2011 BC 3250TS water pump loud, spurty pressure

[jovol]

Hello, a couple months ago I bought a used BC 3250TS. Overall in good shape. I've got it set up on a property I'm starting to develop, and I'm transitioning to living in it full-time. I've noticed the water pressure tends to be "spurty". I thought when I got it it was just air in the line, but the problem has persisted. When I go to turn on the water, it initially flows well, but after I hear the pump kick on it gets spurty. I also think the pump is probably too loud. I opened up the access panels this evening to check it out... inlet mesh filter was fine, no obvious leaks or cracked lines... The system was winterized when I bought it (flushed out all the anti-freeze), so I'm relatively confident there are no cracked lines (although the outdoor shower handle leaks like a sieve...)

Perhaps related, although not sure (this is my first camper ever): when filling the fresh water tank, I had to go at a real slow flow, otherwise it would overflow the inlet and spill everywhere. Maybe this is expected? It has a label describing is as a "gravity fed" inlet, but I don't really know what they mean by that?

John

 

[danemayer]

Hi John,

2011 BC rigs do have a gravity feed fill for the water tank. That means the feed should not be pressurized as overfilling the tank could cause a rupture. So yes, you do have to fill it slowly. There's a small vent next to the entry opening and it's common for water to get into the vent tubing. That can cause backups and overflow as you try to add water. If you place a short piece of hose or tubing over that vent and blow, you can clear out any water to help the process.

You'll want to doublecheck the winterization valve in the Universal Docking Center (UDC). If it's partially open, you'll suck air through the pump, reducing water flow. And you might doublecheck the plastic strainer bowl on the suction side of the water pump. If not properly winterized, the bowl could have a crack, compromising the pump. Also make sure pump fittings are finger tight.

You might find our collection of owner-written user guides helpful. The Water System Guide may answer some questions for you.

 

[jovol]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm going to give some of those docs a read!

It would make sense if something was clogging the vent line, I'll give it a puff of air tomorrow.

Here's a picture of the UDC: https://photos.app.goo.gl/viFijYGGSvTgRvJg7 valves are in the right position.
Here's a video of me running the outdoor shower: https://photos.app.goo.gl/fGzvpfR68sqeVYJk6
You'll see what I mean about good initial flow, followed by spurty flow when the pump kicks on. You can also hear the pump running, maybe someone could give me insight as to if that is loud or normal. I have a similar water pump (flojet) on my woodmizer sawmill and it isn't that loud, but perhaps the majority of the noise is the vibrations of the plywood base.

 

[danemayer]

Your pump seems to be running for a longer than normal (in my experience) after shutting off the faucet. It should keep running for a second or maybe two until the pressure in the water lines is restored. As the pressure builds, the pressure switch in the pump is activated and the pump shuts off. The lag time after you open the faucet, until the pump starts, also seems a bit long. That suggests that a fair amount of water has to leave the water lines before the low limit of the pressure switch is reached, turning the pump ON. I think the high pressure adjustment inside the pump might be set too a little too high. Here's a link to some of the Shurflo pump documents. The Standard Pump (2088/2093) shows on page 3, where the adjustment screw is located. If that's not the model in your rig, you might want to search for your pump model to see how it's adjusted.

It's hard to tell if the pump is uncharacteristically noisy. It does sound loud, but most of them sound pretty loud inside the trailer, with everything buttoned up. Some people find the variable speed pumps to be quieter as they run at a slower speed when you only need a little water.

Here are some links to what one owner did to get a quieter water pump.

Platform to Quiet the Water Pump - Version 1
Version 2
Version 3
Mount to Stop Water Lines Around Pump from Moving
Another Idea
Add ShuFlo Silencing Kit
Version 4

 

[jovol]

Hey there, I'm sure I can figure out which screw is the adjustment, but I did want to read whatever manual you were referencing. Page 3 of which manual?

 

[danemayer]

Hey there, I'm sure I can figure out which screw is the adjustment, but I did want to read whatever manual you were referencing. Page 3 of which manual?

Sorry, I must have forgotten to put in the link. Here it is.

 

[jovol]

Thank you!

Should the pump cycle at all if I leave a faucet full open? I made a small adjustment. The pump runs for about 10 sec during full flow, turns off for about 3-4, runs for 10, repeat. (using the bathroom sink)

 

[danemayer]

Thank you!

Should the pump cycle at all if I leave a faucet full open? I made a small adjustment. The pump runs for about 10 sec during full flow, turns off for about 3-4, runs for 10, repeat. (using the bathroom sink)

I replaced my pump with a variable speed model, but I think the original pump ran pretty much continuously while a faucet was open.

Maybe your faucet isn't allowing as much water to flow as the pump is pushing. That would cause the pressure to build up and the pump shut off for a few seconds.

 

[jovol]

I dialed the adjustment back a little bit and I’m happy with it Now. I ordered a replacement pump two weeks ago incase it needed a new pump. I can probably send that back. There was a connection behind the udc that had a small leak and I think was letting air in the line. Replaced that hose and the water pressure is consistent now. Thanks for your help!