Pump Problems

Last week was the first time we used the Palouse Caboose for camping. We've always had an issue with the water pump that prevented leaving the pump switch on the entire time we were using the trailer. Last year, about once a minute the pump would cycle, as if it had a loss of pressure due to a leak. I couldn't locate a leak, however, and dealt with the issue by just switching the pump on whenever we wanted to use the water (sink, flush toilet). Last weekend, however, the problem was noticeably worse. The pump would try to cycle ever 5 seconds or so. Very annoying, especially if the toilet was used at night, since the pump is located directly beneath my head, and Lynne's turning the pump switch on would invariably wake me up.

I spent a little time today troubleshooting the system and, voila!, I located the problem. When the pump is switched on, I found water leaking down the side of the trailer from the fresh water inlet valve. So, now that the problem is isolated, I can set about fixing it. Unfortunately, it's Memorial Day and I'm sure the local RV Emporium, Smiley's RV, is closed, so the repair will have to wait until next weekend.