sniffy Posted June 6, 2017 Share Posted June 6, 2017 My water pump stopped pumping but still made a noise. After getting the top hatch off the tank (a previous owner had decided to seal it on really firmly) it appeared the pump had just popped off the end of the pipe. Easy to put back on but only if the pump is put in vertically which means that, unless the tank is kept full all the time which is hardly practicable, only part of it is submerged. Is that right? The pump is a GP9216. I've only recently got the van 2nd hand so don't know if the pump works fine this way or not. I don't want to run it unti I have confirmation that it is OK when not fully submerged. Thanks sniffy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted June 6, 2017 Share Posted June 6, 2017 It may depend on the actual pump but, AFAIK, only the bottom end (where it scavenges for water) of the pump needs to be submerged. However, they don't like being operated dry, as they tend to overeat. You best bet is probably to fill the tank fully, or nearly so, to test run the pump, and then experiment to find the water level at which the pump begins making sucking noises and blowing bubbles from the taps. (Excuse the technical terminology!) That is the point at which to stop using it, until you refill with water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sniffy Posted June 6, 2017 Author Share Posted June 6, 2017 Thanks, Brian - that's the kind of tech talk I can understand. And it has added advantage of being commonsense :-D sniffy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alanb Posted June 6, 2017 Share Posted June 6, 2017 If you want to keep your outlet pipe connected to the pump, you could try using one or two narrow (2.5mm) cable ties to secure the pipe to the pump. Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sniffy Posted June 6, 2017 Author Share Posted June 6, 2017 Alanb - good idea, Thanks Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyishuk Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 The submersible pump inlet should be at the bottom. In my experience the pumps lie in the bottom of the tank or hang down just clear of the bottom so they don't suck up muck from the bottom of the tank. The pump outlet are usually high up, so the tank does not drain itself when full. The pump may be mounted on a flexible tube. I think you wrote the pump is vertical, if so the base or inlet should be just off the bottom of the tank. If it is t'other way round there is something strange going on. Rgds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sniffy Posted June 7, 2017 Author Share Posted June 7, 2017 tonyishuk - yep, that's about it. So now, the issue is how to get the damn pump to stay on the flexible pipe. So long as the pump is resting on the bottom, it's fine. However, the flexible pipe (the outlet pipe that supplies the taps) is not anchored firmly even though a previous owner has attempted, unsuccessfully, to seal it in place with some rubber sealant. Every time the pump comes on. it gives a playful twitch and comes off the pipe. I tried to get a cable tie round it to secure it as suggested but the hole in the top of the tank only permits one hand in at a time so it's impossible to get the necessary purchase to get the tie tight enough. I thought of a hose clamp but that's still not going to be easy one-handed and without being able to see what's going on. Any suggestions for a suitable clamp, grip or similar? My feeling at the moment is a new tank fitted by a professional but I can see £££ signs floating in front of me if I go that way :-( sniffy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crocs Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 Is it possible to: 1. Pull the outlet pipe through the hatch, connect to pump and re-insert complete assembly? OR 2. Follow the outlet pipe to where it splits in different directions, cut off and replace with new pipe that is long enough to do 1.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyishuk Posted June 8, 2017 Share Posted June 8, 2017 A passing thought, would a whale pipe connector clip onto the end in the tank, from the connector some pipe to the pump? The original must have had some firm fitting that enabled pump mahintenance, Rgds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alanb Posted June 8, 2017 Share Posted June 8, 2017 As an alternative to the sensible suggestions above, you could consider using an angled bulkhead fitting with hose barbs on each end. This would involve enlarging the hole in the tank, but would allow sealing to the tank hence preventing possible water leakage at this point. Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will86 Posted June 9, 2017 Share Posted June 9, 2017 The makers don't state submersible if halfway will do ! Its all very well suggesting for the water to cover the lower part of the pump but assuming the 'pumping system is on when travelling, the water level will be changing like a storm at sea and be rapidly pumping air with the consequence of the pump overheating. A check on the level when leaving home may also be nothing like where you are parked for the night. Will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sniffy Posted June 9, 2017 Author Share Posted June 9, 2017 Some good suggestions, folks, for me to work on - thanks a lot. Firstly, I'm going to try another bit of brain-picking. I have a plumber working in the house who is also a caravanner. He's taken a interest as a fellow camper and is planning to have a look this afternoon when he's finished in the kitchen. He thinks he may have some ideas. Got to be an idea to make use of a plumber when you're dealing with water and pipes even if he is really a domestic expert rather than a MH/caravan specialist. If he come up with anything useful and workable, I'll report back. sniffy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alanb Posted June 9, 2017 Share Posted June 9, 2017 Will86 - 2017-06-09 9:49 AM The makers don't state submersible if halfway will do ! Its all very well suggesting for the water to cover the lower part of the pump but assuming the 'pumping system is on when travelling, the water level will be changing like a storm at sea and be rapidly pumping air with the consequence of the pump overheating. A check on the level when leaving home may also be nothing like where you are parked for the night. Will I am sorry Will86, but the description submersible means that the pump motor has been sealed to prevent the ingress of water. It does not have to be submersed except perhaps to assist in cooling the motor, particularly if it has been over rated in order to reduce overall size. Submersible pumps are usually of the impellor type (axial or centrifugal), as distinct from positive displacement piston or diaphragm pumps. Impellor pumps do not create much suction and hence function best when the impellor is submerged. Some "submersible" pumps are equipped with a hose barb inside the inlet strainer, and can therefore be operated with a piped inlet, but the pump should be below the water level in the tank. I would not expect a MH pump to be operating while travelling. Where is the water being used? Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will86 Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 Great. I learn something every day/. Just my thoughts. Will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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