The Pros and Cons of Using a USB Water Pump for Vanlife – find the right solution for you

To see if installing a USB water pump and tap is right for your build, it’s important to understand the alternatives, along with the pros and cons for each.

Alternatives to a USB water pump in a campervan

A USB water tap is a convenient option for providing running water in a campervan, but there are alternative options available as well. Here are a few examples:

Hand Pump:

A hand pump is a manual pump that can be used to draw water from a water storage tank or container. It requires no electricity or battery power and is a simple and reliable option for a campervan.

Foot Pump:

Similar to a hand pump, a foot pump is a manual pump that is operated by foot. This can be a convenient option for those who want to conserve their arm strength and prefer to use their feet to pump water.

Electric Water Pump:

An electric water pump can be installed in a campervan and connected to a 12-volt power source. It can provide a constant flow of water and is a good option for those who want to use an electric pump instead of a manual one.

These are often combined with taps that have a microswitch on them, meaning when you turn on the tap, the switch connects and power is fed to the pump making it start pumping.

Gravity-Fed Water System:

A gravity-fed water system is a simple system that uses gravity to supply water to a sink or faucet.

This can be achieved by something as simple as placing a water container at a higher elevation than the faucet, allowing gravity to do the work of moving water, or it can incorporate a gravity fed water filter too enabling you to be completely off grid and filter your own stream and rainwater.

Pros and Cons of Handpumps in a Campervan

Handpumps are a common option for water systems in campervans. While they have some advantages, they also have some drawbacks that may not be suitable for all types of people.

One of the biggest advantages of a handpump is its simplicity. It does not require electricity or complicated plumbing, making it an ideal solution for remote locations or off-the-grid adventures.

Additionally, it is relatively inexpensive to install and maintain, which makes it a practical choice for those on a budget.

However, for those who value convenience, a handpump may not be the best option. It requires manual labour to operate, which can be challenging for those with physical limitations.

This is especially true if the campervan is being used by older adults or individuals with disabilities.

The capacity and flow rate of a handpump is typically limited, so it may not be ideal for larger groups or longer trips where water needs are higher.

Another consideration is hygiene. Handpumps require frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. This may be a concern for those who are more germ-conscious or have health conditions that require extra precautions.

Pros and Cons of Footpumps in a Campervan

A footpump is an alternative to a handpump for water systems in campervans. While it has some advantages, it also has some drawbacks that may not be suitable for all types of people.

One of the advantages of a footpump is that it does not require manual labor with the hands, which can be helpful for individuals who have physical limitations or disabilities.

Using the foot to pump water allows for greater accessibility and ease of use, particularly for older adults or those with hand injuries. Additionally, footpumps generally have a higher water capacity compared to handpumps, making them more practical for larger groups or longer trips.

However, footpumps may not be as convenient as other options, particularly for those who prefer a hands-free water system.

Operating a footpump requires more space in the campervan, which may not be ideal for those with limited room. The storage space beneath the sink will be reduced due to the space needed to fit the pump.

Another consideration is hygiene. Like handpumps, footpumps require frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. However, the location of the footpump may make it more challenging to clean, which can be a concern for those who prioritize hygiene.

Pros and Cons of using a 12v electric water pump and micro switched tap in a Campervan

A 12v electric water pump and micro switched tap is another option for a water system in campervans. While it has some advantages, it also has some drawbacks that may not be suitable for all types of people.

One of the advantages of an electric water pump and micro switched tap is convenience. Just turning on the tap completes the circuit and the water gets pumped through.

This system allows for a choice of tap designs, which may be important from an aesthetic viewpoint but also if the users have physical limitations or disabilities.

Additionally, the electric water pump provides consistent water pressure, making it more practical for larger groups or longer trips.

Another advantage is hygiene. The micro switched tap provides a more sanitary option compared to handpumps or footpumps, as it minimizes the risk of contamination. 12 v pumps are typically sealed units and are reliably hygienic as long as your water tank is clean.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. First, this system requires electricity, which involves the installation of a leisure or house battery and all associated wiring which can be quite complicated if yoiu’re not DIY minded.

It is also more expensive to install and maintain compared to handpumps or footpumps, which may be a concern for those on a budget. Alongside this concern, the electric water pump may be more challenging to repair or replace compared to manual pumps, which can be a concern for those who prioritize self-sufficiency.

In conclusion, the decision to use a 12v electric water pump and micro switched tap in a campervan depends on the needs and preferences of the user. For those who prioritize convenience and hygiene, this system may be a practical solution.

Pros and Cons of using a gravity fed water system in a campervan

A gravity-fed water system is a simple and cost-effective option for water systems in campervans. While it has some advantages, it also has some drawbacks that may not be suitable for all types of people.

One of the advantages of a gravity-fed water system is simplicity. This system does not require electricity, pumps, or other complicated equipment, which can be helpful for those on a budget or those who prioritize simplicity. Additionally, it is easy to install and maintain, making it a practical option for those who prefer a hands-on approach.

Another advantage is reliability. This system does not rely on electricity or mechanical parts, which reduces the risk of failure and makes it more practical for remote locations or off-the-grid adventures.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. First, a gravity-fed water system is dependent on gravity, which may limit the amount of water pressure and flow rate. This can be a concern for those who prioritize consistent water pressure or have larger groups.

This can also make it difficult to refill as the water needs to be lifted higher, or a heavy container needs to be lifted above the sink area.

Another consideration is hygiene. Like other water systems, gravity-fed water systems require frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Additionally, this system may be more challenging to sanitize compared to other systems, which can be a concern for those who prioritize hygiene.

Pros and Cons of using a USB tap in a campervan

A USB tap is a unique and innovative option for water systems in campervans. While it has some advantages, it also has some drawbacks that may not be suitable for all types of people.

One of the advantages of a USB tap is convenience. This system allows for wire-free installation and can be easily charged via USB, which can be helpful for those who prioritize convenience or have physical limitations or disabilities.

Additionally, the USB tap is a space-saving solution that is practical for smaller campervans or those with limited space.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. First, the USB tap is dependent on the availability of a USB port or charging station, which may not always be practical or accessible in remote locations or off-the-grid adventures, unless you’ve installed your own system.

Additionally, the USB tap may have a limited battery life, which can be a concern for those who prioritize extended trips or those who frequently use the tap.

Another consideration is durability. The USB tap may not be as durable as other water systems and may require more frequent replacement or repair, which can be a concern for those who prioritize self-sufficiency.