Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Water Pump Timer Automatically Switches Pump Off (Read 3049 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Water Pump Timer Automatically Switches Pump Off

Reply #20 –
Jim,
The way my coach is plumbed (which I think is entirely standard), the water fill valve opens a direct fill path into the bottom of the fresh water tank.  But there is another potential fill path, backward through the water pump.  This isn't supposed to happen if the water pump internal check valve(s) perform their function properly. 

It is my presumption, that some (many, if not most?) fill valve problems are erroneously blamed on the fill valve when really the problem is inappropriate back flow through the water pump.  My coach has an OEM isolation valve on the inlet to the water pump (to allow changing the pump without draining the fresh water tank).  Closing that valve also closes the back flow path through the water pump, if I had that problem.  But I haven't needed it for either pump changeout or to prove whether there is back flow through the pump or not.  I know that the pump inlet valve does work because I occasionally disassemble the water pump inlet strainer.  However, because I always use a water source filter, I've never found it to contain any sediment, or even slime.  Out of curiosity, I have taken samples and tried to grow cultures from that filter (internal samples) and I have never found anything of that nature either.

Growing "curiousity" bacteria cultures is a whole 'nother subject, regarding what people don't have a clue to worry about vs. what they obsess inappropriately over.

It would be interesting to know if you could prove my pump back flow theory correct or not.

HTH,
Neal

Re: Water Pump Timer Automatically Switches Pump Off

Reply #22 –
Quote from: Neal Pillsbury –
Otherwise, common sense dictates always isolating the coach from outside influences (SHUT OFF the water fill hose at the pedestal).
??
Neal

I'm just trying to save trips to the pedestal using a remote, that's all.

Re: Water Pump Timer Automatically Switches Pump Off

Reply #23 –
Neal, I think the auto shut off on the fill side started late 2001 or 2002.  It might have been an option earlier. Mine does not have that feature so I have to pay attention.  This is another on my list of gadgets to devise.  It would be neat to interface it to my SeaLevel sensors.

I met a Prevost owner last summer. His incoming water line went to a solenoid valve controlled by a level sensor.  At a user set low point (say 40%) the tank started filling slowly until it reached the user set high point (say 60%) and then it shut off.  He could disable or enable the filling function or override it to fill more or drain the tank.  All of the internal supply in his coach came from a water pump. 

T-Man,  like Neal and many others the only time I am connected to external water is to fill the tank and then the water source is off and the hose disconnected and stowed.  The $400 system you referenced is only good if you remember to turn it on, likely no easier than remembering to turn the pump off.  Many with a clothes washing machine like to have the external water on for that activity.  A simple solenoid valve to enable the external water flow or not just like the fill switch could be wired into the washing machine valve controls. 

The entire point of this is to minimize the potential for a catastrophic water leak event.  Several hours of a city water connected broken line leaking in your coach would be a disaster none of us should ever experience.  Even five minutes of a leak with just the pump is going to be 15-20 gallons, still not pretty. 

Re: Water Pump Timer Automatically Switches Pump Off

Reply #24 –
Roger, I'm hooked up to shore water all the time when I'm in a place that provides it,  so the $400.00 remote may be just the ticket for me if I can get the price way down.  The remote coupled with your timer would give me total peace of mind.

Re: Water Pump Timer Automatically Switches Pump Off

Reply #25 –

An inexpensive normally closed 12v solenoid to open the water supply line when you want it and shut off ofter a period of time would be much cheaper.  The on/off valve should be outside the coach to isolate failures.

TEMCo 1/2" NPT Electric Stainless Steel Solenoid Air Water Valve NC 12V DC 5...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Water Pump Timer Automatically Switches Pump Off

Reply #26 –
Neal,

Ah, you probably are quite correct. Never thought of back flow through the pump. Thank you for the tip. And yes, I do use a water timer for fills - just was wondering why the replaced valve didn't do the trick.

Jim

2002 U320 42'

Re: Water Pump Timer Automatically Switches Pump Off

Reply #27 –
To run the pump for a short, set time would it not be cheaper and

much easier to put one of those timed switches like they put on

heat lamps in bathrooms?

Carter-

Re: Water Pump Timer Automatically Switches Pump Off

Reply #28 –
Years ago, when connected to city water pressure, we had a homemade short portable manifold with quick-disconnects on both ends.  The manifold had a Watts house-style pressure regulator and a Home Depot $10 green plastic sprinkler valve, similar to photo.  We kept the manifold inside the bay and turned off the sprinkler valve with a kitchen switch whenever we left the coach.

This is the type of valve where the solenoid only uses a little power to open a small diaphragm hole, which then lets water pressure fully open the diaphragm.  De-powering the solenoid uses water force to seal  the diaphragm and stop the water flow.



 

Re: Water Pump Timer Automatically Switches Pump Off

Reply #29 –
Carter, the pump latching relay gets shorted to ground to latch or release when you push any of the pump buttons.  When it is latched it powers the pump.  These little timers even with a relay are under $20 and totally passive.  They are going to shut the power to the pump off when the time runs out.  You don't have to do anything, that is the point.