Frequently Asked Questions

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Campervan Sink FAQ 

Shopping for a campervan sink? Here are the questions people ask most before buying  with clear, practical answers.

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1) What size sink is best for a campervan?

Most van builders choose a compact bowl that gives decent capacity without stealing worktop space (often suited to 400–500 mm base units). We offer three sizes:

• Mini: rinse a mug, wash hands, brush teeth, fill a kettle, tip out waste water

• Midi: everything Mini does, plus washing up plates, pans and pots up to ~30 cm

• Maxi: 34 cm+ bowl for larger items and more capacity — great for busy galleys

If space is tight, a round bowl + chopping-board lid is a popular combo.

2) Do I need a sink–hob combination unit?

No. Many builders prefer a separate sink and hob because it gives more flexible layouts and often more usable worktop space.
If you want a good standalone hob option, we recommend the Thetford Topline 922 (secure pan supports designed for travel).

3) How does a campervan sink drain?

Most campervan sinks drain into either:

• a portable grey-water container (we sell 10 L containers), or

• an underslung waste tank

You can also route the hose outside to a container placed beside the van. For best drainage and fewer smells, keep the hose run short and maintain a continuous downward fall (avoid dips/sags).

4) What waste sizes are common on campervans?

Common UK campervan waste hose is often 25–28 mm.
Our sinks use standard caravan fittings and we stock 28 mm flexible waste pipe. Always check the product spec for your bowl before ordering.

5) Which tap and pump should I choose: micro-switched or pressure pump?

• Micro-switched tap + submersible pump: simple, affordable, ideal for smaller tanks. The tap switch turns the pump on/off.

• Pressure pump system: more “household-like” flow, best for larger tanks and hot-water setups.

If you’re not running hot water, our tap kit options are a straightforward solution.

6) Can I fit a household sink in a van?

You can, but household sinks are often heavier and not particularly compact, may need different wastes, be very deep and can be less forgiving in a moving vehicle.
Our RV/campervan sinks are designed to save space, use less water to fill, and are made from high-grade melamine — lightweight and well-suited to life on the road.

7) Stainless, plastic or ceramic — which material lasts best in a van?

• Stainless steel can scratch and often needs upkeep to stay looking “new.”

• Ceramic looks great but can be heavy and more prone to chipping.

• Melamine is durable, lightweight, shatter-resistant and easy to keep looking good — ideal for campervans, boats, glamping builds and more.

8) Do sinks come with the tap, waste and pump?

It varies by listing. Some bowls include a waste/strainer, while bundles and kits can include tap, pump, inlets/outlets, and pipework.
All sinks and tap kits can be added to your order — check the product page or browse our bundles and accessories.

9) How do I stop sink smells?

• Avoid sags in the waste hose

• Keep a steady downward fall to the tank

• Empty grey water regularly

• Rinse through occasionally with warm soapy water

10) Are glass-lid sink/hob combos worth it?

In our experience, not usually. Glass lids can be prone to breaking, and combo units can be awkward when you want to cook, prep and use the sink at the same time. They can also take up more space than needed.

11) What accessories should I buy with my sink?

Common add-ons include:

• Chopping-board lid (great for extra worktop space)

• Micro-switched tap

• Submersible pump or pressure pump

• Rechargeable/battery tap

• Waste kit (25–28 mm / 28 mm setups)

• 10 L grey-water container

12) Any installation tips before I cut the worktop?

• Dry-fit everything first

• Confirm tap clearance and any lid/chopping board height

• Leave room underneath for waste routing

• Keep the waste run short with a continuous fall

• If wiring a 12 V system, use an inline fuse and follow pump/tap guidance

• Measure twice — you can always cut bigger, not smaller

Melamine Sinks: Material, Care & Safety

What are the advantages of melamine?

1. Durable and shatter-resistant: tough, conversion-friendly, and designed to handle everyday knocks

2. Premium finish: smooth, high-gloss, porcelain-style look

3. Easy to clean: non-porous surface helps resist staining

4. Food-safe & BPA-free: our sinks are BPA-free and made from high-grade melamine used for kitchenware when used as intended

What exactly is melamine?

Melamine is a nitrogen-rich compound used to make melamine resin, a strong, lightweight, shatter-resistant material widely used in kitchenware.

How do I clean melamine?

• Use warm soapy water or mild detergent

• Avoid abrasive cleaners and wire wool (they can scratch)

• For stubborn marks, a gentle “magic eraser” style sponge can help (it works like ultra-fine sanding on tough spots)

Can you pour hot water into the sink?

Yes — normal hot water use is fine.
As with most surfaces in a small kitchen, avoid placing very hot pans straight from the hob directly onto the sink.

Can these sinks be used in a house (not just campervans)?

Yes. They’re also suitable for domestic homes, outdoor kitchens, narrowboats, glamping bathrooms, and other compact spaces.

What waste size do they use?

Our waste trap works with a 28 mm pipe system. We can supply an adaptor for 1¼" or provide a bespoke domestic waste plug on request.

How do I fit them?

Because the sinks are lightweight, a high-quality contact adhesive is often all you need for a surface-mount install. For best results:

• lightly key (scratch) the underside with fine sandpaper

• clean and dry both surfaces before applying adhesive

Inset and under-counter mounting can also be done — just plan tap/lid clearances and waste routing in advance.
For a full walkthrough, see our installation blog.

How do I fit 12 V and rechargeable tap systems?

• 12 V systems: pair your tap with a suitable pump, use food-grade hose, and fit an inline fuse

• Rechargeable taps: no hard-wiring — charge, connect to your fresh/grey containers, and go

If you’re unsure, a qualified installer can help.

Need help choosing?

Browse our campervan sinks (compact, colourful & conversion-friendly).
If you want help sizing or plumbing, message us and we’ll match a bowl, tap and waste kit to your layout.

Returns: available within 30 days of order — contact shopvanporium@gmail.com for details.

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