The Role of Water Filters in Protecting Your Caravan's Plumbing and Boiler System

No matter how basic a set up you have for your static caravan, the one thing you’ll always need is water; and the one thing you’ll always want to avoid is caravan boiler problems.

If your static caravan is situated in a hard water area you’re definitely going to need specialist water filters for caravans and motorhomes.

Installing a specialist water filter means you’ll avoid static caravan boiler problems.

In this article we’ll concentrate on how static caravan and motorhome owners can remove limescale from caravan pipes and future proof a caravans internal plumbing system against costly breakdowns. 

The role of water filters in protecting caravan plumbing

A caravan anti limescale device will prevent limescale in caravan cold water pipes.

Limescale is caused when levels of calcium and magnesium in the source water are high.

Water hardness in the UK is measured in parts per million (ppm) and levels vary depending on where in the UK your static caravan is situated.

Moderately hard water has a reading of 101-200 ppm. Very hard water has a reading of 276+ ppm.

Understanding the differences between hard and soft water is important when it comes to answering the question ‘do I need a water filter in my caravan’? 

Limescale appears in places that you’d rather it didn’t, such as on shower screens and shower heads, around plugs and the end of taps, in your kettle, or in your caravan water heater.

Over time, limescale has the potential to destroy any appliances in your caravan that water flows through.

Protecting your boiler system with water filters

Hard water isn’t a problem, but the limescale that hard water creates can be a major problem.

When it comes to preventing limescale in caravan cold water pipes, there are 2 main types of water filter media to consider.

• The first is food grade polyphosphate crystals that are inserted into the middle of a carbon block water filter cartridge and held in place with plastic retainer clips. (insert picture).
  The phosphate is released gradually into the water where is combines with the calcium and magnesium, forming a stable compound that inhibits limescale formation. This is called the sequestration method. The sequestration method is an effective caravan limescale device that works reasonably well in areas that have slightly hard to moderately hard water.
• The second is Template Assisted Crystallisation (TAC). TAC is our fastest growing method for combatting the negative effects of limescale in static caravans.
  Hard water flows into a cartridge that contains white sand like media. This media circulates with the water, interacting with the dissolved carbonates. The hard ions (calcium and magnesium) are attracted to the media’s crystallisation sites, forming microscopic crystals that detach from the media and flow through the pipes instead of sticking to them.

If you prefer a visual explanation, then this video will help.

Using TAC as part of a caravan water filter set up works extremely well in moderately hard to very hard water areas.

Choosing the right water filter for your caravan

Now that we’ve covered the two types of media that can be used to remove limescale from static caravans, it’s now down to choosing the right water filter that’s going to solve the limescale problems you’re experiencing.

Let’s help you narrow it down with this list of key factors to consider:

How hard is the water coming into your static caravan?

If your water is moderately hard (101-200 ppm / 100-199.64 mg/l) you may be OK with a caravan water filter that uses polyphosphate crystals such as our Pearl hard water filter.  Or to treat all water in your static caravan (including the caravan’s water heater / boiler), the Moby hard water filter.

For hard to very hard water (201-276+ ppm / 200-275+ mg/l), the Pearl Oneflow hard water filter will be more capable at treating limescale. Or to treat all water in your static caravan (including the caravan’s water heater / boiler), the Moby OneFlow hard water filter.

The caravan water filters we’ve mentioned above will treat hard water only.

We do supply even bigger hard water filters, but that normally requires a conversation with ourselves about what exactly your needs are.

If you wish to remove any other contaminants during the filtration process, you can add other stages.

We supply multiple water filter configurations, and we recommend you get in touch so we can come up with the best solution for you. 

Where are you going to install the caravan or motorhome water filter?

The Pearl drinking water filters and Moby mains water filters we’ve suggested above almost always get installed in the cupboard under the sink.

If this wouldn’t work with your existing caravan set up, you can install the larger water filter systems in a lagged box on the outside of your caravan or motorhome.

Choosing the right size of caravan water filter

The vast majority of our static caravan customers find that the limescale water filters and mains hard water filters fit perfectly and effectively reduce limescale.

It’s important to choose the right sized filter. The water needs enough contact time with the media to ensure that the limescale is being treated effectively. If water passes through the water filter cartridge too quickly then you’ve wasted your money and will be disappointed with the results.

For example, never expect a drinking water filter to treat the water from every outlet in your caravan.

Installation and maintenance of caravan water filters

Once you worked out where in the static caravan you are going to install your water filter system the installation should be very straightforward as it’s basically water in and water out.

Full fitting instructions are provided with every caravan water filter.

The beauty of our systems is that they are low maintenance, and you don’t need electricity for them to work. You only need to change the water filter cartridge every 6-12 months depending on how much water is being used.

When and why to replace water filter cartridges is important. We encourage you to keep on top of your cartridge changes to ensure you don’t end up having issues with limescale in the future. It’s much more costly to have pipes and appliances replaced than to simply purchase a water filter cartridge.  

How Fountain Filters can help you get the water filter you need for your caravan or motorhome

Hard water can be problematic to deal with, but here at Fountain Filters our speciality is problem solving. We’ve been finding solutions to peoples hard water problems for years.

And we can help you find a solution to any static caravan boiler problem.

We are happy to look at the set up in your caravan. You wouldn’t believe the number of under sink cupboard pictures we get sent.

The two main ways to get in touch with us are either through our helpdesk or by calling 01352 838 281.

FAQs

Do I need a water filter in my caravan

The answer to this question starts with gaining insight into whether water filters work. Luckily for you Fountain Filters has the expertise to answer this.  

Why do I need a water filter for my caravan

If you want to travel and explore the great outdoors, investing in a water filter for your caravan should certainly be in your top 10 things to invest in. Depending on where you travel to, unfiltered water may contain contaminants that you’d be best off not drinking. It’s better to be on the safe side when it comes to your health and well-being.