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Old 09-23-2021, 09:47 PM   #1
kowbra
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Water pump issues

Hi all,

I'm hoping others can chime in on our water pump issue...
Initially, our water pump worked fine; quiet and shut off when not pumping water. But a few weeks ago on a trip, the water pump was very noisy (like a jack hammer noisy) and would run a lot, almost continuously even when all water was off. I suspect there is air getting into the system and that the noise is the water pump cavitating. But, I had filled the water tank so full that it came out the vents, so I know it was not a low water cause.

I had it to our dealer and they replaced the water pump. But, the issue persists. I still believe that it may be air getting into the system somehow. Our dealer is 4 hours away, so before we head there, I'm hoping someone can help me check into this on my own.

Thanks in advance for any help and advice you can share!
Brad
 
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Old 09-24-2021, 05:02 AM   #2
RMcNeal
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I know you probably already know this and have checked, but is the switch still in the fill position? That makes the pump cycle constantly.
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Old 09-24-2021, 05:11 AM   #3
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An air leak can certainly cause the symptoms you are describing. I wouldn't think it is a pump issue as the problem has been the same across two different pumps. Unfortunately the only way to check air leaks is to expose all the lines and fittings you can. Observe for a wet spot indicating a slight leak. If none are apparent just start tightening all fittings. I would start at the water pump and the back of your convenience center. That's where you'll get the most fittings in a small area. Good luck and give us some feedback on your findings.
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Old 09-24-2021, 07:03 AM   #4
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When water pumps run constantly, its usually because the winterizing valve was left in the winterize position. If the valve is in the normal operation setting, I'd be checking here first. More than likely, this valve is not closing off completely from the winterize position, allowing air to constantly be pulled in by the pump.

If it's cycling on-off, on-off every few minutes, the valve for the "fill" and "Normal" position is not closing off "fill" completely.

Start with these 2 valves.
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Old 09-24-2021, 07:20 AM   #5
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Over the years, when I've had that problem it's been the connection on the suction side of the pump that was just a hair loose. On a new rig I also found most of the connections behind the convienence center a hair loose.
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Old 09-24-2021, 09:52 AM   #6
kowbra
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Thanks for the suggestions all!

I checked all of the valves, and they were in the correct location. I cycled them to make sure.
I will start checking for leaks and will update you as I check further.

Brad
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Old 10-06-2021, 05:36 PM   #7
kowbra
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Originally Posted by kowbra View Post
Thanks for the suggestions all!

I checked all of the valves, and they were in the correct location. I cycled them to make sure.
I will start checking for leaks and will update you as I check further.

Brad
update...
I did find a small leak at the back of the water panel; I don't have the proper tool, but was able to tighten the clamp a bit more and now the pump cycles correctly.
But... it is still very noisy, like a jack hammer. I put some pipe insulation around the lines entering and exiting the pump, but still noisy.
In fact, I unscrewed the pump and held it in my hand and it was also really noisy. It was not touching anything at all.

So I'm kind of running out of ideas here.
The only thing is that the pump is not in the original location; is it possible that a different angle of the water lines going to the pump could cause noise? The lines are the stiff PEX, so just curious if pressure on those lines would cause vibrations and noise.

Thoughts?
Or, anything else I might be missing?

Thanks in advance,
Brad
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Old 10-06-2021, 06:02 PM   #8
Daryles
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Put pipe insulation on every pipe you can reach. Especially between the pipe and anything it touches. Push pipe insulation up the pipes behind the shower wall as far as it will go.
Also put foam rubber padding under the pump mounting feet.
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Old 10-06-2021, 09:01 PM   #9
rohrmann
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You might want to install one of these kits. Camco 20105 RV Water Pump Silencer Kit - Dampens Noise and Vibration from Your RV Water Pump - Compatible with Most RVs
They are available on Amazon.
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Old 10-06-2021, 09:02 PM   #10
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+1 on making sure the switch is not in the fill position.
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Old 10-06-2021, 09:43 PM   #11
kowbra
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Originally Posted by rohrmann View Post
You might want to install one of these kits. Camco 20105 RV Water Pump Silencer Kit - Dampens Noise and Vibration from Your RV Water Pump - Compatible with Most RVs
They are available on Amazon.
Hmm, that's really interesting!
It does support the idea that the stiff PEX tubing is transferring vibration from the pump to the back of the water compartment panel.
Thanks for the suggestion!

Brad
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Old 10-06-2021, 09:44 PM   #12
kowbra
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Originally Posted by Nightop View Post
+1 on making sure the switch is not in the fill position.
Nope, see post #6, all valves in correct position. Thanks anyway!

Brad
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