Overflowing fresh water tank

[deleted79651]

Can't you cut two legs off so that 2 are on the step and 2 the floor?

No! The Hab Door closes onto the internal step tread and there is insufficient space on the lower floor in the Van to site, or indeed , use them! The lower floor area could have been improved marginally with a little more time/thought at the design stage, but I can imagine the Accountant saying, 'Don't waste time on that, it is what it is and the customer will accept that we did the best we could with the limited space available'.

The metal caravan step works, after a fashion, and there are probably worse compromises/design flaws in other Vans. It certainly won't stop us from enjoying Brunhilde, but having seen the 6.9 metre version, Elaine and I agree that it would be another world! Unfortunately, that extra metre would stop us being able to park outside the flat, it would stop us parking in supermarket car parks properly, and it would cause us problems getting into some of the smaller, more remote parking places for overnighters, in nature reserves and similar.

Steve

 

[Rodders1234]

I had real problem when the end hose nozzle came off the hose pipe while filling, it went down the pipe half way and stuck in a bend! could not reach it and eventually got it out using a vacuum Leaner. But I did not unscrew the inspection bung so the suction started to collapse the water tank and the screw tap to empty the tank popped out stopping the tank fully collapsing!

I now use a hose pipe connection cap on the inlet but I am not sure what would happen if I leave it and overfilled so only fill to 75%.

 

[125BEER]

None taken. I said when I joined the Forum that I only take life seriously when I absolutely have to, and there is so much about motorhoming where laughing at the bizarre installations, processes etc is better than crying! The 'bum otching' is a great example; the drop down bed finishes about 20cm beyond the raised habitation floor, so there is a 12cm drop in floor levels. 1st night away, we couldn't [despite 1 inch inside leg] otch the bum onto the mattress so had to resort to very unsafe use of the Hymer ladder which has only fixed hooks positioned at near ceiling height!

So next morning involved a trip to the Caravan Shop to buy a metal step to allow safe access to the bed ... Of course, most nights we lock the Hab Door, then curse quietly when we remember that we've forgotten to retrieve the step from outside, so it's unlock time and kneel down, poking around to locate the dew laden step whilst presenting the neighbours with an image of the moon coming over the mountains, before cursing again whilst digging out a cloth to dry the step ... These are the joys that we look forward to so enthusiastically ...

Steve

Then the wind picks up and realised the awning is still out(without stormstraps)

 

[Folkranger]

Then the wind picks up and realised the awning is still out(without stormstraps)

Had mine go over the top, straps and all. Not pleasant.

 

[marjohn]

Why hasn't someone come up with a shut off valve that detects the water pressure in the inlet pipe?

Mine comes out of the filling point when full
You must have the inspection cover loose

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[Eddiex]

I've just posted this on another forum as I think I have the same problem.

2003 Hymer B584 with the water tank under the double floor. The inspection hatch is under the carpet in the middle of of the van.

After filling the tank to the top I had a short drive to my next destination and on checking one of the the belly lockers I saw puddle of water. I lifted the inside inspection hatch under the floor in the van to find that there was water sitting on top of the water tank.

I'm assuming that the water had come from what others have described as 'the overflow pipe' on the screw in top which houses the water pump in the tank. There is no sign of any pipe work that should be fitted to this 'over flow' pipe and it has been suggested that I just blank it off.
Not sure at the moment as it could have been that I had not done the screw in cap tight enough but I think I did!

Are these screw in caps common to most MH or are they a Hymer fitment only?

 

[GAVLAD]

Can you get access to the top of your tank?
If so, have you considered watching it whilst someone fills up with water, so that you know exactly where the water overflows from?
All of the above mentioned issues are likely, but have a look at the top of my tank on the photo.
It's a large tank, so has two inspection screw lids.
You'll also see that there's a white cover which houses the connections for one of the water outlets, the breather pipe and the electronic gauge for contents.
I usually brim the tank when filling up as 'others' in the motorhome use water like they do at home. (I often think we've brought the bath when we go away as I live at the tap & waste on sites!)

