Water pump woes
My water system of late always seems to pump a lot of air with the water when any of the taps are in use. I cannot find any sign of leaks. Any ideas how this air is getting into the system? As there are no signs of leaks, I find it difficult to believe it could be loose pipe joints.
peedee
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Have you checked the two 'o' rings on the inlet where you connect the external water pump? If these are worn they can allow air into the system
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Is the air in the pipe when you turn the tap on, does the water run ok after a while ?
Is there a non-return valve in the system that lets the water run back into the tank ? but would the pressure switch the kick in ?
If the pump shuts off when the tap is shut is the air getting in between the tank and the pump ?
Just a few rambling thoughts !
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Similar problem with our caravan two years ago when air entering water system made it impossible to use. Changed O rings on Truma pistol connector, changed filter/strainer and in desperation on board Flojet pump to no avail. Checked all pipe joints and eventually found hairline crack on inlet connection on outside of caravan. New connection fitted and no problem since.
No inboard tank on caravan just connections to Aqua roll. Unlikely therefore that you have same problem but illustrates how small a leak it takes to allow air to be pulled into system. I needed a magnifying glass to see the crack clearly.
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Morning
I had a shurflo pump when I had the chieftain. I had similar trouble with air being pulled in, took an age to find the leak which was the tiniest hairline crack in the filter housing just before the pump. It didn't leak water at all and only let air in when under pressure with a tap running. A slither of gorilla glue did the job. Funny, I still have a spare pump that I bought thinking the worst!!
JK
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The only help I can offer is that you will find the problem is on the suction (inlet) side of the pump. Either a poor joint or a fracture in the pipework.
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Thanks for the advice, I have taken the precaution of ordering a new pump. If i have to take the furniture appart to get at the pipework I might as well change the pump and keep the old one as spare. If it proves to be the pump I can always consider replacing the seals. A spare working pump can be a good thing to have.
peedee
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Morning
I've carried that spare pump now for nine years pd! It was expensive back then but worth it for peace of mind. It was about a 40 minute job to get the pump out and on the bench.
JK
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I also used to carry spares in my last motorhome for the Whale pump which I had a lot of trouble with. You can read about that >here<. As a result of this I stopped using any cleaning products in the water systems. My current motorhome has never had the water system cleaned and both myself and wife have not suffered as a consequence in the 9 years we have been using it.
peedee
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Is it a shurflo pd? I've just remounted mine on soft rubber as it's floor mounted and quite noisy at full tilt. I reckon at least 50% quieter
I'm in the process of looking to change vans. Is yours an Endeavor? Been looking at an Elysian with a slideout. What's your opinion being an RS owner?
JK
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I've recently had the similar problem of lots of air in the water, to the extent that the pump would start up (as it does) when nothing was happening but then not shut off.
I tried the usual solutions, and then had a look at what sort of water the pump was delivering by watching the inside of the inboard tank as it filled - not the slightest bubble of air. So air not being drawn in.
Then I noticed that running on the internal tank meant there was no air in the system. So what must be happening is that there is a small air bleed in the change-over valve on the suction side of the pump. Low cost solution is just to keep some water in the inboard tank.
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Yes it is a Shurflow Pump King. Mine isn't very noisy so must be nicely mounted. I will probably swap it over at the weekend although the trouble shooting section of the instruction sheet I received with the new pump does not list the pump as the cause of my problems. It is more likely to be air being sucked into the system at some point in the pipework. If it is, it could be difficult to resolve.
My RS is just about to enter its 10th year of use. They are well built, and nothing has fallen apart in the 50,000 miles I have clocked up. However, I have had problems with water ingress from windows and skylights over the years. Initially I put this down to RS not using enough sealant but some of it is undoubtably down to the state of the roads and the shake up the van gets. As soon as I have spotted these I have undertaken re-sealing jobs. I have found RS a good company to deal with although I have had little recent contact with them. Think they have struggled financially over the years but always seem to keep their head above water.
If you are a member of "Fun", Ceejayt I think is on his second Elysian and it is probably worth sending a PM. He has certainly been the owner of one since they hit the market about 10 years ago.
peedee
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Thanks for that PD, I'll have a look on fun
JK
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Well I finally got round to replacing the pump which is currently on test before I put the furniture back together. It is running sweetly, no sign of air in the system so looks like the pump was the problem. I will see if I can get a set of new seals for the worn out one so I can keep it as a spare. Mind you it is no small job to get at the pump to replace it. About three hours work so far on the warmer days with about another 45 to 60mins left to put the cupboard under the sink back together.
peedee
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Hi peedee, I hope you don’t mind me mentioning, but looking at your photo, Ive noticed the angles of the two pipes from the valves to the 2 into1 connector.
With push-fit fittings the pipework has to sit in square, of there is a chance that the o-ring might not seal properly. If these are on the inlet side, then that could be a place where air can be sucked in.I personally would replace the 2 in 1 fitting for a tee and elbow to allow the pipes to be parallel with the fittings.
john
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Well no leaks and still runs fine so its all back together and the motorhome is ready for 2021 if we should be able to get out and about. A set of valves is on order from the Leisureshop to recondition the old pump to keep as a spare.
Here's hoping the problem is cured but difficult to tell for sure without a trip out.
peedee
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Here's hoping the problem is cured but difficult to tell for sure without a trip out
First trip out and the pump is running very well, no sign of air in the system. Weather is brilliant so we have decided to stay out a few more days.
peedee
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