How to Protect Your Campervan Water System During Freezing Weather

Ireland doesn’t get extreme winters very often, but when temperatures suddenly drop, a campervan water system can be vulnerable to freezing. Even one cold night can cause pipes to crack, pumps to fail, or tanks to split if the water inside freezes and expands.

The good news is that with a few simple steps, you can protect your campervan and avoid costly repairs. Here’s how to manage your water system when snow or ice is on the way.

1. Drain the Fresh Water Tank

If your van is going to be parked up for a few days in low temperatures, the safest thing you can do is drain the fresh water tank. Most VW Transporter conversions have an under-seat tank or a removable jerry can system, both of which are easy to empty.

A nearly empty tank is far less likely to freeze, and if any water does turn to ice, there’s enough room for expansion without damaging the tank.

2. Drain the Waste Tank

Grey water freezes even faster than fresh water. If you have an underslung waste tank, make sure it is fully emptied before temperatures drop. Freezing waste water can cause blockages, split pipes, or cracks in the tank itself.

3. Run the Taps Dry

After draining, turn on your tap and run the pump until it begins to spit air. This clears the water lines and stops water sitting in the pipes, where it can freeze and put pressure on the fittings.

If you have a mixer tap, run it on both hot and cold positions to clear the full line.

4. Remove the Water Pump Filter Cap

Most 12v pumps have a small filter on the side that traps debris. Twist off this clear cap and empty any water trapped inside. This is one of the first parts to freeze and can crack if left full.

5. Leave Cupboard Doors Open

If your water system runs inside cupboards or behind panels, leave those doors open when the van is parked. Allowing warm air to circulate can help prevent cold pockets that freeze faster.

This is especially useful if your kitchen unit sits against the outer wall of the van.

6. Use a Portable Water Container in Winter

If you plan to take short winter trips, consider using a simple portable water container instead of filling the full tank.This means:

• Less water at risk of freezing

• Easy to bring inside overnight if temperatures drop

• No need to drain the whole system every time

  
  

It’s a simple winter solution that keeps things running without taking chances.

7. Protect Exterior Water Pipes

If your conversion has exterior pipework feeding an underslung tank, these areas freeze first. Adding insulation around these pipes can make a noticeable difference.

Self-sealing pipe insulation is cheap, readily available, and takes only a few minutes to install.

8. Never Use Antifreeze in a Camper Water System

It’s worth saying clearly. Household antifreeze is toxic and cannot be used anywhere in your fresh or waste water system. The only safe approach is draining your system fully and keeping it dry during cold spells.

9. Do a Quick Winter Check Before Every Trip

If the weather is cold, spend two minutes doing this:

• Check the tank levels

• Turn the pump on and run a little water through

• Listen for the pump operating normally

• Make sure pipes are flexible, not stiff with ice

  
  

Catching freezing early can prevent major damage.

10. If Something Does Freeze

Do not apply direct heat. Use slow, gentle warmth only. A small fan heater placed inside the van for 20 minutes is enough to thaw pipes safely without risking damage.

If you suspect a split pipe or leaking pump, avoid running the system until it can be repaired.

Final Thoughts

Winter shouldn’t stop you enjoying your campervan, but freezing temperatures do need a bit of extra care. By draining the system, clearing the pipes, and keeping things dry, you can prevent most cold-weather issues and keep your campervan ready for your next trip.

If you are unsure where to find drains or how your particular system is set up, get in touch. Every Trekvana conversion is built with easy winter maintenance in mind, and I’m happy to guide you through it.