Van leaking water underneath when water pump is on

[emmess]

Hi, we’ve bought a 2003 Ace Napoli motorhome and been away for the first time this weekend. When we turn the water pump on and run the taps, water is leaking out from under the van. After a quick Google we thought it might be the safety/drain valve was open, but having found that it was already closed. It’s a Truma. Has anyone any other ideas? Many thanks for any answers.

 

[Landy Andy]

Are you sure frost valve is shut

is the water coming out under the van where/near the location of the frost valve? Sometimes they need a few goes to reset.

There’s also a safety valve on the end of the boiler that can cause this.
Is the water flow coming out of a pipe?

 

[emmess]

Hi. So the safety valve that I found and was closed is next to the boiler. I haven’t found any other frost valve. Where could I look for that? Would it be by the main water tank? The boiler is located drivers side mid way in the wardrobe and the main tank same side at the back under the seats. The leak seems to be on the passenger side between the electric steps and the back wheel. The grey water release valve is just behind the back wheel. I’m not sure if it’s coming out of a pipe. I’m going to have to get down under the van and look for that I know

 

[Two of usI]

Could be the drain from the hot water tank

 

[rolosroller]

Pics might help

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[Landy Andy]

The only place you need to look is directly above (but inside) where the water is coming from. There is a pressure release which is on end of boiler and normally, a frost valve. Both these items will discharge water when the pump is running if they are open. If the water is coming not from a pipe sticking out, it’s more likely you have a failed joint on your plumbing.

 

[emmess]

Okay thanks. I’ll see if I can find a frost valve then also. I guess directly above the leak is the fridge or a cupboard under the grill. I’ll get down and see if it’s coming out of a cracked pipe or a valve. Thanks.

 

[XxAnthxX]

From your post

When we turn the water pump on and run the taps,

Would I be right in thinking it doesn’t ‘leak’ if the taps aren’t running?

As daft as it sounds are you sure it’s not coming from an open valve on your waste water tank?

 

[emmess]

You’re correct. Only if the pump and taps are on. The valve on the waste water is closed though. I need to go and climb around under the van

 

[XxAnthxX]

I need to go and climb around under the van

Is there any water getting to the waste tank, do you get water out of it if you open the waste water valve?

While your there, as already suggested, take pictures of the offending area….and I’m sure someone will help identifying where is coming from.

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[Landy Andy]

Okay thanks. I’ll see if I can find a frost valve then also. I guess directly above the leak is the fridge or a cupboard under the grill. I’ll get down and see if it’s coming out of a cracked pipe or a valve. Thanks.

All vans are different but my frost valve

From your post

Would I be right in thinking it doesn’t ‘leak’ if the taps aren’t running?

As daft as it sounds are you sure it’s not coming from an open valve on your waste water tank?

Well done. Missed that bit

 

[Landy Andy]

Waste water pipe from sink??

 

[emmess]

Is there any water getting to the waste tank, do you get water out of it if you open the waste water valve?

While your there, as already suggested, take pictures of the offending area….and I’m sure someone will help identifying where is coming from.

Yes there’s water going into the waste tank. Will get some piccies - thanks

 

[emmess]

Waste water pipe from sink??

Maybe? Will go and have a nosy in that cupboard. Don’t remember seeing anything in there though. Thanks again.

 

[daveandsan]

If your frost valve is the same as in the one Landy Andy has posted try operating it manually a couple of times. Sometimes a bit of scale can get can get trapped which stops it shutting off completely and it allows water to come through.
If you can get to it you can strip them down.

Edit, just found the link when I stripped mine down. http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/truma-frost-drain-valve-fixed.105845/

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[Lorryman100]

I had a small drip under the van last year when the pump was running and it was a partially blocked/failing frost valve. I just replaced the unit as it was easy to get to and no more drips.

Rotate valve A a couple of times then press in button B and see if it still leaks.

 

[two]

When you have found where the water is being expelled from (almost certainly a tube poking through the floor), look for a valve of some sort above. It may not be immediately above, but won't be far away. It could well be poorly seated, rather than open, so try opening and closing it repeatedly whilst the pump is running to clear any debris that might be preventing it from closing correctly.

 

[Landy Andy]

If the where the water is coming from is directly below fridge, you can easily remove fridge external grill to check for water

 

[bridgedino]

If the where the water is coming from is directly below fridge, you can easily remove fridge external grill to check for water

Have you poured water down the sink without using a tap? Grab a basin full from the house

 

[kevenh]

Our water leak was from the kitchen tap.
From there the water ran behind the fridge to exit the bodywork near the step
And as we have one pump for kitchen & bathroom taps, we’d get a leak there after using either areas’ taps.
When we knew where to look there was water visible around the inside of the van near the step and on top of the fridge too. The latter we could see easiest with the top fridge vent and cover removed.

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[Manic]

Don’t know what boiler but if Truma, it could be this expansion valve leaking.

<Broken link removed>

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