Potable Water Fill

J

jrpar

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Looking at modification to my fresh/potable water system that would allow me to fill the tank when connected to city water. Currently, I have a check valve in the supply line that prevents city water from backing up into the FW tank.

Currently I have to fill this tank from the normal deck fill. This isn't convenient anymore since I don't have a finger on that side anymore and the %^$%$$# manufacturer placed it in a very inconvenient spot to reach from the deck.

So.. Trying to thnk thru all of the ramifications of adding a valve to the incoming city water line that would allow the tank to fill.

Thoughts?
 
Make SURE your vent is clear and big enough to handle any overflow.... Fresh water tanks generally won't take any pressure.
 
quote:
Originally posted by stmbtwle

Make SURE your vent is clear and big enough to handle any overflow.... Fresh water tanks generally won't take any pressure.

Click to expand...


That's important because when using a deck fill, any excess just comes out the deck fill.

I don't think a normal water tank vent would be big enough to handle city water filling the tank unless you used a smaller hose to fill it with or installed some type of pressure reducer in the fill line.

Better would be some sort of automatic valve but I can't think of one offhand.
 
On many boats [mine included] the check valve is built into the city water hose connection. If that's the case on yours, I believe you'd have to add another check valve after the fill take off or "T" and before any connection to the boat's fresh water system. If you don't, I would think the fresh water pump would run continuously and just pump water back into the fresh water tank.
 
I have a check valve in the system now to keep the pump happy and prevent backfilling of the tank. There is also a regulator on the city water, which controls the pressure allowed to the onboard system. Looks like an update to the ventline and a new valve will do it. I let y'all know how it turns out.
 
Maybe I am looking at it in a too simplistic way. The city water line has a pressure reducer and enters the boat's fresh water system forward of the pump. A check value prevents the city water from flowing backward to the water tank (my Jabsco pump has that feature built-in). The water tank is vented. If you bypass the check value, water will flow constantly to the tank and out its vent. In the event the feed from the city is greater than the capability of the vent line to exhaust, the tank will "explode" or at least develop cracks or leaks.

If your desire is only to fill the tank from the city feed, "as necessary", then a couple of "T" fittings, some hose and a shut-off valve in the middle should work. Just don't walk away while filling the water tank as the possibility exists that even reduced city pressure may overwhelm the tank's vent.

Of course the alternative is to install another fill for the water tank at a more convenient location.

Gene
 
Formula uses a one point water fill system. It works by installing a solonoid valve in the line to the tank, operated by a switch that will fill the tank. There is also, a float in the tank that shuts off the valve when tank is full. Very nice system.
 
The saftey is to go up on deck and open the fill cap. Even though you are not filling from there any pressure or overflow should also be released there..that way you wont blow a hose off or crack a tank..
 
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