I once noticed water in the locker as mine has a double floor.
I traced the water back and it lead me to the top of the tank.
Both red screw down lids were on tight.
What I did notice was that the sealant around the white cap must have been cracked, as water had seeped out of this area.
So check where the contents gauge is fitted or any other inlet to the tank and see if there's any water or pooling around this connection.
If you brim the tank and then drive, water will be slushing around in the tank and that's when you'll have a leak, in addition to leaving the filling hose on. So you might think you've been careful when filling to not over do it, but when you drive off, water could escape that way if any seals have gone.

Also, talking of overflowing when filling, you'll see that mine as a breather pipe fitted to the water inlet which goes into the tank.
This is supposed to help avoid the tank 'burping' and spitting out water.
It doesn't.
I use a HEOSAFE water connector when filling up and connect the hose via a push fit to that.
Depending on the pressure from the tap warrants how long it takes for the tank to 'burp'.
With some aires, you've no choice to turn the pressure down on the tap.
I've found that by adding a short length of cut down garden hose and securing with the jubilee clip to the inside spout of the HEOSAFE water connector, so that this short length goes further down the tank inlet filler and this does help.
When it does burp and water overflows, it comes back up the inlet and the HEOSAFE allows it back out.
You could also try opening a tap inside the van whilst filling up as again, I've found that this can help.

 

[Eddiex]

Many thanks for your detailed reply! I will do as you suggest and fill it to the top to see if I can identify where it might be leaking from - I'm fairly sure that the two screw on lids were secure but that is worth checking as well.

Mine looks like this so I will check all connections carefully.

 

[GAVLAD]

Many thanks for your detailed reply! I will do as you suggest and fill it to the top to see if I can identify where it might be leaking from - I'm fairly sure that the two screw on lids were secure but that is worth checking as well.

Mine looks like this so I will check all connections carefully.

You could also place kitchen roll/paper towels around the tank as that will indicate where any leak or overflow may occur

 

[Minxy]

Do I need to type more slowly, then?

Red Inspection Bung in Fresh water tank mounted vertically. Even when water level below the bung, the bottom section of the coarse, deep thread collects water from the previous higher water levels and when the Bung is released, the water accumulation escapes and runs down into the refill cupboard, so the trick is to grab the sponge and wash leather quickly to catch the spillage/leakage before it has a chance to settle under the water tank itself, potentially causing future problems with damp.

Steve

By 'bung' do you mean the screw cap?

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[Lenny HB]

I've just posted this on another forum as I think I have the same problem.

2003 Hymer B584 with the water tank under the double floor. The inspection hatch is under the carpet in the middle of of the van.

After filling the tank to the top I had a short drive to my next destination and on checking one of the the belly lockers I saw puddle of water. I lifted the inside inspection hatch under the floor in the van to find that there was water sitting on top of the water tank.

I'm assuming that the water had come from what others have described as 'the overflow pipe' on the screw in top which houses the water pump in the tank. There is no sign of any pipe work that should be fitted to this 'over flow' pipe and it has been suggested that I just blank it off.
Not sure at the moment as it could have been that I had not done the screw in cap tight enough but I think I did!

Are these screw in caps common to most MH or are they a Hymer fitment only?

That pipe connector on top of the tank should have a hose on it connected to a similar point on the water filler inlet it's a breather & overflow.

 

[deleted79651]

By 'bung' do you mean the screw cap?

Yes, that's the technical term! And over the weekend, the internal washer began to 'wep' ... And there doesn't appear to be any stocks of the washer in UK. so a chamois leather wedged into the cavity under the tank and a daily wringing out will have to suffice until supplies are back to normal ...

Steve

 

[GAVLAD]

That pipe connector on top of the tank should have a hose on it connected to a similar point on the water filler inlet it's a breather & overflow.

View attachment 539878

Good spot Lenny. I looked at the photo when first posted but didn’t notice the male nozzle behind the other cable/pipe.
That could be it.
They’ll know if they sit and watch whilst putting hose in filler

 

[GibAvon]

Brunhilde probably has the same coarse thread red inspection bung, mounted vertically. I am paranoid about the accumulation of water at the bottom of the thread [always oozes out, like a slow leak] when I open it,so have a spare car sponge and aged wash leather in the locker to catch any drips! Everything else seems very well thought out [apart from the drop down bed where the 'bum otching' onto the lowered bed has been calculated from the raised floor which stops about 20cm short of where the edge of the bed is, so you need kneecaps that fold in the opposite direction!], so the Water Inspection Hatch is a bit of an oddity.

