Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Plumbing leak (Read 589 times) previous topic - next topic

Plumbing leak

Final check before heading to Florida.  Strainer on inlet side of domestic water pump leaks when hooked to city water.  Slow steady drip.  Does not leak if city water is off and water pump is on.  I assume not pressurized when city water is off.  Steady drip visible where bowl seats.  I tried plumbing tape but it did not help.  Any thoughts about what I could use to seal it that would be appropriate so that it could be disassembled if needed?  Thanks
Don & Sue
2009 NImbus 38
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad

Re: Plumbing leak

Reply #1 –
Don, is that on the pipe thread side? If so check to see if there is a crack in the housing or male threads. Are you using a 45# regulator when hooked up to city water?
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Plumbing leak

Reply #2 –
Yes, is the leak from the pipe threads? Gasket? Some of these use bayonet fittings with O ring to secure the two half's of the clear plastic filter housing.

Interesting situation, because shore water pressure should NOT get to the tank side of the water pump because of the built-in check valve.
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: Plumbing leak

Reply #3 –
I had a water leak after FOT installed water hose reel....problem was leak was on the other side of coach at the water pump area.  Upon inspection and seeing that FOT had filled my water tank.  I have never filled tank to more than 50%.  The increased head pressure from now having a full tank of water was enough to make fitting at pump drip.  replaced a couple fittings and leak stopped.

John
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: Plumbing leak

Reply #4 –
Quote from: John  and Stacey –
I have never filled tank to more than 50%.
Do you normally stay at RV parks with full hookups?  One of the excellent features of our Foretravel coaches is the generous fresh water capacity, but it is only really appreciated when dry camping for extended periods.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Plumbing leak

Reply #5 –
Yes, so far we have stayed mostly at RV Parks with full hookups.

John
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: Plumbing leak

Reply #6 –
The leak is where the clear strainer bowl screws into the base, at the threads.  I also thought that it was strange that there was pressure on the inlet side of the pump. I didn't think about a bad check valve.  Any idea where the check valve is?  I like using shore water when I am parked for a couple of weeks at a time but I don't have to.  I always us a pressure regulator.
Don & Sue
2009 NImbus 38
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad

Re: Plumbing leak

Reply #7 –
My check valve and pressure regulator is located just after the hose reel and before the tank.  My problem was after the tank at the suction (inlet) side of the of the pump which is pressurized by head pressure from the storage tank being full.  The more water in the tank the more head pressure on the suction side of the pump.  The discharge side is pressurized by the pump.
Prior to installing hose reel the check valve was just on the other side of the water hose inlet connection on the wet bay wall then the pressure regulator was connected to the check valve.

John
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: Plumbing leak

Reply #8 –
2 days on the road to Florida.  Water pump quickly loses it's prime.  Have to turn the pump on and off for each use.  I have noticed that after the pump is off for a couple of hours, the strainer bowl is 1/2 full.  After pump is turned on and primes itself, it builds up pressure and turns off.  I then notice small bubbles forming in the strainer bowl.  I have not yet tried shore water.  Any ideas?
Don & Sue
2009 NImbus 38
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad

Re: Plumbing leak

Reply #9 –
Check level of water in tank.  May not have water at suction inlet.
Piping between pump and tank may have leak when pump is on and not not when pump is off.
The more water in tank the more head pressure on pump, may increase chances of seeing leak .

John
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: Plumbing leak

Reply #10 –
Quote from: John  and Stacey –
The more water in tank the more head pressure on pump, may increase chances of seeing leak .
1 foot of water = 0.433 pounds per square inch pressure.
2.31 feet of water = 1 pound per square inch pressure.
4.62 feet of water = 2 pound per square inch pressure.
Not a lot of difference in "head pressure" due to water level (with the size tanks we have).
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"