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evy's avatar
evy
Explorer
Apr 18, 2016

Water tank question

Hi everyone,

I'm working on my very first DIY camper conversion, using a 2010 extended Ford E250.

I have some questions about the clean water tank.

I don't want to install a 12v level indicator, I don't remember where I saw this but I saw a picture of some sort of bypass with clear tubing, the water would rise in the tubing at the same level inside the tank. or maybe was it between the city inlet and the vent? because I'm thinking when the pump is activated it will suck air from the bypass? I have no idea lol.

I also want to know how I will clean the water tank? I thought of getting my hands on a marine hatch, maybe that would work? is there a cheaper simpler way?
by the way how often do you need to clean the water tank?

A friend also told me I should install a bottom drain in the tank for emptying it without using the pump, is that a good idea?
how and where would I add it?

Thanks for any info!



42 Replies

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  • Mandalay_Parr's avatar
    Mandalay_Parr
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2016
    Yes, install a bottom drain.
    Add bleach to water to purify it.
    Air and sunlight are your enemies.
    I keep my tank full at all times.
  • CapnCampn's avatar
    CapnCampn
    Explorer III
    Apr 18, 2016
    The clear tubing level indicator should work fine, although you can kind of see the level of water in translucent tanks anyway - especially if you shine a flashlight into the tank near the bottom. I'm not sure if the flow rate of the pump would be enough to cause it to suck air from the bypass in general - it probably would if the tank is low.

    You could put the bypass between the city and gravity fill, then the pump would be out of the picture.

    I've never seen a tank with a cleanout hatch - most just sanitize with bleach once or so a season. If you decide to add a hatch, you'd need to position it so your arm (plus a brush?)can reach all the corners of the tank.

    I would definitely add a drain as your friend suggests though - it's handy and saves wear and tear on the pump at the end of a trip, plus you can just drain it onto the ground rather than filling your gray/black tanks with clean water.


    Good luck!

    CC

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