I've been living in TC for about 2 months now and it's been my experience that my water pump only turns on when a) water is running or b) after it's been off for awhile and I turn it on so it fills all the lines.However, the last few days, I've been hearing it turn on intermittently for a half of a second every 30 mins or so. My initial reaction was PANIC, thinking there was a leak somewhere. I searched everywhere and followed every water line I could. I took off panels and removed drawers so that I could get a good look at the water lines to try and find the leak. Nothing. I see no sign of water anywhere. There's a few points (ie: under/behind my fridge) that I can't quite see but I don't think there's any leaks. So what is going on? Why does my water pump keep putting water in the lines? Could it just be a gravity thing where water is falling down the lines? I can't help but freak out every time I hear that vibration noise of my water pump, wondering where it's going. Thanks in advance for all the help!!

why post under 2 different names ????????????????

ScottG wrote:Sock puppet eh? Mod notified.so sorry! I had an account I didn't even know about. I guess I made it a long time ago and it was logged in from this computer I haven't used in awhile. I notified the moderator to delete it along with the post. Anyway, best answer I got was this:Short term workaround: remember to turn off the pump whenever you don't use it. Never a bad idea, especially when you leave the camper.If there really is no leak an all faucets are closed, there is only one way the pressure can go: From the pump back to the feeder line. The fact that it has always been loosing pressure, but more slowly,would indicate either that or a leak.Normal behavior is that it holds pressure more or less indefinitely. With the small exception that the pump may briefly run when the water heater was heated, then turned off and cools down.Check the pump head and check valve; disassemble where needed. Something may be dirty, clogged, broken. Either that, or an undetected leak.

Mine did that until I installed an inline discharge check valve. I see that someone has already suggested that, but it did work for me. JMO

In my TT, mine did the same thing (for over 3 years). Finally, it started increasing in frequency. No water leaks anywhere, and I posted for ideas on these forums a couple times about it. Finally, I got desperate and decided to change the pump. Got the new pump and then pulled the old one and installed the new. On my work bench at home, I had time to examine the old pump, to find out 3 screws were completely missing, and the other were loose that attached the pump part to the motor. I found two of the missing screws and the 3rd one disappeared completely. I'm keeping the old pump, although I've not connected it to anything and maybe some day, I'll play around with it again (and maybe find something I can use for that missing screw too).Meanwhile, the new pump has never run intermittently, ever. And it actually runs quieter than my last one (I also changed locations a little too while I had the chance.)My only regret was not swapping the pump out much sooner!

Water pump running but nothing on | Good Sam Community

maddog348
Explorer
Jul 24, 2017
why post under 2 different names ????????????????
ScottG
Nomad
Jul 24, 2017
Sock puppet eh?
Mod notified.
RamblinAnne
Explorer
Jul 24, 2017
ScottG wrote:
Sock puppet eh?
Mod notified.

so sorry! I had an account I didn't even know about. I guess I made it a long time ago and it was logged in from this computer I haven't used in awhile. I notified the moderator to delete it along with the post.

Anyway, best answer I got was this:

Short term workaround: remember to turn off the pump whenever you don't use it. Never a bad idea, especially when you leave the camper.

If there really is no leak an all faucets are closed, there is only one way the pressure can go: From the pump back to the feeder line. The fact that it has always been loosing pressure, but more slowly,would indicate either that or a leak.

Normal behavior is that it holds pressure more or less indefinitely. With the small exception that the pump may briefly run when the water heater was heated, then turned off and cools down.

Check the pump head and check valve; disassemble where needed. Something may be dirty, clogged, broken. Either that, or an undetected leak.
BTPO1
Explorer
Jul 24, 2017
Mine did that until I installed an inline discharge check valve. I see that someone has already suggested that, but it did work for me. JMO
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Jul 24, 2017
In my TT, mine did the same thing (for over 3 years). Finally, it started increasing in frequency. No water leaks anywhere, and I posted for ideas on these forums a couple times about it.

Finally, I got desperate and decided to change the pump. Got the new pump and then pulled the old one and installed the new. On my work bench at home, I had time to examine the old pump, to find out 3 screws were completely missing, and the other were loose that attached the pump part to the motor. I found two of the missing screws and the 3rd one disappeared completely. I'm keeping the old pump, although I've not connected it to anything and maybe some day, I'll play around with it again (and maybe find something I can use for that missing screw too).

Meanwhile, the new pump has never run intermittently, ever. And it actually runs quieter than my last one (I also changed locations a little too while I had the chance.)

My only regret was not swapping the pump out much sooner!
jules6
Explorer
Jul 24, 2017
Here is my two cents

There are two check valves in your water system,

One is on the discharge of your water pump and the other is on the city water input to your RV.

If either one is leaking you will lose water pressure which will cause your pump to run

It only takes a few drops of water loss to make the pump run.
tattoobob
Explorer
Jul 25, 2017
SHURflo Accumulator Tank

some people install these, Not sure how old you pump is but you probably want to change it, could be your pressure switch a check valve problem or a leak someplace
RamblinAnne
Explorer
Jul 25, 2017
tattoobob wrote:
SHURflo Accumulator Tank

some people install these, Not sure how old you pump is but you probably want to change it, could be your pressure switch a check valve problem or a leak someplace

I'm guessing it's as old as the camper - 13 years. It could probably use replacing. But it still seems to put out good pressure. If I am sure there is no leaking going on, is the intermittent running going to cause any damage? Can I simply replace the pump down the road or is this something I should immediately address? Also, how do I check a check valve problem?
BTPO1
Explorer
Jul 25, 2017
This is a follow-up to your last questions. I don't feel that the intermittent running is a problem, but it sure is annoying. I installed a new pump head on mine that fixed the problem for a short while, then it started leaking through again. I just turned the pump off when we were not using it. I finally went to Orchard Supply Hardware and bought a check valve and installed it after the pump. JMO
AnEv942
Nomad
Jul 25, 2017
No-unless its a water leak that is relieving line pressure-
intermittent running is not a problem, not going to cause any damage (unless your trying to take a nap and throw something), pumps doing what its designed to.
Turn on a faucet till pump comes on then close. Once pump stops, slowly fill container until pump comes back on -that's the volume of water you'd be looking for if a water leak, every 30 minuets, pretty sure would become obvious if actually leaking. Short of faucets/toilet, WH p/r valve weeping Id assume pump just not holding back line pressure.

Ours is 17+. We also do not leave pump on when not in use, especially cylcing every 30 min. We do have an accumulator now but the pump can be off for hours and turning back on pump doesn't start unless we've used water. It used to briefly cycle but maybe in an hours time. Which doesnt makes sense to me- its just reserve pressure, seems it would bleed off to.