One of the most difficult things that both old and new people who use caravans is the way the water system operates in an RV. Because the majority of people aren’t plumbers, and the majority of them have only an understanding of the basics and the reasons for it, you will understand the reason this gap is there.
While it isn’t easy to comprehend we can break it down into smaller pieces so you are aware of the various parts of the system perform. In this article, I’ll provide the information that will aid you understand.
If anything in the water system fail It will let you know which areas of your attention to concentrate on. Be aware that most of the topics discussed in this article are for skilled tradesmen and extremely skilled DIY’ers. If you’re not very skilled or have little knowledge, this isn’t the job to you…leave it to the pros.
Overview
How do hot water systems function in the caravan?
At one time, systems used in caravans were simple. In most cases, they were just jugs , but then we witnessed the development of pumps. They were hand pumps, and, later they were foot pumps.
Although it’s not common to find these pumps manually nowadays, they’re still used on vessels. They were affordable, sturdy and efficient. But, the technology evolves and the times change with technology. Let’s switch to the technology we have right now.
There are basically three parts of your system. I’ll provide you with details on each. The following are them:
Pumps for water
Water tanks
Water heaters
Pumps for water
The water pumping all around the unit is important, and it is vital to pump it around pipes as well as pipes. The water is then pumped through the pipes before it is pumped in the system for heating water and then it’s removed from the caravan.
In essence there are two kinds of water pumps:
Pressure pumps
Submersible pumps
Pressure pumps
The most expensive of both options are available the pressure pumps are self-priming. They offer a more pleasant experience as they are more comfortable. Pressure pumps are great for showers because the water flows more smoothly.
Pressure pumps operate through various diaphragms within the enclosure of the pump. They are designed to draw fluid from the reservoir, and push them through your pump, and then through your taps.
They are more costly than alternatives and could be left running dry for a brief period of time without causing any damage. The pumps themselves can be repaired in the event of a malfunction or break, and replacement parts particularly for the most popular brands, are readily accessible.
The effects of frost can be detrimental to these pumps and they have to be cleaned out in winter. The second major issue is that, if things do fail, they could result in flooding the caravan.
The advantages of pressure pumps
Fast and immediate water flow
Parts for repair are readily available.
Robust
It is more difficult to overheat.
The disadvantages of pressure pumps
Noise
Costly compared to other alternatives
Damage when it does not work
Submersible pumps
Submersible pumps are installed within the tank, and they are responsible to ensure that water is flowing. They operate from the 12v motor, and they move the water out of the tank, usually instances, an aqua roll until the point where it can be used. They must be controlled by micro switches that are near the tap or in the integrated.
This is the most affordable installation method and for the majority of cases, it’s fine. They’re not ideal for showers, but in most instances, they’re fine. The main benefit is that in the event that you suffer from a leak, the damage is less severe than those with pressure pump.
One thing you should not do is run the tank dry…make sure that you have enough water inside your tank. Drying it for longer than 30 seconds can cause permanent damage to the submersible pump.
Benefits of submersible pumps
Quiet
Buy cheap
Installation is simple and easy to do
Submersible pumps have disadvantages.
Inefficiency of pressure pumps
Limited time of life
Very easily damaged
The most difficult to repair, they often require replacement
Water tanks
The majority of water tanks used in caravans aren’t fixable in the vast majority of instances. Alternative methods like aquaroll are utilized that are mobile tubs that can hold water. This means you can refill your tank with water at the point of departure instead of your fix place.
For caravans with tanks that are fixed there is a limitation in the places the tank can be filled up with water, as you must be near sufficient to the source to be able to run an pipe.
Most often, these tanks will be located beneath in the floor of the vehicle, hidden in order to reduce the amount of area they normally use up. This technique has benefits. It’s one less thing to be doing when you arrive at your caravan’s location and the weight could aid in stabilizing your caravan as it is being pulled.
Whichever one you pick, the hygiene standards must be extremely high. The hose used to transport the water. The tank for water and the hose have to be of food-grade.
You should take the time to clean your barrel , or your tank. This will prevent the growth of the growth of germs and bacteria that could be harmful for your health. It is essential to use water that is specially designed for sterilizers that are effective in cleansing.
If the water flowing from the tank has a unpleasant scent or taste, the first thing to do is wash the tank and then change the water.
If you don’t use your vehicle, ensure that you drain the tank. This can be accomplished through leaving the tank open while driving home by to completely drain the tank. It is essential to ensure that you do not put any water inside it while it is in storage, and especially during the winter seasons. In doing this, you could damage your tank to the degree that you will need to replace it.
Click here to shop for a caravan drainage system.
Water heaters
Hot water is vital for daily activities even when you’re staying in the caravan. From washing dishes to showering it is essential to have hot water.
In essence, there are two types of water heaters…ones that simply warm water and others which heat water and supply warmth.
Hot water systems from Therme
Therme heaters primarily use the heat produced by your heating system. The heat is then transferred into the system via pipes. This is extremely efficient, especially when you’re operating your heating. This is basically recycling hot air to warm water.
If the heating isn’t operating, most of the time the water is heated with an element of heating.
Therme water heaters have advantages
Low cost
Easy to put in
In essence, it is a way of recycling heat from the present
Separate heating element that does not require heating
Rapid heating
Therme heaters are not without disadvantages.
A low capacity limit what you can do
Wait for the water to warm
Heaters for water that warm it as well as provide heat
The other kind of water heaters is one that is active in heating water. It is more likely that you will be familiar with them as they’re more similar to the type of water heater you will find in modern-day homes.
Water boiler
This is the exact thing you’d find in a house, but it’s at a lower scale.
In caravans they are able to operate on gas or electricity or in certain cases, both. They are able to hold enough water to supply an average-sized caravan. They carry enough water to shower and even wash. In certain instances it can heat up to 15 millilitres of water.
It is not just able to be used to heat the water, but it can do so fairly quickly when it is fuelled with gas. Certain models that are more expensive are able to do this faster with the heating elements of electric inside the unit.
Benefits of water boilers
Quickly heat the water.
Efficient
Large capacity
A variety of sources for heating
Water boilers have disadvantages.
After the water is gone You must rest for at least 20 mins
Combination boilers
The most costly option, but it’s the most efficient. Combination boilers are popular with most people today because they are able to provide heat to your water and heat your caravan at the exact time…as well as complete each task in its own way.
Combination boilers operate by gas, which is great since you don’t have to be connected to the mains for self-sufficiency. Most of the time, they are able to run on electricity, and the heating element can be converted to electric, which is useful when you’re on camping site.
Benefits of combined boilers
There is no tank needed, so you can conserve space
Gas and electricity are used to run the pipelines.
Highly efficient
Benefits and disadvantages of combined boilers
Expensive
The Summary… How do the water systems work in the caravan
The water system in a caravan could be confusing for some however, it is simple for some. In essence, you need to be aware of the three components of the system. If you’re planning to improve your system, the service provider you choose can guide you about the best solution for you.
It is always recommended to ask your supplier “how is the water system working on a caravan’, if you’re not certain. They can assist you further.
I hope that this article will help you better understand the options that are open to you. In fact, it is an excellent starting point to explore further.