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Just turn off the switch please!
Yahoo Message Number: 142130
I have a standing request in our motorhome; if your using the onboard water , just turn off the pump switch when your done using it. I'm about to install my second water pump since 2006. Seems folks can't hear the water pump running when the tank goes dry. Is there a way to rig up an alarm when this condition happens? Too far to go to the MS so I have to have Camping World install the next one. (shudder} Thanks for any condolences or advice, besides keeping the water tank full.
Best, Jim Pappas 2006 MB Tacoma, WA
Re: Just turn off the switch please!
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 142131
"Thanks for any condolences or advice, besides keeping the water tank full."

Jim
 When you get the new pump, consider the Revolution 4008. It can be run dry for extended periods without damage.
 You might want to install a SeeLevel tank level indicator so you know when the tank is about to run dry.
 I can't see an easy way of providing an empty alarm. Guess you could add an tee, in the pump's outlet line, with a pressure switch that is on when no pressure is present or off, using a little relay logic. The pressure switch would be connected to an alarm that is powered only when the pump is powered.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Just turn off the switch please!
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 142134
ianandjean@... wrote:
 Should be able to hook up a little red pilot light to show when the pump is on.
--- A green diode on the systems display board in the hood over the stove shows when the water pump is on. At least, this is the case with my 2003, and I think this is consistent in most, if not all, models and years?

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Just turn off the switch please!
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 142139
Quote
I have a standing request in our motorhome; if your using the onboard water , just turn off the pump switch when your done using it. I'm about to install my second water pump since 2006. Seems folks can't hear the water pump running when the tank goes dry. Is there a way to rig up an alarm when this condition happens? Too far to go to the MS so I have to have Camping World install the next one. (shudder} Thanks for any condolences or advice, besides keeping the water tank full.
Best, Jim Pappas 2006 MB Tacoma, WA
After learning of an LD flooding due to water pump failure at the Golden Caravan, I made a laminated tag using old Lazy Daze font saying "Turn off Water Pump". It hangs on the door and most of the time a I abide by the admonition when I exit for a while.

Chris H
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Just turn off the switch please!
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 142140
"After learning of an LD flooding due to water pump failure at the Golden Caravan, I made a laminated tag using old Lazy Daze font saying "Turn off Water Pump"

Chris
 Over 90% of the water leaks I have see are at the pump, either the pump itself or the inlet and outlet hoses.
I try, not always successfully, to shut the pump of when leaving the LD.
Sitting under the pump, is an inexpensive Harbor Freight leak detector. Below is what they sell now, ours has a separate moisture-sensing probe.
http://www.harborfreight.com/water-leak-detector-98461.html For the price, buy two.
This one has a detachable cord, allowing the buzzer to be mounted on  outside of the cabinet. It's quiet a bit louder too.(80-db vs. 100-db) http://www.amazon.com/DBTech-BD-WA65-Battery-Operated-Detachable/dp/B00BTK9OLQ

I have been think about making a tray similar to water heater trays, complete with a drain to the outside. It would sit under the water pump area.
Access is the major problem in doing this. Probably would it out of 1/8" marine or lauan plywood, coated with marine epoxy for water-proofing. Put a 3/8" barred-fitting on it for a drain hose. Either find a safe place to drill a new hole in the floor, for the water drain hose, or tee it into the refrigerator's drain.
Another project to think about for next winter.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Just turn off the switch please!
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 142141
Jim, installing a Revolution 4008 to replace the one you have now is no big deal. Pull off that panel under the sink and you'll have easy access. Two wires and two hoses are all you need to swap.
 Try doing it yourself before you pay somebody $80-$100 an hour to do it for you--especially Camping World! The first and last time I let them replace a water pump, the rig flooded as soon as the power was turned on. Turned out they hadn't bothered to test it after installing it!

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Just turn off the switch please!
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 142142
"I try, not always successfully, to shut the pump of when leaving the LD."

I've long wished for a water pump switch next to the door.

Howard
Re: Just turn off the switch please!
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 142143
Quote

"I try, not always successfully, to shut the pump of when leaving the LD."

I've long wished for a water pump switch next to the door.

Howard
Larry will do this for you.

Chris H
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Just turn off the switch please!
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 142144
Quote
Over 90% of the water leaks I have see are at the pump, either the pump itself or the inlet and outlet hoses.
I try, not always successfully, to shut the pump of when leaving the LD.
~~~~~~~ Mine is a KISS alert:  when I see water on the floor outside my RB wardrobe, I know I have a leak!
 Larry did recommend that I check lines and connections before replacing the pump but, alas, the pump was indeed the culprit; and it dripped when the pump was on *and* when turned off.
 I imagine labor can be costly, but I was fortunate to find a shop with a minimum *one half* hour charge of $37.50.  The shop is in Brookings, OR ("Pirate Energy"), and I will be adding it to our database as a recommended parts and repair shop in Southern Oregon.

Lorna (foggy Brookings, OR) made2wander.blogspot.com/
2003 RB
Re: Just turn off the switch please!
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 142153
Thanks folks for all your support! I like the idea of the red LED when the water pump is running, since the wife can't hear. Of course if no one is around that will not help.
Maybe a Dynamo strip that reads: "Just torn the switch off please," on the range hood would do the trick as as well. ; - ) Thanks again, Jim Pappas Tacoma, WA
 
Re: Just turn off the switch please!
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 142154
When I was working in one location we had a flashing red lights hung from the roof that came on when uncleared people were in the area.  It really got your attention.  Now I'm not saying to put a large light in the middle of your LD living room but if you were to put the flashing led strobe (it does not have to be red, I think yellow for warning would be better) inside one of the other light fixtures it might do more to catch your attention.  More so if it was in a fixture near the exit.  It would have to be somewhere so when you do dishes it does not drive you nuts.

John
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath