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Installed Water System Pressure Tank

I got tired of listening to the water pump cycle a dozen times while I brushed my teeth so I took action. From Home Depot I bought a 2.1 gallon water heater expansion tank and installed is as a pressure tank. I also bought a 4' stick of 1/2" PEX and Sharkbite fittings to put it all together. My son is a welder/ fabricator and made an aluminium stand to mount the tank inside the water department. The tank extended the on-off cycle to about 25 second each depending on use. The toilet will flush 3 times with out a pump cycle. An unintended benefit is it quieted the pump. My Dad did this to all of the coaches that he owned. It is such a benefit, I had to share. See photos below.
Don Hays

Present; 09 Nimbus CE
Former: 98 U-320

Re: Installed Water System Pressure Tank

Reply #1 –
Don,

Yes, have done the same thing.

Make sure it is properly pressurized.  With pump off/shore water off, pressure bled off, set tank PSI to cut-in PSI minus 2 PSI.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Installed Water System Pressure Tank

Reply #2 –
Yep, it has worked well for me.  I bought a marine tank because it seemed to be of a higher quality for marine applications.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: Installed Water System Pressure Tank

Reply #3 –
I used that tank to replace the one that FT installed.  The bladder in the old tank broke and then it started to rust inside.  For awhile I didn't have a tank because of the replacement cost.  Then I found out about the one at HD.  It is the same size as the original.  A bit tricky to remove and replace because of the tight quarters on my coach.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Installed Water System Pressure Tank

Reply #4 –
With pump off/shore water off, pressure bled off, set tank PSI to cut-in PSI minus 2 PSI.
[/quote]

Bret, not sure I understand what you are recommending. The sureflo pump instructions say nothing about how to adjust the pressure switch for start/stop or diferential adjustment if that is what you're talking about. It does say the switch is preset to stop at 65 psi. Have not looked at the pump closely enought to identify switch adjustment.

The tank came precharged at 40 psi. I want it to operate w/ more water in the tank so I bled the precharge to 20 psi., Im quite happy w/ the operation of the system. Please clarify.

Thanks
Don Hays

Present; 09 Nimbus CE
Former: 98 U-320

Re: Installed Water System Pressure Tank

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Don Hays –
With pump off/shore water off, pressure bled off, set tank PSI to cut-in PSI minus 2 PSI.


Bret, not sure I understand what you are recommending. The sureflo pump instructions say nothing about how to adjust the pressure switch for start/stop or diferential adjustment if that is what you're talking about. It does say the switch is preset to stop at 65 psi. Have not looked at the pump closely enought to identify switch adjustment.

The tank came precharged at 40 psi. I want it to operate w/ more water in the tank so I bled the precharge to 20 psi., Im quite happy w/ the operation of the system. Please clarify.

Thanks

Don,

No, you are not adjusting the pressure switch, but matching tank PSI to the pump.  Many older water pumps have a 25 PSI cut-in PSI.  So 23 PSI is the recommended PSI.

For others with accumulators, a good idea to check them occasionally:
Pressure water off, shore water off.
Open a faucet to bleed off water pressure.
Remove the cap from the accumulator (just like the one on your tires)
Use your regular tire gauge to check PSI. 
If water comes out, the diaphragm is split and it needs replacement.
I just use a bicycle pump to pressurize.

If you do change it or work on anything in that area MAKE SURE TO KEEP IT DRY.  Water here goes directly to the rear bulkhead area!
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Installed Water System Pressure Tank

Reply #6 –
That all makes sense.

Thanks Bret
Don Hays

Present; 09 Nimbus CE
Former: 98 U-320