DIY pressurized water tank update

Last weekend I set about to make my own pressurized water tank using 4" ABS pipe. Although I was happy with it I wasn't completely satisfied with the outcome, in particular the fill port was bothering me in that it didn't seem to have a solid connection and worried that over time I would develop air leaks.

So back to Lowe's and I picked up a "T" fitting with a 2" threaded neck. I felt that this connection would be more secure and provide more of a solid air tight fit. Plus it looks a heck of a lot better than version 1.0.

Here is the fill port on the first iteration:

And here is version 2.0 fill port:

Now I'll let it set for a bit, I ordered some bed rail brackets from @Zac of all trades and some T nuts from Amazon as well as some quick fist and this will be perfect for excursions or a quick wash down after a noon bike ride at work.

For those wondering this holds close to 3 gallons based on the calculator I found online.

Here's the test, pumped up to 50 PSI I get a nice stream of water, now just have to setup the compressor to deliver constant 50 PSI and I'll be set.

 

I need to do something like this.

 

Yup, fool with water then pressurize, I have a Schrader valve so a bike pump or compressor should provide enough pressure to get the water flowing

 

What kind of pressures are you using? Schedule 40 PVC is not rated for pressure. I'm sure it's fine at low pressures just to get the water to flow.

 

I have a house bib attached and a pressure relief valve on to of the fill cap, yeah it will definitely get hot AF lol, I like your idea of a mixing tank lol now I'm getting really involved

 

Yeah sched 40 but I'm only running at most 40 psi nothing crazy

 

Word.

 

ABS and PVC schedule 40 have pressure ratings and are derated by ambient temperature and some other factors. Both are going to further weaken from exposer to the sun. As long as you use a pressure relief valve and not go crazy, <65PSI you should be fine. The materials the author is using is ABS I believe by the looks and the OP. PVC has the higher rating but is hard to find in black or dark colors at a reasonable price. Great job OP, I want to do this with 8" pipe so I can have larger capacity. How much of your capacity are you leaving for air when you fill the pipe?

 

Yup using ABS running below 40 PSI. I consulted the engineering toolbox to look up some of that info

As for room to fill with air I'm going to play around with that. Maybe fill 2.5 gallon and the rest air. I'll play around with it.

Man an 8" pipe would probably be good to have sit vertically in the corner of the bed since you don't need much length, is that what you were planning on doing?

 

I will mount it on my rack at 5' of schedule 40 PVC would have about 10 gallons and 3 gallons of air. This should be plenty to serve my hot water needs for 1 week and would need 1 65PSI charge to empty.

 

good idea. i was thinking along the same lines. except i thought wouldn't it be great
if you had some 4'' dia nerf bars, one filled with water and other filled with air?
would come in handy and would be dual purpose.

 

Edited original post with video

 

Great idea that I want to copy from you. Lol. Would you happen to have a photo of it installed in your truck?

 

@BastekFX have a look here

 

I applaud your project. If I had a bed rack, I'd build one.

Here's my solar-powered shower. It's just a metal weed sprayer with a 5' piece of 3/8" hose and brass fittings for the nozzle. Works well.

 

Oh I like yours as well. Probable!!

 

Have you considered a pressurized water vessel, such as below? I have one of these on my irrigation system with well and the tank is awesome. You pressure a bladder in the tank with up to 100psi, then add water. It will keep the water pressurized and once you add the air pressure, it does not need to be "topped off" etc.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Water-Worker-26-Gallon-Vertical-Pressure-Tank/4095297

 

I do the same thing.

 

Thanks! Nice job! I think I might have seen at least one of them on Zach's thread.
So yeah, as I might have mentioned (something about copying your design) , I'm in process of planning /designing a build of a similar tank (have to use PVC as ABS is not as easily available in NYC), but my thing is, I'm planning to try to fit Hi-Lift Jack (which should be delivered today) and the tank on one side. With possibility of removing the tank when not needed. Oh, also I want it to fit under the cover.... Yeah, tall order, will see if it all will be possible

 

If you have oba and an air tank you don't need to leave as much air space in the water tank, just an air line with an air pressure regulator set to your desired water pressure. Then you can mount it down low where there's lots of space along the frame or in the bedsides. 60psi is pretty normal for house pressure, 40-45 would reduce the strain on the compressor and should be plenty since it won't sag as the water level goes down.