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Water Pump Leak

We replaced our water pump in the wet bay last summer and I just noticed that the end of it is leaking.  It's a very slight leak, and just does it sporadically, but I want to take care of it.  This is going on while we are on city water, so we haven't used the pump in a couple of weeks. 

My question is, how can I make sure no water will come through the two side connections if I disconnect them from the pump.  Would I have to drain the fresh water tank to accomplish this? 
Bruce & Jen Evans
Montgomery, TX
1997 U295 36'

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #1 –
Bruce,

Have you identified the source of the leak?

Are you using a pressure reducer on your shore water?  What is incoming water PSI.

Hate to see you tear into something if this is only because of high shore water PSI.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #2 –
The leak is coming from the tip of the water pump.  I have not checked the pressure yet, but I think I have a guage to check.  I post results once I find out.
Bruce & Jen Evans
Montgomery, TX
1997 U295 36'

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #3 –
Do you have a pressure reducer in-line?  If so, which one?
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #4 –
I had bought a Renator regulator a year or so ago, but never used it.  I just installed it, and the gauge reads 40 PSI.  The leak in the pump is pretty slight, and only drips out sporadically.  I'll keep an eye on it and see how it goes.  Googling the Lipert FlowMax pump and I see they have a lot of problems with the pump leaking. 

I'm guessing I should use the regulator from now on to make sure I'm not getting too much pressure into the system. 
Bruce & Jen Evans
Montgomery, TX
1997 U295 36'

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #5 –
Yes, a regulator/pressure reducer is a good idea.

I have no experience with your brand/model pump, but there may be gaskets or end piece available, particularly if leaks at that location are common. Under warranty? Willing to good will it because of failure rate?
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #6 –
From what I just found on Google, I don't believe that parts are available.  We are currently on the road, and I just noticed a little water on the bay floor but could not pinpoint where it was coming from.  I finally sat outsider and watched the area and noticed a few drips from the pump.  It's not bad so maybe the regulator will keep it from leaking.

I will try to reach out to Lippert tomorrow and see what they say. 

Thanks for the regulator idea. 
Bruce & Jen Evans
Montgomery, TX
1997 U295 36'

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #7 –
Meanwhile be sure to mop up all the water!
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #8 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Meanwhile be sure to mop up all the water!
Brett,

I am a little paranoid about getting water in the bay as we have had it in for bulkhead work twice now, and I don't want to deal with that again. 

Again, thanks for the suggestion on the regulator. 
Bruce & Jen Evans
Montgomery, TX
1997 U295 36'

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Brucep86 –
My question is, how can I make sure no water will come through the two side connections if I disconnect them from the pump.  Would I have to drain the fresh water tank to accomplish this?

You should not have to drain the tank.  The outlet hose will only have whatever water is pressurized in the system between the pump and lines in it.  A small amount may come out when disconnecting it.  The inlet from the tank should have a shut-off valve inline.  Just follow the piping to find it.

That said, personally I do not run on city water.  It keeps the entire system pressurized at all times, with maximum potential for leaks and water damage.  Instead, I fill my tank when needed, then shut off the city water and run off the tank and pump.  I turn the pump on when I need it and off when I don't, so there is little chance of a leak developing that I wouldn't be aware of (hearing the pump run when nothing should be flowing would be an indicator of a leak).
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #10 –
Quote from: WS6_Keith –
That said, personally I do not run on city water.  It keeps the entire system pressurized at all times, with maximum potential for leaks and water damage.  Instead, I fill my tank when needed, then shut off the city water and run off the tank and pump.  I turn the pump on when I need it and off when I don't, so there is little chance of a leak developing that I wouldn't be aware of (hearing the pump run when nothing should be flowing would be an indicator of a leak).

That is what we do as well.  The other (significant) benefit is that it keeps the water in the tank fresh.  Really hate to see people on shore water for a week and then  HOPE that the water in the tank is potable.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #11 –
If you want to remove the water lines from pump ,once removed just put a plug on each end, or female cap. Simple fix
Johnh
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #12 –
To add to what John posted, you can pick up some 00 (double ought) rubber plugs at most any hardware store. That is the size that fits 1/2" pex tubing

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #13 –
Installing ball valves on water pump input and output water lines is very important as water tank and water manifold will try to drain when these lines are removed. Also, it may be very helpful to also run long flexible ½" hoses with new ball valves on water pump in & out because it may allow water pump with connected hoses to be removed outside of bay for maintenance, etc.

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #14 –
Quote from: WS6_Keith –
You should not have to drain the tank.  The outlet hose will only have whatever water is pressurized in the system between the pump and lines in it.  A small amount may come out when disconnecting it.  The inlet from the tank should have a shut-off valve inline.  Just follow the piping to find it.

That said, personally I do not run on city water.  It keeps the entire system pressurized at all times, with maximum potential for leaks and water damage.  Instead, I fill my tank when needed, then shut off the city water and run off the tank and pump.  I turn the pump on when I need it and off when I don't, so there is little chance of a leak developing that I wouldn't be aware of (hearing the pump run when nothing should be flowing would be an indicator of a leak).
Thanks Keith.  Something to think about for sure.
Bruce & Jen Evans
Montgomery, TX
1997 U295 36'

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #15 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
That is what we do as well.  The other (significant) benefit is that it keeps the water in the tank fresh.  Really hate to see people on shore water for a week and then  HOPE that the water in the tank is potable.

Brett, we do not drink anything from the tap.  We just use the fresh water tank for the commode, showers, and washing dishes.  But, the idea of not keeping the system pressurized is a plus. 
Bruce & Jen Evans
Montgomery, TX
1997 U295 36'
 

Re: Water Pump Leak

Reply #16 –
I second Barry's suggestion on installing valves as that gives you (as he stated) the ability to remove the pump for repairs when needed. On the 2000 295 we had there is a shut off valve at the back of pump on the tank line that I used whenever the pump had to come out. You may have one there too.
Johnh
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.