Leak from water system when under mains pressure

Willsher614
Willsher614 Forum Participant Posts: 5
edited July 2020 in Caravans #1

We are still new to caravanning, on our 2nd trip of our second season having bought it late last season with just one trip before winter storage.

For the previous 3 we have used a whale water pump without issue however on arriving at a CL pitch today we had our own water supply so connected up however soon saw water trickling from under the bed where it comes in.

It seems to be dropping from the white piece pictured, is it because of the additional pressure (no leaks noticed noticed when using the pump) and if so do we need a new part, or pressure reducing valve?

I was so excited to have running water but have had to go back to the aquaroll and pump (at least their isn't as far to go to top it up!)

Any advice would be appreciated

Comments

  • Pathfinder
    Pathfinder Forum Participant Posts: 4,446
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2020 #2

    How have you connected to the stand tap ?

    You need to reduce the mains water pressure 

  • dave the rave
    dave the rave Forum Participant Posts: 806
    500 Comments
    edited July 2020 #3

    caravan water systems are designed for low pressure!There is every chance that you will have lots of leaks after making this error!

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2020 #4

    If you are on a pitch that has mains water supply ,you will need a pressure reducer before the water enters the LV ,there are Whale compatable hose pipes with a pressure reducer conection that fits to the whale inlet 

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,670 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2020 #5

    Safer thing to do is to get the Aquaroll mains kit, the Aquaroll then becomes a  cistern,  and you use it otherwise as normal

  • Willsher614
    Willsher614 Forum Participant Posts: 5
    edited July 2020 #6

    Oops, I guess that's what this bit is, when I replaced the old hose I didn't look and thought it was an extra isolator so thought I'd add it when home with more time, could be an expensive mistake.

    Really grateful for the advice, thanks all, novice mistake but will learn from it, should the little tap bit on the white piece be wound all the way down? (I think I fiddle with it when leaking 😏, feel silly now but have helped others on another forum for knowledge I actually have so maybe its karma points)

  • Sarah3012
    Sarah3012 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited July 2020 #7

    ...which im guessing is the water pressure switch (logged in on my wifes account as we're in the New Forest any my signal is poor

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,670 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2020 #8

    No, you need either the Aquaroll system, or the special Whale system, you cannot just connect the mains water direct to the van.

    The white thing is only for adjusting when using the van pump.

  • Sarah3012
    Sarah3012 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited July 2020 #9

    ok, fitted the pressure reducer from the old hose (lesson learnt, shouldnt have rushed and replaced it all like for like) and seem to have got away with it as water all coming through with no leaks, thankful it wasnt an expensive lesson.

    Found a youtube video from whale technical about how to adjust the pressure switch but its all about when the LED comes on, flashes or goes off and it doesnt have an LED?

    I've left or about the same place i think it was for now and will disconnect overnight just in case but I'll phone the whale helpline tomorrow to ask, if any of you can advise id also appreciate it, in the meantime thanks for the patient non condescending advice (i was told by another member before i joined this club peers were helpful and have found that which is why i recently renewed)

  • dave the rave
    dave the rave Forum Participant Posts: 806
    500 Comments
    edited July 2020 #10

    To adjust your pressure switch.With kitchen tap turned slightly on so that water is coming out slowly,wind the knob down until pump is running and then back of until the switch starts clicking.Turn tap off and make sure pump stops.Turn tap on and check pump runs.Off again and job done!If you are not on mains electric then the switch might need further adjustment as the battery voltage reduces.

  • Sarah3012
    Sarah3012 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited July 2020 #11

    I have got the hose that came with the (bought second hand) van which had the same whale connector one end without the elecrtric contact points and a standard hose connector the other, with the now refitted (live and learn) pressure reducer between. Is this what you mean to connect direct to the mains as presumably using the aqua roll cistern system you mention would still need the electric pump which i was trying to avoid. 

    Thanks again and sorry to be a needy newbie 😉

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,670 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited July 2020 #12

    Yes, you use the special connector with pressure reducer and hose to the tap, or your normal set up with pump in Aquaroll and Aquaroll connected via ball valve in side entry.

    Personally, I would never use a direct connector, it can cause leaks, as you have found if the Pressure reducer fails,  and sometimes the pressure can be reduced too low so the flow of water is poor.

    What have you got against the water pump?

Categories