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Topic: Unexplained water pump start (Read 454 times) previous topic - next topic
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Unexplained water pump start
The past 3 nights my water pump has run for approx. 1 sec. between 1AM and 4AM. I've checked all of my faucets and in cabinet plumbing connections and everything is dry. I have not checked at the pump itself yet because it is located behind the main power panel and converter making it more difficult to access.Should I check there? Should I be concerned about this or should I just turn the pump power off at bedtime?  Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
2004 26.5 Island Bed. Gumby
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Re: Unexplained water pump start
Reply #1 –
The water pressure is dropping as the water in the system cools.

Nothing to worry about.  Happens to many of us.

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Unexplained water pump start
Reply #2 –
Thanks Rich! This makes perfect sense. I had the hot water heater on in the evening on each of these nights and the nightime temperatures have cooled significantly in my area as fall progresses. Bingo! Thanks again.
2004 26.5 Island Bed. Gumby
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Re: Unexplained water pump start
Reply #3 –
also while in this topic, what a great location for the water pump! right next to the electrical panel, nothing could ever go wrong with that....
1995 23.5 Rear Lounge
Re: Unexplained water pump start
Reply #4 –
It may be due to cooling, as Rich suggested.  It may also be a problem with the pump.  The pump contains a check valve that is to prevent back flow of water, thus maintaining pressure in front of the pump.  If the check valve is leaking, the symptoms will be exactly what you describe.  It happened to me, and ShurFLo sent me a replacement check valve.  As I had already replaced the pump, I never put in the replacement valve.  I carry the old pump and replacement valve as a spare.

To determine which is the cause, give your water heater a day with it off so it no longer holds hot water.  Turn the pump on.  If it cycles repeatedly (mine did about 1 to 2 seconds about every 10 minutes), it is the check valve, not cooling.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: Unexplained water pump start
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Kenneth Fears  - 
To determine which is the cause, give your water heater a day with it off so it no longer holds hot water.  Turn the pump on.  If it cycles repeatedly (mine did about 1 to 2 seconds about every 10 minutes), it is the check valve, not cooling.

Also, check for leaks if this occurs.
Most leaks are concentrated near the pump and its hoses, but can be anywhere the plumbing runs.

We hear the cooling burp almost every evening we sleep in the LD.

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: Unexplained water pump start
Reply #6 –
Thanks Ken. I checked as per your recommendation and everything is normal so must be the "cooling burp." 
2004 26.5 Island Bed. Gumby
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Re: Unexplained water pump start
Reply #7 –
I have also noticed something similar to this in my MidBath.  Turned out to be the relief valve in the water heater.  It had a little bit of sludge (the white stuff) in it.  We used the water enough during the day that every thing reset it self.  But at night we would lose enough water the pump would cycle.  I was worried because I thought I had a leak.  And I did.  But the happy side was I just let the relief valve run a few seconds and it cleared.  (I happened to see a drip is how I figured it out).    I just redid the air gap in the water heater and all was fine.  A very easy check.  Now once or twice a year I let this run a bit to make sure any of the white stuff is flushed out.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Unexplained water pump start
Reply #8 –
"I just redid the air gap in the water heater..."

John

Apparently you have fortuitously stumbled upon a little known trick. If you do not establish and maintain the air bubble within the hot water tank all sorts of gremlins creep in. Next time turn the water heater off, making absolutely certain that the water is not hot enough to scald you, open one or more faucets, hot and cold, in the coach, go outside and open the pressure relief valve and let the excess drain until it stops. Then, "with attitude" snap the valve closed. Normal up the faucets, turn on the w.h. and you're good to go. The symptoms will often occur after an elevation change, from high to low.   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Unexplained water pump start
Reply #9 –
You guys just keep impressing.....so the "burp" was no longer in evidence...but....based on John and Steve posts I opened my outside water heater door and.....while  no longer  wet,  it looked to me like there were some slight water stains  on the frame below the pressure relief valve.....so I will redo the airgap too. How do you guys know so much :) 
2004 26.5 Island Bed. Gumby
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Re: Unexplained water pump start
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Mattb  - 
How do you guys know so much :) 
The Mothership has been putting these things on the road for over 60 years, some are owned for decades and some of the owners have had multiples.  That builds a lot of institutional knowledge  with the number of people who have made or observed these 'lessons'.  That's one of the benefits of being in this 'cult'
Safe travels and see you down the road.
Joel
(I can attest - the only stupid question is the one not asked  ::)  ::)  ::)  )
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Unexplained water pump start
Reply #12 –
"How do you guys know so much :)"

Two things, Been there, done that! and it takes practice to become perfect.   ;D   8)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!