Community Forums

Poncey · 01-16-2025, 07:34 PM

Hi all, I'm new and still figuring things out.

My question is: when I run my water pump while using fresh water tank it makes a noise and when the water is flowing from kitchen faucet or bathroom faucet it pulsates. Is this normal?

Now I need to be transparent here. While using city water I had turned the water pump on and left it on. Not sure if I caused damage to the water pump and that's why it's making the noise and pulsating.

I reviewed past posts and I feel more confused. I've researched on the internet and same still confused.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

Amy

tpaul · 01-16-2025, 07:58 PM

I would say that most RV water pumps pulsate unless you get a variable speed pump. When time came I replaced mine with an AquaJet that I really like. Pounding could be any number of issues. Inadequate isolation of the pumps feet, outflow tubing rubbing up against a cabinet wall, initial outlet tubing that is too stiff, etc.

SafariBen · 01-16-2025, 07:59 PM

Yes, it's normal for the pump to pulsate. There are pumps that don't pulsate, or other ways to reduce the pulsation.

MFL · 01-16-2025, 08:07 PM

Some pumps can be adjusted to reduce the pulse, by use of a screw in the pump head.

No, you did not damage the pump by using city water and pump at the same time.

TB673 · 01-17-2025, 08:50 AM

If I open any faucet part way, my pump will pulsate. If I open the faucet fully, the pump runs constantly.
As far as the noise, you may try this item to calm it down:

https://www.rvupgradestore.com/RV-Wa...-p/86-8349.htm

Tim

Dave Pelletier · 01-17-2025, 10:28 AM

Yep, normal. As MFL said; you didn't damage your pump. Mine have always operated like Tim's; partially open faucet and the pump will pulse to maintain pressure, fully open faucet and the pump runs.

Dave

Jay D. · 01-17-2025, 11:28 AM

i have the same problem BUT only at times, its sporadic. my pump is normally very quiet, no pulsating. but then sometimes it pulsates really hard, its more of a hammering sound. sounds like its going to rip the pipes right out of the walls. i have found if i blead all the lines and hot water tank it will sometimes quit and go away, trapped air in the lines has been my idea and sometimes hard to get out.
Jay D.

Tomahawk · 01-17-2025, 12:45 PM

Not much to add to what has already been said. It is normal.
I made one attempt to quite my pump down by securing the hoses. It didn't help much.
One observation is, if there is air in the lines somewhere, it will make the pump run longer. Air is highly compressible so when you open a valve to get water the air expands before the pump turns on. Then the pump has to run a longer to recompress the air.

BPTS · 01-17-2025, 02:51 PM

This is what you seek:

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Water-Pu...CABEgKLSPD_BwE

Make sure the pump is mounted on rubber isolators that have some movement to them- often the manufacturers tighten the mounting points so much there is no movement.

Flyer15015 · 01-17-2025, 03:21 PM

Amy,
As shown in post #9 above, here is what I did when my OEM Shureflow pump finally gave up. I took the opportunity to get a better pump (5GPM @ 55PSI) and add an accumulator and mount both in a much more serviceable location.
I can now pull the whole rig out with just 2 bolts, and it is so quiet, I need to double check the switches to make sure it's off when not needed. No pulses.

Mike in Colorado

twinboat · 01-17-2025, 03:27 PM

Shut off the electric, water and pump, remove the anode from the water heater and let it drain.

Replace the anode and turn the water back on and let the water heater fill. DO NOT OPEN THE PRESSURE/TEMP valve, there needs to be a cushion of air in the top to stop the pump surge.

Brunnie · 01-17-2025, 08:01 PM

I put one of these in a 5th wheel I previously owned. I mounted it horizontally and plumbed it into the line coming off the pump. If you have the room give it a try.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/A-O-Smith-2...ank/1000565589

The trailer I have now I have one of the small accumulators and it works fairly well but not like that big one did.

TB673 · 01-17-2025, 08:05 PM

These vibration isolators may also help to quiet the pump noise:

https://www.grainger.com/product/Vib...ng-Mount-2NPA1

You will have to measure the mounting holes in your pump base to match the studs on the isolators.

Tim

Jay D. · 01-17-2025, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Shut off the electric, water and pump, remove the anode from the water heater and let it drain.

Replace the anode and turn the water back on and let the water heater fill. DO NOT OPEN THE PRESSURE/TEMP valve, there needs to be a cushion of air in the top to stop the pump surge.

SO in essence the water heater tank is going to be an accumulator or expansion tank?
Jay D.