Intermitent Water Pump Issue

BradS7535 · 09-30-2016, 02:54 PM

We got back from a 3 night camping trip to Sequoia on Monday. We enjoyed the trip, but there were a lot of bugs.

We had 2 minor issues with the TM. The first being when I would turn on the water pump, it would run to pressurize the system and then turn off. After about maybe 30 seconds to a minute later it would come back on. It did this the first 2 days then it stopped, it seemed to hold pressure.

I've read about the seals/check valve going bad on these and them needing to be replaced, but this is a new pump (Custom RV installed it when they were working on my TM a few months ago).

Why would the system be losing pressure, but then fix itself later?

**ShrimpBurrito** · 09-30-2016, 03:59 PM

Could you perhaps been dripping water out of some faucet, say the shower, and then after 2 days, someone used the shower and then tightened the valves and stopped the drip?

If the system pressurized, and then loses pressure, then obviously you've got a leak. Pressure valve, maybe, but I'd be looking for leaks somewhere. Debris in the line could subsequently plug the leak after a few days, perhaps.

Dave

BradS7535 · 09-30-2016, 04:41 PM

Don't think we had any leaks. The first thing I checked after I noticed the pump kept turning on was to make sure that all the faucets were off.

**commodor47** · 10-01-2016, 06:09 AM

I can suggest two more possible sources of small leaks that could result in a pressure loss. Check all four low point drains. One of my shut offs had a small leak. It was noticeable by telltale drops of water on the ground. The other place to check is the city water connection. The back flow valve seal can develop a slow leak over time. Again, the thing to look for is a small amount of water on the ground. Sometimes you can see the water drip down the side of the TM or feel it with your finger. Both examples are what I've experienced. It caused the water pump to periodically cycle. When dry camping I turn the water pump off at night to avoid hearing the pump cycle. The last time we dry camped the pump would run for several seconds (when turned on in the morning) before reaching pressure indicating the loss of water somewhere in the system. And it was easy to find the leak source - it is the city water connection. I have purchased a replacement and will install it next week. That should solve the water pump issue.

Dick

BrucePerens · 10-01-2016, 10:32 AM

Agree that rather than just the pump any hidden leak or loose thing could be it.

tentcamper · 10-01-2016, 09:29 PM

Look for leaks. If you dont have leaks, it could be an internal leak in the pump. I han a trailer that had an internal leak in the pump we used it for several years by keeping the pump off when not using. But finaly replaced the pump. I think if was in the check valve (back flow).

But it sounds like it stoped for you, so all may be well. Maybe all it need was the seal to seat itself