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Topic: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas? (Read 361 times) previous topic - next topic
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Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Hi folks,

Well the ThistleDewToo adventure has begun.  After more than 3 feet of NH snow in less than a week :o, we finally got packed up, roof shoveled off, and hit the road -- yeah!  So far, so good, with only a few issues, some of which I have been able to resolve (windshield fluid spray not working due to loose truck battery connection, and LD range hood readout display not working due to #8 blown fuse).

Here is the first question for the group.  My wife noticed some water under the rig after the first night.  Ugh.  Turns out I have a small leak by the water pump.  It appears to be dripping slowly from the clear plastic housing attached to the pump (which I assume is a filter housing).  Any tips for resolving this short of draining the system, removing the pump, and possibly replacing the filter housing?  Is that a part that can be found, say, at Camping world? 

Right now a towel is soaking up the water.  I've bought some parts to install shut-off valves before and after the pump should I need to drain the system (which will help for a future problem with the pump).  But something easier that might help now, would be welcomed advice ;-)

Oh, and so far we've driven through NH, VT, NY, PA, WV, and are now in VA.  We left the snow behind somewhere in PA.   ;D   We are now parked along the Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park.  We arrived late and so decided to save the beautiful drive for tomorrow.  Looking forward to that!   8)

Thanks in advance. 

S-
Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #1 –
Pinch off the supply hose with a mechanics hose pinching tool, remove the strainer and attach the hose to the pump inlet.  Maybe popcycle sticks under small neddle nose vice grips will pinch the hose off.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #2 –
Quote from: rodneyhelfrich  - 
Pinch off the supply hose with a mechanics hose pinching tool, remove the strainer and attach the hose to the pump inlet.  Maybe popcycle sticks under small neddle nose vice grips will pinch the hose off.

Thanks Rodney.  Good idea on the pinch clamp -- I do have some vice grips I can try.

When you say remove the strainer, do you mean clean it and put it back?  Leave it out?  Is this a common problem?  Why would this be causing a leak from the plastic housing? 

Just trying to better understand the issue and possible solutions.

Thanks for the quick feedback.

S-
Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #3 –
Go easy on pinching the supply line. Some older models are plumbed with tubing that would likely crack if pinched tight. I don't know how well PEX that is used on newer ones reacts. Pinching off a hose that is rubber can work. Personally, I would donate the water to the trees and do my plumbing without the potential for a major gusher.

Once you have it off and inspect it you will have a better idea of the cause. The seal may be bad or have dirt in it, the plastic casing may be cracked (did it freeze?), it could be loose, or the water could be running from another connection and dropping off the screen housing.

Getting your bypass valves in place is a great idea, and the warm weather in VA now makes it a good time to get it done. Good luck!
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Steve and Carol Crisp  - 

When you say remove the strainer, do you mean clean it and put it back?  Leave it out?  Is this a common problem?  Why would this be causing a leak from the plastic housing? 

If the strainer container is NOT cracked then it might just need to be tightened.  Tightened is a gentle snug.  If the strainer container is cracked, then that part is available from most places that sell the water pump.  While messing with this part, check if the actual strainer is dirty.  The manual will advise the owner to rotate the strainer container 90 degrees to make it easier to access.  I'd also suggest you check the water inlet connection to make sure it's tight.  Hope this helps.
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #5 –
Hi Steve & Carole

"Here is the first question for the group.  My wife noticed some water under the rig after the first night.  Ugh.  Turns out I have a small leak by the water pump.  It appears to be dripping slowly from the clear plastic housing attached to the pump (which I assume is a filter housing).  Any tips for resolving this short of draining the system, removing the pump, and possibly replacing the filter housing?  Is that a part that can be found, say, at Camping World"
 
You didn't say what model of water pump you have; your LD, being a 2000, if the pump is original, is probably a Whisper King.
If I remember correctly, your rig was stored for a few years with no use. If it were me, I would just install a new fresh water pump. If doing it yourself, drain the tank. Pinching the hose to avoid wasting the water is probably going to crack the old hose and you're going to be working in that cramped space again.

Having fought the water pump battles several times, I heartily recommend the Shurflo Revolution pump. It is a fairy easy job, but if you don't want to work in that area, have someone else do it. If you do replace the pump, I think you might need to install a higher rated fuse in the fuse area.

Good luck!
Steve K

Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #6 –
I carried a spare Whisper King pump, then used it to replace the original WK when it finally failed; it's in the rig now and working fine. The old Whisper King has been discontinued, so, for the spare, I ordered this one from Amazon; I checked with the replacement chart on the Shurflo website and also called their customer service line to make sure that this was the best choice:

SHURFLO (4028-100-E54) 12V 2.3 GPM Water Pump

(This pump does require a different mounting pattern, i.e., new holes.)

