Why Cant The Valterra R8048 Be Used With An Electric Water Pump
Updated 05/18/2026 | Published 10/21/2019
Question:
Your product listing says: Note: This tank should only be used as gravity fed or with a hand pump. It should not be used with electric water pumps. Why is this? Cant I use a pump as the water exits the tank to supply pressure to fixtures? I dont intend to try to pressurize the tank itself, just use it for storage on the supply side of a pump. Thanks
asked by: Lee P
Expert Reply:
Because the Valterra RV Water Tank # R8048 is a lightweight tank that is baffled for surge control, it is not designed for use with electric water pumps. It would void the warranty if used this way and is why they specifically note on their site: "Not for use with electric pumps, low pressure applications only"
Included is our review video for additional informaiton on this product.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Valterra RV Water Tank - Non-Toxic - ABS Plastic - 48" x 8" x 16" - 24 Gallons
- RV Fresh Water Tank
- 21 - 30 Gallon Tanks
- 3/8 Inch Fittings
- 41 - 50 Inch Long
- 11 - 20 Inch Tall
- 0 - 10 Inch Wide
- Black
- Valterra
more information >
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on RV Fresh Water Tank
Scott S.
5/17/2026
Lee P asks a good question. If you set up the tank with a gravity fill and an air bleeder there is no pressure in the tank other than the weight of the water itself. If a 12v (example) SeaFlow pump is used on the outlet side of the tank it creates no (+or-) pressure within the tank. This only adds pressure in the lines after the pump. If this is not an acceptable design how is water supposed to get to the fixture?