water pump won't shut off - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 12-14-2019, 08:44 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Name: John
Trailer: 2005 Scamp 13
Illinois
Posts: 12
water pump won't shut off

Just got our Scamp 13 in Nov. and have not camped in it yet. Put it in my work shop and have enjoyed working on it over the last month or so. Today I turned the water faucet on for the first time and antifreeze came out immediately. Good to see the previous owner winterized. Heard the pump kick on but when I closed the water faucet it sounded like the pump kept running. Waited a few min. to see if it would shut off and when it did not I turned the water faucet on and off again quickly to see if that might stop it. When that did not work I disconnected the battery and the pump stoped running. Then I reconnected the battery and it sounded like it was running again. I think my pump is stuck on and so the battery is disconnected now but I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem or might be able to suggest a solution or if the pump needs to be replaced?The Scamp is a 2005 model 13. I can check on the manufacturer of the pump if that info would help. Let me know what you think. I am new to RVing but pretty handy.
Thanks.
JPBrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-14-2019, 08:51 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Trailer: 2009 17 ft Casita Freedom Deluxe
Posts: 857
Do you have a switch? You should be able to just turn it off without disconnecting the battery. If the switch doesn't work, it may have a short.

Do you have water in the line? If not, the pump will not generate enough pressure to close the demand switch. If you do have water in the lines, the demand switch may be bad.
Dave Fish is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-14-2019, 08:59 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
floyd's Avatar
 
Trailer: 2004 13 ft Scamp Custom Deluxe
Posts: 8,519
Registry
The switch on the side of the cabinet, turns the pump on.
A back pressure switch on the pump turns it off, but only if there is enough water to fill and pressure up the line.
There are several raesons why it may not shut off...
1] If your water heater bypass line is open to the tank it will run until the tank is full or you shut off the cabinet swtch.
2] If your fresh water tank is low or empty , there will not be sufficient water to pressure up the line.
3] You may have another faucet open , a shore water connection with a bad check valve, or the toilet leaking through.


A combination of a bad cabinet switch and low water level would do it, in which case just pull the fuse and check the switch.



The cabinet switch should act as a master switch and should shut the water pump off in any case. If that fails pull the fuse and call me, I will talk you through it until we find the problem.
floyd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-14-2019, 11:36 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
AC0GV's Avatar
 
Name: Kenneth
Trailer: Scamp
Wisconsin
Posts: 1,858
Registry
Water heater filling??

Quote:
Originally Posted by JPBrown View Post
Just got our Scamp 13 in Nov. and have not camped in it yet. Put it in my work shop and have enjoyed working on it over the last month or so. Today I turned the water faucet on for the first time and antifreeze came out immediately.
Thanks.
It could be as simple as the water heater is filling or you ran out of water in the fresh tank. Are you getting water from the hot faucet?
AC0GV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2019, 12:29 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
Raspy's Avatar
 
Name: John
Trailer: Roamer 1
Smith Valley, Nevada
Posts: 2,879
It sounds like you are not sure it's running: "it sounded like it was running". When pumps have air in them, they keep running and they are very quiet.

I suggest leaving the faucet open long enough to get any air purged out. The pump will pump air, but will not come up to full pressure while doing it. When pumping water, the pump will be louder and there will be no mistake about it running. Then close the faucet and see if it stops.

Just make sure you are not dealing with air before you decide the pump is bad.
__________________
I only exaggerate enough to compensate for being taken with a grain of salt.
Raspy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2019, 07:56 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Name: Huck
Trailer: ParkLiner
Virginia
Posts: 852
If it pumped out antifreeze, the fresh water tank should be empty, so no water to pump but the pump keeps trying.


Like others said, there is a switch to turn the pump on and off.
Huck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2019, 02:35 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Civilguy's Avatar
 
Name: Mike
Trailer: Escape 21 & Jeep GC 5.7 (Previous 2012 Casita FD17 & 2010 Audi Q5)
Puget Sound, WA
Posts: 1,775
Registry
There is a pressure adjustment on RV water pumps. It's operated by a little allen screw on some models of pumps.

If the pressure were set too high, the pump might not shut off.

If there were a leak that prevented any pressure from building, the pump won't shut off.

If the leak was a bypass internal to the pump, and it wasn't developing any pressure, it would not shut off.

Maybe you can temporarily mount a pressure gauge, perhap via an adapter on a faucet strainer thread or on a shower hose. That would tell you what sort of pressure you are actually developing, if any.

