Water pump coming on.

[jzaldivar]

So I fixed the leak because the water pump or come on every five minutes or so for a second. Now the water pump comes on every 30 to 45 minutes for about a quarter of a second. Could I still have a leak or is this normal?

[Chuck Q]

Most probably

[Old-Biscuit]

Still have a leak...minor one but a leak never the less


Pump pressure switch will only start pump when system pressure drops enough to close the pressure switch
Pump only runs for a few seconds cause system pressure builds back up quickly and pressure switch opens


Common places:
City water inlet.....internal check valve not closing so water dribbles out

Pump internla check valve not closing so system pressure leaks down
Water Heater T&P Releif Valve weeping
Water Heater Drain plug dripping
Toilet water valve leaking thru...bowl level increases
'FILL' Valve leaking thru----on systems that have a fill position/city water-normal position to fill fresh water tank vs just a gravity fill port


OR fittings on cold water/hot water lines to sinks, water heater, shower(s), toilet etc (wrap those with pieces of TP and then check later if they get damp)




Good luck!
Minor leaks are like scavenger hunts without the price

[GypsyR]

Oh jeez. I've only had mine on the pump one time out (new to us rig) and it cycled every couple of minutes. I even turned it off so we could get to sleep better. I wondered about adding a pressure reservoir. Now I happened to read this thread and get to add ANOTHER issue to my to-do list.
Not sure whether to thank you guys for informing me or cuss because my (in general) to-do list is overwhelming already.
Best take the high road I expect. Thanks for the heads up, and bonus list of things to get the search started.

[jzaldivar]

I examined all lines the best I could without removing the cabinets. No visible leaks. I ran my ha e through all the lines and nothing.

I figured just keep an eye out and if there is a leak it will be years before it causes any serious damage.

I don’t know what else to do.

[winniman]

Did you check your outside tap.

[cavie]

Originally Posted by jzaldivar

I examined all lines the best I could without removing the cabinets. No visible leaks. I ran my ha e through all the lines and nothing.

I figured just keep an eye out and if there is a leak it will be years before it causes any serious damage.

I don’t know what else to do.

Did you rebuild the pump?

[jzaldivar]

So I think I found the problem. The water heater pressure relief is dripping.

[Arch Hoagland]

Originally Posted by jzaldivar

So I think I found the problem. The water heater pressure relief is dripping.

Mine have always done that. After using a lot of hot water you will notice that you have a lot of pressure built up after the heater warms the water.

I turn on the hot water faucet for a couple seconds to relieve the pressure.

We never leave our water pump turned on and, in fact, never turn it on when we're hooked to shore power and water.

[NXR]

We never leave our water pump turned on and, in fact, never turn it on when we're hooked to shore power and water.

The problem is that a leak in the system will still leak when on city water but you won't have the pump "canary" to alert you.

The water pump is supposed to be off when using city water, isn't it?

Ray

[Arch Hoagland]

"The water pump is supposed to be off when using city water, isn't it?"

Yes.

[Old-Biscuit]

Water heater T&P weeping........


Water SWELLS when heated.
By design there is an 'air pocket' at top of water heater (rv & Residential)
Air Pocket can be compressed which helps control pressure increases
W/O the air pocket...water swells and pressure increases causing T&P to weep


When fill water heater the air pocket is naturally formed in top of tank.
Over time it can be lost....especially in the small volume RV water heaters
To re-establish air pocket


Turn water supply off
Relieve hot side pressure by opening a faucet...leave it open
Open the T&P via the lever---hold open until water stops running out
Let T&P SNAP close
Turn water supply on..close faucet


T&P shouldn't weep anymore.

[jzaldivar]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Water heater T&P weeping........


Water SWELLS when heated.
By design there is an 'air pocket' at top of water heater (rv & Residential)
Air Pocket can be compressed which helps control pressure increases
W/O the air pocket...water swells and pressure increases causing T&P to weep


When fill water heater the air pocket is naturally formed in top of tank.
Over time it can be lost....especially in the small volume RV water heaters
To re-establish air pocket


Turn water supply off
Relieve hot side pressure by opening a faucet...leave it open
Open the T&P via the lever---hold open until water stops running out
Let T&P SNAP close
Turn water supply on..close faucet


T&P shouldn't weep anymore.

So I don’t need to replace the relief valve?

[bixler2]

The advise to "burp" the system is the easiest thing to start with and does not cost anything. If that does not eliminate the dripping valve, then replacement might be the next step. NEVER try to put a cap or plug on the outlet of this valve to stop a leak. That would be dangerous. A replacement valve is relatively cheap and very easy to replace if it continues to be a problem. Good luck