How to solve water pressure problem

[Ohiosnowbird]

Another newbcake scenario to amuse the experienced.

We have an on demand water heater. In order to have a warm or hot shower, there needs to be water pressure in order for the on demand to kick on. We have no water pressure in this campground. It’s making it difficult to clean dishes. Hubby took a shower last night and couldn’t get hot or even warm water. He said the “boys” weren’t happy if you know what I mean. He said if I took a shower there’d be “perky parts”. The bathhouse here is dated and I didn’t feel hot water come out when I tested it. Hubby was wondering if he attached a garden hose utility pump (available here locally at lowes) if it would increase the pressure enough to get the on demand to operate as expected.

 

[Rene T]

How about filling your fresh water tank and then use your onboard water pump..

 

[Ohiosnowbird]

How about filling your fresh water tank and then use your onboard water pump..

We tried that. Nope. We’re in the process of getting a replacement pump. The one we bought I discussed on a different thread did not fit in the space without major modifications. We kept the old one on which also does not provide enough pressure. There’s a camping world here and we’re going to get the same pump. We’re not sure the pump will solve it.

 

[Kirk]

We’re not sure the pump will solve it.

Are you sure that the water heater isn't the problem?

 

[Rene T]

Have you done a search for a line either before and after the heater for a kinked line

 

[Ohiosnowbird]

Are you sure that the water heater isn't the problem?

The water heater is new. We replaced it before we left as it was another thing gone wrong before we left. We’ve stayed in 4 campgrounds before this without a problem. Nice hot showers while on city water. Good pressure those places. This place is well water with a pump for the entire campground. It’s a suck-it-up-buttercup situation. We’re going to install the new pump tomorrow or the next day depending on the weather. Thanks!

 

[Ohiosnowbird]

Have you done a search for a line either before and after the heater for a linked line

Hubby is going to look at that when he installs the new pump. We haven’t had a problem until we got here,but it is a possibility. Thanks!

 

[winona1]

I absolutely hated my “on demand” water heater which translated into “I demand you dance in this little space while the water alternates between polar ice and campfire scorching.” Good luck with yours. I had mine replaced with all propane. And a happy camper since. I realize it doesn’t solve your problem now. Sorry……

 

[Ohiosnowbird]

“I demand you dance in this little space while the water alternates between polar ice and campfire scorching.”

Now that’s funny! Yes. We’ve done that dance.

 

[SargeW]

It sounds like a restricted flow problem to me. We'll water is notoriously high in minerals and debris. The water pump has a screen filter to check, and the inlet for the fresh water may also have a filter or backflow device that is clogged. Also check the shower head itself for a clog or calcium build up. A water pump will normally do at least 30 psi which is plenty to trigger the heating element in the water heater.

 

[mrschwarz]

I absolutely hated my “on demand” water heater which translated into “I demand you dance in this little space while the water alternates between polar ice and campfire scorching.” Good luck with yours. I had mine replaced with all propane. And a happy camper since. I realize it doesn’t solve your problem now. Sorry……

Had the same problem. Reduced the temp of the water heater which increased the water pressure through it which kept the temp constant.

 

[gwinger]

On demand water heaters need a certain gallons per minute flow, not pressure.
There is correlation between pressure and volume. If the pressure is 'too' low, there probably not be enough GPM. Even at 30 psi and 3 gallons per minute, the heater will work.