How to Setup a Caravan Grey Water System

Article by Rob Smith - Caravans Plus

Read Time: 4 mins

Grey water refers to the waste water from your shower, basin, or sink. Proper management of grey water is essential, especially when staying in caravan parks, rest areas, campgrounds, and national parks, which often have specific requirements for waste water disposal.

Why Caravan Grey Water Management is Important

Caravan parks typically do not allow grey water to be discharged directly onto the ground. Using a simple bucket can be a temporary solution for sink water, but it's impractical for showers or longer stays. A more effective solution involves using a Sullage Hose, which connects your caravan's drain to the site's designated sullage point. Increasingly, many areas now require caravans to be fitted with Grey Water Tanks when drainage facilities are unavailable.

Caravan Grey Water Tanks: The Better Solution

Grey water tanks can be easily retrofitted to caravans to collect waste water, allowing it to be disposed of at an appropriate location later. Here, we'll explore the basic setup options and the components required.

Basic Caravan Grey Water Setup Options

Grey Water Tank with Fittings: These tanks are designed to handle larger flow rates and have larger inlets and outlets to reduce blockages.

Shut-Off Valve: Essential for controlling the release of grey water.

Sullage Hose: Connects the tank to the drain point, ensuring proper waste water disposal.

An advantageous addition is the use of Camlock fittings, which are more secure and easier to attach compared to traditional fittings.

27mm Caravan Grey Water / Sullage Hose - 10m Roll

Extra Flexible 27mm Sullage Hose with 40mm Fittings - 5m Roll

Difference Between Fresh Water Tanks and Grey Water Tanks

Grey water tanks differ from fresh water tanks primarily in their design:

Larger Inlets/Outlets: Typically, grey water tanks have larger inlets and outlets to handle higher flow rates and reduce the risk of blockages.

Hose Size: It is recommended to use larger diameter hoses (32-38mm) on the inlet side to accommodate the flow from showers and sinks. The outlet side can use smaller hoses (25mm) since it can drain at it own rate / or the tank acts as a buffer in high flow situations. This is ideal as 25mm hose is more convenient to transport and set up.

Detailed Caravan Grey Water System Installation Guide

For instance, a standard 50L grey water tank comes equipped with a 1 1/2 inch (40mm) inlet and outlet. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting it up:

50 Litre Caravan Grey Water Tank Configuration — 50 Litre Caravan Grey Water Tank Setup

Inlet Side:

Use a 40mm to 32mm reducing bush.

Attach a 32mm director barb to connect the 32mm sullage hose from the shower and sinks.

Outlet Side:

Install a 40mm to 25mm reducing bush.

Attach a 25mm director barb.

Connect a length of hose to the barb and fit a shut-off valve at an easily accessible location on the edge of the van.

For a basic setup, when it's time to empty the tank, you can simply attach your sullage hose directly to the barb and open the valve. However, a more efficient option involves adding a small length of hose after the shut-off valve with a Camlock fitting attached. This setup offers several benefits

Caravan Sullage / Grey Water Hose With Camlock Connection — Caravan Sullage / Grey Water Hose Configuration with Camlock Fittings

Secure Connection: Camlock fittings provide a secure and reliable connection that won't accidentally disconnect.

Ease of Use: These fittings make it easier to connect and disconnect the sullage hose.

Reduced Risk of Damage: By using hose clamps and mounts on either side of the shut-off valve, the risk of damage is minimised.

Polypropylene Camlock Female with 25mm Barb

Caravan Grey Water Maintenance and Best Practices

To ensure your grey water system functions optimally, regular maintenance is crucial:

Inspect Hoses and Fittings: Regularly check for any leaks or wear and tear.

Clean the Tank: Periodically clean the grey water tank to prevent build-up and odors.

Use Biodegradable Products: Opt for biodegradable soaps and detergents to minimise environmental impact and keep your grey water tank clean.

Efficient grey water management is not only a requirement in many caravan parks and campgrounds but also a responsible practice that helps protect the environment. By using a properly installed grey water tank and following the guidelines provided, you can ensure a hassle-free and eco-friendly caravanning experience.