Access to clean, safe drinking water is essential when travelling in a caravan — especially when you’re drawing from a variety of sources like caravan parks, public taps, or rural tanks. An inline water filter is one of the simplest and most effective ways to remove contaminants and improve water quality before it reaches your taps. But with so many different models on the market, finding the right one for your setup can be a challenge.
Inline water filters sit between your external water source and your caravan’s plumbing system, filtering water before it enters your tanks or fixtures. The best models reduce chlorine, sediment, bacteria, and odours — helping protect your health and your appliances. If you’re browsing for a van that suits longer trips or off-grid setups, some caravans in Heatherbrae are already prepped with water filtration systems or plumbing configurations that make installation easier.
What Does an Inline Water Filter Do?
Inline water filters are designed to clean water before it reaches your caravan’s internal plumbing system. They’re called “inline” because they attach directly to the hose line connecting your van to an external water source. As water flows through, the filter traps unwanted contaminants — such as chlorine, sediment, bacteria, heavy metals, and unpleasant odours or tastes.
Some filters use a single-stage design, while others combine multiple filtration methods like activated carbon and sediment barriers. This multi-stage approach offers better protection, especially if you’re sourcing water from unknown or untreated supplies. A good inline filter helps prevent scale buildup in your plumbing and protects appliances like kettles and water heaters from damage caused by poor water quality.
If you’re travelling long-term, a reliable filter system becomes even more important. It’s a small investment that improves your daily comfort and reduces the need to rely on bottled water — which also cuts down on waste and expense.
Features to Look for in a Caravan Water Filter
When choosing an inline water filter for your caravan, there are a few key features to consider. First, look at the filter’s micron rating — this tells you how small the particles it can trap are. A lower number (like 1 micron) will catch finer particles than a higher number (like 20 micron). For drinking water, a 1–5 micron filter is ideal.
Next, check whether the filter includes activated carbon, which is great for removing chlorine and improving taste. If you’re concerned about bacteria, look for filters with silver-impregnated media or UV sterilisation — though the latter requires a powered setup and may be overkill for short trips.
Durability is also important. Choose a unit with strong fittings, ideally brass or stainless steel, that can handle rough conditions and frequent reconnection. Some filters are reusable with replaceable cartridges, while others are disposable — the right choice depends on your budget and travel habits.
For convenience, many travellers prefer filters that can be fitted inline at the tap, so they can filter water before it even enters the tank. This protects your whole system and helps avoid contamination in storage.
Top Inline Filter Brands in Australia
Several trusted brands offer high-quality caravan water filters suited for Australian conditions:
- B.E.S.T. Water Filters: Australian-made and highly popular, these inline filters use silver-impregnated carbon and dual-stage filtering. They’re built to last and can be cleaned and reversed for longer use.
- Aqua Plus: Known for effective chlorine and sediment removal, Aqua Plus filters are affordable and easy to use. Their inline models connect directly to your hose and are ideal for general use.
- Puretec: Offers premium filters often found in higher-end caravans. Their units provide excellent performance and are built for long-term reliability, with easy-change cartridges and strong fittings.
- Camco TastePURE: A popular option among travellers in the US and increasingly used here in Australia, these filters are compact, disposable, and good for short to medium trips.
Choosing the best brand comes down to your setup, how often you travel, and your water sources. For full-time travellers or those venturing into remote areas, investing in a higher-end system is usually worth it.
Installation Tips for First-Time Users
Installing an inline water filter is a simple job that most caravan owners can do themselves without any special tools. Most filters come with standard hose fittings — usually 12mm or ½ inch BSP — that connect between your water source (like a tap at a park) and your hose leading to the caravan inlet.
Start by flushing the new filter with clean water for a few minutes before connecting it to your van. This helps clear out any carbon dust or debris from the filter media. Make sure the filter is installed in the correct direction — most models will have arrows indicating water flow.
Use quality hoses and secure fittings to prevent leaks. If your van has a water tank and you’re filling it from external sources, it’s best to filter the water before it goes into the tank. This helps protect your internal system and keeps water fresher for longer periods of storage.
FAQs
Here are the expanded versions of the five FAQs, each now 150+ words:
Do I need a water filter for my caravan?
