pressurized H20 system

QuickMick · #1 (**permalink**) 04-28-2010

Ive got a pressurized water system that is currently dry. Any tips on what I should do to make sure it is clean/working before I fill it? Maybe just partially fill it to check integrity? thanks

remetau · #2 (**permalink**) 04-28-2010

I think you would need to partially fill it in order to test the integrity of it. If the integrity is fine, then you may need to flush it a few times to get rid of any odor or contaminants..

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 04-28-2010

Partially filling it will at least let you know if you have any leaking hoses and such... but won't really test the integrity of the system as a whole...only filling the tank entirely would do that, since there could be a leak higher up in the water tank that would not be discovered until the tank is filled completely.

As for treating it... follow Peggie Hall's directions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuickMick

Ive got a pressurized water system that is currently dry. Any tips on what I should do to make sure it is clean/working before I fill it? Maybe just partially fill it to check integrity? thanks

QuickMick · #4 (**permalink**) 04-28-2010

thanks for the link. i suppose i could fill it one gallon at a time checking each step of the way... so if something springs i may get a clue as to where in the food chain...

k1vsk · #5 (**permalink**) 04-28-2010

Given the worst thing that could happen is that it leaks and you end up flushing out the bilge, just go ahead and fill it and see what happens - you need to do that eventually anyway...

jbondy · #6 (**permalink**) 04-28-2010

The only place that you might find a leak by filling and testing in increments is the tank itself. Everything downstream will leak (or not) with just a little in the tank. Depending on whether you have a pressre accumulator, you can tell if there are leaks downstream from the pressure pump by listening for the pump cycling. If the system holds pressure without the pump cycling on and off, then that whole side of the system is fine. That is where leaks are most likely to occur. And they're easy to spot since they often involve a spray of water. Before the pump, the pressure is lower - just that created by gravity and the suction of the pump. You probably should have a full tank to be confident that segment of the system has no leaks.

The good news is that the maximum amount of water you'll get in the bilge is what you put in the tank. It won't sink the boat. And it does rinse the bilge, which is always a good thing.