It's always a good idea to test your plumbing system for leaks when building out a custom van. This can help prevent any water damage and ensure that your system is working properly before you hit the road.
It's also a good idea to check for leaks periodically during your travels, especially after any significant jostling or movement of the van. By catching any leaks early, you can prevent them from causing more significant damage and ensure that your plumbing system remains in good working order.
Test your van plumbing early on in the conversion process
Testing your plumbing system for leaks before closing up walls is super important when building out a custom van. You want to make sure that all the fittings, pipes, and connections are still exposed and accessible so that you can identify any leaks or issues. The last thing you want is to close up the walls and then discover a leak later on that's caused water damage or mold growth.
By testing your plumbing system while everything is still exposed, you can make any necessary adjustments and ensure that everything is functioning properly. Plus, it'll give you peace of mind knowing that you won't have to deal with any potential headaches down the road.
So, in a nutshell, don't skip the plumbing test before closing up the walls! It's an essential step that can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
What are the main causes of leaks in a DIY plumbing system?
There are several factors that can cause leaks in a van's plumbing system, and it's essential to know what these factors are to prevent potential problems.
One of the most common causes of plumbing leaks in a DIY van build is poor installation - fortunately, this is a super avoidable problem. It's key to ensure that all components of the plumbing system are installed correctly and securely. This includes using the right tools and techniques to tighten fittings, connect pipes, and secure hoses. If everything is not installed correctly, you may end up with leaks over time, even if not immediately apparent when you finish the build.
Wear and tear is another factor that can cause plumbing leaks in a DIY van build. Over time, the constant vibrations and movement of the van can cause fittings to loosen and pipes to shift. This can create small leaks that may go unnoticed until they become more significant problems. This is why it's especially important to diligently check for leaks over time when living in the van, even if you don't see any at the time of build completion.
Using low-quality materials or components can also lead to plumbing leaks. When building a van, it may be tempting to cut corners and use cheaper materials to save money. However, using low-quality hoses, fittings, or pipes can result in leaks and other issues down the road. Plumbing isn't an area you want to overly cheap-out on given the high risk for damage to your entire build.
Another cause of plumbing leaks in a DIY van build is damage to the plumbing system. When building a van, there are many moving parts, and it's easy to accidentally damage something. For example, you may puncture a pipe or hose while installing a cabinet or other component. Even small cracks or holes can lead to leaks over time. Be careful when moving and finishing your build once hoses are installed. Given the tight space in a van, it may be tempting to pack stuff in tightly for storage around your pipes, pumps, etc. - but just be mindful of potential damage. Many people will create a wood box, or use sheathing to protect their plumbing lines and components.
In addition to these causes, frozen pipes can also be a significant factor in plumbing leaks in a DIY van build, especially if you're traveling in colder climates. When water freezes inside a pipe, it can expand and create pressure, causing the pipe to crack or burst. This can result in leaks and even significant water damage. To prevent frozen pipes, it's essential to properly insulate your plumbing system and keep your van's interior temperature above freezing. You can use insulation foam, heat tape, or other methods to keep your pipes and fittings from freezing. Additionally, you may want to consider using antifreeze in your plumbing system to prevent water from freezing.
What are the best ways to test plumbing / water system in a van build?
Properly installed and maintained plumbing is essential for a comfortable and functional van life experience. One of the biggest concerns when it comes to plumbing is leaks. A leaky plumbing system can cause water damage, create unpleasant odors, and pose health risks. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to test your plumbing for leaks before you hit the road.
