Added Check Valve to outlet of water pump

ben31 · 06-09-2018, 08:57 AM

Hi All,

My Fresh Water tank was filling, when hooked up to city water. I disconnected the city water and ran the rest of the trip off the water, left in the fresh water tank. I figured it should have washed out whatever was in the pump. On the next trip it filled the tank even faster and it was overflowing in the morning, when I went out to check it.

I looked online and everyone said to replace the pump. I wanted to try to add a check valve on the outlet of the pump. I bought a check valve, and a female to female adapter. Installed the valve, making sure the flow was going away from the pump, and then hooked everything back up. It seems to work well on city water, to keep the water from flowing back through the pump. However, when using the pump, it never completely shuts off. The pump will get up to pressure and then turn on and off for about 1/2 second, every 1-2 seconds. Is the check valve keeping the pump from registering the pressure?

Here are the photos of the install:

ben31 · 06-09-2018, 09:29 AM

I may have figured out the problem. If the check valve in the pump is so bad, it would let the water back through. This would slightly bring the pressure back down and the pump would start again. Therefore, I am likely going to need to replace the pump.

We rarely use the pump, except for quick pit stops, while traveling. Therefore, I will leave the check valve installed, until I can replace the pump. If we need to use it, we turn it on, use it, then turn it off.

Are there any good pumps, which can be rebuilt instead of replacing it every couple of years?

cavie · 06-09-2018, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben31

I may have figured out the problem. If the check valve in the pump is so bad, it would let the water back through. This would slightly bring the pressure back down and the pump would start again. Therefore, I am likely going to need to replace the pump.

We rarely use the pump, except for quick pit stops, while traveling. Therefore, I will leave the check valve installed, until I can replace the pump. If we need to use it, we turn it on, use it, then turn it off.

Are there any good pumps, which can be rebuilt instead of replacing it every couple of years?

You can search this problem. Your check valve may be stuck. It a series off and on to clear it. You also do not need to replace the pump. Buy a kit and rebuild it.

ben31 · 06-09-2018, 10:26 AM

Ok. I did the cycle on and off. I also used it exclusively (vice city water) for two days to try to clear it. Those didn't work. That is why I was trying to add another check valve.

I'll look for a rebuild kit.

5er_tom · 06-09-2018, 12:35 PM

I installed a manual valve. It is not easy to access, but if I start overflowing the water tank I can close the valve. When on the road the valve is open so we get water for the toilet at rest stops.

This was after replacing one water pump and then the second one failed after a year.

Photo Lab · 06-09-2018, 03:18 PM

External check valves are definitely more positive, but "shouldn't" be needed. Assuming the pump internal check is history, and you're not crazy about putting in a rebuild kit, you can also buy replacement heads for most pumps. The motor being the expensive part of the pump, this will save a considerable amount of $$.