Windshield washer pump for galley water?

[EZ]

I would really like to add a simple 12 volt water pump system to my interior galley. After looking at water pumps, the prices and failure reviews of anything less that $100, I was again thinking about auto windhield washer pumps. If it is new, it should be able to be cleaned and used for potable water (I think). They run for years and never break. They probably put out enough water for my use of washing hands or veggies, rinsing coffe cups, brushing teeth, etc. Then I found a pump/6 quart tank combo which can easily attach to a wall or cabinet. $27. Hmmmmmmm https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=117557



Now I know I could get a hand pump but what fun is that? We have 12 volts and running water is cool. Any reason why this would not work or be safe?

Ed

[Cosmo]

Love it.
Might need to throttle the pressure to avoid spraying the trailer behind you.

=Cosmo

[Modstock]

Try it and let us know how it goes.
Love out of the box thinking.

Some YouTube vids guy's use these for an "anti tailgating device" and spray coolaid or worse.

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[GTS225]

Love it.
Might need to throttle the pressure to avoid spraying the trailer behind you.
=Cosmo

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Two ways to do that. Put a metering valve in line on the output side of the pump, or use larger-than-recommended tubing on the discharge side. The additional volume capability of the tubing will automatically drop the pressure.
Personally, I'm not so enamored of the tank volume, but if you're carrying one or two five-gallon potable water containers, it could be quite workable.

Roger

[Tom&Shelly]

I would really like to add a simple 12 volt water pump system to my interior galley. After looking at water pumps, the prices and failure reviews of anything less that $100, I was again thinking about auto windhield washer pumps.

I think you're crazy! Meaning that as a compliment, of course.

So, I've heard old VW's used the air pressure from their spare tire to run the window washer. So I wonder...

Tom

[twisted lines]

I recently bought a new electric washer pump for a replacment and I think its plenty capable; but
a local hardware store had something like this I may try.

Ironton ATV Spot Sprayer — 8-Gallon Capacity, 1 GPM, 12 Volt This one's from northern tool

[EZ]

Love it.
Might need to throttle the pressure to avoid spraying the trailer behind you.

=Cosmo

Now THAT made me laugh!

I think that modifying the outlet to allow connecting tubing about twice the diameter of a normal washer setup might work well, pressure wise. I will order one up and test it out.

$13.49 shipping! Ouch! 50% of the costs. That is hard to swallow but fair I guess.......

[working on it]

So, I've heard old VW's used the air pressure from their spare tire to run the window washer. So I wonder...

* A confession, from many years ago: I used the air-powered window washer on my old VW's (three) to power on-board Scotch dispensers (my favorite, at that time, the late 60's-early 70's). I also used the electric windshield washer on my '67 Dodge Monaco 500 (actually, it was a second system, so I could still clean the windshield); it was the king of party cars, with dual ice chests and a high-power stereo with 15" speakers/medium size amp in the trunk (the trunk was huge).
* With such equipment in/on my cars, I'm surprised I survived my first 35 years, before I became a teetotaler in '85. Different times, different society. But, I still adapt devices for other uses, and still carry more stuff than needed (but no alcohol).

[Modstock]

Google up mud truck windshield sprayer. Lot's of info there.

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[EZ]

I sent a message to the company that sells the tank/pump assembly:

Dear United Staes Plastic Corporation, Is there any reason why I would not want to use a 6 Quart HDPE Windshield Washer Tank assembly with 12 Volt Pump in my RV for potable water if it was thoroughly cleaned when new? I understand that is not what it was designed for but it seems like a good fit for my requirement. Thanks, Ed

They replied:

techsupport [email protected]
Hi,

We do not see anything that says it would be safe for that application.
Thank you for your inquiry, and have a nice day.

Brandon

No surprise there really. Still going to try it. I can't believe that there is anything in the pump that is harmful. Famous last words.....

[GTS225]

They replied:

techsupport [email protected]
Hi,

We do not see anything that says it would be safe for that application.
Thank you for your inquiry, and have a nice day.

Brandon

No surprise there really. Still going to try it. I can't believe that there is anything in the pump that is harmful. Famous last words.....

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So, they're admitting that they know nothing about the very product that they manufacture and sell?
I suppose, if nothing else, you could pull a sample and have it tested somewhere.

Roger

[KennethW]

Personally I would rather not pour the water over to a different container. I would use a Jerrycan type water jug. Then drop a pump in the jug. With a hose going thru a modified cap. A low priced pump like this I would think, Should work good for this. https://www.ebay.com/p/DC-12v-Portable- ... 2619034951

[S. Heisley]

It would probably be safe for washing dishes, etc; but I would keep separate water in drinking water containers for drinking. Most people do anyway because the water in a water tank can sometimes taste a bit unpleasant or at least odd.

[GuitarPhotog]

I have a 12VDC RV potable water pump from Grainger that cost me about $35 5 or 8 years ago. Go to the Grainger site and search "12V potable water pump"

You have to turn on the pump manually, and it has to be mounted below the reservoir (not self priming), but food safe and affordable.



<Chas>

[S. Heisley]

Reviving the comments here. One problem is the windshield washer resovoir is not big enough..most guys even a teardrop use up to 6 gallon tanks...i go kiss simple I have had way to many leaking manual pumps so I just grab a gallon milk jug full of water....or a 7 gallon blue jug if I am doing rv omelets for walk the winds...on board water plumbing is to much hassle for me..slow.

So true. Manual pumps do tent to leak. One must keep an eye on them and make sure everything is kept tightened up.