Pure Hydration on the Go: Installing a Separate Drinking Water Faucet & Filter in Your Van

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC, and welcome back to the shop! On today's edition of AVC Chronicles, we're tackling a common van life dilemma: that "plasticky" taste in your water system. After finding this on one of our recent trips, my wife and I decided it was time for an upgrade – a secondary filtered drinking water tap with an under-sink filter!

This is a project I've never done before, but it's a simple, quick install that can apply to any van at any stage – whether you're in the middle of a build or have an established camper van with water that just doesn't taste great. In about 30 minutes, you can have delicious, filtered water on demand!

Why a Separate Faucet?

Our goal is to improve drinking water quality without wasting filter life on everyday tasks like washing hands or dishes. By adding a secondary faucet, we ensure that only our drinking water is routed through the filter, maximizing its lifespan and efficiency.

For this install, I hunted down the most minimal drinking water tap I could find on Amazon. This brushed nickel option blends seamlessly with our existing faucet, keeping the counter looking clean. We're also trying out an under-sink filter from Waterdrop, a brand I'm testing in real-time.

What You'll Need

Here's a breakdown of the parts and tools for this installation:

Included with the Waterdrop Filter:

• Mounting Bracket: For securing the filter under the sink.

• Inline Filter Cartridge: Snaps easily into the bracket.

• Two Braided Steel Lines:

  • One with a standard 3/8" fitting to connect to your sink stop valve.

  • One with a male 3/8" fitting, typically for a cold water line (though we're using it differently).

Additional Parts You'll Need (Picked up at a Big Box Store):

• 1/4-inch food-grade polypropylene tubing: This flexible line will connect your new faucet to the filter. It works perfectly with the filter's press-fit connection and the new faucet's compression fitting.

• Valve Adapter (3/8"): This crucial piece connects to your existing cold water shut-off valve, allowing you to split the water supply for your main faucet and the new drinking water faucet without cutting any PEX lines.

Tools:

• Drill with appropriate bit for faucet hole.

• Framing square (optional, for marking filter bracket placement).

• Standard plumbing tools (wrenches for tightening fittings).

• Utility knife (for cutting polypropylene tubing cleanly – avoid wire cutters or scissors that can crimp the line).

Installation: Step-by-Step Guide

Let's get that fresh water flowing!

Step 1: Mount the Water Filter Unit

1. Head under your sink and identify the best spot for the filter. We found a great spot at the back, giving easy access for filter changes without impeding our porta-potty or storage bins.

2. Use the included sticker guide and a framing square to precisely mark the mounting holes for the filter bracket.

3. Secure the bracket to the wall with screws. Ensure it's mounted high enough to clear any obstructions below.

Step 2: Connect the Water Supply Adapter

1. Shut off the main water supply to your sink.

2. Disconnect the cold water line from your sink's shut-off valve.

3. Install the new valve adapter onto the shut-off valve.

4. Reconnect your regular sink's cold water line to the top of the adapter.

5. Connect the input braided steel line from the Waterdrop filter (the one with the normal 3/8" fitting) to the side port of the valve adapter. This will be your filter's water source.

Step 3: Install the Drinking Water Faucet

1. Determine the ideal location for your new drinking water faucet on your countertop. I chose a spot slightly back from the main faucet, centered between the wall and sink edge, to keep it out of the way.

2. Drill the hole for the faucet in your countertop.

3. Drop the faucet into the hole, ensuring the rubber gasket is in place on top.

4. From underneath the sink, install the second rubber gasket, metal keeper plate, and the tightening nut onto the faucet's shank. This can be a cramped space, so get ready to be a "part-time contortionist"! Tighten securely.

Step 4: Connect the Faucet to the Filter

1. Take your 1/4-inch polypropylene tubing.

2. Slide the compression nut and the collar onto one end of the tubing.

3. Insert this end of the tubing into the bottom of the new drinking water faucet.

4. Tighten the compression nut onto the faucet. This will squeeze the collar, creating a watertight seal. Pull on the line to ensure it's secure.

5. Route the tubing from the faucet to the output port of the Waterdrop filter.

6. Using a utility knife, slice the tubing cleanly to the correct length. Avoid wire cutters or scissors, as they can pinch and weaken the line.

7. Press the cut end of the tubing into the blue push-fit fitting on the filter's output port until it bottoms out. Give it a gentle pull to ensure it's sealed. (To remove the line, simply push down on the blue collar and pull the line out – useful for winterization!)

Step 5: Check for Leaks & Enjoy!

1. Turn your main water supply back on.

2. Carefully check all new connections under the sink for any leaks.

3. Once confirmed leak-free, open your new drinking water faucet and let the water run for a bit to flush the system.

The Moment of Truth: A Taste Test!

With everything installed and leak-free, it's time for the final test. That is some good-tasting water! This filter and secondary faucet setup is a fantastic addition to our van, and it will likely be a great addition to yours too.

If you have questions about today's install or any of the parts we used, hit us up in the comments below!