Steve

The fresh water tank on our Travel Van is accessed via a service hatch on the side of the van. The large red inspection hatch is also mounted vertically, and leaks whenever it is opened - no matter how tightly it was closed. So we have kept a rolled-up microfibre cloth next to the tank, to catch the drips. You can never be too careful!

 

[deleted79651]

The fresh water tank on our Travel Van is accessed via a service hatch on the side of the van. The large red inspection hatch is also mounted vertically, and leaks whenever it is opened - no matter how tightly it was closed. So we have kept a rolled-up microfibre cloth next to the tank, to catch the drips. You can never be too careful!

Agreed! The sponge washer [120mm?] that fits on the internal face of the Red Service Hatch on Brunhilde began to 'weep' over the weekend. £14.22 to replace, but there doesn't seem to be any stock in UK! So chamois leather rammed under the tank 'chin' to catch the drops will continue until/if we can get to Spain and hope we can get a replacement ... Tambo Motorhomes in Benicarlos [about 8 miles from the Benimar factory] will be our first port of call. If he hasn't got a replacement or cannot source one, Ramon can usually come up with a solution [the advantage of being a motorhomer himself!]

Steve

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[Lenny HB]

Agreed! The sponge washer [120mm?] that fits on the internal face of the Red Service Hatch on Brunhilde began to 'weep' over the weekend. £14.22 to replace, but there doesn't seem to be any stock in UK! So chamois leather rammed under the tank 'chin' to catch the drops will continue until/if we can get to Spain and hope we can get a replacement ... Tambo Motorhomes in Benicarlos [about 8 miles from the Benimar factory] will be our first port of call. If he hasn't got a replacement or cannot source one, Ramon can usually come up with a solution [the advantage of being a motorhomer himself!]

Steve

Try some food grade silicon grease on the seal, it usually works.

 

[Eddiex]

That pipe connector on top of the tank should have a hose on it connected to a similar point on the water filler inlet it's a breather & overflow.

View attachment 539878

Thanks for your reply. That's a pain! I cannot see where the pipe has disappeared to - it does not appear to be tucked down the side of the tank and I cannot see any evidence of where it exits under the tank in the under belly locker or indeed connected to the water filler inlet. Also I have no idea how one would go about one would go about routing a new piece of pipe : (

In this picture (below) of my tank, on the right, is a dark coloured pipe and I have found one like this that appears to be connected to my water fill pipe which could maybe be a breather?

Is it possible that the pipe connector on my tank in the first picture should have a blanking piece attached to it or maybe a one way valve that would act as a breather/pressure equaliser when the tap makes a demand of the water supply?

Many thanks

 

[deleted79651]

Try some food grade silicon grease on the seal, it usually works.

Thank you so much, Lenny! The 'weeping' has been niggling away [it's my character, or lack of it] since I found it. Is there a standard brand or source for the stuff, please?

The number of beers I must owe you is mounting up alarmingly; if I see you on a Rally, I won't be ignoring you, I'll still be saving up

Steve

 

[Lenny HB]

Thank you so much, Lenny! The 'weeping' has been niggling away [it's my character, or lack of it] since I found it. Is there a standard brand or source for the stuff, please?

The number of beers I must owe you is mounting up alarmingly; if I see you on a Rally, I won't be ignoring you, I'll still be saving up

Steve

Sorry can't help with a brand I've been using a 30 year old tube of MS4 not food grade but I'm still alive.
If you search Food Grade Silicon Grease plenty avaliable.

 

[deleted79651]

Sorry can't help with a brand I've been using a 30 year old tube of MS4 not food grade but I'm still alive.
If you search Food Grade Silicon Grease plenty avaliable.

Thanks, Lenny,
I've found RS Components and Brit Lube, so I'll call them tomorrow. RS Components quote £15.78 but then add the VAT when you order, and quote free next day delivery on Page 1, but when you reach the payment screen, apply £4.95 UNLESS your order is over £30, which is a bit misleading, 'cos the £15.78 suddenly becomes £23.89, which is over 50% more than the headline figure!

Brit Lube have an Enquiry Form and Phone number, and the Form has a mandatory Company Name field so it may be Trade only; could be a lot of chasing my tail tomorrow! Cheers.

Steve

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[Lenny HB]

RS supply anyone these days.

