Water pump runs when switched off.

[smitwale]

I've searched the forums but have found this particular problem. My water pump works fine but I can't turn it off. The switches (I have 3 in my motorhome) seem to work properly. The light goes on and off as expected but the pump always kicks in when I open a tap. The only way to stop it is to unplug the power at the pump.

I recently bought this motorhome so I don't know any history. Any suggestions? Could this be a controller problem?

[enblethen]

Replace it!

[smitwale]

Thanks for all the repsonses. As Dutch_12078 suggested, I tapped the controller and the pump shut off. Any chance that it will keep working now or should I just go ahead and replace it?

[enblethen]

Locate the pump controller?
Sounds like it has shorted out

[smitwale]

enblethen wrote:
The switch that controls the pump, is it a momentary switch or a standard on off? If it is a momentary that odds are the solid state pump controller has failed.
This is a common pump controller
Pump Controller

Yes all of the switches are momentary switches and seem to be working properly, i.e. press once an light comes on, press again and light goes out.

[Chris_Bryant]

Something to keep in mind while testing the controller- the standard Intellitec models hook up in the negative lead of the pump- so if you just test power at the pump, you will always have it- even if the controller is OK.

[Dick_A]

The pump switches are generally momentary contact switches that are all parallel with the control lead going to the Intellitec controller which is the unit used by the majority of RV manufacturers. The controller switches the ground lead to the water pump.

The controller is usually located near the pump or sometimes in a kitchen cabinet and is a little module about 2" square and about 1/2" thick. After location the controller and with the water switches in the off position, lift the pump lead from the controller. If the pump stops more than likely the controller is bad. Any RV store should stock them.

[Michelle_S]

X2 Itching2go, been there done that.

[Itching2go]

Might also check to make sure you don't have a fourth switch in the basement in the area of the pump. These are typically used when pumping the pink stuff through, or using the outside shower. Easy to leave it on... and don't ask me how I know. 🙂

[enblethen]

The switch that controls the pump, is it a momentary switch or a standard on off? If it is a momentary that odds are the solid state pump controller has failed.
This is a common pump controller
Pump Controller

[btd35]

If you turn off the switch it should have no power. If it's a controller, then a relay is stuck and it needs to be replaced.

[old_guy]

my guess you have a bad switch. replace it.

[Dutch_12078]

That certainly does act like a controller issue. A stuck relay contact maybe. Try tapping on it with a screwdriver handle to see if it breaks loose. That's not a permanent fix, but it will verify the cause if it works.

[dave17352]

Put a voltage meter on the pump and check the switch. Something must not be wired correctly.

[Ranger_Smith]

Sounds like the controller box for the pump is bad. I don't know where it is but generally all the switches go to the box and that controls the pump.