tackling the H2O system this fall

[0rion]

A goal I have this fall is to work on my on board water to quiet the pump down. I've read on doing the various things to make the pump a little more quiet. One obvious thing I see is that the line coming up from the tank was cut a little short and it's touching the floor where it comes into the trailer. It's actually almost crushed there it's so tight so I'll be adding an extension onto that line and isolating the pump from the floor. My question involves adding an accumulator so the pump doesn't cycle as often and from time to time during the winter we get temp fluctuations in the shower when the pump cycles so I'm trying to cut down on that. I realize it will depend on the amount of room I have which is actually quite a bit but what is a good size to look at? I'm not sure what the minimum should be. I've found the $40 shur-flo designed specifically for RV's. Good enough? Better bigger one out there I should look at?

[pwrplay]

I just installed a Shurflo Revolution 4008. No Accumulator tank needed. It has an internal bypass valve that is adjustable in addition to the pressure switch adjustment. This pump is a lot quieter than the Flojet Triplex 3526.144A and plus no cycling. That thing sounds like a jack hammer compared to the Shurflo.

[nightshift]

pkunk wrote:
Anyone use a tank with a variable speed pump? Directions say not to, but I can't understand why.

I'm interested in a variable speed also, instead of installing an accumulator. Any reports from users out there? Is the variable really that much quieter and does it save battery power due to the motor type?

[Flatfoot-Rogue]

I hooked up a full system water filter and it stabalized my water pressure as well as the pump now runs less PLUS big bonus, I now have filtered water. Just have to remember to drain filter in winter when winterizing.

[Lynnmor]

0rion wrote:
couple more questions dawned on me last night....I'm guessing no pressure switch needed? Also, how do you guys address winterizing with the accumulators in there?

Air valve side up.

[pkunk]

accumulator should be installed with the water tap down. Airbladder forces the water out. Still wish I could use one with a VS pump.

[0rion]

couple more questions dawned on me last night....I'm guessing no pressure switch needed? Also, how do you guys address winterizing with the accumulators in there?

[RoyB]

X2 on the expansion pump tank. It is amazing how this reduces the PUMP motor running time. I got one from LOWES... Easy to install in-line with the hoses.

Looks similar to this GOOGLE IMAGES install photo...


Roy Ken

[C_Schomer]

I've used the 2 gallon in our RVs. Using straight pump connectors and getting rid of the 90s also helps. I also put foam insulation anywhere the lines touch anything but I can still hear a spot that rattles a little. I was able to get our previous 5er water pump perfectly quiet and I'm getting close on this one. Craig

[0rion]

It's under a sink in the back bedroom.....there's a shelf in there that I could do without because we really don't use the shelf so I actually have a fair amount of room in there if I take that out. I just got back with the trailer Saturday so right now I'm working on getting it cleaned up after having it parked somewhere else all summer then I'll be working on the H2O supply.

[welove2drive]

If you have the room I would check HomeDepot or Lowe's for an expansion tank made for your home. There are 2 sizes. I used the smaller of the 2 in our trailer.

[pkunk]

Anyone use a tank with a variable speed pump? Directions say not to, but I can't understand why.

[0rion]

I won't have the 5th wheel back here at the house until fall. I've left it out of state at a friends place too save on fuel costs this summer since everywhere we've went this year goes out that way. Saved us about $450 in fuel this summer....that's nothing to sneeze at. 😄

[profdant139]

Why wait till fall? It took me a leisurely afternoon to install an accumulator, and I am not very good with my hands. (I do a lot of handyman stuff, but not very well -- fumble fingers.) I would say to install the biggest accumulator that you can. In my case, that was a quart size -- I have almost no room next to my pump. Even so, the accumulator made a huge immediate difference in the noise.

[BTPO1]

Golden_HVAC wrote:
Putting 1/2" flex hoses on the pump input and output can make it very quiet, and also solves your short line problem at the same time. Look for the flex lines at your local hardware store, near the bathroom fixtures.

ALso a 1 quart expansion tank will keep the pump from cycling as much, and smooth out the pressure, making it very quiet.

Fred.

X2 on the hoses. I did that to mine and I can hardly hear the pump running. Also made sure that the hoses are not touching anywhere in the cabinet. JMO