Pressure Switch

[John_374356083]

I have just bought a new caravan, with a pressure switch to control the water pump. I am not familiar with this system! All is working OK, but the switch 'chatters' when a tap is opened - and goes on chattering for a short while after closing the tap. Is this normal? I have read the instruction book and followed the advice about setting the switch. Also, the Dealer just says the setting is very critical.Any advice welcome.

John.

 

[TLC]

John my system does the same so will be very interested with any advice you get.

 

[Colinn]

Hi John/TLC,

No, it isn't normal for the switch to chatter and the dealer is correct to say that the setting is critical.

I had this problem for a period last season - it was about the time I eventually found I had a cut in my water pump hose, which was also causing me to lose pressure.

Study your instruction book and make adjustments as specified. If I remember correctly, you first turn the pressure switch valve/tap fully clockwise (closed), and then open the pressure switch anti-clockwise until it stops chattering.

WIth a bit of fiddling, I eventually got it right and have had no chattering since (except of course, from her who never stops!!)...good luck.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello John,

Yes pressure switches can 'chatter' and it is due to the fact that the pipe-work in a caravan is quite elastic, and the pump can produce enough pressure to cause it to stretch a little. As it settles down it might continue to grow a little that causes the pressure to drop just a bit and enough to cause the pump to kick in again for a moment.

You may also find that if you turn your water heater off, after a while the pump will run for a moment. This is the hot water cooling and reducing its volume a little, which in turn reduced the pressure just a bit.

In general the pump may cycle two or three times just after closing the taps. If it is doing it more than that, then try re adjusting the pressure switch.

If the pump continues without stopping to cycle even though all the taps are closed, then it indicates there is a leak of some kind. It may be a dripping tap or joint, or it might indicate that the Non return valve in the pressure switch has failed.

 

[RogerL]

Pressure switched systems should also have a surge damper.