Why Caravan Taps Matter

Caravan taps look like household mixers, however they are engineered for a different job. Weight is kept down to help towing, cartridges and aerators are tuned for lower pressure from 12 V pumps, and mounting hardware suits thinner benches and compact sinks. Using a heavy household mixer often leads to stiff action, poor flow, or leaks because it expects high mains pressure and rigid cabinetry.

Flow is the big difference. Your 12 V pump may deliver 6–12 L/min at modest pressure. A purpose built caravan mixer opens smoothly and provides a steady stream without wasting water, which keeps tank use in check and makes daily washing easier.

Browse purpose built options: Caravan taps and water filters | Plumbing fittings and accessories

Caravan Tap Types

Mixer taps

Single-lever mixers dominate modern vans because they offer easy temperature control in a compact footprint. If you rinse large pots, choose extra spout clearance. The High Rise Chrome Mixer Tap gives useful height without crowding a small bowl, which keeps splashing down and makes washing simpler in shallow sinks.

Folding and compact taps

For pop-tops and slim galleys with glass lids, a folding tap lets the lid close flat, creating extra bench space while travelling. Check the technical drawing for spout reach and height, since a reach that is too short makes it hard to rinse cookware, and a reach that is too long can splash on small bowls.

Hand-pump taps

Manual pumps work without power and are very water efficient. They suit minimal builds or as a backup in remote travel, although they are slower in day-to-day use. For most family vans, a compact mixer paired with a reliable 12 V pump remains the best balance of convenience and control.

Fitment tip: confirm bench thickness and cut-out size before ordering. Reinforce thin benchtops with a backing plate, which prevents flex that loosens nuts and causes leaks over time.

Water Quality on the Road

Australian water sources vary. Tourist parks usually supply treated mains, country towns may have mineral-heavy bore water, and off-grid stops can mean rainwater or creeks. Sediment is common, chlorine taste is frequent in towns, and microbes are the concern in remote areas. You do not need a lab test for every fill. You need a simple plan that stops grit entering tanks and improves what comes out of the tap.

Think in two stages. First, keep the big stuff out of the system at fill time. Second, polish taste and odour at the sink. An inline hose filter at fill points protects tanks and pumps from grit, and an under-sink cartridge delivers reliable drinking water daily. This approach reduces wear on pump seals, prevents aerators clogging, and makes the kitchen nicer to use.

Filter Types Explained

Inline hose filters

Inline filters connect at the hose when you fill tanks or hook up at a park. They catch sediment before it reaches plumbing, which protects pumps and keeps fine cartridges working longer. They are fast to fit, inexpensive to replace, and ideal if you move between many sites.

Under-sink filters

Under-sink cartridges sit inside cabinetry and supply filtered water at the tap. Carbon blocks reduce chlorine and odours, and you can pair a sediment pre-filter if you often fill from dusty sources. The neat install avoids clutter on the bench, and cartridge swaps are straightforward if you leave hand room under the housing.

Tap and filter kits

Matched kits combine a mixer with a dedicated cartridge and fittings, so flow and connections work together out of the box. A proven option is the Puretec Black Chrome Mixer Tap and Filter Kit, which pairs a compact mixer with reliable filtration in one tidy package.

Two-stage tip: use an inline filter on the hose to keep sediment out of tanks, then an under-sink carbon block for taste at the tap. Cartridges last longer, and taste stays consistent.

Comparison Table

Spotlight: Tap & Filter Kit

When you want dependable filtration and a clean look, a matched kit is the straightforward choice. The Puretec Black Chrome Mixer Tap and Filter Kit pairs a compact mixer with a cartridge that is tuned for low pressure caravan systems. It keeps installation neat, balances flow with taste improvement, and makes ongoing cartridge changes simple.

Installation and Safety

Good installs prevent leaks and make maintenance easy. Confirm bench thickness and cut-out size, reinforce thin benches with a backing plate, and avoid flex around the tap base. Match thread types and diameters, then keep a small kit of adapters, PTFE tape, spare olives, and washers in the van. If you connect to mains at parks, add a pressure reducer to protect hoses, tap seals, and filter housings.

Mount under-sink cartridges vertically unless the manufacturer allows otherwise, and leave enough room to unscrew the sump without removing the whole unit. After fitting a new cartridge, flush until water runs clear and neutral in taste. For electrical safety when working near pumps, turn the pump off at the switch, relieve pressure by opening the tap, then start connections.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fitting a heavy household mixer. It may look stylish, however it expects high pressure and rigid benches. Leaks and frustrating flow are common results.

Skipping the inline filter. Sediment enters tanks and clogs aerators. Stopping grit at the hose reduces wear and keeps taste consistent at the sink.

Choosing a cartridge that is too fine without a pre-filter. Very fine ratings restrict flow in 12 V systems. Use a sediment stage first if you travel dusty roads.

Poor access to cartridges. If you have to empty a cupboard to reach the housing, you will delay changes. Mount where hands fit easily.

Using garden hoses for drinking water. Food-grade hoses prevent plastic taste and are easier to keep clean.

Real-World Examples

Weekend coastal trips. You mainly fill at parks, so an under-sink carbon block keeps taste consistent. A compact mixer provides smooth control at low pressure. Carry spare washers and an adapter kit for unfamiliar taps at holiday parks.

Outback loop with bore water. Use an inline hose filter at every fill to keep mineral grit and dust out of tanks. Pair it with an under-sink sediment plus carbon setup. Expect to swap the sediment stage more often on corrugations.

Full-time travel and free camping. Run the two-stage approach, keep a spare inline cartridge, and sanitise tanks between long legs. Choose a high-rise mixer for easier pot washing in shallow sinks, and match cartridges to your pump’s rated flow, so dishes do not become a chore.

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