RV Water System
Components
- Water storage
tank
- Water lines
- Terminal
components
- Waste removal
- Demand pump
- Compressed air
systems
- City water
connection
Most
modern RV water systems use a plastic water
storage tank of between 20 to 50 gallons of
potable water with a hose leading to an
electrical demand type water pump. The tank is
normally equipped with a valve or plug to allow
the tank to be completely drained for
winterizing.
The
operation of the demand type water pump is
automatically controlled by a pressure
sensitive switch that shuts off the pump when
the system pressure reaches a preset limit.
When a tap is turned on, the resulting water
flow reduces the system pressure causing the
pressure switch to turn on the pump thereby
maintaining the system water pressure. When the
tap is turned off, the pump continues to run
for a few seconds until the system pressure is
built up to the preset limit, whereupon the
pressure switch again turns the pump off. All
components located beyond the demand pump are
part of the pressure side of the water
system.
In most
recreational vehicles, immediately after the
water pump, is the "city" water inlet which is
a connection to allow the system to use the
water and pressure from an external water
source. (i.e. the faucets supplied in an RV
park etc.)
The
pressure side of the water system consists of
the various distribution lines, the hot water
heater (if so equipped) and the terminal points
of the system. (Sinks, shower, toilet etc.)
Beyond
these points is the waste water removal system
- all of which must be protected from freezing
and the resulting damages, as will be described
later.
In some
RV's, especially older models, an air
compressor takes the place of a pump - the
compressor forces air into an air tight water
storage tank and it is this air pressure that
forces water through the lines whenever a tap
is opened.
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