Noisy water pump...

[Carpmart]

I’ve only had the van for a few weeks (10 years old) and the pump seems to be getting VERY noisy. With all the experience on here, is this the sound of impending failure or are they all noisy when old and will chug on for years?

second question, are they standard design equipment, as in I choose a replacement from any reputable manufacture and the 12v supply will plug and play and all pipe work will connect even if not a direct (same manufacturer) replacement?

 

[PaulyP]

Not sure about plug and play but have you checked for air in the system, could be the cause of the noise.

 

[Carpmart]

No i haven’t PaulyP... how does one bleed air from the system and or check? It could also be quite simply that there is no water in the tank, although the gauge is showing two green lights, so around one third full

 

[PaulyP]

I wouldn’t trust the gauge is accurate, check connections to the pump and from the tank that they are tight and not letting in air also any tiny splits in the suction pipe. Sometimes it’s just trial and error to find a fault.

 

[Riverbankannie]

No i haven’t PaulyP... how does one bleed air from the system and or check? It could also be quite simply that there is no water in the tank, although the gauge is showing two green lights, so around one third full

On a 10 year old van, it is quite likely that the gauge could not be reading accurately as they get limescale buildup. I would firstly fill your tank, then open taps gradually until all flowing freely.

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[PaulyP]

Can you access the tank through a screwed in top cover, best way to check how much water in there.

 

[TinaLes]

I never trust the water level indicator in any tank grey or fresh tank, they are only indicators and can get corroded and gunged up over time. There are many probe cleaning methods mentioned on here, from adding large bottles of neat cheap coke to the tank etc, but its best to remove the probes and clean properly (more later on that if you need just ask)
You haven't mentioned what the type/make of your pump is?

If its a stand alone and not submerged pump, then yes they are noisy if not mounted on rubber mounts, so check how its mounted to the van and try and insulate vibration as best you can. They always sound like a muffled woodpecker in a box, but thats normal, if the water flow is OK then thats a good indication all is well.
Fully bleed the air out the pipes, by filling fresh water tank, turn on nearest tap let run until it stops spluttering and continuous water runs freely, do this for the hot side & cold side of the tap.
Then go to the next in line tap, maybe basin, do the same, then the last should be the shower, turn on and let it run on cold only, then hot only until it runs freely.

TIP: hopefully the vans water system was fully drained over the cold spell, if not drained fully, and all taps left open in mid position to allow cold air to escape, then any trapped water could have frozen in the pipes and damaged components, like mixer taps, pump, pump filter etc.

Let us know how you get on, having inspected and fully bled the fresh water system.

LES

 

[RetiredPope]

I would also check the filter on the pump, ours got noisy and then stopped pumping as the filter was blocked. Left water in the tank over winter and didn't drain and flush as we do now. Lesson learnt.