I have now been informed that this Motorhome water tank filling problem only applies to the Thames Water region and it is only that water authority that is insisting on these pressure release valves being fitted onto water filler taps. I understand that the Caravan Club have fitted these valves on sites within the Thames Water authority but I’m not sure what stance the Camping and Caravan Club have taken.
It’s certainly impossible to fill up the water tank in our Autocruise Starseeker using a tap with one of these valves fitted. If the valve detects any back pressure then it shuts off and stops the water flowing. Unfortunately the water filling system on the Starseeker has its own valve which limits the pressure of the mains water in order to prevent damage to any of the internal components and of course this then backs up the water to the valve and it shuts off. The only way I could fill my water tank from one of these valves would be to use a piece of open hose and run the water straight into the top of the water tank from inside the Motorhome but I don’t want to do that.
The valve is apparently designed to stop a back flow of water getting into the main water system in order to prevent a contamination of the mains water. I find this a little difficult to accept and need a better explanation if I am to go along with this solution as the best course of action. It may well be that the Caravan Club have not thought this through properly and hadn’t realised the effect it would have on a Motorhome.
I will try to contact both the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravan Club this week and get an update from them which I will post on this site.
If you have experienced this pressure valve water tank filling problem on any site then I’d be grateful if you would let me know and please let me have the make of your Motorhome and the site name.
