[Steven Shoreditch]

Follows on from the varistream thread.  I'm thinking of re-locating the pump somewhere else, but only options are above the outlets.  Will it still draw water and work ok if I do move it, do you know?

[outdoor restore]

Mine used to be mounted over halfway up the tank and worked with no problems.  I have now relocated it to the bottomish of the tank (only cos I was remodelling the van) and works fine.  I think those in the know would recommend mounting as low as possible to prevent air locks etc.

[TC1]

I was told by pure freedom to mount the pump as low down the tank as possible after having an air lock, since moving it I have not had a problem.

[♠Winp®oClean♠]

You can mount it anywhere, I used to have mine up near the roof BUT what tends to happen is once the pump is switched off, water in the feed pipe will slowly fall back down to the level in the tank. When this happens, you need to run the pump on full for a few seconds to flush the air through that's just been drawn in & once done the pump will run as normal. If you can make it totally air tight or fit a non-return valve this shouldn't happen.

In all honesty, you are better off having it as low as possible as this will help avoid things like the above. Mine now sits at the same level as the top of the tank.

[Central Window Cleaners]

Both of our vans have the pumps mounted to the bulk head well above the tank. Been like this for a year now and had no problems so far.

[Steven Shoreditch]

Cheers for replies.

[Sunshine/Cleaning]

Have a one way valve just after the tank to stop it draining back, then you can put it anywhere.

[♠Winp®oClean♠]

Have a one way valve just after the tank to stop it draining back, then you can put it anywhere.

Stuart, can you get one way valves for 1/2" hose?

I've always threatened to look into it & put one in! :

[dd]

To me it makes sense to have it around the same level as top of tank. That way if for some reason the end stop/valve on your hose or van port fails the tank will not drain away.

[LWC]

I would say to have it the same level, then the pump doesnt have to work hard to draw it, the water will just flow to the pump.

[Sunshine/Cleaning]

Have a one way valve just after the tank to stop it draining back, then you can put it anywhere.

Stuart, can you get one way valves for 1/2" hose?

I've always threatened to look into it & put one in! :

I'm not sure.

[Panorama]

I would say to have it the same level, then the pump doesnt have to work hard to draw it, the water will just flow to the pump.

maybe an exam question for you sensai.

[Richard Neal]

Have a one way valve just after the tank to stop it draining back, then you can put it anywhere.

Stuart, can you get one way valves for 1/2" hose?

I've always threatened to look into it & put one in! :

These are used a lot in the caravan /motor home industry, any touring caravan accessorie shop should stock them.

[Paul Coleman]

Mine was installed low down - close to the level of the bottom of the tank.
Interesting to read the stuff about airlocks though.  When there is likely to be a freeze up, I cactuAlly run air through the system intentionally.  I switch it on with the feed pipe removed from the tank and have the pipe at thew outlet end running back into the tank.  This (mostly) empties the pipework of water.  It certainly removes enough from it to prevent loads of water freezing withing the pump and cracking it.  When I re-start (with feed pipe in obviously), there is a bit of spluttering for a little while but it soon flows OK.  On my van mount I have a 100 PSI pump and half inch hose.  No varistream needed as I have a "return to tank" setup.  I don't know if this is why I don't suffer with airlocks but I suspect so.

On the very cold nights the pump may still fail to work the following day due to a little bit of water left in there but at least there is insufficient volume to crack it.
I had considered raising the pump so that it drains away from it on the very cold nights but feel that I might create more problems than I solve.

[Steven Shoreditch]

How does that 'return to tank' setup work, then?

It would be great to have full pressure and no varistream!  And no loss of water!