While not the most riveting subject in the realm of RVing, RV water filtration is undeniably crucial. It’s vital to grasp the purpose of water filters, their operational mechanics, and the necessity of having them to ensure the safety of both you and your RV!
Exploring RV Water Filters
Water is a basic necessity, yet it often goes unnoticed. Turn on the faucet at home, and you’ll have access to potable water for drinking, cooking, and brewing your daily coffee.
Most cities treat and guarantee the safety of their drinking water supply. In some cases, individuals opt to include filters to enhance the taste of treated water. Nevertheless, the treated water is generally safe for direct consumption right from the tap.
When RVing, having access to treated water is not always a given. This can lead to water that is unsuitable for drinking and can result in problems for your RV.
An effortless solution is to integrate an RV water filter into your RV water delivery system. Similar to how you might have a filter in your primary water supply at home or below your sink, the setup in RVs is analogous.
RV water filters offer a layer of defense by purifying incoming water. They present a simple do-it-yourself addition to any RV.
Canister-style circular filters enclosed within a plastic casing direct water through the filter (or filters in certain cases), and into the RV water conduits. The typical installation spot is between the water-supply connection and the inlet for the water supply into your RV.
Water Filter Operation Mechanism
Typically, you affix the filter to your water distribution hose as your RV lacks a permanently installed water supply system. Canister-style round filters housed in plastic containers guide water through the filter (or multiple filters in some scenarios), and into your RV’s water conduits.
The great news is that it’s incredibly straightforward and won’t consume much additional time during your standard setup routine.
By definition, a filter is a permeable device for extracting impurities or solid particles from a fluid or gas that traverses it. In most instances, you attach the filter to your water supply hose given that your RV doesn’t feature a permanently plumbed water supply. Generating “soft water” is an added advantage that we’ll delve into further shortly.
You should verify what is and isn’t filtered for your specific needs because filters differ in functionality.
Typically, the internal workings of RV water filters can only truly be observed at a microscopic level. This isn’t a feature from Popular Science magazine, so we’ll simplify it.
Water filters halt sediment simply by having pores too minuscule for the sediment to pass through. Carbon filters are most frequently utilized for eliminating chlorine, other chemicals, and heavy minerals. They essentially soak up any pollutants and odors as the water flows through.
The removal of substances like calcium, magnesium, and fluoride isn’t a strong suit for basic water filters. This duty falls more onto reverse-osmosis systems and water softeners. Nonetheless, water filters can mitigate the impact of hard water on your RV’s plumbing to some extent.
Soft Water Versus Hard Water
Soft and hard might seem like unconventional terms to characterize water. Nevertheless, these designations are fitting and you’ve likely encountered them before.
Hard water contains a higher concentration of heavy minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Consequently, these minerals can accumulate and create complications with water lines and plumbing fixtures.
In contrast, soft water harbors fewer of these troublesome minerals. Generally speaking, softer water is more advantageous for your RV. However, some individuals find that excessively soft water leaves a filmy sensation on hair and skin. Overly soft water typically isn’t problematic for RV usage as the water filters won’t eradicate every element.
Ease of Installation
Mounting a water filter on your RV isn’t a task necessitating a scheduled appointment. In truth, it’s a process you’ll manage independently each time you arrange your RV.
In most scenarios, installation is as straightforward as affixing the water hose to the filter assembly, inspecting for leaks, and that’s it!
You may wonder where the water filter should be situated on your RV. Rather than being fixed directly to the RV, it’s connected in line with the water-supply hose and water-pressure regulator.
A typical arrangement resembles this:
- The water-pressure regulator links to the water supply (campground pedestal).
- The RV water hose connects to the water-pressure regulator.
- The RV water filter is joined to the RV water hose before the connection to the RV.
- The RV water hose is interconnected between the filter and the external water inlet on the RV.
In instances of multiple filter systems, a stand supporting the two or three filters will be positioned on the ground, near the RV, with similar connections.
one spigot. RV producers run distinct water lines throughout RVs, so placing a filter before the water enters the RV safeguards everything. That being said, some individuals do opt for an extra filter for the galley spout for added protection.
What Is the Cost of RV Water Filters?
Even better news! RV water filters are quite affordable. Plus, you’re also elongating the lifespan of the plumbing system and components like spigots.
A typical solitary filtration system can be acquired at any RV vendor or online for roughly $20–$30. This is a cost-effective safeguard for your RV and absolutely worthwhile for ensuring fresh drinking water.
If you decide to splurge and invest in a multi-stage system with purification for viruses and bacteria, you could dish out up to $500. For full-time RV enthusiasts, this expense is likely justified. Weekend adventurers and occasional RVers, on the other hand, usually find single filters to be sufficient.
Is a Water Filter for Your RV Truly Necessary?
In my view, RV water filters are a necessity, along with a water-pressure limiter and a potable water hose. The expense is minimal, the setup is straightforward, and you and your RV are shielded from any harmful substances that might be present in the water source.
If you are a wilderness camper or often camp without utility hookups, having an external water filter won’t serve you well. It’s essential to ensure you fill your RV tanks with clean water, utilize water treatments, and keep your RV’s tanks spotless.
You have the choice of filtering the water while filling the tank or setting up a filter at your spigots if you want to be extra cautious. In addition to using safe water, we should all strive to conserve water while RVing. Safe water is a necessity for everyone—and a water filter is the finest means to ensure you’re receiving exactly that.