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Topic: Water pump replacement question (Read 925 times) previous topic - next topic

Water pump replacement question

We replaced our water pump with a Shurflo Smart Sensor (5900-0201) and have a question. We were told that when we turned on the water it would come on, stop and then continue with a steady flow. While this is irritating (minor), pump is very quiet and that is a plus.

However, my husband noticed showering that water flow would start and stop multiple times (interrupted water flow) which is extremely irritating. It only happened to me once in the shower. Hubby says it also happens to him with bathroom sink and the kitchen sink too.

Any suggestions? Is this normal? Is my husband doing something wrong? Does it have to do with how open the water valve is or how full the tank is?

Diann

P.S. This only happens (duh) when we don't have water hook ups.
Rob & Di
2001 U270 34'

Re: Water pump replacement question

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Rob & Di –
We replaced our water pump with a Shurflo Smart Sensor (5900-0201) and have a question. We were told that when we turned on the water it would come on, stop and then continue with a steady flow. While this is irritating (minor), pump is very quiet and that is a plus.

However, my husband noticed showering that water flow would start and stop multiple times (interrupted water flow) which is extremely irritating. It only happened to me once in the shower. Hubby says it also happens to him with bathroom sink and the kitchen sink too.

Any suggestions? Is this normal? Is my husband doing something wrong? Does it have to do with how open the water valve is or how full the tank is?

Diann

P.S. This only happens (duh) when we don't have water hook ups.


Look at my previous thread about an adjustment screw.
FloJet Water Pump Leak
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Water pump replacement question

Reply #2 –
We experienced that same problem in our coach, and while the problem began as irritating, it progressed to maddening.  The adjustment screw did not help at all ... the pump just couldn't go low enough.  When I upgraded to a better faucet set in the kitchen, it became unbearable.  The filtered water dispenser at the kitchen sink was a pulse of 5 - 7 times.  The mechanics at FOT put in 3 water pumps before special ordering one that had a LOW enough output that it did not reach shut-off level and finally, the pulsing is almost gone.  A MUCH better alternative ... and now on my list of future items to be addressed ... is the variable speed water pump, that would have solved the problem completely regarding low pressure use, but still providing a nice flow at a higher pressure situation, such as the shower.  There was not a variable unit available in the Nacogdoches area, and I didn't want to hang around and wait for one to arrive, so I settled for a semi-fix to the problem.  Steve & Michelle have a variable speed in their coach ... Aqua-Jet??  Can't remember the name. 
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Water pump replacement question

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Carol Savournin –
Steve & Michelle have a variable speed in their coach ... Aqua-Jet?? 

Yes, AquaJet RV, variable speed, 5.3 gpm

RV Water Filter Store: Standard Filter Canisters for Whole RV

It's what was OEM in our coach.  First one lasted nearly 8 years.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Water pump replacement question

Reply #4 –
We have whatever came with our 1997 U295. I expect it is OEM type replacement. We also still use an accumulator. The pump is noisy, but water flow is consistent. Water flow is consistent even when the pump cycles. All the water we use in the coach is provided via the water pump. We only hook to shore water to fill the fresh water tank.

You might wish to check with Richard Dahl at RV Water Filter Store. I was very pleased with the advice and equipment for the RO system we bought from him to use in our coach. Our RO system uses an Aquatec 24VAC boost pump. That pump is very quiet. Dahl sells Aquatec and Aquajet pumps for various RV applications.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Water pump replacement question

Reply #5 –
Greetings,

I don't know if your coach is equipped with an accumulator tank, but if it is, it sounds like the diaphragm has failed. These are not expensive, and in my coach at least, easy enough to get to and change out. One water connection is all that's involved. These should last about 10 years or so.

I don't see any pump being able to adapt to constantly varying flow rates. That's why accumulator tanks were installed in these coaches. They hold a pressurized volume of water, being able to provide a consistent flow when demand changes. The tanks minimize or eliminate pump cycling, and when drawing small volumes of water the pump doesn't run at all.

The only maintenance required for accumulators is draining the water from the system come winter, and if the coach is to be stored for a period of time, the compressed air charge should be bled off.

I'm curious JD - I have an RO system in my stick and brick; while filtered water is good, these systems dump a lot of "brine" down the drain. I didn't see it as being practical in a coach, due to the waste water generated. How are you finding the water consumption?

Steve
1991 U225 Grand Villa

Re: Water pump replacement question

Reply #6 –
Thanks for the quick responses. 

We don't have an accumulator tank and the rotary pump is quiet.  We did not know about the adjustment screw and will try that to see if it helps.  What puzzles me is that my husband and I experience different results in the shower.  As I said earlier, this start stop only happened once to me and he claims it happens to him all the time.  BUT he uses the 'pulse' position on the shower head and I use the steady 'rain' position. 

We have to go back to Nacogdoches anyway and will check with the guys about whether we have a defective pump or defective users.

Diann
Rob & Di
2001 U270 34'

Re: Water pump replacement question

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Merle Hench –
I'm curious JD - I have an RO system in my stick and brick; while filtered water is good, these systems dump a lot of "brine" down the drain. I didn't see it as being practical in a coach, due to the waste water generated. How are you finding the water consumption?

Steve
Steve,

We have a "whole house" RO system in the coach. It takes 12-16 hours to fill the fresh water tank from empty. We have cascaded RO filters and a high pressure pump, so we generate about 1:1 of filtered water to effluent. We can bypass the RO filters if we need to fill quickly. The effluent is routed to the dump hose if we are hooked up. I dump it on the ground at home. It is clean water with a relatively high mineral content.

We have found that soft water seems to be much "cleaner" than hard water. I figured it would make sense to put a "whole house" RO system in the coach. Based on our experience, I would recommend softened water rather than RO water for a "whole house" system. RO water could damage the copper in an Aqua-Hot system. It also requires more effort to fill the tank and manage the effluent.

I can't address the specifics of an RO system for the drinking water in the coach. Richard at the RV Water Filter Store could probably give you specifics. As I mentioned in my previous post, I was pleased with the personal service he provided to us. The products he sells appear to be high quality. I recommend him as a source of information and products regarding pumps and other components for your RV water system. He might also have information to offer about the issue of the pulsing water pumps.



J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX
 

Re: Water pump replacement question

Reply #8 –
We've got the Aqua Jet 5.3 that Steve and Michelle mentioned (also an accumulator). Sure has a lot more consistent pressure than the OEM that it replaced. They are a bit pricey though.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320