check out the new remote control Jockey Wheel SmartBar rearview170 Beam Communications SatPhone Shop Topargee products
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> Techies' Corner -> Drain Hole/Tap to empty water tank
Post Info TOPIC: Drain Hole/Tap to empty water tank
PeterInSa


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1041
Date:
Drain Hole/Tap to empty water tank
Permalink  

A friend has purchased a campervan without a drain hole/tap for the water tank, does not have an electric water pump just a hand pump. Filled up the tank to re test the water pump all OK but then decide to empty the tank......

Has bought a T fitting from Bunnings with a screw cap. Plan is to cut the hose line and insert the T.  An wary that the cutting and joining could break the tank outlet.

Is there an alterrnative, ie drill a hole in the rear of the tank and insert a Tap and silicon around the base/tank wall to provide more strength.. However to me the tankwall is thin, is this idea a long term solution. What is your tap recommendation and source.

Thanks

Peter



__________________
Peter_n_Margaret


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 295
Date:
Permalink  

The tank is made from High Density Polyethylene. No glue will be reliable long term and silicone would be about the worst choice.

Cheap RV tanks are often very thin, especially around the edges where it is important, and that reduces the options.
A new thread could probably be spun welded in but the tank would need to come out to do that. I could do that (if we were home). A "T" would be the best solution.
Cheers,
Peter



-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Monday 24th of June 2024 11:18:01 AM

__________________

OKA196 DIY, self contained 4WD MH, 1160W PV, 326Ah of CALB LiFePO4 batteries, 1.3kW inv, 310L water, 350-450L diesel.
PeterInSa


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1041
Date:
Permalink  

P n M, Thanks

__________________
PeterD


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 4729
Date:
Permalink  

The tanks commonly used in vans that I have looked at have two outlets. The outlets are 2 x 1/2 inch female BSP. These outlets require a hole drilled into them to access the water. Have a look to see if there is a second undrilled one on the end of the tank. If there is, get one of these - Water Director - 1/2 Inch BSP To 1/2 Inch Or 13mm Barb and connect your new system to that. Alternately, you can just screw a stop**** into it.

I suggest you do not use a plastic tap, where it is liable to cop gravel thrown up by the tyres. I had one on the end of 70mm of hose, it got trashed whilst travelling on gravel roads. I just unscrewed the barb and replaced it with a brass plug. It did not require tape to seal and I could remove it with my fingers. In my case it was not too much trouble to reach under the van and remove the plug.

Many owners drain the tanks by simply removing the hose from the outlet barb. If you can get to the tank easily.



-- Edited by PeterD on Tuesday 25th of June 2024 05:13:33 PM

__________________

PeterD
Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top
Retired radio and electronics technician.
NSW Central Coast.

 
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> Techies' Corner -> Drain Hole/Tap to empty water tank
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
Purchase Grey Nomad bumper stickers Read our daily column, the Nomad News The Grey Nomad's Guidebook