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Water pump will not turn off

T

tony_5127993

Hi

The external pump in my caravan is the type you plug

in outside and imerce in the aquaroll, it runs and pums OK but will not shut its self off as it used to

Any ideas?

Regards

Tony
 
look for a white dial under the bunks, with the pump on, turn this until it clicks and the pump stops. Then open a tap and the pump should come on.

Steve
 
Steve

Thanks fo the info

I have tried it but it will con completely shut the pump off

it will get to a point where it stops and starts in a plulse

like motion

Regards

Tony
 
Here are a few questions I would be asking in your case, Tony.

What sort of water system do I have?

Is it a pressure controlled system? If so, I would have to ask myself, "If the pump is on, is it pumping?

If it is, (water level going down in the aqua roll) then where is it going?

If the water level is constant, then the pump is faulty. It's on all the time because it can't pressurise the system. It could be it's blocked somewhere; it wouldn't hurt to investigate that before throwing it away.

If you have a water system controlled by micro switches then that should be where you look. Disconnect the power to each switch; one at a time to eliminate the bathroom or kitchen taps, they may have developed a short across the switch.

If the switches seem to be ok, your next step is to test the 12 volt wiring to the pump, to find out how it's getting the power to run. If you haven't got a meter to test with, it's worth buying a cheap model from your local store; it may save you a few quid in the end.

Hope this helps.
 
Here are a few questions I would be asking in your case, Tony.

What sort of water system do I have?

Is it a pressure controlled system? If so, I would have to ask myself, "If the pump is on, is it pumping?

If it is, (water level going down in the aqua roll) then where is it going?

If the water level is constant, then the pump is faulty. It's on all the time because it can't pressurise the system. It could be it's blocked somewhere; it wouldn't hurt to investigate that before throwing it away.

If you have a water system controlled by micro switches then that should be where you look. Disconnect the power to each switch; one at a time to eliminate the bathroom or kitchen taps, they may have developed a short across the switch.

If the switches seem to be ok, your next step is to test the 12 volt wiring to the pump, to find out how it's getting the power to run. If you haven't got a meter to test with, it's worth buying a cheap model from your local store; it may save you a few quid in the end.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Forgot to mention, if the system is pressurised, the pump is pumping and it's comming out of the tap you are operating, even if you have switched it off then the tap is at fault.

You could try dismantling the tap to see what the cause is (failed washer?)but it may require fitment of a new tap.
 
Forgot to mention, if the system is pressurised, the pump is pumping and it's comming out of the tap you are operating, even if you have switched it off then the tap is at fault.

You could try dismantling the tap to see what the cause is (failed washer?)but it may require fitment of a new tap.
Click to expand...
Lol

The system is the type with the submersible pump that is a Carver Thames type

The taps don't seem to have any wires from them so I do't think they are micro switched, the system pumps and water comes out of the tap its just that the pump you insert in the aqua roll keep running

The only wires in the system go to the pressure vale, I have tried adjusting this but it the keeps pulsing on and off

Regards

tony
 
Lol

The system is the type with the submersible pump that is a Carver Thames type

The taps don't seem to have any wires from them so I do't think they are micro switched, the system pumps and water comes out of the tap its just that the pump you insert in the aqua roll keep running

The only wires in the system go to the pressure vale, I have tried adjusting this but it the keeps pulsing on and off

Regards

tony
 
Hello Tony.

From your description you have a pressure switch controlled system. This is usually manufactured by Whale, and is white, with a plastic ribbed knob that you can adjust. It is usually sited just inside the cravan on the floor close to the water inlet fitting, and inline with the cold water pipe.

The fact that it 'pulses' tells me three things, firstly the pump is healthy, secondly that the pressure sensitive switch is operating, and thirdly that you have a leak of some sort on the water system.

I assume that you have not found any pools of water near any pipe work or taps, in which case I strongly suspect that the pressure switch (despite what I said above) is faulty. The device should have a non-return valve fitted to the input side, so that when the pump runs water will fill the pipe work, but as there is no tap open, the pipe work becomes pressurised. as the pressure builds the pressure sensitive switch senses it and eventualy turns the pump power off. The non-return valve should lock the pressure in the pipe, but in your case I think it is not sealing properly, and lets the pressure leak back to your aquaroll - hence no obvious leak.

The pressure switch may just need to be carefully taken apart and cleaned, otherwise it may need to be replaced.
 
