RV Pump Keeps on Running
I recently helped a friend whose pump kept on cycling even when all the faucets were not running. We did a quick research and here is what we found.
Why RV pump is always running?
An RV pump that cycle while you are not using any faucet means you have a leak somewhere in the plumbing system.
The most common causes of leaks are a loose connection, cracks, defective valves or failed pressure switch. leaks will cause the pump to keep on sucking in air, therefore, keeps on cycling. To fix this problem you need to examine all your connections and pipes for leaks.
How to Diagnose and fix RV water leaks
Accumulator Tanks
Accumulator tanks are small tanks that are installed near a water pump. They act as a pressure buffer. They will reduce the erratic water pressure that is caused by the cycling of the water pump.
Not only do the accumulator tanks regulate the pressure spikes, but it also increases a pumps life because it reduces the number of cycling that a pump does.
An accumulator tank can be placed anywhere on the pressurized side of the pump. The accumulator will push water through the system and therefore, the pump does not have to make a lot of cycles.
Benefits of using accumulator tanks
- It reduces the number of cycling that is done by a water pump. This reduces wear and tear; therefore, increasing the life of the pump.
- It regulates the pressure spikes when you are using water. Pressure spikes are very inconvenient especially when you using the hot water shower.
- It saves on power because the pump will not consume a lot of energy.
How do I prime my water pump?
If you have used an RV for many years, you know how important it’s to have a perfect RV water pump. In fact, it can be argued that a water pump is the most important device in an RV.
Therefore, you should ensure that it’s running properly so that it does not fail when you really need it. Thus, the importance of priming a water pump regularly. When water pumps are used for a long time, they tend to run out of pressure and then stop functioning. You can make it run properly by priming it. To prime the water pump, you will need a screwdriver, jar, and rubber tubing.
- The first step is to disconnect incoming water from the pump.
- Next, slip the collar of the outlet line to the end of the rubber hose.
- The third step, get around one little water in a jar.
Hold the hose joined to the outlet over the air, and you pour the water into the connected hose. Block the hose with your thumb then turn on the pump. Let it run for about one minute. If the pump is working properly, you will feel the pressure build up on your thumb.
How to keep RV water pump and Pipes from freezing
Pipes that are exposed to the atmosphere have a high risk of freezing. Therefore, it is important you detach or cover them during winter. Other pipes that are venerable to freezing should be insulated using special insulation materials that are sold at RV supply shops.
How do you unfreeze an RV holding tank?
If you don’t take preemptive steps to protect RV holding tanks, water and air that is inside will freeze during winter. If holding tanks freeze, it might result in them rupturing. To unfreeze the RVs you should move it to a protected area such as a garage. Using a blow dryer thaw the RV holding tank.
Thaw the RV holding tank by holding a blow dryer 12 inches near the tank. For it to be effective, you should try to cover the whole tank. You should continue blowing hot air until the tank has unfrozen. Once the tanks are unfrozen drain the tanks and check for leaks.
How cold does can it get for RV pipes to freeze
Pipes will freeze when temperatures fall below 20 Fahrenheit degrees. It also depends on how well the pipes are insulated. Modern RVs tend to be very well protected such that they can withstand very low temperature before getting frozen. In addition, the position of the pipes will determine how fast the pipe gets frozen. Pipes that are insulated that are located on the outer walls of the RV will freeze quickly.
Common RV issues
- Pumps that fail to shut off when outlets are turned off
- Noisy pumps
- Water is not flowing at outlets – It is a common problem to have a pump running but it is not pushing water out. The most frequent cause is a low water level in the tanks. In some cases, this might be because of clogged pipes or pump running backward.
- Pump fails to cycle- This might be a result of blown fuse or motor is not function because of low battery charge, loose connection.
- Pumps that fail to shut off when outlets are turned off – This might be a result of empty water tank or leaks in the system. The solution is to wait for the tanks to replenish, repair leaks and charge batteries.
- Noisy pumps -Noisy or excessive vibration by pumps are caused by lose connection or worn out bushing. The solution is to tighten bolts or replace the bushing.
- A pump that is not priming- Pumps that is not priming might be because of an air leak in the line or a defective pump. The most common defects for a pump are broken belt drive or broken diaphragm. The solution is to repair suction or to replace the diaphragm.
- motor failure
- Inability to push water
Final Take Away
The reason a water pump can keep on running even when the faucets are closed is that you have a leak in the system. The most common reason for leaks is a loose connection, cracks, and defective valves. The solution for an RV water pump that keeps on cycling is to find the leak and repair it.
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ABOUT LEON SMITH
Leon is a Thirty something-year-old blogger from Mauritius who is currently studying for a Masters degree in chemical and processing Engineering at the University of Eldoret in Kenya. Read more about him.