5thWheelForums.com

Holirambler · Joined: 09 Jun 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Spokane

Hi, I'm a newbee and I'm trying to set up my newly purchased used 5th wheel to live in for a while. I wasn't able to get much info from the PO, but I've learned a lot just foolin around with it. However, after filling the potable water system up, turning the pump on and bleeding the air out, the pump continues to run...I've let it run for about 20 minutes or so and it doesn't shut off. Do I need to run it longer? How long should it take? How long can the pump run without damaging it? Where is the pump located? I can hear it, but I don't seem to find it in any of the access compartments. If anyone can help, I'd sure appreciate it.

Thanks in advance

Neil

Stripit · Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 4:10 pm Post subject:

Well, if you can hear it run, it should be able to be found. I don't have any idea where they installed it, but they should have made some access point. As far as how long a pump can run is another question that could have a lot of answers. Our pump only runs when a faucet is opened, runs as long as water is flowing, then when the faucet is closed it quits. If your is running as long as your saying, you either have a leak, or it is out of water or maybe the cutoff pressure switch has failed. If you were close to me I'd come to help ya find the problem.

wingnut60 · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Posts: 425 Location: Burleson, TX

No idea about your trailer, but stripit is correct--you should be able to locate the pump while it is running by the noise. Fifth wheels I have seen have the pump behind the access panels in the basement area, or in the kitchen area under the sink. If it is running, but no water is being pumped, that is strange--has to be out of water, or lost its prime. Most of the pumps are self-priming--if the suction is covered by water, it will suck the water up, and pump water somewhere until the faucet is closed. When pressure builds in the system, the pump shuts off. Intermittent pump noise indicates a leak somewhere, but if no water is moving while the pump is running, I vote for a bad pressure sensor in the pump.

Do you get water when the pump is running? And it just keeps running when you close the faucet?

Joe

Another idea--there may be a winterizing bypass kit installed. You will need to check all the valves in the lines behind the water heater for correct flow direction. Perhaps the valve in the suction line for picking up antifreeze is open?

Holirambler · Joined: 09 Jun 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Spokane

Water flow is OK. I've determined that the pressure switch on the pump is either set too high or it's non-functional. I've narrowed down the location by sound to somewhere behind the clothes washer. I'm going to pull the washer out this week. The system holds pressure for several days. I don't think there are any leaks.