Forum Discussion

big_whitey's avatar
big_whitey
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013

Water pump

Anyone have an idea why my water pump pulsates when water is turned on instead of running constant. Thanks for any help.
  • Good am all. Happy 2 report for whatever reason symptoms mysteriously disappeared overnight. Should they reappear I will try the adjustment on the pump as suggested,hopefully it was just an rv glitch. Thanks all for your help.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    I saw an accumulator tank much like the one shown above at LOWES the other day...

    Roy Ken
  • As 'old guy' suggested.......

    There is an adjustment on the end of pump that you can adjust the shutoff pressure.
    The basic RV Shurflo pump has a cutoff pressure of 45#. Turning the adjustment screw clockwise increases that shutoff point.
    BUT turn it only 1/2 turn and check the results......should run for at least 1 sec. with an off-time of 2 sec.
    1 1/2 turns on adjustment screw MAX

    Why is it now doing this.......
    Simple. It is reaching pressure switch set point easier due to restrictions in plumbing system ie: dirty aerators, scale build up in faucets/toilet valve, scale in water heater, in the WH nipples/check valve......an accumulation of resistance.

    Two methods of reducing pump cycling.....
    Adding an accumulator tank
    Increasing pump pressure set point
  • Adjust the pressure switch on the head of the pumo. Turn the screw clockwise. This will cut down on the pulsation
  • Thanks for the responses. I don't have an accumulator tank and never have. This issue just started today, it has worked perfectly for 3 years with no pulsating. Could there possibly be another cause?
  • Yup, just installed the same size accumulator in our coach.
  • The pump puts out more water than the faucet/shower passes so the pipe pressurizes and turns off the pump. Then the pressure falls and the pump turns back on. Normal. The answer is to put an accumulator tank in the cold water line. It stops the pulsation by allowing the pump to pressurize the tank, then when the pump cuts off, the tank keeps the water running till it runs empty, then the pump cuts back on. It goes from pulsing to turning on and off at extended times without any pulsing of the water flow. It runs for 2 or 3 minutes, then turns off for 2 or 3 minutes. I have this 2 gallon tank installed in mine. Works great.

    As a side benefit, we make sure it is full before we go to bed at night. When we get up to potty during the night, we have enough water in the tank to flush the toilet all night long without the pump (right below the bed) coming on to wake up the other sleeper.

  • You may have a small tank (dang i can't remember what it's called - accumulator?) after the pump and before water lines. Someone will know its name.

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