Joan

 
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #7 –

"I carried a spare Whisper King pump, then used it to replace the original WK when it finally failed; it's in the rig now and working fine. The old Whisper King has been discontinued, so, for the spare, I ordered this one from Amazon; I checked with the replacement chart on the Shurflo website and also called their customer service line to make sure that this was the best choice:
SHURFLO (4028-100-E54) 12V 2.3 GPM Water Pump"

I don't mean to hijack the Crisp's original post. The pump that Joan is using is a little less powerful than the Revolution  (4028-101-E65) that I installed in 2009. I was one of Pentair's (parent Co. of Shurflo) guinea pigs. I think the model I posted is available at Camping World more readily than the lower powered one.  This slightly more powerful pump gave us a better flush on the toilet too.

Steve K.
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #8 –
The pump that Joan is using is a little less powerful than the Revolution  (4028-101-E65) that I installed in 2009.
---
I ordered this pump from Amazon, and yes, it's a little less powerful than your model, i.e., it's a 2.3 GPM and yours is a 3 GPM. The old Whisper King is a 2 GPM, so this new one may be marginally "stronger" than the WK. I'm OK with the puny pump!  ;)

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #9 –
My 2ยข!

Last fall I installed a Shurflo 4008-101-E65, 'Revolution'. It's claim to fame is 3GPM@7.5Amps with 55PSI shut-off and a 2 year warranty. It draws somewhat more current than many of the others (but then how often is it used?).

One issue I found was that it was necessary, at least in my case, to adjust the pressure to keep it from pulsing (stutter).
So far it has worked well since the last tweaking.   ;D 
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #10 –
You have gotten some good responses.  I will add my thoughts, mostly a summary of what I liked that others said.  First, if the drip is coming from the clear reservoir on the strainer between the tank and the pump, there is no need to work on or replace the pump.  To deal with a leaking strainer, they are not expensive.  I found several on Amazon for $6 to $12.  Search for "Shurflo Strainer".  Your chance of finding one at Camping World is fair to good.  If I had a leak there, I would order a new one before removing the existing one.  That way, you can deal with whatever is wrong without any headaches, make the repair and be back in business with minimal delay and minimal expense.

With a spare in hand, you can try tightening the strainer to see if that stops the drip.  If you try to snug up the clear plastic without having a spare at hand, be careful.  If it is cracked and you snap it off, you have a BIG problem until you can get a new one.  So - be gentle with the old one.  You should also check the fittings.  They should be finger tight plus about 1/4 turn more.  If you find nothing loose, you need to remove the strainer and replace it.

I would not pinch the plastic hose.  Why risk damaging it?  I know, with my hose, it would take a LOT of pressure to crimp it enough to make sure it didn't leak.  Rather, as someone else suggested, drain your fresh water tank.  You can then replace the old unit.   

If you decide to work on the water pump, as others have said, the Revolution seems to be a good pump.  The Whisper King has a good reputation but is lower flow, I believe.  The early Shurflo Extreme 5.7's seemed to be good, but the third year of production was done in China, and that is when the series started to go bad.  I didn't notice what model LD you have, but if it is a MidBath like mine, working around the pump is MUCH easier if you pull out the power panel containing the 12v fuses and the 120 volt circuit breakers.  You will need the right size Torx head driver to remove the cover, then there are 4 screws that hold the box in the wood frame.  Take them out, then slide the whole power panel toward you, and presto - plenty of room to work  on the pump.

Good luck!

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #11 –
Quote from: Kenneth Fears  - 
I didn't notice what model LD you have, but if it is a MidBath like mine, working around the pump is MUCH easier if you pull out the power panel containing the 12v fuses and the 120 volt circuit breakers.  You will need the right size Torx head driver to remove the cover, then there are 4 screws that hold the box in the wood frame.  Take them out, then slide the whole power panel toward you, and presto - plenty of room to work  on the pump.

Hello Ken.  This was a very helpful suggestion that I had not heard before.  I had wondered how I'd be able to make a water pump change in that small space behind the access panel.  Now I have a better idea.  By chance, did you take any pictures of your suggestion?  And I suppose you'd shut off all the power to include the breakers before removing the panel.  Look forward to hearing from you.
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #12 –
Ed, I do not cut the power, but I am careful. The 12 volt side is exposed, but the 120 volt side is covered.  I slide the panel out enough to rest it on the floor.  The wires have JUST enough slack to allow that.  As a side note, that is the only way to get to the connectors in the ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch), the box mounted to the back of the power panel.  Those connectors should be checked for tightness every year or so.  By ALL means, make sure the power is off when doing that.

I don't have any pics of the space with the power panel removed, but if there is a need for that, I could easily pull the panel to take a pic for folks.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #13 –
Hi Folks,

OP here -- and thanks all for the many suggestions.  We were without internet last night or I would have replied sooner.