Lol

The system is the type with the submersible pump that is a Carver Thames type

The taps don't seem to have any wires from them so I do't think they are micro switched, the system pumps and water comes out of the tap its just that the pump you insert in the aqua roll keep running

The only wires in the system go to the pressure vale, I have tried adjusting this but it the keeps pulsing on and off

Regards

tony
Click to expand...
Hi Tony, as you have eliminated all other causes, and your system is of the pressure type, John's suggestion is the most likely. It must have something to do with the switching circuit be it the 12 volt side (reliable) or the water pressure side (not so reliable). It may be as John says, a bit of grit or dirt that's causing the problem but what you have now is another problem. Are you confident enough to breakdown and reassemble the water switch yourself? I have one fitted to my caravan but know little about it and while I would try to fix an external pump (it can only leak back into the container) I personally wouldn't attempt the repair of something I know little about within the caravan.

Taking it to the dealer's springs to mind, or better still, if you have a local mobile service agent in your area, give them a call. They are often cheaper than main dealers and can do the job at home or in storage. By all means have a go yourself, it is after all a learning experience, but I like peace-of-mind so would dust off the wallet and pay the devil his dues..

PS. No offence to caravan repairers, you do a great job.

Most of the time.
 
Hello Tony.

From your description you have a pressure switch controlled system. This is usually manufactured by Whale, and is white, with a plastic ribbed knob that you can adjust. It is usually sited just inside the cravan on the floor close to the water inlet fitting, and inline with the cold water pipe.

The fact that it 'pulses' tells me three things, firstly the pump is healthy, secondly that the pressure sensitive switch is operating, and thirdly that you have a leak of some sort on the water system.

I assume that you have not found any pools of water near any pipe work or taps, in which case I strongly suspect that the pressure switch (despite what I said above) is faulty. The device should have a non-return valve fitted to the input side, so that when the pump runs water will fill the pipe work, but as there is no tap open, the pipe work becomes pressurised. as the pressure builds the pressure sensitive switch senses it and eventualy turns the pump power off. The non-return valve should lock the pressure in the pipe, but in your case I think it is not sealing properly, and lets the pressure leak back to your aquaroll - hence no obvious leak.

The pressure switch may just need to be carefully taken apart and cleaned, otherwise it may need to be replaced.
Click to expand...
Hi Tony, From your description you have a pressure system fitted, either a whale inline or the pressure switch is built into the wall socket(whalemaster i think from memory) repair kits are available from whale stockist's for both these pressure switch's, the instructions for fitting are in the kit and easy to follow.
 
John

Thanks for the info

I took the pressure valve apart and found some large black particals looks like the charcoal in the filter

I cleaned the valve out and after a bit of fiddling with the adjustment valve the thing works fine

Thanks one again you saved a lot of trouble

I will change the filter tomorrow as it has not been changed since last year

Regards

Tony
 
Could the same sort of thing be happening with mine?

I have one of theses submersible things that plugs into the caravan. My van is about 20 years old!! The pump sounds like it is working but the water remains constant in the aquaroll.

Is the pressure valve on the actual pump part or in the caravan?

Sorry for being a bit thick - I am a woman you know!!
 
Hello Susan,

The pressure switch in a whale type system is inside the caravan.

Thre area a number of possible reasons for the water flow to stop. assuming its not actually blocked pipework then Your problem could be that the pump is very old and wearing out or it could be an air lock in the pump or pipe work.

The pump contains an impeller that needs to be surrounded by water, but when you lift the pump out to change the water, some water will dribble out from the pump chamber. When the pump is put back into the water, the air arround the impeller prevents the water from surronding the impeller. The impller does not pump air as effectively as water so it runs but will not suck properly.

To remove an airlock turn the power off so the pump stops running. Open the cold taps and drop the pump back into the water. If possible turn the pump upside down under the water to allow any air inside to escape.

Turn the power on and if all is well the water should flow to the cold taps. Close the taps, and adjuste the pressure switch according to the manufactures instructions.
 
Hello Susan,

The pressure switch in a whale type system is inside the caravan.

Thre area a number of possible reasons for the water flow to stop. assuming its not actually blocked pipework then Your problem could be that the pump is very old and wearing out or it could be an air lock in the pump or pipe work.

The pump contains an impeller that needs to be surrounded by water, but when you lift the pump out to change the water, some water will dribble out from the pump chamber. When the pump is put back into the water, the air arround the impeller prevents the water from surronding the impeller. The impller does not pump air as effectively as water so it runs but will not suck properly.

To remove an airlock turn the power off so the pump stops running. Open the cold taps and drop the pump back into the water. If possible turn the pump upside down under the water to allow any air inside to escape.

Turn the power on and if all is well the water should flow to the cold taps. Close the taps, and adjuste the pressure switch according to the manufactures instructions.
Click to expand...
Thanks John - mmm..yes I think it could be the airlock problem. I did pull it in and out of the water a few times whilst it was running - silly I know! I'll have a mess next week. Off to Scotland and the North LAkes - our longest trip yet. Don't know how I'll cope with him indoors in the caravan for a week. Wish me luck!!! and thanks again.
 
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