One of the biggest things both new and experienced people who use caravans is understanding how the water system operates in the inside of a caravan. Since the majority of people aren’t plumbers and have an understanding of the basics and the reasons for it, you will understand the reason for this gap.
While it isn’t easy to comprehend we can break it down into smaller pieces so you are aware of what each part of the system are doing. In this post, I’ll explain the system to help you understand.
If anything in the water system fail If anything goes wrong, it should at least aid you in determining which areas of your attention to concentrate on. Be aware that most of the topics discussed in this article are for professionals in the trades and extremely skilled DIY’ers. If you’re not a professional with a lot of experience, this isn’t an opportunity suitable for you…leave it to professionals.
Overview
How do hot water systems function in the caravan?
At one time, systems used in caravans were simple. In most cases, they were just containers, and later we saw the development of pumps. They were hand pumps, and, later they were foot pumps.
While it’s rare to find these pumps manually today, they are employed on vessels. They were inexpensive, durable and efficient. But technology evolves and the times change with technology. Therefore, let’s go to the technology we have today.
In essence, there are three components of your system. I’ll give you the details of each. These are:
Pumps for water
Water tanks
Water heaters
Pumps for water
The water pumping throughout the entire system is important, and it is vital to pump all the way around your system as well as pipes. The water is then pumped through the pipes before it is pumped to the heating unit for water and then it’s removed from the caravan.
Visit our website when looking for a caravan drainage system.
In essence there are two types of water pumps.
Pressure pumps
Submersible pumps
Pressure pumps
The most expensive of both options are available they are self-priming. They offer a more pleasant experience because they are more comfortable. Pressure pumps are ideal for showers because they allow for better flow of water.
Pressure pumps operate through various diaphragms within their housing. They are designed to draw fluid from the reservoir and then push them through your pump and into your taps.
They cost more than alternatives and could be drained for a brief period of time without causing harm. Pumps themselves can be fixed in the event of a malfunction as well as spare components, specifically for the most popular brands, are readily accessible.
The effects of frost can be detrimental to these pumps, which is why they must be cleaned out in winter. Another disadvantage is that if they do not go as planned, they may result in flooding the caravan.
Benefits of pressure pumps
Fast and immediate water flow
Parts for repair are readily available.
Robust
It is more difficult to overheat.
The disadvantages of pressure pumps
Noise
Costly compared to other alternatives
The damage that occurs in the event that it is not able to function properly.
Submersible pumps
Submersible pumps are installed within the tank, and are there to ensure that the water flow is maintained. They run off of the 12v motor, and they transfer the water out of the tank, usually cases , an aqua roll, until it is ready for use. They must be operated with micro switches that are near the tap or in the integrated.
This is the most affordable installation method and for the majority of cases, it’s fine. They’re not ideal for showers, but in most instances, they’re fine. The main benefit is that in the event that you experience a leak, damage will be less than that of pressure-pump.
One thing you should not do is run it dry…make sure you’ve got the water level inside your tank. Drying it for longer than 30 seconds can end up permanently damaging the submersible pump.
The advantages of submersible pumps
Quiet
Cost-effective to purchase
Installation is simple and easy to do
Submersible pumps have disadvantages.
Inefficiency of pressure pumps
Limited time of life
It is easy to be damaged
It is difficult to repair and often require replacement
Water tanks
The majority of water tanks found in caravans aren’t fixable in the vast majority of instances. Alternative methods like aquarolls are employed which are portable tubs that store water. This means you can fill up your water tank in the location you want to go instead of your fix location.
If you are in a caravan with tanks fixed to the ground it is more restricted in the places you are able to fill the tank up with water since you have to be near enough near the water source to be able to run an water hose.
In most cases, tanks can be located below in the floor of the caravan, tucked in order to reduce the amount of space they typically consume. This technique has benefits. This is one less thing to be doing when you arrive at your caravan’s location and the weight could assist in stabilising the caravan while it is being pulled.
Whichever one you select, hygiene standards must be extremely high. The water hose, which is used to transport the water. The tank for water and the hose should be of food-grade.
It is important to wash your barrel or your tank. This will prevent the growth of contamination by germs and bacteria that could be harmful for your health. It is essential to use water that is specially designed for sterilizers that are effective in cleansing.
If the water flowing from the tank has a unpleasant smell or taste, then the first thing to do is cleanse the tank and replace the water.
If you’re not using your vehicle, make sure that you empty the tank. This can be accomplished through leaving the tank open while driving home by fully draining the tank. It is crucial to ensure that you do not put any water inside when it is in storage or during winter seasons. In doing this, you could damage the tank to the level where you have to replace it.
Water heaters
Hot water is vital for daily activities while you’re in the caravan. From washing dishes to taking a bath there is a need for hot water.
In essence, there are two types of water heaters…ones that simply provide heat to water, and the other that use heat to heat water, and also provide warmth.
Hot water systems from Therme
Therme heaters are essentially using the heat generated by your heating system. The heat is then transferred into the system via pipes. This is highly efficient, particularly in the case of operating your heating. This is basically recycling hot air to warm water.
If the heating isn’t operating, the water will be heated with an element of heating.
Therme water heaters have advantages
Low cost
Simple to install
The idea is to recycle existing heat
Separate heating element does not need heating
Rapid heating
Therme heaters are not without disadvantages.
A low capacity restricts what you can accomplish
Wait for the water to warm
Heating water heaters as well as provide heat
The other type of water heaters is one that is active in heating water. It is more likely that you will recognize these because they’re more similar to what you can find in modern-day homes.
Water boiler
It’s exactly what you’d find in a house, but it’s at a lower scale.
In caravans they are able to run on both gas and electricity or in certain cases, both. They are able to hold enough water to supply the needs of a small-sized caravan, so they can carry enough water to allow showers and even wash. In some instances it can heat up to 15 millilitres of water.
It is not just able to be used to heat the water, it also does it quite quickly when powered by gas. Certain models with higher-end features are able to do this faster with electrical heating components in the unit.
Benefits of water boilers
The water is quickly heated.
Efficient
Large capacity
Many heating sources
Water boilers have disadvantages.
When the water has run out You must be patient for at least 20 minutes
Combination boilers
The most expensive choice available however it is the most efficient. The combination boiler is commonplace to the majority of people nowadays because they are able to provide heat to your water and heat your caravan at the exact time…as well as performing each task in its own way.
Combination boilers run by gas, which is great since you don’t have to be connected to the mains for self-sufficiency. They are able to run on electricity, and heating is able to be switched to electric, particularly if you’re on camping site.
Benefits of combined boilers
There is no tank needed, so you can conserve space
Electricity and gas runs
Highly efficient
Benefits and disadvantages of combined boilers
Expensive
Abstract… How is the water system working in the caravan
The water system in a caravan could be complicated for certain people however it’s simple for some. It is important to be aware of the three elements of the system. If you’re planning to upgrade your system your provider can guide you about the best solution for you.
It is always advisable to ask your dealer ‘how do you operate the water system on a caravan’ in case you’re still not sure. They can assist you further.
I hope this article can help you to understand the choices which are available to you. If anything, it’s an excellent starting point to explore further.