Possible water pump problem!!!!!!!!! Maybe not, now.

Question

Folks, we ran our pump in the HT for two or so days with no water in the system. Noticed it was running this morning so I shut it off and just filled, mostly, the fresh water tank and am trying to get the system pressurized. However, the pump keeps running and I am not getting much of a stream out of either the hot or cold water faucets in either the kitchen or the bathroom. Have I basically burned up the pump, based on this skimpy description? It's not really the water pump's fault, I think we left it on with no water in the system. Any help or hints would be greatly appreciated.

Filled up yesterday and let it set overnight. Turned on the pump this morning and it ran just like it did before I messed up. Hopefully, it's ok and I won't have to replace or repair it for a while longer.

wingnusa · Answer

If the pump is running, it shouldn't be burnt up. Make sure you open up every faucet that you have to get water out of it. I have seen this problem before and just by turning on the outside shower it got rid of an air bubble that was causing the pump to run nonstop...

down_home · Answer

They sell or did just the pump section or diaphram and small parts.Might as well replace the whole pump, and with a higher spec quieter one.

bshpilot · Answer

RV water pumps are "on demand" pumps - once they sense a pressure build up (because the faucets are shut) the pump SHOULD shut off (stop running).

a combination of air & water in the line will still build pressure & should shut the pump off.

usually if the pump isn't shutting off or it runs frequently (even when no water has been used or faucets are shut) then the diaphragm of the pump is probably leaking back and loosing pressure.

the pump diaphragms can be rebuilt, fairly inexpensively & much cheaper than buying a new pump.

old-biscuit · Answer

Rv fresh water pumps are diaphragm pumps.......and are made to run dry without harm.

With water in fresh water tank, turn pump ON
Then open each faucet cold side then hot side to expel the air in lines.
Pump can not build up pressure to shut off with air in system.....they pump water pretty good but can't pump air worth a hoot.

Hot side will take longer than cold side because you have to fill water heater tank first before water can flow thru hot side.

If you don't get any sputtering of air at faucets....then check suction side of water pump for any loose/cracked fittings anything that may be sucking air.
The pumps are self priming IF the suction side doesn't have 'air' leak issues.

rjsfishin · Answer

The pumps are NOT designed to run dry for 2 days w/o harm ! If it ever survives that would surprise me.

Forum Discussion

Possible water pump problem!!!!!!!!! Maybe not, now.

8 Replies

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Water tank won't fill

Water Heater Problems

Possible delamination

Atwood water heater problem

Used rv possibly making us sick