Deck Plate

[Sebastian H]

I rarely use my fresh water holding tank, preferring Reliance jugs. The last time I used the tank was the summer of 2007. I installed a 6” deck plate ($12 at a marine supply store) on the tank. After cutting the hole, I soaked up the standing water in there and cleaned out the inside with bleach. After the tank dried and aired out, I began using it for storage. I don’t come across natural food stores all that often in my back-road travels, so when I do, I stock up with about 15 pounds a bulk grains, legumes, TVP, nutritional yeast, etc, and place the plastic bags in the holding tank. Works well. I also throw in some off-season clothes. I’m sure others won’t consider the storage aspect but anyone who regularly uses their water tank might consider installing a deck plate for periodic cleaning of the tank. You might not want things growing in your drinking water.

Sebastian

[Donna D.]

Excellent idea. Far easier to clean than removing the entire thing!

Thanks for posting this mod Sebastian... I bet there will even be a couple that will use the tank exactly as you are and a few who will put in a deck plate, just because it makes it so much easier to clean.

[Parker Buckley]

I'm a little concerned about this. In the first picture, I see the cat. In the next picture, the deck plate is in place and the cat is gone.....

[Raya]

One note is to do a bit of research on what type of sealant to use on the deck plate. There are two possible concerns:

1) Adhesion to the water tank's particular plastic make-up

2) Affect on potability of water

(Of course neither of these were specific concerns of the original poster.)

I can't recall right now how these are typically installed on plastic water tanks on boats (in fact, I'm thinking that this type of tank doesn't usually get a clean-out port; maybe that's why - sorry, I can't remember).

A rubber gasket may be a possibility.

It's a slick mod for how the original poster is using it

Raya

[Sebastian H]

Good one, Parker. That definitely gave me a chuckle. Thanks

[francene]

Good use for a deck plate! I love those plates- used to have a sailboat, and put a few in to ease access to hard to reach areas.

I like your use of the hold-down strap; Did you put that in? What is it attached to? I'm in the process of re-installing my tank. I'll screw down a few strips of wood to the floor to keep the tank from sliding around. I was thinking of using two solid metal strips over the top of the tank, which would be screwed to the surrounding wood framing.

BTW, anyone know where to route the small vent on the top of these tanks? My water inlet is one of those simple cup-type affairs with no vent hole.

Fran
'74 compact II

[Joe N]

BTW, anyone know where to route the small vent on the top of these tanks? My water inlet is one of those simple cup-type affairs with no vent hole.

Here is what scamp does with theirs, they drill a hole the size of the tubing in the floor and let the vent drain to the ground.
They do the same with the tank drain.




Edited: for typos

[Sebastian H]

The hold down straps were already installed, Fran.
I'm only getting web access about once a week so my responses are kind of slow.
Sebastian

[Scott S.]

and the next owner will love that he can clean his water tank. another aspect would be easy filling. might just steal this one... thanx

[Scott S.]

my 75 Surfside does that... don't know if it can that way tho.

[Roger C H]

What prevents critters from entering the vent tube and crawling into the tank?