Does the removal of the water filter inner element cause problems in the water sytem by creating a higher pressure? Can damage be caused to the pressure switch? It seems that every time we use the van we have a different problem with the water system. Thought we had solved the problem by buying one of those self-calibrating pressure switches from MSC, but even that now operates the pump every few seconds. I have even put a non-return valve in the system to try and help as I can't find a leak anywhere. Caravan is a 1998 Avondale Avocet with the on-board tank bypassed. Outside is the normal Aquaroll with standard Whale pump.
Removal of water filter
- Thread starter WoodlandsCamper
- Start date
Hi I've also got avocet but a 1999 so doubt any different, I had the same problem and took me an age to find where the problem was, in the bathroom under the sink, where the pressure switch is located I finally found a very small drip from a joint, I only found it by chance when I was under the van for some reason when we had been on a site for a couple of days and I noticed purely by chance that there was a damp patch on the floor, when I then looked under the sink I finally was able to find the leak tho there was barely any water around the pipes it was virtually all going straight thru the floor, I would hazard a guess that you must have a leak somewhere or elso why would the pump keep switching on, maybe you should fill the water barrel completely to the top, see where the level is just before you put the cover over for the pump, leave the system switched on for as long as you can then see if the level has dropped at all, if it has then it's got to be going somewhere, good luck.
NO the filtre has no effect on the pressure at all you can remove it if required just use a blanking plate or modify a old one by cutting round the slots with a hacksaw the element then comes apart just leaving the end plate that can be use as a blanking plate, just be careful you don't over tighen it or it may split the housing then you will have a real leak.Woodlands Camper said:
colin
Hi Woodlands,
As others have said, the removal of the filter element will not increase the ultimate pressure in the system, but it improve the flow. Water pressure its self should not damage the pressure switch, as teh switch limits the pressure by switching off the pump.
The continued pulsing of the pump whan all the taps are shut, definately points to a leak - somewhere. As others have said it only needs a small drip, just enough to drop the pressure enough to cause the pump to run.
I note you have added a non-return valve, but you didn't specify where, it should be in the single water feed from the pump.
Other places to look for leaks; The 1998 Avondale will almost certainly be fitted with a Carver Cascade 2. Many of the plastic water connections, bungs and valves can deteriorte with age and use, its worth checking them carefully. But hidden from general view is the fussible plug which is buried in the middle of the heat exchanger fin pack (accessed by removing the flue couwl and inner fire way plate.
The Fussible is made with a low meltpoint alloy (Woods metal) and designed to blow if the heater gets too hot. However with age the woods metal can become loose and allow a small leak path. Such leaks are small and the leaked water will either evapourate (if the heater is on) or simply drip out of the bottom of the external flue vent and may not be noticed.
Spares for the Carver are becomming more difficult to find but Gary at http://arcsystems.biz/ may be able to help
As others have said, the removal of the filter element will not increase the ultimate pressure in the system, but it improve the flow. Water pressure its self should not damage the pressure switch, as teh switch limits the pressure by switching off the pump.
The continued pulsing of the pump whan all the taps are shut, definately points to a leak - somewhere. As others have said it only needs a small drip, just enough to drop the pressure enough to cause the pump to run.
I note you have added a non-return valve, but you didn't specify where, it should be in the single water feed from the pump.
Other places to look for leaks; The 1998 Avondale will almost certainly be fitted with a Carver Cascade 2. Many of the plastic water connections, bungs and valves can deteriorte with age and use, its worth checking them carefully. But hidden from general view is the fussible plug which is buried in the middle of the heat exchanger fin pack (accessed by removing the flue couwl and inner fire way plate.
The Fussible is made with a low meltpoint alloy (Woods metal) and designed to blow if the heater gets too hot. However with age the woods metal can become loose and allow a small leak path. Such leaks are small and the leaked water will either evapourate (if the heater is on) or simply drip out of the bottom of the external flue vent and may not be noticed.
Spares for the Carver are becomming more difficult to find but Gary at http://arcsystems.biz/ may be able to help
Thank you for your replies.
The non-return valve is just after the input filter housing, before the pressure switch, which itself is before any t-offs.
We are using the van in 4 weeks time for 10 days so I hope to get in a weekend before then to give the water sytem a shake-down and have a good search for any leaks.
Thanks again.
The non-return valve is just after the input filter housing, before the pressure switch, which itself is before any t-offs.
We are using the van in 4 weeks time for 10 days so I hope to get in a weekend before then to give the water sytem a shake-down and have a good search for any leaks.
Thanks again.
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