Caravan Mains Water Connection

[DenisD]

Has anybody had any experience with a Whale Aqua Source which connects mains water supply to the caravan and plugs into the external pump socket. The write up says that in order to protect the caravan plumbing there is a pressure relief valve and if the mains pressure is over a certain pressure water will drip out. When first used I have measured these drips, and they were about 1 gallon an hour 24 a day which is twice the amount of water I use which going to waste. Not very eco friendly. The mains standpipe tap will only control the flow not the pressure.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Denis,

I am not familiar with the Whale aqua source, but if as you say it vents excess pressure, then in my opinion it is a poor design. as you correctly say a simple restriction such as the standpipe tap only reduce the flow, the pressure will continue to build with zero flow, however there are proper pressure reducers (regulators) which do prevent over pressure and a good plumber merchant will be able to obtain them, alternatively the old Carver Waterline had a true pressure reducer designed just for this purpose. Caravan pipework systems and appliances are normally only rated to 1.5Bar maximum, so it is essential to limit mains pressure which can exceed 6Bar.

 

[RayS]

Never did like the idea of mains pressure on van pipework. If you use the alternative, there is no danger of the.

There is a commercially available model, but you can eaily make your own using a Torbeck side entry cistern valve (less than

 

[Richard_5041394]

This device does have a built-in pressure limiter - so that whatever pressure is coming from the tap, this is not transmitted into the van's internal pipework. There should not be any dripping however, as the pressure limiter works as a block, with pressure held in the supply hose/mains. You must have a slightly poor seal or weeping joint somewhere. I found the presure limiter so efffective that I actually got LESS pressure than with a submersible pump (and you can't adjust it). I used one of these devices for some time with no problems (flooding or otherwise) before I switched to the Aquaroll attachment system - which I do prefer as it gives you a 'reservoir', and also you maintain the pressure you prefer from your own pump. Good luck. Richard.

 

[Ian_5040591]

I recently purchased a small float valve for use up to 6 bar, bought a 20l tank fitted the valve and now have constant water.

see link below

www.car-a-fun.de/p2253.html

 

[jacky3]

I recently purchased a small float valve for use up to 6 bar, bought a 20l tank fitted the valve and now have constant water.

see link below

www.car-a-fun.de/p2253.html

this is german site no sites in uk

 

[Ian_5040591]

this is german site no sites in uk

I bought the item online at fritzberger.de and they sent it to me. I have not seen one advertised on uk websites I wasnt going to pay for an aquarol system , I think they are too expensive. All instuctions are in english, however the toilet cystern idea was one I toyed with for a bit

 

[Willy_5041515]

I recently purchased a small float valve for use up to 6 bar, bought a 20l tank fitted the valve and now have constant water.

see link below

www.car-a-fun.de/p2253.html

I don't trust mains water connections to caravans. They are likely to end in tears. Better to use the Aquaroll system which uses a ball valve to top up the external water barrel. That way you always have at least a half full barrel-full and, if there is a failure, a dry caravan.

 

[chris_5068897]

My experience with Aquasource is the same as Richards-less flow with mains than the standard Whale pump. I correponded with Whale about this, and they can alter the connector block with a mofified pressure reducer. However, this increases the pressure on the van side, rather than raising the flow.

It is very easy to get leaks at the caravan wall connection due to stretched/broken O rings. Replace these, and smear with Vaseline, to ease the connection

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Chris,

Vaseline is not recommended on water supplies for two reasons. Firstly Vaseline itself is not classed a potable ( i.e suitable for human consumption) and secondly being a petroleum based substance it will attack some kinds of rubber as found in some water fittings.

Use either a vegetable oil or a grease specially designed for food preparation equipment.

 

[TonyAsh]

Never did like the idea of mains pressure on van pipework. If you use the alternative, there is no danger of the.

There is a commercially available model, but you can eaily make your own using a Torbeck side entry cistern valve (less than

 

[chris_5068897]

Hi John,

Thanks for that. I was not aware that it is non potable, but it does not appear to attack the rubber-indeed the reason for using it is that it has been recommended in classic car journals to prevent drying out/cracking of earlier rubber components.

Lubrication of the O rings is essential, as they can easily be forced out of position, or broken

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi John,

Thanks for that. I was not aware that it is non potable, but it does not appear to attack the rubber-indeed the reason for using it is that it has been recommended in classic car journals to prevent drying out/cracking of earlier rubber components.

Lubrication of the O rings is essential, as they can easily be forced out of position, or broken

please note I did say some types of rubber, not all types.