Recalcitrant Water Pump (Split from towing topic)

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Topic: Recalcitrant Water Pump (Split from towing topic) (Read 438 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Thoughts On Towing an...

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Recalcitrant Water Pump (Split from towing topic)

June 26, 2016, 05:03:17 pm

I wonder if anyone on the board has had the same experience as I had this past week?
For some, as yet unknown, reason my water pump started being stubborn! It was working normally until I needed water and then, when I opened the valve at the kitchen sink, not a drop of water came out. Then, just as mysteriously, the next time it worked. This went on for the better part of a week. Is the pump getting weak (9 years old), was it the altitude (8,000'), or what? I'm still shaking my head but I would bet there's a new pump in my future!

Re: Recalcitrant Water Pump (Split from towing topic)

Reply #1 – June 26, 2016, 06:36:38 pm

Quote from: Lazy Bones - June 26, 2016, 05:03:17 pm

I wonder if anyone on the board has had the same experience as I had this past week?
For some, as yet unknown, reason my water pump started being stubborn! It was working normally until I needed water and then, when I opened the valve at the kitchen sink, not a drop of water came out. Then, just as mysteriously, the next time it worked. This went on for the better part of a week. Is the pump getting weak (9 years old), was it the altitude (8,000'), or what? I'm still shaking my head but I would bet there's a new pump in my future!

Steve,

It sounds like an intermittent electrical problem to me. I would check the "wire nuts" at the pump first and the pump switch on the status panel second.

Alex

Re: Recalcitrant Water Pump (Split from towing topic)

Reply #2 – June 26, 2016, 06:49:29 pm

While I appreciate your suggestions Alex, and I will check them out, I tend to discount those as a problem due to the fact that the L.D. was parked in a campsite, unmoving, the whole time. And, since returning home everything is back to normal. My bet is on the age of the pump. The RV is a 2004 issue and the original pump failed within a year. This 2nd pump has been on duty ever since.

Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar

Re: Recalcitrant Water Pump (Split from towing topic)

Reply #3 – June 27, 2016, 11:24:07 am

Steve

I assume the problem occurred at every faucet, not just the kitchen faucet.
If the pump is a variable speed model, the controls are likely to be at fault.
The Revolution 4008 has become the go-to pump and has proven to be dependable, or more dependable than any of the variable speed examples.

Larry

Re: Recalcitrant Water Pump (Split from towing topic)

Reply #4 – June 27, 2016, 05:51:19 pm

"I assume the problem occurred at every faucet,..."

Thanks for the come back Larry.

Yes, it's every faucet + the toilet and shower! Strangest thing I've seen. Will poke my head into that space and see if I can discover anything more. Tapping on the pump did no good. Oh well, it's beyond it's time as far as pumps go.

I think I've been bitten by the evil water bug... last year up in Bryce Canyon it was a leaky kitchen faucet hose. That forced a replacement of the faucet assembly.

Re: Recalcitrant Water Pump (Split from towing topic)

Reply #5 – June 28, 2016, 03:38:03 pm

Quote from: Lazy Bones - June 27, 2016, 05:51:19 pm

"I assume the problem occurred at every faucet,..."

Will poke my head into that space and see if I can discover anything more. Tapping on the pump did no good. Oh well, it's beyond it's time as far as pumps go.

Steve,

I've thought about what you said and and am reminded that there is a high pressure switch inside the pump turns off the motor when the water is pressurized. It could be getting sticky and not closing after the pressure drops. Until for some reason the switch decides to behave. So, unless you're into possible repair action, you're right that the pump needs replacing.

Alex

Re: Recalcitrant Water Pump (Split from towing topic)

Reply #6 – June 28, 2016, 05:23:42 pm

Very interesting thought Alex! Given the frustration factor I tried repeatedly opening and closing the faucet, hoping to get a different result (the definition of insanity?). Only until I left it off for a short period would it resurrect itself. I'm researching replacement pumps in the interim.

Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar

Re: Recalcitrant Water Pump (Split from towing topic)

Reply #7 – June 30, 2016, 05:21:24 pm

Baby steps...

Managed to get the 'Strainer' removed. Not a fun thing to do for an 80 year old body with arthritis in every joint.

Was somewhat amazed at what I found, after having to chuck the sucker in the vise and use my large Channel Locks to break the seal. After nine years there wasn't enough sediment in the screen to speak of, I expected much more. In fact, I started there thinking the strainer might be clogged. No Joy!

At this point I think my best coarse of action will be to replace the pump and at some point in time rebuild the old pump and keep it as a spare. That's like next winter when it's not 97° outside.

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