Forum Discussion

avarusbrightfyr's avatar
avarusbrightfyr
Explorer
Jan 15, 2020

Water Pumps

I'm pretty ignorant about water pumps, but from the way that RV pumps rattle I'm guessing the pumping mechanism is some sort of back and forth motion like a piston. Assuming that's correct, what is the reason a more spin based design like a turbine or impeller isn't used? I would imagine it would be available for purchase if it were viable, but I can't seem to find anything like that.
Seeking Advice
  • riven1950's avatar
    riven1950
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2020
    Two issues IMO. Location and installation without concern for rattling pipes / poor mounting.

    We don't use ours much but the current TT has the pump located solidly in the outside storage area and I have a hard time telling it is running. Past TT pumps located inside in cabinets much more obvious.
  • prichardson's avatar
    prichardson
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2020
    They are diaphragm pumps and the reason they are used is twofold. They can be run dry without damage and are self priming.
  • garyemunson's avatar
    garyemunson
    Explorer II
    Jan 16, 2020
    Get the split foam pipe insulation tubes. You can usually slide them over piping and get them to go quite a ways back into places the pipes are banging around in.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jan 16, 2020
    goducks10 wrote:
    Is it the WP or the plumbing whacking against each other? You can quiet down the rattle by isolating the pipes from other items they touch.


    ^^^^This...the pump itself is relatively quiet while pumping, if properly mounted. The lines can vibrate against each other, and anything else they touch.

    Jerry
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2020
    Is it the WP or the plumbing whacking against each other? You can quiet down the rattle by isolating the pipes from other items they touch.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Jan 16, 2020
    Probably two reasons for this style pump. The pumps are a diaphragm pump. As such they can run dry with no damage and are probably cheaper than anything else to manufacture.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jan 15, 2020
    No piston or impellers per se. It's similar to a hydrostatic pump.
    Think kid making armpit noises! Or squeezing water between your hands in the pool.
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2020
    Pressure needed ... Turbines or impllers can produce high flow, but pistons do better pressure.

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