One of the most important parts of RV life is having safe, reliable water wherever the road takes you. Whether you’re filling up at a campground, boondocking in the desert, or topping off at a roadside station, your RV water system needs the right equipment to keep things running smoothly. In this blog, we’ll cover the must-have RV water system essentials every RVer should own.

Drinking Water Hose (Not a Garden Hose!)

A dedicated drinking water-safe hose is the first step in keeping your water clean. Unlike regular garden hoses, these are BPA-free and designed not to leave a plastic taste in your water.

Pro Tip: Look for a white or blue hose labeled “drinking water safe.”

Black Tank Flush Hose

An RV black tank flush hose is used to clean the holding tank in your RV after it has been emptied. It's a dedicated hose, often brightly colored like orange or black, that connects to a flush inlet on the RV and a water source to flush out debris. These hoses are typically made of durable, kink-resistant materials and are designed for non-potable water use.

Pro Tip: Keep it stored separately from your other hose

RV Water Pressure Regulator

Campground water hookups often have high or fluctuating pressure that can damage your RV’s plumbing. An RV water pressure regulator keeps pressure at a safe level, protecting your pipes, faucets, and fittings.

Adjustable models allow you to fine-tune the pressure.

Inline Water Filter (Optional if your RV has one built in)

A water filter ensures cleaner, better-tasting water and removes contaminants like sediment and chlorine. Inline filters attach directly to your hose, making them easy to use at any campground.

Many RVers keep a few spares since filters should be replaced regularly.

Freshwater Tank Sanitizer

Keeping your tank clean prevents bacteria, mold, and that “musty RV water taste.” Use a sanitizing solution (or diluted bleach) every few months to flush the system.

Pro Tip: Do this before your first trip of the season and after long storage.

Water Softener (Optional, but Worth It)

Hard water can leave mineral buildup in your plumbing and appliances. A portable RV water softener extends the life of your water heater, faucets, and fixtures while giving you softer water for showering and washing dishes.

RV Sewer Hose and Supports

An RV sewer hose is a flexible hose used to drain wastewater tanks (black and gray water) from an RV into a dump station or sewer hookup. It typically has fittings on both ends to connect to the RV's waste outlet and the dump station's inlet. When choosing an RV sewer hose, consider hose length, material, and durability. Always wear disposable gloves when emptying your tanks.

An RV sewer hose support is a device that elevates and stabilizes the sewer hose used to drain an RV's waste tanks, preventing sagging and promoting proper drainage

Sewer Hose Rinse Adapter

While not directly part of your drinking water system, keeping your sewer hose clean helps avoid contamination and cross-connection risks. A rinse adapter makes this quick and sanitary.

Portable Black Water Holding Tank (AKA Honeypot)

An RV "honeypot" refers to a portable waste tank, also known as an RV tote tank or blue boy, used to collect wastewater from an RVs black and gray tanks. It allows you to camp in locations without full hookups and still easily dispose of waste at a dump station, saving time and effort on full disconnects.

Final Thoughts

Clean water is one of the biggest comforts of RV life and with the right gear, it’s simple to achieve. Stocking up on RV water system must-haves will give you peace of mind every time you turn on the tap.