Visual / Audial Leak Inspection
The first step in testing your plumbing system for leaks is to visually inspect all of the plumbing connections, pipes, and fixtures. This is a simple and straightforward method that can help you identify any obvious problems. Start by checking the water pump, faucets, water heater, water tanks, and any other components in your system. Look for any visible cracks, loose connections, or corrosion. Check the pipes for any signs of leaks or damage, such as water stains or discoloration. Pay attention to any musty or unpleasant odors, as these can be a sign of hidden leaks. For this method, simply turn on the water source and run it through the pipes, checking every single fitting for droplets of water (even on the thread sealant). You should run the water for several minutes at least, and even through the entire tank’s water capacity. You don’t want any evidence of water, because even a slight leak of a droplet or two can expand over time and become a serious problem. If you’re having trouble determining whether something is in fact leaking, or if you can’t reach (ex. the pipe is under a cabinet), put a dry paper towel under the fitting/pipe and let the water run - see if the paper towel comes out with any drops or moisture. In addition to checking visually with the water running, take a look through all of your fittings and pipes when the outlets are closed - meaning the pipes are fully pressurized. Check again after a few minutes, or even after a day to make sure there are no differences in your leak status.
Using a soapy solution to check for leaks in a DIY van build's plumbing system is a pretty simple process. All you need is some dish soap, water, and a spray bottle. Mix about one tablespoon of dish soap per cup of water in the spray bottle and shake it up to ensure the soap is thoroughly mixed. Then, turn off the water supply to your van's plumbing system and spray the solution onto all of the exposed plumbing components, including pipes, fittings, and connections. Next, turn the water supply back on and pressurize the plumbing system by turning on the water pump or city water connection. If there are any leaks in the system, bubbles will appear around the leak. Just turn off the water supply and make any necessary repairs if you find any leaks. You can use a pipe cutter and replacement fittings to fix any issues. It's a quick and easy way to check for leaks and ensure your plumbing system is working correctly.
Another strategy is to listen to your plumbing system. Do you hear any dipping? This would be an obvious sign of a leak, simply follow the noise to detect your problem. Another way, which can be incredibly useful to find leaks that may not be accessible or visible is to listen to your pump. Turn on the pump / water system, close all outlets (faucets, shower, etc.) so the plumbing lines are fully pressurized. Now listen - does your pump continue to cycle after a few minutes? If the pump frequently cycles (turns on to pump water), this is a sign that you might have a leak (or your pump’s internal mechanics have worn) and should absolutely investigate further.
Visual and audial methods are the most straightforward and realistic for most DIY van builders. You should feel confident in your system after completing basic visual and audio checks across your entire system, but make sure to conduct on a semi-frequent basis. Often, you won’t need to do much more than visual / audial checks over a few days, but below we’ll suggest a few other options in case you’d like to go above and beyond.
Pressure Testing
Pressure testing is another effective strategy for identifying leaks in your plumbing system. This method involves pressurizing your system by adding air or water, then monitoring the pressure for several hours. If there is a drop in pressure, it indicates that there may be a leak somewhere in the system. You can then use a soapy water solution to locate the source of the leak, as the bubbles will indicate where the air or water is escaping from.
To pressure test your plumbing system, start by turning off all water sources and appliances. Then, use a pressure gauge or your pump to fully pressurize your system. You can do this by adding air to the system with a compressor or filling the system with water. Monitor the pressure for several hours, and if the pressure drops, there may be a leak. Use a soapy water solution to locate the source of the leak. Apply the solution to all of the plumbing connections, pipes, and fixtures, and look for bubbles to appear. The bubbles will indicate where the air or water is escaping from, allowing you to identify the source of the leak.
This method, when using a pressure gauge, isn’t always as straightforward or quick to do as basic visual or audial approaches - but it is effective. It may be overkill for some van builds and water systems, but worth considering.
Thermal Imaging
Finally, thermal imaging is a high-tech method for detecting leaks in your plumbing system, and likely more sophisticated than necessary for most van builds. This method involves using a thermal imaging camera to detect temperature changes caused by water leaks. You can use this technology to quickly identify any leaks in your plumbing system.
To use thermal imaging to detect leaks in your plumbing system, start by turning on all of your water sources and appliances. Wait a few minutes to allow the system to reach operating temperature. Then, use a thermal imaging camera to scan all of the plumbing connections, pipes, and fixtures. Look for any areas where the temperature is significantly lower than the surrounding areas, as this can indicate a leak. Again, probably far too involved for nearly all van builds, but worth knowing there is another solution out there if you’re desperate.