Water Pump Runs Constantly

[Carl n Susan]

The water pump has been working fine at stops along the way. Last night we were at full hookups and I took the opportunity to fill the fresh water tank. I switched the "Fill" valve back to "normal" once I saw water coming out the overflow.

Today when we stopped and used the water pump it continued to run as long as it was turned on. There was a bit of water being pumped out but definitely not the normal level.

I am thinking the check valve is the problem but I am not sure what else might cause the problem. I plan to pull it out tomorrow and see what I can find.

Any ideas you have as to a cause would be appreciated.

[artfuldodger]

Air in one of the water lines will do that. Open each tap, the shower, flush the toilet, open the low point taps, the laundry taps until the pump shuts off.

[DutchmenSport]

This happens to me many times after filling my fresh water tank. Every time it happens it's because I flipped the winterizing valve and didn't realize it.

Check your winterizing valve. I bet it's "on".

[Carl n Susan]

Thanks all, but not the answer.

Originally Posted by artfuldodger

Air in one of the water lines will do that. Open each tap, the shower, flush the toilet, open the low point taps, the laundry taps until the pump shuts off.

All faucets have been opened on shore water. No air bubbles.

Originally Posted by DutchmenSport

This happens to me many times after filling my fresh water tank. Every time it happens it's because I flipped the winterizing valve and didn't realize it.

Check your winterizing valve. I bet it's "on".

Winterizing valve is in it's normal position. If it were "ON" the shore water would have a problem too. It doesn't

[Carl n Susan]

Problem fixed. Despite working fine on shore water, and opening all faucets while running the on board pump, the pump continued to run. As a last resort in opened the low point drains and sure enough they had an air bubble. Once it was eliminated, the pump returned to normal. Never in 12 years with this rig have I ever opened the low point drains (we don't have to winterize). I was even afraid the valve(s) would be stuck as they had never been turned.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[beeje]

I never hook up to city water no matter where we're going. I always travel with a full tank and use the pump. The main reason for this is I know the quality of my water and also like you experienced if the pump continues to run there's a problem somewhere. If it happened to be a hidden leak somewhere it could be a disaster.
Also the only way I would leave water in all of my lines as if I was full-time. Everything gets drained out of my unit every time a trip is over. Water sitting in the heater or in the lines over months can get quite nasty

[rodw6rod]

Interesting thread. I have the same problem of the pump continuing to run. It use to stop running when the lines were all "charged" so to speak.

I was thinking I needed a new water pump and was planning on that expense but I've been putting it off because recently we've been taking trips only to places that have shore power/water. Going to Death Valley in November with no hookups was leading me to think I would have to replace pump before that.

I will try to solutions suggested.

Rod Stafford

[ojo123]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

The water pump has been working fine at stops along the way. Last night we were at full hookups and I took the opportunity to fill the fresh water tank. I switched the "Fill" valve back to "normal" once I saw water coming out the overflow.

Today when we stopped and used the water pump it continued to run as long as it was turned on. There was a bit of water being pumped out but definitely not the normal level.

I am thinking the check valve is the problem but I am not sure what else might cause the problem. I plan to pull it out tomorrow and see what I can find.

Any ideas you have as to a cause would be appreciated.

Carl:
I am amazed by your post. I didn't think there was anything in an RV you didn't know about or had knowledge for us DYI people. Just kidding and happy rv'ing you two.

[Carl n Susan]

I am by no means omnipotent on these beasts. And the older I get, the less I remember what I do know.
It just shows you learn something new (or in my case, relearn) every day.

[Emorin]

Hi! I am a new member here and I saw this subject. Do you where is actually the water pump? I have the model 3400RL 2011 which should be similar to @Carl n Susan. I have been told that no plan does exist from the manufacturer

[Carl n Susan]

I don't have your model, but I think the pump is behind the wall in the convenience center. You have to remove the white plastic wall on the left side of the center and it is right there. Removal of the wall is easy.

[rohrmann]

This is a photo of our pump, behind that white plastic panel in the pass through compartment.

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

I am by no means omnipotent on these beasts. And the older I get, the less I remember what I do know.
It just shows you learn something new (or in my case, relearn) every day.

That's funny Carl. I can relate! I have a word doc called "Old Dude" It's for all the things I can't remember I've even started to label things in the trailer

[Todd & Mary]

Originally Posted by Foldbak

That's funny Carl. I can relate! I have a word doc called "Old Dude" It's for all the things I can't remember I've even started to label things in the trailer

Thats a great idea, hope I can remember it till I have time to get to it.