Forum Discussion

shaderj's avatar
shaderj
Explorer
May 17, 2013

water pump

I just purchased a 2009 RVision 23' trailer. I'm new to camping in a rig that actually has a bathroom and water system. My question is about my water pump. On our first trip, when we opened the faucet, the water would run for a while before the pump kicked on to re-pressurize. After the faucet was turned off, the pump ran for a little bit till it was pressurized and then it would kick off. But now, when we open a faucet, the pump kicks on immediately, no delay at all. Is this normal operation? Seems like there should be some water pressure in the line that would deliver water at least for a little while till the pressure drops and the pump kicks in.

Thanks in advance for any input.

7 Replies

  • RJsfishin's avatar
    RJsfishin
    Explorer
    May 18, 2013
    I would suspect that you already have an accumalator pressure tank in the system, and that it has lost it's 30 lbs of pressure. If this is the case, find the tank, and air it up to 30 lbs.
  • Jetstreamer's avatar
    Jetstreamer
    Explorer
    May 17, 2013
    You might want to consider installing a pressure tank in your water system. IMHO one of the best mods you can do to your rig. Inexpensive and allows the water pump to do a lot less cycling. Then you don't have to worry about an air gap in your water heater.
  • shaderj's avatar
    shaderj
    Explorer
    May 17, 2013
    Thanks for your thoughts. In reading the manual I thought it could be the air bubble on top of the water heater. I followed the instructions to reestablish the bubble and apparently didn't do it right. I'll try again tomorrow.

    Again, thanks for the help.
  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    May 17, 2013
    Having that bubble as a cushion against pressure spikes is important only if you are going to use the heater. Otherwise, who cares how soon the pumps kicks in.
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad II
    May 17, 2013
    SCClockDr wrote:
    If you have a hot water heater then I would think the air buble that sits on top of the H2O in that tank has been absorbed. You need to introduce air back into the HW tank. The air accomplishes 2 aims.
    1. Absorbs thermal expansion of the water as it is heated thus minimizing pressure spikes.
    2. Introduces a short delay in pump cycles as the air will provide a push on faucet opening and the pump will run a bit past faucet closure to re-compress the air pocket.


    That's my guess, too.

    Drain the water heater, then refill. Should get you your bubble back.
  • SCClockDr's avatar
    SCClockDr
    Explorer
    May 17, 2013
    If you have a hot water heater then I would think the air buble that sits on top of the H2O in that tank has been absorbed. You need to introduce air back into the HW tank. The air accomplishes 2 aims.
    1. Absorbs thermal expansion of the water as it is heated thus minimizing pressure spikes.
    2. Introduces a short delay in pump cycles as the air will provide a push on faucet opening and the pump will run a bit past faucet closure to re-compress the air pocket.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    May 17, 2013
    Sounds like you could have a very slight leak. I would check all the connections on the water lines. If you do not see any drips i would ignore it. If the pump runs constantly then you know you have a leak. Also be sure to check the outside shower. They can have a small leak there and not ever know it.

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