How To Adjust The Pressure Switch On A SHURflo Water Pump
__________________
~ “It’s absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious.” Oscar Wilde ~
~ “What the human being is best at doing is interpreting all new information so that their prior conclusions remain intact.” Warren Buffett ~

Civilguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2019, 03:30 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Perryb67's Avatar
 
Name: Perry
Trailer: 2016 Bigfoot 25RQ
Lanesboro, Minnesota, between Whalan and Fountain
Posts: 753
Quote:
Originally Posted by Civilguy View Post
There is a pressure adjustment on RV water pumps. It's operated by a little allen screw on some models of pumps.

If the pressure were set too high, the pump might not shut off.

...........................

How To Adjust The Pressure Switch On A SHURflo Water Pump


Merely adjusting the pressure with the allen screw is what I have done for at least three previous water pumps over the years. Over time the screw can vibrate loose going down the road. Too many just buy a new pump.

Enjoy,

Perry
__________________
2016 Bigfoot 25RQ - 2019 Ford F-150, 3.5 V6 Ecoboost,

Previous Eggs -2018 Escape 5.0 TA, 2001 Scamp 16' Side Bath, 2007 Casita 17' Spirit basic, no bath, water or tanks, 2003 Bigfoot 25B25RQ, that we regreted selling
Perryb67 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2019, 05:00 PM   #9
Junior Member
 
Name: John
Trailer: 2005 Scamp 13
Illinois
Posts: 12
found the switch!

Hey everybody. I found the shut off switch for the water pump. I think the problem is as you said there is not enough liquid in the system for the lines to pressurize and shut the pump off. I will ta
test it tomorrow.
On another note, please find attached some pictures of my battery box lid. Can anyone tell me what the wire on the underside is for and the hole on top which seams to connect to the leads on the underside somehow. My guess is that I connect the top to the battery terminals and may use some type of battery tester to the hole on top so I can check my battery without removing the top? If anyone knows I would appreciate the help. Thanks,
Attached Thumbnails
IMG_0375.JPG   IMG_0379.JPG  

JPBrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2019, 05:43 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
AC0GV's Avatar
 
Name: Kenneth
Trailer: Scamp
Wisconsin
Posts: 1,858
Registry
Master switch

Quote:
Originally Posted by JPBrown View Post
? If anyone knows I would appreciate the help. Thanks,
That's the key hole for a master disconnect switch. (not stock)
Attached Images
 
AC0GV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2019, 08:28 PM   #11
Junior Member
 
Name: John
Trailer: 2005 Scamp 13
Illinois
Posts: 12
Yes I have that master disconnect switch as well. Do you know how I hook it up?
JPBrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2019, 09:33 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
AC0GV's Avatar
 
Name: Kenneth
Trailer: Scamp
Wisconsin
Posts: 1,858
Registry
disconnect switch hookup

Quote:
Originally Posted by JPBrown View Post
Yes I have that master disconnect switch as well. Do you know how I hook it up?
On cars we always put it in the negative wire, on a fiberglass RV with a plastic battery box I would not think it would make much difference. Remove the negative wire from the battery and hook it to one of the connections on the switch, then run a jumper from the other switch connection back to where you removed the negative wire. Option 2: Cut the negative wire so that it will reach the disconnect, crimp on ring terminals and hook to the two new connections onto the switch.I do not use one so I have no pictures.
Note that the key for the pictured switch is a high failure item, I always had two keys in the cars. (or just be ready to re-wire)
AC0GV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2019, 08:50 AM   #13
Junior Member
 
Name: John
Trailer: 2005 Scamp 13
Illinois
Posts: 12
Thanks everybody! I'm sure I will be back with more silly questions soon
JPBrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2019, 09:33 AM   #14
Senior Member
 
Name: Gordon
Trailer: 2015 Scamp (16 Std Layout 4) with '15 Toyota Sienna LE Tug
North Carolina
Posts: 5,155
The way I did my switch, and a way that I think is better than using this that type of switch on the battery box, is to put a switch inside the camper, first in line along the negative wire run, where it is protected from weather, vandalism, stray wiring in the battery box, etc. I use this type of switch which means there is no key to lose.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/600...th__Knob_-_Red

I also have a solar charge controller that bypasses the switch so that I can switch off the battery from all loads, but still have the PV panels charging it.

