Water pump turn on/off problem

[heatlamp]

Roadtrek 170. I'm having a problem where the water pump turns itself on in the middle of the night, and will turn off only after I bleed air from the system by turning on the sink faucet for about 10 seconds. (When I remember, I switch off the pump to avoid the nighttime fuss.) The faucet sputters for several seconds, eventually the water pressure builds and the faucet and pump work properly (ie the pump again turns off when the faucet turns off).

Anyone have experience with this problem? I've checked the hose clamps on the plumbing accessible from inside the van, see no obvious problems. There are no leaks on the inside, but I'm not sure about the underside.

Thanks in advance, Jim

[Bruceper]

It has a leak somewhere. The clamps may be tight but if they are clamped to cracked hose then they're hiding a leak.

The way I would search for it would be to remove the hoses and put a bit or pressurized air in them to see if it bleeds off.

Or just replace hoses and clamps and hope for the best. If you're doing this yourself it won't be overly expensive.

[Johnny R]

My pump wasn't holding the prime. I replaced the pump.

[fwdanielson]

Not sure if your Roadtrek has it but it was quite common for the check valve where you attach city water to leak which causes exactly the behavior you are describing. I took mine apart, cleaned it up, and replaced the oring.

This page was very helpful as the innards of the check valve were exactly the same as mine although the exterior configuration was different. Fresh Water Inlet Valve Repair - Sunline Coach Owner's Club

[heatlamp]

Thanks for all the ideas!

Jim