Carver Water Pump

[Rick1]

Hi everyone just came home from a week away and have a small problem with the water, I hope you maybe able to help me.
On connecting the water and bleeding through the taps as usual, this time the pump would run for a second or two every min or so.
I thought this maybe something to do with the pressure switch that is situated just inside the van by the pump, I thought it might have got moved as the outside locker door is used a lot to put things under the bed from the outside. With the weather being so crappy I said to my other half it can wait as we had water. Then my pump light would stay on with the pump running, so I turn pump off from the wall as I thought aquaroll was empty, but it was a good half full ( a 40 ltre) so I topped it up anyway switched on pump and the water came through ok, but still the pump would run every min even though the taps were shut, as soon as aquaroll was down halfway pump would stay on.
Looking through everything I can find no leaks, we had ehu so power was constant although battery is new tried another pump no change.
Now we are home I will set it up and see if I can find the problem, but am hoping for some pointers I dont think my taps are microswitched but as I say will have a good look when I`m off.
Caravan is a 2002 Coachman Amara 530/4

 

[Parksy]

Hi Rick
It looks as though the pressure switch might need some adjustment if there are no leaks in the system.
The pressure switch should be underneath the bed box close to the water inlet. Have a look HERE to find out how to adjust the pressure.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Rick

From the symptoms you describe, and the actions you have taken, I think the pump is ok, but you still have two issues:-

Firstly if the pump runs for a second or two at fairly regular intervals, it means the pressure in the pipework is escaping somewhere - a leak. But if you are certain you cant find a joint or tap thats weeping, then the other point to look at is the pressure switch assembly which has a none return valve built into it. If the valve has become contaminated so its not sealing properly, it will weep and the water will run back through the pipe to the water container - so you won't see it as a leak.

Dont't forget to check the water heater which may also be leaking through its pressure relief or drainage valves.

The second issue is the pump not turning off when the the water barrel is less tan half full. This is most likely an incorrectly set pressure switch.

 

[Rick1]

Thank you for your advice while I was away I bought new O rings for the pump and a kit for the pressure switch, as I said the switch is in the floor to one side of the opening of the underbed locker, not a lot in there but I stick a reflective jacket in and the pipe insulation that I use on the edge of the awning,The wheel on the top moves very easily and maybe I`ve moved it putting bits in. so that is my starting point after Ive checked thoroughly for leaks. Made a little cover that will sit over the pressure switch that stops anything touching it, so hopefully once i have sorted it I can protect it

 

[birdman101]

It sounds as though the non- return valve is leaking water back into the aquroll, letting the pressure drop which is why the pump keeps cutting in

 

[Rick1]

Just a quick update removed the pressure switch and renewed the insides with a kit all new rubbers and springs, re assembled and re fitted back to the floor, adjusted as follws Turned the wheel on top of the pressure swith fully clockwise so that the pump was running, opened the cold tap in the kitchen part way so that it using about 1 pint of water every 12 seconds then turned the wheel on the pressure switch anti clock wise until i cheard the switch click, Turned off the tap stops immediately turned on and off a few times perfect.
Run the hot tap turn off and the pump runs for about 3 seconds so well happy. got my OH in to check it, she says its never been that quiet since we bought the van 8 years ago.
Thanks for all the advice