But the missing fact , is with a direct connection supply, the risk of a pipe failing is very significantly increased. This is simply because it could be subjected to pressure above the maximum limit of the system, something the submersible caravan pump can't do.
Mel mentioned the solution to your problem early in this thread.......... not cheap though.
Colapz Fresh Mini (Serviced Pitches)
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Just how many after-market direct systems use full mains pressure - rather than using a pressure regulator? All the ones I've seen include the regulator, in which case your warning is irrelevant.
- Feb 13, 2024
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look on the bright side, it was just a aquaroll full of water, if it was direct feed it would have been worse.
It is not at all irrelevant in that the basic regulators are reducer valves, without incorporating a pressure relief facility.
In the static flow situation, the reducer has to perfectly seal off the supply pressure, or the minutest weeping across the seal will inevitable lead to an increase in the downstream system pressure.
This is recognised in applications were the consequences are not tolerable and the reducer is paired with a relief valve.
In our application where we feed our vans with a portable hose the risks of contamination happening and that flowing on to contaminate and compromise the reducer's seal, are IMO high. That coupled to the high probability that a static pressure of the utilities supply being higher than the design pressure of the van's water system componentry, certainly make me totally unwilling to put our van at unnecessary risk.
- Jun 20, 2005
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According to Whale their system regulates mains water pressure to nominal 1.5 bar ( max 1.8 bar max) I do have one but used it only once.
JTQs statement is valid especially as the various elements are connected and disconnected without thought to carefully removing contamination before connection , so any little bits can enter the system and stop the various valves/regulators from completely sealing. I serviced a van the last week or two and there were bits of of the chrome/silver plating which the plastic shower heads are coated with , in the three way drain down valve!, conclusion :- at some time the owner must have drained the system and these bits flowed back down the pipes. They were also in the aerators on the end of the taps. I always turn off the mains feed to the aquaroll when not in the van also the pump gets switched off . Never assume an automatic system will work as expected , things fail, it's the nature of things. Keeps me in a job(part time)
- Mar 14, 2005
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- Mar 14, 2005
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In addition the the above discussion, I have had to deal with a number of caravanners whos direct water link has failed to regulate the pressure supplied to the caravan causing the caravans pipe work to be over pressurised and and leak flooding the caravan ruining a holiday. The risk is low, but the consequences are formidable. The risk can be totally avoided by using an intermediary water tank with float valve, and the caravans own water pump.
There are at least two other concerns both of which I have had to deal with when customers complained.
The first is the flow of water through a pressure reducing valve is often inferior to the flow available through a submersible pump resulting in poor shower of mixer tap performance.
And the second issues is sites where several caravans are using a direct connection and their combined demand exceeds the the ability of the sites water pipes to supply all the caravans adequately.
Both situations effectively reduce the pressure and flow at the caravan. Using an intermediate tank and float valve prevents this from being a problem.
On balance I now always recommend the use of a intermediary tank system.
There are at least two other concerns both of which I have had to deal with when customers complained.
The first is the flow of water through a pressure reducing valve is often inferior to the flow available through a submersible pump resulting in poor shower of mixer tap performance.
And the second issues is sites where several caravans are using a direct connection and their combined demand exceeds the the ability of the sites water pipes to supply all the caravans adequately.
Both situations effectively reduce the pressure and flow at the caravan. Using an intermediate tank and float valve prevents this from being a problem.
On balance I now always recommend the use of a intermediary tank system.
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