Forum Discussion

Rock-head's avatar
Rock-head
Explorer
May 18, 2019

Water pressure leak

My water pump runs intermittently when no water is in use. Somehow the pressure bleeds down causing the pump to run for a few seconds. This happens about every five minutes and it is not only annoying but also a battery drain. Is there a backflow valve somewhere that is leaking?
  • Until you run this down I would suggest that you turn off the pump when not in use. I have a leak like this but it takes more like 6 hours before the pump cycles.

    This is why I make sure to turn off the pump when going to bed at night and whenever we leave the trailer for any period of time.
  • If no water leaks are evident, disconnect the pump and thoroughly flush it. The small pumps are susceptible to the check valving not closing from even small debris.
    Good luck!
  • Could be a leak in the fresh water tubing, a low point drain valve leaking, city water connection check valve leaking, water heater leaking, water heater drain plug leaking, water heater temperature control leaking where it screws into the water heater tank or the water heater relief valve releiving. Could also just be the check feature built into the water pump. If it fails water can bleed back through the pump back into the tank. This can easily be determined if you hook up to the city water connection and the fresh water tank slowly fills up.
  • Check valve should be holding water pressure if you have no leaks. Check Valve may be worn out or a piece of trash preventing it from sealing.
  • You don't say how old your RV/pump is, but an older one can have "leak down", causing a regular pulse of the pump.

    However, 2oldman is likely right, you may have a leak. Under the sinks or water heater lines are a good place to start looking.

    Jerry
  • The battery drain is miniscule, but you do have a leak. I usually find mine under a sink.