Water Pump

[DT6]

Hi,
This is a question I've been meaning to ask and am finally getting around to it. I've noticed that when we are parked and camping, the water pump will run for a split second then stop. It's quick, less than a second, but it does it two to three times a day. No drip from the faucets or toilet that I can tell, so without any water demand, is this unusual?

Thanks!

 

[Escapeesinmo]

Look all over for any leaks. Could just be a check valve in the pump. Google your question and you'll see lots of articles and/or videos that can help troubleshoot.

 

[DT6]

Yep, I've checked for leaks everywhere I can think of. I used a paper towel to check the water pump, hot water heater, sinks, faucets, etc. and can't find anything.

 

[brroberts]

Did you bump the winterizing valve just enough to admit a bit of air while storing something?

 

[Craig_TaB]

@DT6; IMHO this is not unusual** as many factors can effect the water system pressure and how the pump's sensor reacts to minor system pressure changes.

Best Practice is to turn the pump Off except for those periods of time (meal prep/cleanup/showers) when fresh water is really needed.

** of course you should search for any system leaks. But air pockets, ambient pressure changes, tolerance of pump sensor can all cause random infrequent pump cycling.

 

[DT6]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I ran into another 21C owner while camping at Organ Pipe National Monument a few months ago who had the same issue, so the comments here seem to confirm it is not unusual. Still worth checking for leaks and of course shutting the pump off when not needed. Thanks!

 

[Kari Mastin]

You might try readjusting the water pump pressure switch. Escape made a video that explains how to do it. Ours needed a little adjustment and now it never runs unless there is demand.

 

[DT6]

You might try readjusting the water pump pressure switch. Escape made a video that explains how to do it. Ours needed a little adjustment and now it never runs unless there is demand.

Thanks for this!

 

[CharlesinGA]

Service the air in the water heater. If the system is all water, you will get cycling but if the air in the water heater, or if you have an optional air/water accumulator, this will help to prevent this annoying cycling. Otherwise it is caused by a tiny leak somewhere.

See page 17

Charles

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

look for moisture under the kitchen sink too, any sign of drips, even slight.

if its not a drip, it could well be the anti-backflow diaphragm in the pump. shut off the pump, bleed any hot and cold water pressure, then remove and disassemble the diaphragm valve, clean and lube it with a bit if plumbers silicone, clean the debris basket and reassemble. I forget which pump model we all have, I think its a ShurFlo ? its a very common model. I went through all that, then found a very slight water leak on the hot water side of the kitchen sink, under the sink. the water was running down the beltline (since I always park with the hitch slightly high for better sleeping position in the forward bed of the 21C), and found those drips had destroyed the outdoor GFCI outlet which was under the stove, easily 4 feet from the sink.

Now that its actually fixed, it never runs at ALL all night long, unless water is actually in use, and when it does run, its much brisker because the line pressure is being maintained.

 

[iamunique127]

Service the air in the water heater.

Charles

I was expecting a joke answer along the lines of checking the blinker fluid.