While it’s not a legal requirement, installing a water filter in your caravan is strongly recommended — especially if you travel frequently or use a range of water sources. Many caravan parks and public taps draw from mains supply, but not all offer consistent water quality. In some regional or rural areas, the water may contain high levels of sediment, chlorine, or even bacteria and heavy metals, depending on the source. A good quality filter can remove these contaminants, improving both the safety and taste of your drinking water. It also helps reduce scale and sediment buildup inside your caravan’s pipes, appliances, and storage tanks — potentially extending the life of your hot water system and reducing maintenance issues. For families or anyone with sensitive stomachs or immune conditions, a filter provides extra peace of mind. Ultimately, while not essential, a water filter is one of the smartest additions you can make for better health, convenience, and long-term caravan care.
How long does a caravan water filter last?
The lifespan of a caravan water filter depends on several factors — including the brand, the type of filter media, water quality, and how often you use it. Disposable inline filters generally last between three to six months under regular use, especially if you’re travelling consistently and drawing from different water sources. However, if you’re only using your van occasionally, a disposable filter could last a year or longer before it needs replacing. Reusable filters with replaceable cartridges offer even more flexibility and can last well over a year with proper cleaning and maintenance. Signs that your filter may need replacing include reduced water pressure, a noticeable change in taste or odour, or visible sediment buildup around the fittings. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, and consider keeping a spare cartridge on hand for longer trips. Monitoring your filter’s performance and servicing it regularly ensures consistent water quality and helps prevent costly issues in your plumbing system.
Can I use the same filter for drinking and general water?
Yes — most inline filters used in caravans are designed to treat all water entering the van, regardless of whether it’s for drinking, washing, cooking, or showering. These filters typically remove sediment, chlorine, and odours from the water supply, making it safer and more pleasant to use for all purposes. However, if you’re particularly concerned about drinking water quality, especially when using untreated or unfamiliar sources, you might want to add a second filter inside the van. This could be a finer under-sink filter with a dedicated tap for drinking and cooking. This dual-filter approach provides extra peace of mind by giving your drinking water an extra layer of filtration. It’s especially useful if you travel full-time or visit areas with unreliable water sources. In short, one good inline filter can serve all your basic needs, but supplementing it with a secondary drinking filter can offer even greater assurance, particularly for families or health-conscious travellers.
Are inline filters better than under-sink filters?
Inline and under-sink water filters both offer valuable benefits, but they serve different purposes and often work best when used together. Inline filters are installed externally — usually between the tap and your caravan’s hose connection — and treat all incoming water before it enters your plumbing system. This means they protect your entire setup, including pipes, storage tanks, hot water systems, and appliances. Inline filters are excellent for removing sediment, chlorine, and unpleasant tastes before water is stored or used. On the other hand, under-sink filters are usually installed inside the caravan beneath the kitchen sink and are connected to a dedicated drinking water tap. These filters offer an additional level of treatment and are ideal for removing finer contaminants, bacteria, or chemicals that an inline filter might miss. If you want complete protection and the highest drinking water quality, many travellers install both types. This layered approach ensures safe water throughout the van and even better protection for consumption.
Can I install an inline filter permanently?
Yes — many caravanners choose to install their inline water filter permanently as part of their van’s plumbing system. While some filters are designed for temporary, hose-based connections at campsites, others are built with robust fittings and housings that allow for fixed installation under the chassis or inside a service compartment. A permanent installation has several advantages: it streamlines your setup at each site, ensures constant filtration of all incoming water, and reduces the wear and tear associated with repeated manual connections. When setting up a permanent filter, it’s essential to choose a unit that is built for long-term mobile use — including vibration-resistant components and easy-access cartridge replacement. Be mindful of where the filter is mounted so it remains accessible for maintenance and won’t be damaged by road debris or water exposure. For full-time travellers or those wanting a more convenient system, permanent inline filters are a smart upgrade that delivers daily benefits on the road.
Choosing the right filter for your travels
Clean water is a basic need — and an inline water filter gives you the freedom to explore without worrying about what’s coming through the hose. Whether you’re hitting the road full-time or just heading away for weekends, a good water filter is a smart addition to your caravan setup.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.