Carthago C compactline 138. Just decided to pump out it’s freshwater tank!

[Wellington]

As above. It just pumped (not drained) all remaining freshwater out onto my pitch while I was cleaning my teetth this morning. No reason I can discern and I couldn’t stop it (hardly surprising as I didn’t start it!)

I’m particularly irked as my hose split when I tried to fill up last time, and we only had a fifth of a tank, which would just about have seen us home. We are also pitched for 5 days for the first time this holiday, so not only do I have to scrounge a hose, I need to pack and move to fill up to get us through our last three nights, just as we were beginning to settle in.

Why did it do that? Can I prevent it from happening again?

 

[138go]

Now you know why some of us carry a watering can to fill up. Saves all the packing away. Sounds like the Frost Stat tripped or a pipe has come off so the pump started running. Just switch the pump off on the control panel.

 

[mitzimad]

most likley either the frost valve has released or the boiler safety valve if you identify where its coming out the culprit i usually directly above

 

[two]

Agree with mitzimad, above, but am puzzled because I assume you've simply re-filled and are now OK? I'd check that the dump valves are seated properly (I think they're under the floor by the sink).

 

[Wagoneer]

The dump valve is probably in the compartment where the Truma boiler is located (assuming you have a Truma boiler).

I assume you have the boiler on to heat the water. If not, it's likely the compartment got too cold overnight and opened the dump valve.

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[Anthea M]

We carry a 10 litre watering can with a long spout ! It means at least 4 trips to the tap but saves moving the van and becomes quite a social thing walking back and forth.

 

[two]

The dump valve is probably in the compartment where the Truma boiler is located (assuming you have a Truma boiler).

I assume you have the boiler on to heat the water. If not, it's likely the compartment got too cold overnight and opened the dump valve.

I agree with this assumption: No heating on during a cold night, causing the dump valve to operate - but that would require resetting.
The location of the dump valve is under the floor in the centre of the van (by the sink).

 

[Figaro]

I agree with this assumption: No heating on during a cold night, causing the dump valve to operate -

Not sure it`s been that cold has it ? don`t know where the OP is but was down in Italy.
Even with no heating on I would have thought there would be enough residual heat in the van to prevent the dump valve opening.

 

[autorouter]

It just pumped (not drained) all remaining freshwater out onto my pitch

Do you say this because you could hear the pump running? I hope it's not still running while it has no water in it, because that might ruin some types of pump.

There are two types of water system in motorhomes. First type has a microswitch in every tap, to turn on the pump. You can hear a faint click as the tap turns on and the pump starts up. Also there are two wires to every tap.
Second type has a pressure switch built into the pump, or in line with it. No switches in any tap. The water system is pressurised all the time, just like a standard house system. when you turn on the tap, the pressure drops, and the pump turns on. When the tap is off, the pressure builds up, and the pressure switch turns the pump off.

Can you tell what type of system it is?

 

[two]

It will be a pressure system in Carthago (and pretty robust pump, too).
Now I'm getting concerned that we've not heard back from the OP.
Hope they're not in serious trouble...

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[autorouter]

It will be a pressure system in Carthago

If it's a pressure system you need to find out where the switch for isolating the water pump is. Probably wouldn't have helped much if it's the frost stat dump valve, but would with some other types of leak.

 

[Wellington]

It will be a pressure system in Carthago (and pretty robust pump, too).
Now I'm getting concerned that we've not heard back from the OP.
Hope they're not in serious trouble...

Deep, deep trouble. I was in Disneyland for 13 hours yesterday, it was ghastly! ?

I did turn off the pump, but it’s still pumping if I turn it back on (even though there is no water now). It doesn’t seem to be the frost stat, which is in, and if I pop it out by turning the freshwater dump valve pumps away independently (because I have the problem pump turned off) until I pop it back in.

You can both hear the pump, and see that it’s pumped water (spurt/stop/spurt/stop). It does appear to be coming from the same outlet as the frost stat would drop it, but independently controlled. Still puzzled, and ignoring the washing up!

 

[Wellington]

Fixed now. No idea why. I fiddled with all the valves and put more water in and it’s fine. I’m guessing the pump was trying to pressurise the system, but couldn’t without water. Still no clue why it dumped all the water in the first place. If it was the frost valve, then it’s confused. It was getting on for lunchtime in the south of France. Cooler than it was in Italy, but at least 25°C!

 

[Odd-no-more]

Glad it's OK now if it happens again it may be a loose fitting. If it does try to see where the water is coming out.