Pump distance from tank

[Jaykay]

I have recently set up a budget van system. I have a pump and flow controller on a board. The pump is about level with the top of the tank so it has to draw the water up vertically a small distance. I have been told that the pump is too far above the outlet of the tank is this correct? Pic attached 

 

[trevor peacock]

i've got the same tank, controller and pump in my van, very similar setup too. But my pump and controller are level with the bottom of the tank, works fine.

 

[AGlassAct]

I assume it’s works OK? The only issue you may have is your making your pump work harder than it needs to which will wear it out quicker.


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[trevor peacock]

I'd imagine your pump will struggle a bit.

 

[Jaykay]

Maybe I should put the pump and controller level with the tap of the tank and put the split charge relay above?

 

[Part Timer]

Maybe I should put the pump and controller level with the tap of the tank and put the split charge relay above?

I would just drop the pump, best to have your controller where it is.

 

[RWCleaning]

Move it if you want, yes it’s making the pump work ever so slightly more. Means it might only last 4&half years instead of 5 years (as a example) I have my pump about 12 inches above the outlet. 

 

[Iron Giant]

@Jaykay with your pump that high you will get issues with airlocks and it will be a serious airlock to get rid of on a daily basis I would get the pump as low as possible.

 

[spruce]

Shurflo pumps have a maximum head of 12' above the water level. The pump we have in son's first and second van is at the same height as yours. We have never had an issue and that Shurflo is 10 years old - pumps fine. In fact the same pump in his second van is higher than the top of his 500 liter tank. Its basically in the roof line of his Berlingo van.

The problem about having a pump higher up is that its more likely to suck air into the system via a connection that isn't tight/secure. So it would be at the tank outlet or the pump inlet. We use those Shurflo pump connectors and just nip them up with a spanner so the conical surfaces of the connectors make a good seal. The other point is the you need to use hose which has stiff walls or the hose will collapse under suction.

TBH I prefer the pump up and out of the way. There is less chance of it being damaged. But as @Iron Giant says, there is more chance of sucking air with the tank get low on water.

 

[spruce]

Move it if you want, yes it’s making the pump work ever so slightly more. Means it might only last 4&half years instead of 5 years (as a example) I have my pump about 12 inches above the outlet. 

If you don't completely empty your tank the pump at height never has to work much as there is water in the pipe from the tank outlet to the van ports (if you have them.) The water at the van port or hose reel will usually be lower than the water level in the tank so would syphon out anyway if there were no restrictions - pump or hose end stop.

 

[Jaykay]

Changed the set-up. Just need to get a shure flow filter with an elbow attachment as it's too much of an angle for a straight one