Draining & Long-Term Storage Water Prep
If your Mars caravan is going into storage for weeks or months — especially in a hot shed — water prep matters. Draining and drying the system helps prevent bad smells, bacteria growth, stale water taste, and avoidable plumbing issues.
When you should drain your system
- Before long-term storage
- Before parking for extended time in hot conditions
- If you won’t be using the van for several weeks
- After trips where water quality was questionable
Step-by-step: storage water prep
Step 1) Turn the pump OFF
Before you drain, turn the pump off at the control panel.
Step 2) Drain the fresh water tank(s)
- Locate the tank drain point(s) (varies by model).
- Open the drain and allow the tank to empty fully.
Step 3) Drain the lines
- Open the cold tap(s) and let any remaining water run out.
- Open the hot tap(s) too (to relieve pressure and help drain hot lines).
- Run the shower briefly (both hot and cold) to clear lines.
Step 4) Hot water system note
Many hot water systems store water internally. If you’re unsure how to drain your specific unit, do not force anything. Instead, log a ticket or refer to your hot water system guide.
As a general best practice, open hot taps and ensure the system is not actively heating before storage.
Step 5) Leave taps slightly open (optional but helpful)
Leaving taps slightly open during storage can help equalise pressure and reduce trapped moisture. (Use common sense if pests/dust are a concern.)
Step 6) Dry & ventilate
- Wipe wet areas, especially bathroom/shower
- Leave some ventilation (windows/vents cracked if safe and secure)
- Remove wet hoses and store them dry
Before your next trip (restart checklist)
- Close all drain points and taps.
- Fill the tank with fresh water.
- Turn pump ON and prime each outlet until flow is steady.
- If water tastes stale, sanitise the system before drinking.
- Check for leaks during the first few minutes of pressurising.
Common storage mistakes
- Leaving water sitting for months (leads to smell/taste issues)
- Storing with pump ON (can worsen damage if a leak develops)
- Not checking drains/taps are closed before refilling
- Forgetting to prime the system after storage
What to include in a support ticket (if needed)
- Model + year (and VIN/chassis number if available)
- How long the van was stored and in what conditions (hot shed, outdoors, etc.)
- Symptoms: smell/taste, pump behaviour, leaks, no flow
- Photos/videos of drain points or problem areas if visible