Pumping water
Submitted: Friday, Apr 27, 2007 at 17:45
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Member - Cruiser (NSW)
I am thinking of getting some sort of 12V water pump, to pump water from a creek or tank into my caravan tanks when required. Naturally I would only be using good quality water sources and the source would have to be filtered somehow.
I have
battery power to stay somewhere for about a week, but only enough water in van to stay for about 4 days, maybe 5, hence the need to get water into van.
Was thinking that as I already have all the hoses etc in my van anyway, this might be a better idea than carrying a couple of 20 litre plastic water containers that would only get used infrequently.
Was thinking of a shureflow similar to whats in my caravan, but cant seem to find any specs on it. I want to be able to pump from no more than say 10 metres distance and then up about 1 metre into the vans water fillers. The height of a river or creek bank would probaly have some effect on the ability of the pump to do the job as
well i would imagine.
Does anyone know if this idea is feasable and if so, are there any suggestions as to what brand/model of pump would do the job.
Thanks
Cruiser
Reply By: hoyks - Friday, Apr 27, 2007 at 19:37
Friday, Apr 27, 2007 at 19:37
I don't want to sound like a Luddite, but have you considered a bucket and a funnel? At least then you can see what you are getting. With a pump you have to make sure that the hose doesn’t drop into the sediment on the bottom, can push water to the height you want (the higher, the slower it is) and that the pump can prime it’s self at the height it is at, as you don’t want to stuff around with foot valves. Then there is the setup and knock down time.
Get the pump for the shower, but sometimes for moving water a bucket is easier and less trouble.
The Flowjet and Sureflow diaphragm pumps are great though, much more versatile and reliable than a bilge pump. If you have the time to rig up a pressure tank and a pressure switch they are like having mains pressure camping and the pump doesn’t have to run all the time if you only need low flow.
AnswerID:
236246
Follow Up By: Member - Lindsay- Friday, Apr 27, 2007 at 21:12
Friday, Apr 27, 2007 at 21:12
G'day hoyks
I totally agree. 2 plastic buckets, a,funnel, a willing wife who needs a shower, a can of VB & a can of Beam, and a spare 15 minutes can deliver all the water you need for a couple of days.
The Kiss principle works for us.
Also if the water is a bit cloudy leave it in the buckets for a couple of hours whilst the silt settles so that you can qualify for a can of beer in similar timing.
Lindsay & the magnificent Polar Bear
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Reply By: Russ n Sue - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 03:49
Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 03:49
Cruiser,
We use a submersible pump of reasonable quality (cost about $139.00) to lift water from creeks. They have more tolerance to grit and algae than diaphram pumps and can pump at a good rate. They are also easy enough to clean. I tie a chux cloth around the intake just to give extra protection against "floaties".
This pump is similar to those that you may have seen in those 12V shower kits, only it is more rugged and able to deliver more water. It is a lot quieter than a diaphram pump and uses less electricity. They have a simple bearing assembly and when they wear out you have to throw the entire pump away, but they have a reasonably long life.
We then use a diaphram pump to push that water through a reverse osmosis setup to make the water drinkable.
Cheers,
Russ.
AnswerID:
236340
Reply By: Grungle - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 09:28
Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 09:28
Bias Boating has a 12V, 11 litre per minute pump on special at the moment for $99.90.
Details: Jabsco Par-Max 2.9 12V Pressure Pump, Cat. 5054JX, BIAS Price $99.90
It is a special listed on their
home page. Not sure what head of pressure it is rated to but for the situation you describe, I believe it will handle the job admirably.
Alternatively you could buy a couple of Y-Valves ("Plastic 'Y' valve for hose ID 25 or 38mm, part # 1233X and 1234X respectivley, price $29.90) and use your existing van pump to fill your
water tank. Switch the valves so inlet is external and not tank and outlet is tank and not tap.
Regards
David
AnswerID:
236353
Follow Up By: Member - Cruiser (NSW) - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 09:56
Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 09:56
Grungle,
I like the sound of the Y Valves. I must admit that I had not concidered that possibility.
Thanks, I will look into that idea.
Regards,
Cruiser
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