Location of Water Tank Supply Line

triton318 · Post by **triton318** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 12:35 pm

I was reading about potable water tanks, and I read the following:

"The pipe for drawing off the liquid should enter through the top of the tank and not quite reach the bottom."

The only reason I can think of for doing this would be that if area where the draw hose connects to the tank springs a leak, all the water won't run out of the tank. Any other reasons you can think of?

However, if you place the draw hose connection near the bottom of the tank, then gravity would allow you to have access to the water should your pump fail. This is what I'm inclined to do.

Any thoughts?

David · Post by **David** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 3:01 pm

To my knowlegdge, all tanks: water, fuel and waste, should be top draw tanks, for the reason that you stated.

Rachel · Post by **Rachel** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 3:22 pm

Also, if there's any slumgullion in the bottom of the tank, it will come out through the bottom-draw tube, but not if you use a top outlet with a pick up tube.

I guess if it were me, I'd rather have the benefits to the top outlet, and then figure out a way to get the water out if (all of the pumps) fail. It wouldn't be convenient, but there would be ways.

Rachel

kendall · Post by **kendall** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 6:38 pm

I prefer the bottom draw, actually reduces the buildup of crud, and it's much easier to draw water from. Just need to maintain the fittings.

Ken.

Hirilondë · Post by **Hirilondë** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 7:36 am

I don't think that with a water tank it matters much. The volume of water won't sink the boat, and it is clean. Now with a black water tank, or fuel tank you have a quite different story. I have only manual sink pumps, so I like my bottom of tank fitting. But for my holding tank I like the pick up dip tube a lot. I am convinced it helps reduce the chance of odors as there is never any pressure on the fitting or connection to cause even seepage and hence a smell.