Water pump timer
This is a very simple an inexpensive mod that I has been on my to-do list for quite a while... I added a time-delay relay to my water pump's electrical circuit so that the pump will turn itself off af...
Forum Discussion
corvettekent wrote:
Why not leave the switch on all the time?
Fair question, although I have always wondered Why keep it on?
I prefer to keep my water pump off when not in use for the reason that Artum Snowbird mentioned... in the event of a leak the pump won't drain the fresh water tank. Point in case; A few years back I had a leak at the city water inlet check-valve. The tank drained while I was driving and the pump kept running (dry). I heard the pump whirring when I stopped for fuel and I went inside and shut it off, fortunately the pump survived.
In addition, I have always used a relay located at the water pump, along with dedicated 10ga wiring from my distribution panel to the pump. This ensures that there's plenty of current available to run the pump. The current draw of the relay's coil is only ~160mA, but to me every Watt counts.
This mod also allows me to have multiple on switches without the need to wire a 3-way switch or wonder if one switch was left in the on position. I do plan to add another pushbutton at the exterior shower before spring :)
bbaker2001 wrote:
Question... is it normal to lose pressure after some time.
Other than the one time I had a leak at the check-valve, my system has always been water tight. Even after sitting for many days, the pump does not cycle when I turn it on.
Cheers,
-Mark
