Tech & Guides
Roller Team Motorhomes: Ultimate Guide to the Fiamma Fresh Water Tank
Understand what the fresh water tank does, where it is usually located, how to fill it, how to drain it down, what tools help, and how to keep the system working reliably on every trip.
The fresh water system is one of the most important practical systems in any Roller Team motorhome. It supplies clean water to your sink, shower and onboard taps, and on some layouts it also supports the toilet flush system.
If you are new to motorhome ownership, this guide explains the basics clearly. It also includes a section on How to Drain Down a Motorhome Fresh Water Tank, plus useful accessories and a watch-on-YouTube style link for seeing the process in action.
What the fresh water tank is
The fresh water tank stores clean water ready for use inside your motorhome. In many Roller Team models, the system works alongside a Fiamma-style external filler point, making it easy to top up from a campsite tap, service point or portable container.
- Supplies the kitchen tap
- Feeds the bathroom sink
- Provides water for the shower
- Supports day-to-day touring comfort
A 12V pump usually moves water from the tank through the pipework. When the tank runs low, water flow can pulse or stop, so it is worth checking levels before overnight stops or long drives.
Where it is located
The exact location varies by model and year, but Roller Team owners usually find the fresh water system components in a few familiar places.
- External filler point on the side of the motorhome
- Main tank under a seat, bed or floor area
- Drain valve or drain tap low down in the vehicle
- Pump and pipework close to the tank
If you are unsure, check your handbook and trace the pipework from the filler point. Knowing where the drain valve is matters most when winterising or cleaning the system.
How to fill the fresh water tank
- Open the external fresh water filler cap.
- Use a clean food-safe hose, watering can or portable container.
- Fill slowly to avoid splashback and overflow, this can be improved by using a filler with hose connector – see store
- Watch the level indicator if your motorhome has one.
- Stop before overfilling and secure the cap properly.
- Run the taps briefly so the pump primes and the system settles.
Empty the fresh water tank using the plugs
- Open the external fresh water filler cap.
- Reach inside (with clean hands) and turn the plugs so they are vertical – one plug gives full empty the other leaves 20% in for traveling
- Remove the plug and allow to drain – make certain you are parled over a drain location
- Once either fully drained or partial drained – replace plugs, setting them back to 90deg position to lock them in
How to Drain Down a Motorhome Fresh Water Tank (Winterize – Storage)
Draining down is important before winter storage, before cleaning the system, or whenever you want to reduce unnecessary travelling weight.
- Locate the fresh water drain valve or tap.
- Park where draining is permitted.
- Switch off the water pump.
- Open the drain valve fully.
- Open the taps inside the motorhome to help air move through the system.
- Allow the tank and pipework to empty fully.
- Leave taps open if the vehicle is going into storage.
This simple routine helps protect the system from stale water, trapped moisture and freezing damage.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Gives you onboard water independence
- Makes overnight stops more comfortable
- Supports washing, cooking and cleaning
- Easy to top up with the right filler and hose
Cons
- Adds weight when travelling full
- Needs draining down in freezing weather
- Can develop smells if left unused too long
- Caps, seals and fillers need occasional checking
Maintenance and routine care
Clean regularly
Use a suitable motorhome fresh water system cleaner or sterilising product at sensible intervals, then flush through thoroughly before use.
Check caps and seals
Inspect the filler cap, locking points and visible seals for wear, leaks or poor fit. Small issues are easier to fix early.
Monitor the pump
If the pump sounds noisy, pulses too much or keeps running, check the water level, pipe connections and whether air has entered the system.
Even if you do not drain the system after every trip, it is good practice to empty it when the motorhome will be unused for a while.
Tools and accessories that help
- Food-safe fresh water hose – often blue in colour
- Tap adapters and hose connectors – see link below
- Portable water container or watering can – sometime for small top up
- Fresh water tank cleaner or sterilising solution – only used approved versions
- Gloves and a small torch for inspection
- Tap connectors
If you need replacement parts, see our water filler products to match this guide with the right hardware for your setup.
Watch how to make emptying easier
- For a practical walkthrough, watch this YouTube guide on draining and using a motorhome fresh-water system. It serves as a great companion to the steps above, offering a clever method I found to make routine emptying quicker and more efficient.
- While this shortcut is great for convenience, always use the main drain plug for complete long-term storage.
- Common Used Filler
- https://rollerteamclub.com/product/water-filler-cap-with-hose-fitting-40mm-neck-used-on-some-fiamma-roller-team-and-others-hozelock-type-fap/
Keep learning before your next trip
Explore more practical guides for Roller Team owners, from onboard systems to touring advice and everyday motorhome fixes.