Community Forums

BillFleming · 01-06-2011, 07:56 AM

My 07 Executive has a tank with a rubber bladder filled with air that provides an initial surge increased is water pressure. My manual state it should have up to 22 lbs. of air. I released all the pressure in the the water line and checked the air in the tank and it showed zero. I then allowed the pump to build up pressure in the line and checked it again, and I got 45 lbs. It seems to be working correctly.

What gives? Can anybody share the correct procedure for preloading the required 22lbs.

Thanks, Bill

Dadeaux · 01-06-2011, 08:01 AM

It sounds like the bladder is weak and the pressure you are measuring is a combination of air and water. But you know the old adage 'if it works don't fix it'.

a k · 01-06-2011, 08:09 AM

You have to let all the water pressure out and then air the tank up to 22lbs air pressure. Thats the cushion . It's the same as an expansion tank on well pumps. If your pump turns on at 35lbs and off at 55lbs, the expansion tank should be aired up to 33lbs. If your tank reads 0 air it up and check it after a few days.

Mike Canter · 01-06-2011, 10:40 AM

My pump turns on a 40 lbs and is a 65 lb high pressure pump. The book states that my tank bladder should be at 22 lbs with zero water pressure in the lines meaning everything off and a faucet open. Important......only use a hand pump to charge the tank. High pressure air will quickly rupture the bladder.

a k · 01-06-2011, 11:03 AM

Because you have a small tank for the system due to the space it would take up.Your tank is being used for a surge tank(to keep the pump from banging on and off) where a tank in a house is used as a surge and a storage tank.
I have 2- 80gal tanks on my well.

Mike, think of it as an oil accumulator(in case the dry sump pump fails on the top end)

get my drift?

BillFleming · 01-06-2011, 05:35 PM

Hi Mike:

We have similar coaches. I'm wondering if the process you've mentioned is in your Owner'[s Manual. I've look in mine, but don't find it.

BTW. My water problem turned out to be restricted filters.

Thanks for the help.

Bill

Thanks

Mike Canter · 01-06-2011, 05:53 PM

Bill, I looked in the back index under Water Pump and it was subtitled as Water Accumalator Tank. It was within two pages of the the water pump in Section Six- Water Systems. If it is not in your book then I can scan the page and email it to you for future reference.

BillFleming · 01-06-2011, 06:14 PM

Thanks Mike: It followed after "Water P
Pump Troubleshooting. Nothing in the index. Go figure. lol

How about the Galley Water Filter & Sanitizer. It has power, but the light doesn't burn. Got any ideas? I've Goggled it, but not much help.

Bill

Mike Canter · 01-06-2011, 08:45 PM

Are you talking about an ultra-violet water sanitizer. If so the UV lights have to be replaced every so often. Try here
RV Water Filter Store: Ultraviolet Systems for Drinking Water

If this is not the same then call them because they know a lot about these systems in RVs

pipedream2 · 01-07-2011, 12:32 PM

Mike and all
the correct pressure for the cushion tank should be 2 psi under the pump "cut in "pressure and filled with no water pressure on the vessel.As far as rupturing the bladder goes....it is not likely to happen...it will fill up the tank volume and be supported by the tank walls up to max tank pressures written on the plate,....no problems
I have replaced several in larger system before

Mike Canter · 01-07-2011, 12:56 PM

That is not in accordance with the Monaco factury manual for my MH. It states it should be at 22 psi. If what you are saying is correct then it would be at 38 psi. I have alsways done it at 22 psi and it has worked great.

Barlow46 · 01-07-2011, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pipedream2

Mike and all
the correct pressure for the cushion tank should be 2 psi under the pump "cut in "pressure and filled with no water pressure on the vessel.As far as rupturing the bladder goes....it is not likely to happen...it will fill up the tank volume and be supported by the tank walls up to max tank pressures written on the plate,....no problems
I have replaced several in larger system before

So if you put a pencil pressure gauge on the schrader valve and water comes out of the valve, then the bladder is ruptured? And if the bladder is ruptured the tank then just becomes part of the water line so to speak and no cushion is available. Any pics of what the tank hookup looks like on the plumbing end. On mine, I can only see the valve end until I get out my mirrors and stuff. I'm guessing a T-valve of sorts plumbed into the tank. How much trouble to change out the tank if the bladder is ruptured?

Mike Canter · 01-07-2011, 08:03 PM

Yes the tank should be attached to a Tee fitting and should unscrew. Make sure you have dumped all the pressure out of the water system first. It is easy to change and should be available from Lowes or HD.

pipedream2 · 01-08-2011, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Canter

That is not in accordance with the Monaco factury manual for my MH. It states it should be at 22 psi. If what you are saying is correct then it would be at 38 psi. I have always done it at 22 psi and it has worked great.

Mike
The two pounds below cut-in is the plumbing standard pretty much everywhere.All tank manufacturers will use this pressure too.The 22 psi in the manual my be either written wrong (not an engineer) or for a different size (pressure /volume pump).....mine cuts in at 34 psi out at 45 to 48.
With the numbers you gave here for yours.......what will the tank actually do for you ?.....think about it.....just asking