How to Transfer Water From a Container Into a Motorhome

Motor homes have a potable water storage tank for fresh drinking water.

Siphoning liquids from one container to another involves pressure on a hose to fill the hose for transference of a substance. As soon as the level in the line rises above the level in the container, the liquid will flow into a motor home water holding tank for storage of potable water. Self-priming siphon hoses require a few shaking motions to transfer liquids without applying a suction on the end of a hose as in traditional siphoning.

Things You'll Need

• Self-priming siphon hose

Instructions

1. Grasp the cap on the motor home water tank with one hand and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew the cap.

2. Pull the cap straight off and set it aside.

3. Insert the clear end of a self-priming siphon hose into the water tank.

4. Grasp the other end of the siphon hose about 4 inches above the brass fitting. Insert the fitting into the water container below the water level and shake it up and down. Shake the hose two or three times in a fast up-and-down motion to start the water flow into the motor home holding tank.

5. Push the brass fitting down in the water container bottom to siphon all of the water into the motor home holding tank.

6. Observe the holding tank and remove the siphon hose from the container just before the holding tank is full.

7. Remove the brass fitting from the water container.

8. Place the water tank lid in the motor home on the tank and turn it fully clockwise to tighten it.

Tips & Warnings

• Self-priming siphon hoses have a check valve that contains a spring and a glass ball inside. Shaking the hose sucks water into the brass fitting and the ball closes the check valve so the water does not escape. The water fills the siphon line when shaking and puts suction on the line for gravity to transfer the water from one area to another.

• This type of siphoning saves from sucking on a siphon hose that may contain germs or contaminants.

• Clean a smelly siphon hose by siphoning a mixture of fifty percent water and fifty percent bleach to fill the hose. Hold each end upwards or tie it upwards to retain the mixture in the hose for fifteen minutes. Let the mixture drain out and flush with fresh water until no bleach odor remains.

• Self-priming siphon hoses are available at marine stores and plumbing stores.

• Hang the siphon hose in an area that allows all liquids to evaporate or drain out before storing the hose. This prevents any mold or mildew in the siphon tube, which can lead to unsafe water in a motor home.

References

• Preparedness: Wonder Pump