Fresh Water Tank

[5er_tom]

I know this has been discussed, but sorry I cannot find it. I have a Wildcat 295RSX and just recently when connected to city water my fresh water tank fills. This causes it to overflow into the trailer as the water connections are inside the service compartment. It has happened twice in the last three days.
For a short term fix I open the fresh water tank drain valve, allowing me to use city water.
I understand there is a check valve somewhere in the water system that is supposed to prevent this from happening. Any idea where that check valve is located? And what does it look like?

Thanks!


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[5picker]

The check valve is typically located within the water pump.
It is an integral part of the pump head.

[5picker]

A quick, easy fix is to install an inline check valve in the outlet line of the water pump somewhere near the pump.

[5picker]

It could also be something as simple as too much pressure on the city water side of your plumbing.

Those internal check valves are notorious for leaking back if the city water pressure is too high.
Make sure you always check supply pressures and protect your rig with a regulator if necessary.

Of course, debris can get in the check valve too.
Often times, removing the city water pressure, opening a faucet to relieve the pressure, turn on the water pump, open a faucet and run water, close faucet, turn off pump, reopen the faucet to relieve pressure and reconnecting the city water will clean/reset the internal check valve.

Also, it is recommended to NOT have your pump on when connected to city water unless you are sure the city water pressure is LOWER than the pump pressure. (such as in many campers hooked to a single hose at a rally) Having the pump on with high city water side pressures can overcome the check valve's ability in the pump.

[5er_tom]

I have a pressure regulator on the water line set to 50psi so that should not be the problem. We did have the water pump on while connected to city water as the water flow was so low taking a shower was almost not possible.
I will go have a look at the water pump. Can I replace just the check valve or do I need to replace the entire water pump. Just to complicate the issue we are in Gaspé, Quebec, Canada. It might be a challenge to find RV parts here.


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[5picker]

I would first try cleaning/resetting the check valve as I described above.
If it just debris (or stuck) that may fix your problems.

While you can disassemble the pump and replace the pump head (with the check valve) I would simply install a check valve in the output line at the pump. Much easier and can be found at many hardware/plumbing/big box stores.

[VinceU]

You can try secure shore water supply. Operate pump to sink or shower full bore for 3 minutes, turn off pump. Open shore pressure slowly. This should cure the leak back. Never operate water systems in parallel!

[VinceU]

BTW I've tried add on check valves in discharge, they can cause an unacceptable pressure drop in your system.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by VinceU

BTW I've tried add on check valves in discharge, they can cause an unacceptable pressure drop in your system.

Yes they can depending on how they are made. The full flow type won't.

[5er_tom]

Resolution....
I took the water pump to an RV shop. They were very knowledgeable and helpful. Took it apart and checked the valve and found no obvious issue. They suggested I install a valve on the water line so that when not in use no water would leak into the fresh water tank.
I decided to not go with a bandaid fix and purchased an entire new pump. They had the same pump on the shelf, so I decided it would be the best permanent (I hope) solution. I have now installed it and time will tell. Plus I have the old one as a spare.


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