This is a bit cheaper also small 10g tubes for 3½ quid.
Amazon product ASIN B07F8QK4K5

 

[Minxy]

Yes, that's the technical term! And over the weekend, the internal washer began to 'wep' ... And there doesn't appear to be any stocks of the washer in UK. so a chamois leather wedged into the cavity under the tank and a daily wringing out will have to suffice until supplies are back to normal ...

Steve

The fresh water tank on our Travel Van is accessed via a service hatch on the side of the van. The large red inspection hatch is also mounted vertically, and leaks whenever it is opened - no matter how tightly it was closed. So we have kept a rolled-up microfibre cloth next to the tank, to catch the drips. You can never be too careful!

You could try giving your dribbling babies a bib ... yes I AM being serious!

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[deleted79651]

RS supply anyone these days.

This is a bit cheaper also small 10g tube for 3½ quid.
Amazon product ASIN B07F8QK4K5

But I'm not 'just anyone', I'm a no one ... . Back with the plot, I take it that 10g will be enough to give a good coating to the washer?

Steve

 

[deleted79651]

You could try giving your dribbling babies a bib ... yes I AM being serious!

View attachment 540127

Online Food Shopping | Grocery Delivery | ASDA Groceries

Shop online at ASDA Groceries. The same great prices as in store, delivered to your door or click and collect from store.

groceries.asda.com

Tommy [Hat] Tippee for that, Minxy! I'm discussing silicone grease with Lenny HB ...

Steve

 

[Lenny HB]

But I'm not 'just anyone', I'm a no one ... . Back with the plot, I take it that 10g will be enough to give a good coating to the washer?

Steve

It's good stuff to have around & it doesn't go off so I would get the bigger tube.

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[Minxy]

Tommy [Hat] Tippee for that, Minxy! I'm discussing silicone grease with Lenny HB ...

Steve

I know you are but knowing 'menfolk' it's better to always have a redundancy system as a back-up for when you cock-up the first one!

 

[deleted79651]

I know you are but knowing 'menfolk' it's better to always have a redundancy system as a back-up for when you cock-up the first one!

I work by the Nymphomania Method; straight from one cock up to the next ...

Steve

 

[deleted79651]

Update: Brit Lube only supply packs of 12 Silicon Food Grade Grease, and that would work out at just over £150, plus, working on Lenny HB 40 year shelf life for his, I would need to live to be 548 to use the entire stock ... Ordered a single tube from simplybearings.co.uk [BritLube customer], but the tube does require a grease gun, rather than a mastic cartridge gun ...

To cater [every pun intended] for the possibility that the seal is gubbed [it looks pinched in a couple of places] I also ordered a pack of 2 O rings for just under £6 and the bill stood at £47.14 including Next Day Delivery ... Here we go again, with a job growing arms & legs and costs to match!

Then I found a pack of 2 V Rings for shafts of 115mm-125mm that looked much better suited to the original Burstner seal and appeared more malleable, so phoned simplybearings straight back; 'The courier has just picked up and your order is on its way', so the V Rings will be sent 1st Class Post tonight, and I hope that either the Silicon Grease plus the original seal [now air drying to avoid trapping the moisture inside the Silicon!]; OR the Silicon Grease + O Ring; OR the Silicon Grease + V Ring [that may need a bit of fettling to compress to the necessary thickness] will give a water tight seal and a damn great bill. The latter is guaranteed, the former is up for testing and debate

Stay tuned for the next episode [like the Saturday morning Flicks with the hero facing certain obliteration...]

Steve

 

[Lenny HB]

Why didn't you get it from Amazon?

 

[deleted79651]

Why didn't you get it from Amazon?

I only use Amazon as the very last resort; I prefer to buy from businesses that don't shuffle turnover round the globe, charge themselves silly management fees & intellectual property rights fees etc, before dumping the suppressed profits into low tax regimes.
I will have the benefit of the grease gun that the cartridge requires [I have one kicking around at the back of my shed somewhere from about 25 years ago, but it has been used for bog standard grease and under car grease nipples etc, so not very hygienic!] and the backup of either the O Rings or the V Rings if the original V ring shaped Burstner seal is gubbed; and the extra cost is worth it to buy from a UK business that also sells online, pays UK tax and provides UK jobs, including staff who are available to discuss the best options to solve the problem.

Steve

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