In any case, make sure you have an appropriate fuse very close to the battery's positive post.
gordon2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2019, 07:26 PM   #15
Junior Member
 
Name: John
Trailer: 2005 Scamp 13
Illinois
Posts: 12
Thanks Gordon! I hooked up the battery cut off switch yesterday and it did not work, so I will probably rig up a system like yours as I plan to add solar panels anyway. If I need more help i will let you know.
J. Brown
JPBrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2019, 12:39 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Name: dave
Trailer: scamp
New Mexico
Posts: 102
I'm sure you already know this but I wanted to make sure others didn't do something that would hurt their controller - The controller needs power from the battery to operate correctly (and can fry pretty quickly if it's only hooked up to solar). So, if you have a disconnect that allows the solar to reach the controller, just make sure your controller remains hooked up to the battery, i.e. it's fine to put a disconnect between the loads and the controller so long as that disconnect doesn't also isolate the controller from the battery.



Quote:
Originally Posted by gordon2 View Post
The way I did my switch, and a way that I think is better than using this that type of switch on the battery box, is to put a switch inside the camper, first in line along the negative wire run, where it is protected from weather, vandalism, stray wiring in the battery box, etc. I use this type of switch which means there is no key to lose.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/600...th__Knob_-_Red

I also have a solar charge controller that bypasses the switch so that I can switch off the battery from all loads, but still have the PV panels charging it.

In any case, make sure you have an appropriate fuse very close to the battery's positive post.
semievolved is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2019, 01:35 PM   #17
Junior Member
 
Name: Sandy
Trailer: Trillium
AB
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by JPBrown View Post
Just got our Scamp 13 in Nov. and have not camped in it yet. Put it in my work shop and have enjoyed working on it over the last month or so. Today I turned the water faucet on for the first time and antifreeze came out immediately. Good to see the previous owner winterized. Heard the pump kick on but when I closed the water faucet it sounded like the pump kept running. Waited a few min. to see if it would shut off and when it did not I turned the water faucet on and off again quickly to see if that might stop it. When that did not work I disconnected the battery and the pump stoped running. Then I reconnected the battery and it sounded like it was running again. I think my pump is stuck on and so the battery is disconnected now but I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem or might be able to suggest a solution or if the pump needs to be replaced?The Scamp is a 2005 model 13. I can check on the manufacturer of the pump if that info would help. Let me know what you think. I am new to RVing but pretty handy.
Thanks.
Merry Christmas we are having a Rally here in Medicine Hat AB. Canada Aug 2020 Come join this FB page and event page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2630...f=group_header
Miss Daisy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2019, 02:54 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
Name: Gordon
Trailer: 2015 Scamp (16 Std Layout 4) with '15 Toyota Sienna LE Tug
North Carolina
Posts: 5,155
Quote:
Originally Posted by semievolved View Post
... The controller needs power from the battery to operate correctly (and can fry pretty quickly if it's only hooked up to solar). ...
SOME controllers need battery power to "start up" but not all. And frying is likely even less common. Lets instead say to read the manual and wire accordingly.
gordon2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2019, 06:29 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
Glenn Baglo's Avatar
 
Trailer: Escape 17 ft
Posts: 8,317
Quote:
Originally Posted by gordon2 View Post
SOME controllers need battery power to "start up" but not all. And frying is likely even less common. Lets instead say to read the manual and wire accordingly.

Agreed. My Coleman 40 watt panel comes with a 7 watt controller. Plug panel into controller, plug alligator clip wire into controller and alligator clips to battery posts. Never a problem.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
Glenn Baglo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2019, 07:28 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Name: Ray
Trailer: scamp
Indiana
Posts: 811
It was done right

This p0robably just means the winterizing was done right. Or close to it. Generally the pump will run for a while if it is pumping air. And if the water header is empty which you want it takes a while to fill. Just not sure why it turned on when you turned the valve on.


Probably should leave it winterized at this point. Turn the switch off. And then be ready to flush the tanks and lines in the spring. And then to sanitize and get it ready to go. If you have never done this before get a fired who has to help you.
computerspook is online now   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
scamp


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Help! Shurflo pump won't pump beardrum Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 5 04-02-2019 06:02 PM
Thetford Aqua-Magic V Pedal Sticks - water won't shut off Spongelander Plumbing | Systems and Fixtures 6 03-14-2019 09:45 PM
Thetford Aqua-Magic V Pedal Sticks - water won't shut off Spongelander Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 2 03-10-2019 11:40 AM
Hydroflame BRC 10A - Heat won't shut off Fiberglass Gregg Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 3 06-27-2016 01:14 PM
Shut off valve no shut off!! Tamid Plumbing | Systems and Fixtures 11 06-06-2012 02:55 AM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:18 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.