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Topic: Water Pump / Line vibration w/ video link (Read 586 times) previous topic - next topic
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Water Pump / Line vibration w/ video link
I have the 02’ 30ft island bed. I heard RV water pumps can be noisy. I don’t particularly hear the pump under the bed. The sound/vibration it creates can be heard within the shower walls. From the water pump, the first water line heads underneath the floor to a T that feeds the cold water for the shower, and continues towards the fridge. There is a loud pump sound coming from within the walls of the shower. I’m having trouble locating exactly what it is. I’ve placed my hand on every line within the access panel to try to deaden the sound and check for fittings or water lines vibrating against each other or against something else. I have no water pressure issues or leaks. Air has been purged from the lines. I’ve also restored the air bubble to the water heater tank. I tried to eliminate anything else it could be.

Here is a link to the noise I am hearing and you can see it is loud within the access panel of the shower:

https://youtube.com/shorts/6582slszoyY?si=bY4nbQPF8RFl8IO8


Tell me I’m crazy and this is normal operation sounds. Otherwise, I’m trying to ensure no water lines are vibrating against something and it will cause premature wear. If I can find exactly which line is vibrating and where, I could use electrical wire loom, pipe insulation, a foam pad, or low expansion spray foam to stop it. The vibration can be felt when you touch the wall. I do not feel it lying in bed or even sitting on the wooden bed frame.
2002 30' IB
Re: Water Pump / Line vibration w/ video link
Reply #1 –
Make sure the isolation attachment of the pump has not deteriorated. Ideally, the pump outlet line should have a loop before any connections to minimize the rigidity which will transfer its vibration to surrounding contact points. LD did not always follow that plumbing practice, but you might be able to modify this. This would be before adding foam insulation at contact points.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Water Pump / Line vibration w/ video link
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
Make sure the isolation attachment of the pump has not deteriorated. Ideally, the pump outlet line should have a loop before any connections to minimize the rigidity which will transfer its vibration to surrounding contact points. LD did not always follow that plumbing practice, but you might be able to modify this. This would be before adding foam insulation at contact points.

Steve

Thank you Steve. I was reading about how shurflo recommends 18-36” of flexible line on both inlet and outlet before it plumbs into the rigid pex lines. It is exactly what they sell in their pump silencing kit- just two 36” lines. I also noticed this pump still has the original old style strainer bowl. It appears an air bubble is trapped inside it but it is not sucking in any new air that I can see. I’ll replace it anyways since it’s so cheap. LD installed a 90* bend on the inlet side which shurflo advises against. I am going to see if I have enough room for a straight fitting. I figured I’d start by adding the longer flexible lines as you say, and replace the strainer with their new updated one. I will pull the pump and inspect its isolation attachment / feet at that time. If this doesn’t resolve it, I am considering installing an accumulator tank from shurflo. From my reading, this may act as a suppressor for the water pump. It’s designed to stop water hammering and low pressure issues, but that isolation may be what I need to stop the vibrations traveling down the lines. Let me know if you think that’s a waste of time. After that, I’d just replace the 23 year old pump. Off to a good start. I have plan A, B, and C ready. I will update accordingly to help the next guy out.
2002 30' IB
Re: Water Pump / Line vibration w/ video link
Reply #3 –
This might be a sound you are never going to totally eliminate, but the pump sounds a little noisy to me. I  think I'd look real close at the pump mount and make sure the pump motor isn't against the floor.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Water Pump / Line vibration w/ video link
Reply #4 –
I think you are hearing a normal waterpump noise and not vibrating water lines heading to your shower.

Something you can try to minimize the noise is to put some sort of cushioning between the waterpump and the floor. I would suggest using something like a computer mouse pad or those rubber jar grippers some folks use to open bottles with. My experience is the waterpump noise can vary based on how much water is in the fresh water tank.

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Water Pump / Line vibration w/ video link
Reply #5 –
Sounds somewhat similar to mine. The MB pump is under the galley sink area and behind the power center. It's a bit muffled but when the velcroed wall panel is removed, you can definitely hear it. I think the newer models LD's probably have better sound deadening for the water pump.

Here are a couple of photos with the wall panel removed and the factory converter slid out, exposing the pump.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Water Pump / Line vibration w/ video link
Reply #6 –
As others have told you, that is a normal water pump sound. You can try adding a sound reduction kit but don't expect miracles. The hose vibrating against a wall will not harm the hoses.
Changing the filter will have no affect, an air bubble is normal.

Accumulators are used on some pumps but not all. The Shurflow 4008 water pump is commonly used in LDs and cannot use an accumulator, it messes with the pressure controls.
What water pump does your rig have?

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Water Pump / Line vibration w/ video link
Reply #7 –
Hi WBraack;  The sound is pretty normal but sounds much louder at the pump. That is normal too, but it sounds excessively loud to me.  Before doing all of those other things, I'd suspect that something inside the pump, or the mount below it has deteriorated.  My original pump lasted about 21 years before it developed a leak. The new pump I put it was quieter and pumped a bit more water with a (just slightly) higher pressure.  The old pump was a Whisper King'.  A 4008 was just $70, and a lot lees work than the other items you are contemplating. 
     My pump is just below a drawer in my T/K and less confined, but doesn't seem as noisy as yours.  The screws mounting the pump to the floor go through a rubber 'doughnut' at each screw, isolating noise from the pump. One of those may have worn through right at the pump base, allowing the pump to directly touch the wood. RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Water Pump / Line vibration w/ video link
Reply #8 –
Thank you everyone for the replies. I am going to take it apart and look at it before buying anything! I was concerned because I found videos of other lazy daze online and it seems you can only hear the hum of their pump. While I am hearing the pump in the adjacent shower wall from the sound traveling down the pipes somehow, and not actually hearing the pump under the bed. It seems louder than others. I’ll pull the pump and inspect it first before proceeding. Will update accordingly
2002 30' IB
Re: Water Pump / Line vibration w/ video link
Reply #9 –
Quote from: wbraack  - 
I was concerned because I found videos of other lazy daze online and it seems you can only hear the hum of their pump. While I am hearing the pump in the adjacent shower wall from the sound traveling down the pipes somehow, and not actually hearing the pump under the bed.

Well, the pump does not 'hum' unless the water is turned on hard enough for it to run continuously. Perhaps slipping some insulation into the wall along the pipe entrance would help. Also check where the access to the back of the shower valves is provided.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Water Pump / Line vibration w/ video link
Reply #10 –
If this is the biggest problem you have with your 2002 IB, you are a lucky person.

Water pumps make noise, some more than others. The pipe vibrates because of the type of pump, a three-chamber, wobble-plate pump surges three times every revolution of the pump's motor. It's the nature of the beast.
If the manufacturer of your pump OKs or recommends an accumulator, install one, it will help limit surging and pump cycling.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338483997/figure/fig1/AS:845429302386690@1578577461387/Structure-of-Swash-plate-axial-piston-pump.png

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
 
Re: Water Pump / Line vibration w/ video link
Reply #11 –
"Also check where the access to the back of the shower valves is provided."

On the 30'IB there is an access hatch behind the little shelf where and optional TV might sit... exactly behind the fixtures in the shower. I have gained access there when I replaced my shower fixtures. Perhaps some foam wedged behind the piping may help deaden to sound you are hearing!   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
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