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Topic ClosedWater Pump - Event Date: 08 Aug 2012
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Lulie View Drop Down
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Joined: 16 May 2012
Location: Eagle River, AK
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Water Pump
    Posted: 27 Aug 2012 at 5:55pm
I am a new Pod owner as of this summer. I've used my Pod for weekend "dry" camping about 5 times. I am in the habit of leaving my water pump on while camping.  On my last trip, it started coming on in the middle of the night in about 5 minute intervals. I finally got up and shut it off and the hot water heater. I turned them both on the next day. At noon it came on again for no reason that I could tell. Should I be worried about this? I don't like it at night as it wakes me up, but I can turn it off. I checked faucets to make sure they weren't dripping. They weren't....Ouch
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Aug 2012 at 7:41pm
Welcome.  You have a leak somewhere, it shouldn't be coming on when you have the switch on.  It sounds like a slow leak if its is coming on every 5 minutes.  With the pump on (or while connected through the city water connection), check your low point drains outside, plus every other valve including the toilet flush valve.  If you don't see anything you may have to start opening up access covers and removing drawers to trace all of the plumbing starting at the water pump.  If you bought this new it is under warranty so you may want to have your dealer track it down.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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this_is_nascar View Drop Down
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Posts: 466 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Aug 2012 at 7:16am
Agreed, having a leak in the system is the only reason it would be coming on, assuming you have water in the tank.
"Ray & Connie"

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bhamster View Drop Down
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Posts: 165 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Aug 2012 at 10:46am
There is usually a one-way valve inside the pump that keeps water from flowing back into the fresh water tank. If this is worn or has debris stuck in it then water could be slowly backflowing. I'd bet that's where the leak is occurring. If so, then it's nothing to panic about, but it might get annoying if you leave the pump on. Keep in mind that if you're dry camping your batteries will last longer if you turn the pump off after each use.
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Aug 2012 at 2:06pm
Good point, I forgot about that valve.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Lulie View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Aug 2012 at 3:35pm
Thanks so much, I'm a bit relieved. To get to our camp site, we have to travel through tall grass, so maybe there is debris there causing the problem. Is there a way to get to the pump and clean it of any debris...or can I just crawl under and look at the water tank? We're going on a week long wilderness trip over labor day and I doubt if I can get it into the dealer to fix before the weekend....
 
On another note, this forum has already saved me many anxieties...I wish I had had access to the same when we first got a pop-up....I thought I was such an idiot as I figured things out over time...Now, I realize those were common problems.
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Joined: 03 Dec 2010
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Posts: 571 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Aug 2012 at 3:52pm
Actually the water pump is inside the camper. If you have a 171 or 177 it is under the bed closest to the kitchen. Lift the mattress and the plywood and hold it up with a sturdy piece of 1x or 2x. The water area is on the right. The screws holding down the plywood are easily removed and there is the water distribution system underneath. It is not necessary to screw the plywood back in place, the mattress will keep it in place. It will be necessary to get in here at winterization time, also. Any debris probably came from the installation process. You should be able to remove the tubing - if you are brave and handy- and see if there is an extraneous material in the inlet or outlet area of the pump head. Be sure to shut off the HW heater line valve and not be coupled to the city water! Good luck!
Chris and Walt
'10 RP-171 'Free Spirit'
'13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8
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Seanl View Drop Down
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Posts: 633 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Aug 2012 at 3:55pm
Originally posted by Lulie

Thanks so much, I'm a bit relieved. To get to our camp site, we have to travel through tall grass, so maybe there is debris there causing the problem. Is there a way to get to the pump and clean it of any debris...or can I just crawl under and look at the water tank? We're going on a week long wilderness trip over labor day and I doubt if I can get it into the dealer to fix before the weekend....
 
On another note, this forum has already saved me many anxieties...I wish I had had access to the same when we first got a pop-up....I thought I was such an idiot as I figured things out over time...Now, I realize those were common problems.
 
The pump is inside Mine is under the drivers side dinette bench. I should be inside by tank fill port.
Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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Lulie View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Aug 2012 at 6:07pm
We have a 177. I'll look under the bed first. I'm not handy at all, but I'm learning. I'll print out all the directions and see what we can find. thanks again and I'll report back.
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Aug 2012 at 6:21pm
Originally posted by Lulie

We have a 177. I'll look under the bed first. I'm not handy at all, but I'm learning. I'll print out all the directions and see what we can find. thanks again and I'll report back.


You are slightly misled... On a 177 it is on the floor under the sink. Take out the 4 screws holding that bottom panel on, just under your little cookie storage cabinet.. it will be right there. You will also note another valve mounted to it, with a piece of flexible tubing hooked to it, that is your anti freeze intake line for winterization. Make sure that valve has not moved, or in a slight draw condition.
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