the one that accepts tents isn't snobby at all... the other one tends to attract people who like nice units. Each to their own, hence why I have snuck it in here, the two clubs work great apart if you get my drift. Those of us that can mix with anyone can be happy on both, but I really prefer the one with tents as you get a broader range of very nice people and all sorts of camping units from tiny tents to huge tourbus things. I have just realised it is exactly the same with marinas... I am sure you know what I mean, everyone can be happy somewhere.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you! Very good info, I appreciate it.

[@karl9460]

@@Vandemonium ( sorry I have apparently written a book here ) Something that is not talked about much is the THS ( temporary holiday sites ) and meets the camping and caravanning club arrange. These are basically rally fields hired for weeks in the case of THS, and weekends in the case of meets. They are sometimes fairly small affairs for £8 a night with less than a dozen vans on a farmers field, to rallys on sites like billing aquadrome, for a price that is still cheap but a little more expensive. These things go on every week and even on the meets you are left alone if you want to just tuck yourself up in a corner. I just checked for a the 2nd week in August 2021 and there are 65 THS and Club Meets already listed on the site, the cheapest of which is £5.50 a night on a farm ( has a marquee for bingo + socials) , and I started counting how many were less than £10 but decided to stop counting after 30+, I lost count to be honest, but remember this is in August when most places charge a fortune... worth noting that although they are very quite out of season... they are very busy in season unlike the CS (certified sites) which are restricted in amounts they can take. Its only about £40 ish a year to join, you can make that back in one trip away I reckon.

[@Vandemonium]

Thanks again - that really is good info and exactly the kind of thing I'd enjoy. I will sort out my membership!

[@hamshackleton]

A smear of washing-up soap on the serrated 'plug' would have helped it slide in - but make your next cup of tea taste rather odd! :-)

[@davidbennett906]

Do you have enough stowage for a watering can, to use to fill up the water container? (so that could be left in situ). Not sure if that's practical, but it was just a thought.

[@Vandemonium]

I've got a second container :-)

[@mozamariner4443]

Job well done, are you having a laugh. KETTLE BOILS mean its time for a CUP OF TEA. 😂

[@chpoon3814]

Quick connect is good but still you have to remove the pump every time refilling. Maybe better to have one more opening for filling.

[@Vandemonium]

True

[@scoobydog411]

I would try a 2nd bottle for water. Don’t remove your little tank but use 2nd tank to fill up the bottle your using some how. And you will have an extra tank if you need extra water. I wish you well on that.

[@DougPalumbo]

Top job! Time for a nice cuppa and a biscuit or two.

[@moosabones]

And a cheese sandwich

[@Supaginge0]

look at PC watercooling components for replacements, they should be much cheeper and would allow 100% cusomisation

[@OhioticketswithRobert]

Wonder if you could have a drain under the tank so if it were to leak then no problem.

[@steveelkins52]

My caravan pump is a whale jobbie and that is a push fit. I think the heavy duty feed pipe you are using is the culprit, you are tweaking the connection every time you refill. Mine is a clear pipe,, and flexible.