How to Get Running Water in a Campervan Without 12V Wiring
An easy, beginner-friendly campervan sink and water system with no complicated electrics and minimal tools required.
Building your first campervan is exciting, but installing a sink and running water can feel daunting when you start reading about 12V pumps, leisure batteries, wiring and plumbing.
The good news? You don't need to understand 12V electrics or have advanced DIY skills to install a simple running water system in your campervan.
We've put together a USB rechargeable tap and water kit designed to make the job straightforward, even for first time van builders.
How Can You Have Running Water Without 12V Wiring?
Traditional campervan water systems often use a pump connected to the vehicle's 12V electrical system.
Our rechargeable tap works differently. It has its own battery, which you charge using a USB cable.
There's no need to wire a water pump into your campervan. Simply charge the tap, connect it to your fresh water container and enjoy running water. It's a practical option for weekend campers, small van conversions and anyone who wants to keep their build simple.
What's Included in Our Rechargeable Tap and Water Kit?
We've brought the main components together so you don't have to work out which pipes and containers to buy separately. Shop here
The kit includes:
USB rechargeable tap in 3 colours Black / Green / White
Worktop mount that holds the tap securely but allows easy removal
Clear pipe for the fresh-water supply
Waste pipe for used water
Two water containers, available in either 5-litre or 10-litre sizes
One container holds fresh water and the other collects waste water.
Pair the kit with one of our lightweight campervan sinks for a practical running-water setup.
Installing Your Campervan Sink Can Be Surprisingly Simple
You don't necessarily need specialist tools or complicated plumbing to fit one of our sinks. Follow our How to install guide
For suitable installations, fitting the basin can be as simple as cutting a 110mm diameter hole in your worktop and securing the sink with contact adhesive.
That's it — no elaborate sink frame or heavy ceramic basin to accommodate.
Depending on your worktop and sink model, you may only need basic measuring equipment, a suitable hole-cutting tool and the correct adhesive.
Always check the dimensions and fitting instructions for your chosen sink before cutting your worktop, and ensure the adhesive is compatible with both the sink material and worktop surface.
It's a straightforward approach that's especially appealing if you're tackling your first DIY campervan conversion.
A Secure Tap That You Can Remove to Charge at Home
Our rechargeable tap comes with a practical worktop mounting solution.
The mount holds the tap in position during use, but you can easily remove the tap whenever it needs charging.
Before a trip, simply take it indoors, charge it using USB and pop it back into its mount.
No permanent electrical connection, and no need to charge it inside your van.
How to Set Up Your Campervan Running Water
Once you've chosen your sink and planned where everything will go, the process is simple:
Fit your sink. For compatible installations, cut the required 110mm diameter worktop opening and secure the basin using suitable contact adhesive.
Install the tap mount. Position it on your worktop so the tap can reach the sink comfortably.
Position your containers. Use one for fresh water and the other for waste water, securing both appropriately.
Connect the pipes. Connect the clear pipe to the fresh-water supply and the waste pipe to the sink drainage.
Charge and position your tap. Charge it using USB, place it in the mount and connect the water supply.
Test the system. Check the tap, connections and waste pipe for leaks before travelling. Check out our Install video
And you're ready to go — running water without wiring a pump into your campervan's 12V electrics.
Why Choose a Lightweight Melamine Sink?
Weight and durability matter when you're building a campervan.
Our colourful BPA-free melamine sinks are lightweight and durable, offering a practical alternative to heavier ceramic bowl sinks that can chip or crack.
Their compact sizes also help make the most of limited worktop space.
And because smaller bowls require less water to fill than larger ones, they can be useful when you're travelling with a limited fresh-water supply.
Choose from our Mini, Midi, Maxi and Copper ranges to find a sink that suits your layout and style.
Is This Setup Right for Your Campervan?
Our rechargeable tap and sink combination is particularly useful if you're:
Building your first campervan
Looking for running water without 12V wiring
Converting a small van with limited kitchen space
Trying to keep your build lightweight
Looking for a water system with minimal installation complexity
Planning weekend trips and wanting to charge your tap at home
A conventional 12V pump may be more suitable for larger installations or multiple water outlets, but for a simple campervan sink, a rechargeable system can be an excellent alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a campervan sink myself?
Yes. For suitable Little Vanporium sink installations, you may only need to cut a 110mm diameter hole in the worktop and secure the basin using a compatible contact adhesive. Check the specific sink's fitting requirements before starting.
Do I need specialist tools to fit the sink?
Not necessarily. A suitable hole-cutting tool, basic measuring equipment and compatible adhesive may be sufficient for a straightforward installation.
Do I need 12V electrics for running water?
No. Our USB rechargeable tap operates using its own battery and doesn't need to be wired into your campervan's 12V electrical system.
What comes in the rechargeable tap kit?
A USB rechargeable tap, removable worktop mounting solution, clear fresh-water pipe, waste pipe and two containers, available in either 5-litre or 10-litre sizes.
Can I charge the tap at home?
Yes. Remove it from its worktop mount, charge it indoors using USB and return it to the mount before your trip.
Campervan Running Water Made Simple
You don't need to be an electrician or an experienced campervan builder to create a practical sink setup.
With a lightweight Little Vanporium sink, a simple worktop cut-out and our USB rechargeable tap kit, adding running water to your campervan can be surprisingly straightforward.
Minimal tools. No 12V tap wiring. A removable rechargeable tap. And the main water-system components supplied together.
Explore our colourful campervan sinks and rechargeable tap kits at The Little Vanporium.
Always check the fitting requirements for your specific sink, worktop, adhesive and tap kit before installation.
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