So I took Steve K's suggestion to drain the tank and replace the whole shebang.  I priced out the recommended Shurflo Revolution on line and it was only $77.  Turns out it was quite a bit more at Camping World, but still, in the grand scheme of things ,,,

So the good news is that the pump seems to be working fine.  The bad news is that I'm on my second plumbing repair, and this one too is leaking.  I'm not sure if it is the increased pressure, or just my ineptitude.  Tomorrow I will give it a 3rd attempt.  I have put in shut-off valves, but now reading the Shurflo manual, I'm not sure that is wise.  They recommend no reductions or shut-off valves, and 18" of flexible 1/2" hose connected to both ports.  I don't have that even without the shut-off valves, but with them, hardly any flexible hose.

So I think tomorrow, I may replumb without the shutoff valves and just the hose.  Awaiting your insights or suggestions.  And I greatly appreciate the feedback so far.

S-

Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #14 –
Hello Steve.

On my '08, I went to HD and bought 4' of the reinforced vinyl water hose. Attached 2' on both sides of the pump. Put the shutoff valve in place 2' from the pump. Plus used wire nuts to add a foot, or so, to the wires going to the pump. Crimp connectors might have been better, but I had wire nuts and they did the job.
Then as replacement or maintenance or adjustment were required, I had enough slack in the hose and wires to simply move the pump outside of the cramped pump area under the sink,  making the work much easier. I then just secured the pump in place with two screws. I got so good at swapping out the unreliable 5.7 pump that I could do it in less than 15 minutes.
Enjoy your travels.

Ed
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #15 –
Hi Steve,

"So the good news is that the pump seems to be working fine.  The bad news is that I'm on my second plumbing repair, and this one too is leaking.  I'm not sure if it is the increased pressure, or just my ineptitude.  Tomorrow I will give it a 3rd attempt.  I have put in shut-off valves, but now reading the Shurflo manual, I'm not sure that is wise.  They recommend no reductions or shut-off valves, and 18" of flexible 1/2" hose connected to both ports.  I don't have that even without the shut-off valves, but with them, hardly any flexible hose.

So I think tomorrow, I may replumb without the shutoff valves and just the hose.  Awaiting your insights or suggestions.  And I greatly appreciate the feedback so far."

Is the leak near the new water pump? As for the shut-off valve, I realize it would make future pump replacement easier when you don't have to drain the water tank, I think shurflo is trying to eliminate restrictions in the water lines.

When I started replacing water pumps,  I replaced the flexible water lines the factory used with  braided stainless steel hoses
That were longer than what was needed. I did that so I could attach the hose to the water pump before installing the pump in that very tight location. The line from the water tank actually loops around the side of the tank so it can make a straight line to the pump. The line coming out of the pump is also longer than I needed, but it gave me a lot more flexibility connecting to the water system. When I attach a hose to anything, I use teflon tape or paste. I prefer using teflon paste on the fitting on the water tank because it is so difficult wrapping tape on that fitting.

Good luck. I hate plumbing work, home or away. >:(
Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
 
Re: Drip from water pump filter -- any ideas?
Reply #16 –
Ed, thanks for the tip -- a good suggestion.

As it turns out, I found out the reason for my leaks.  Not sure I should confess, but I left off one of the hose clamps.  So you can imagine 55 PSI will make that drip a bit.  I think that was off for both of my "failures".  In any case, I removed the output side again, added back a new piece of hose and the missing clamp, and all is dry now.  Imagine that (we really need a face-palm emoticon)!

I didn't add in the 2-ft hose extensions that Ed mentioned, only because I wanted to minimize any new variables in my plumbing challenges.  That will be a project for the future.  I'm just happy everything is working properly now, and we could bid farewell to the Camping World parking lot ;-)

New Topic - Cell Phone Amplifier

We also took the time today to hook up our cellular amplifier (weboost 4GRV).  I will have to take pictures to show you later, but I added the antenna panel to the Winegard batwing antenna, and that let's me deploy it without having to leave the rig, and dial in the directional antenna from inside.  Worked great this evening.  When we stopped, we had only 1 bar of 3G coverage; after deploying and dialing in the new set up, we had 2 bars of LTE coverage.  That makes a huge difference for internet data services.  Woohoo!  Again, I'll provide more details and pictures in the next few days.

I also kept my previous Wilson Omni  Trucker's antenna, and added an even longer deployable antenna mast to the LD ladder.  I'm just waiting on a converter from the original FME connector, to the more standard Type-F connector that came with the 4GRV setup.  I'll be curious which one wins -- the lower height directional antenna, or the taller omni antenna.  I can swap the inputs at the amplifier, and will test.  I will report the results later (after I get the adapter to connect it).

Thanks again for everyone's plumbing suggestions.  Sometimes my own ineptitude surprises even me.

S-
Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...