Re: [VAL] ? re Outside Water Hookup and Original Water Pump

[Brad Norgaard <stream2699@xxxxxxx>]

Hi Ellen -

Others have responded to some of your other queries so I thought I  
would respond to the one about water hookup.  The inlet under the  
front window is for filling the tank that gets ran to the faucets  
inside the trailer through the pump. If the pump isn't functioning,  
you're not going to be able to build up pressure to get water to the  
faucets. The water hose bib, usually on the streetside rear, is for  
hooking up to a city water supply. This hookup will provide the  
pressure from the city water supply and, although uses the same pipes  
inside the trailer, is separate of the pump and fresh water tank. You  
MUST use a water pressure regulator between the city supplied water  
and your trailer connection. It will reduce the pressure and save  
your trailer's plumbing. Get a white fresh water hose just for  
hooking up to the city water and keep the regulator attached to the  
hose, even while storing it.

Hooking up to city water is where you find out if your plumbing has  
leaks. Before doing this, follow along every water pipe within your  
trailer and make sure there aren't any places where the pipe just  
stops or is not connected up. Check everywhere along all of the  
lines, under the sinks, under the bed(s), inside cabinets, at the  
water heater, at the pump, in the bathroom, etc. Everywhere!  These  
will need to addressed before hooking up any water because these will  
make a water mess big time. If everything looks to be in order  
proceed with hooking up to city water supply.

With a regulator in place hook it up and make sure all of your  
faucets in the trailer are closed. Turn the city water on only to a  
low flow and check everywhere inside the trailer at every connection.  
If you have any leaks turn off the water and repair any place water  
leaked. Your trailer originally had copper plumbing for all of the  
fresh water lines. If you have anything else, a PO had some fun with  
plumbing and the whole system is suspect. Start from scratch and my  
recommendation is to redo the whole set up. Your choice of plumbing  
materials is up to you. I chose PEX with the quick connect fittings.  
I torn out all of the original copper along with areas a PO used  
rubber tubing and hose clamps. You don't want to use rubber for fresh  
water lines, makes your water taste really bad. Its also prone to  
cracks and dry rot.

Good luck and post any of your questions here, someone will step up  
and lend an informative hand.

Brad
'59 Trade Wind
VAC #2699
Phoenix