We are getting ready to install an external 400-gallon water tank for our remote cabin. How high do we need to place it in order to have adequate pressure without the need for a pressure tank or pump? I figure the bottom should be about as high as the top of the hot water tank, am I right? There will be no dishwasher or washing machine, but there is a shower!
Thanks, Lis

speedball1

Well Liz, I sure hate to bust yo bubble but let's see how high your 400 gallon tank should be to give you at least a little over 20 PSI in your cabin, ( regular house pressure is 45 PSI).. For every foot of height add .434 Psi. That works out to a about a 50 foot tower. If you wanted to bring it up to regular house pressure you would have to put your tank on a 100 foot tower. What you're gonna hafta do is install a booster pump and a bladder tank. Sorry I couldn't wave a magic wand and give you the pressure you desire but universal physics got in the way. good luck, Tom

ballengerb1

I have seen systems like you want in England and some remote cabins in the US. You would not be happy with this setup and you'll have a bear of a time trying to get your hot water heater to operate effectively. How are you getting the water into the tank to begin with, isn't there a pump?