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Topic: How to run off of city water? (Read 643 times) previous topic - next topic

How to run off of city water?

Keep forgetting to ask this question:  I have good water pressure when using just the water pump and tank.  But if I'm hooked up to city water the water pressure is much less.  Is there a filter somewhere that could be plugged? 
Or what is the proper sequence to run off of city water?
I don't have any schematics of the plumbing system.
Thanks!
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: How to run off of city water?

Reply #1 –
I can give you a perspective from what I have experienced in other coaches and also my current job as a firefighter when it comes to water pressure.

Domestic water pressure can be very finicky - and it depends on the size of the water mains, size of plumbing and overall condition and buildup of deposits. That's why when we hook up fire engines to a hydrant we augment the system with our diesel pumps. In my own experience, I have had better and safer water pressure from my coach using the freshwater pump - and it is aft of the water tank so it does not have to travel as far or go through the bypass valves to get to your fixtures.

In terms of your coach. If the city domestic water pressure is at least 50psi with the adequate flow then you should get decent water flow through your plumbing - but you might have an inline pressure reducer somewhere in the system and couple that with an inline filter, the manifold, and plumbing in the coach it can create enough friction loss to cause low flow and pressure at your faucets. Some inline pressure reducers require enough pressure for the water to flow properly as well - catch 22.

Troubleshoot - purchase an inline pressure gauge with garden hose fitting to check the domestic system that you are hooking up to. Remember there is a difference between static pressure (no water flowing) and flow pressure. Static is always higher and flow is more important. Net check to see the output from one of your fixtures.

I think that a bigger problem is having too much pressure coming in and in those cases make sure you have a pressure reducing valve in the intake of the coach. I'm new to FT but I would think they would have installed one already - if not you can put one on for cheap.

That's about the extent of my limited knowledge.

Pat


Re: How to run off of city water?

Reply #2 –
As another firefighter, the city water hookup is far more sinister than just low pressure. Too high pressure as well as just a plumbing failure, perhaps brought on from a freeze last winter, will supply a never ending supply of water to the inside of the coach. Naturally, it won't all stay on the floor and walls but will start flooding the compartments below. From there it gets between the floor of the compartment and the belly of the coach where it sits and starts rusting.

Put a quick fill on your tank, mark the tank a couple of inches from the top and then use the onboard pump. I even turn the pump off at night and when we leave the coach for any length of time.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: How to run off of city water?

Reply #3 –
There could be a built in pressure regulator that is causing the low pressure.  On  my older coach it has the water hose connection and regulator in one.  I have no idea if my newer coach has one built in or not since has a hose reel.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: How to run off of city water?

Reply #4 –
Replace the city water fill check valve.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: How to run off of city water?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Twig –
Replace the city water fill check valve.
What Twig said ^.^d  Here's our kitchen at full blast until I replaced the check:
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: How to run off of city water?

Reply #6 –
Where would a check valve or built-in regulator be found?
I have a hose reel in my '99 U320.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: How to run off of city water?

Reply #7 –
With a hose reel, look for the check valve somewhere close by, possibly in the plastic water line connected to the hose reel.

Not much to a check valve - just a small brass body with a spring loaded flat disc inside.  See photo below from our coach:
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"
 

Re: How to run off of city water?

Reply #8 –
Usually it is what the hose actually connects to on the water system.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.