How to Make Hot Water Last Longer in RV? What to Follow

RVs are a great way to travel and explore, but they can also be a challenge when it comes to hot water. With a limited supply of water, it’s important to know how to make it last as long as possible, especially if you’re dry camping or boondocking.

There are a few simple things you can do to make your RV hot water last longer:

Take shorter showers.

Use a low-flow showerhead.
Take navy showers, and so on.

If you’re still having trouble making your RV hot water last, there are a few other things you can do and here I have shared them all. So, read on and increase the hot shower duration longer during your shivering RV days.

Take Shorter Showers

Taking shorter showers is the most effective way to save hot water because it reduces the amount of time that the water heater needs to run. The longer the water heater runs, the more energy it uses.

A typical shower uses about 2-4 gallons of water per minute. So, a 5-minute shower uses about 10-20 gallons of water, while a 10-minute shower uses about 20-40 gallons of water.

If you can reduce your shower time by just a few minutes, you can save a significant amount of hot water. For example, if you reduce your shower time by 5 minutes, you can save about 10-20 gallons of water per shower. This can add up to hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water saved over the course of a year.

In addition to saving water, taking shorter showers can also save you money on your energy bills. The energy used to heat water is one of the largest energy expenses in a home. By taking shorter showers, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills.

Use a Low-Flow Showerhead

A low-flow showerhead is a showerhead that is designed to reduce the amount of water that it uses. Low-flow showerheads typically use 2.5 gallons of water per minute (GPM) or less, while traditional showerheads use 2.5 to 5 GPM.

Low-flow showerheads work by using a variety of methods to reduce water flow. Some low-flow showerheads have smaller holes than traditional showerheads, while others use restrictors to reduce the flow of water. Some low-flow showerheads also use aerators to mix air with the water, which can give the impression of a stronger water flow.

Despite using less water, low-flow showerheads can provide the same water pressure and temperature as traditional showerheads. This is because low-flow showerheads use a variety of design features to create a strong and even water flow.

There are many different low-flow showerheads available on the market, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. Some low-flow showerheads are designed to be used with existing showerheads, while others are complete showerhead replacements.

Turn off the Water while You’re Soaping Up or Brushing Your Teeth

Turning off the water while you’re soaping up or brushing your teeth is an easy way to save water. It doesn’t take any longer to get the job done, but it can save a significant amount of water over time.

A typical shower uses about 2-4 gallons of water per minute. So, if you leave the water running while you’re soaping up or brushing your teeth for just 2 minutes, you’ll waste 4-8 gallons of water.

If you turn off the water while you’re soaping up or brushing your teeth, you can save that same amount of water every time you shower. This can add up to hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water saved over the course of a year.

In addition to saving water, turning off the water while you’re soaping up or brushing your teeth can also save you money on your energy bills. The energy used to heat water is one of the largest energy expenses in a home. By turning off the water while you’re soaping up or brushing your teeth, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills.

Take Navy Showers

Navy showers are effective because they allow you to save water and time. By turning off the water while you’re soaping up, you can reduce your water usage by up to 50%. Additionally, navy showers are much quicker than traditional showers, which can save you time, especially in the morning when you’re rushing to get ready.

Upgrade Your Water Heater

Upgrading to a larger water heater can be a good way to make your hot water last longer, especially if you have a small water heater or a large household. A larger water heater will have more hot water stored in it, so you will be able to run more hot water before it runs out.

There are many different water heaters available on the market, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. When choosing a water heater, it is important to consider the following factors:

Size: The size of the water heater will depend on the size of your household and your hot water needs. A general rule of thumb is to choose a water heater that can hold 2-3 gallons of water per person in your household.
Type: There are two main types of water heaters: storage water heaters and tankless water heaters. Storage water heaters store a tank of hot water, while tankless water heaters heat water on demand. Storage water heaters are typically less expensive than tankless water heaters, but they take longer to heat up. Tankless water heaters provide an endless supply of hot water, but they can be more expensive to purchase and install.

Install a Water Miser

A water miser is a device that mixes cold water with hot water to reduce your overall hot water usage. Water misers are typically installed at the point of use, such as at a showerhead or faucet. They work by using a pressure-balancing valve to mix hot and cold water to a pre-set temperature. This can help to reduce your hot water usage by up to 50%.

Water misers are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Many water misers can be installed in just a few minutes with a wrench or screwdriver.

Take advantage of shore water

Shore water hookups are connections that allow you to connect your RV or camper to a municipal water supply. This means that you will have an unlimited supply of water, including hot water, as long as you are connected to the shore water hookups.

There are a few benefits to using shorewater hookups when camping:

Unlimited water supply: As mentioned above, shore water hookups will give you an unlimited supply of water, including hot water. This is especially beneficial if you are camping for an extended period of time or if you have a large group of people.
More consistent water pressure: Shore water hookups typically provide more consistent water pressure than your RV’s or camper’s water tank. This can make showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry more enjoyable.
Less maintenance: When you are connected to shore water hookups, you don’t have to worry about filling up your RV’s or camper’s water tank or emptying your gray water or black water tanks. This can save you time and hassle.

Other Tips

Here are a few other tips to help you make your RV hot water last longer:

Insulate your water heater. This will help to keep your hot water hot for longer. You can insulate your water heater yourself, or you can have it done professionally.
Flush your water heater regularly. This will help to remove sediment and debris that can build up and reduce the efficiency of your water heater. To flush your water heater, simply connect a hose to the drain valve and open it up. Let the water run for a few minutes until the water runs clear.

Check your water heater pressure relief valve regularly. This valve is designed to release pressure if the water pressure in your water heater gets too high. If the valve is not working properly, it can release water and reduce the amount of hot water you have available.