Water system issue

[pvstoy]

Well, folks, I followed the group’s instructions: hooked up to city water opened the tap and shower. Here’s what I found. Sure looks like a cracked manifold to me - can anyone confirm? If so, what type of manifold is it so I can replace it?

Well that is no good. Is that the only leak? It is a starting point to go through the whole system. Freezing water has a way of breaking things and water can pool and hide in a plumbing system.

I have no idea how the newer campers are plumbed and thanks to Sage to point you in a good direction.

Keep us posted and ask more questions along the repair path.

 

[pvstoy]

Just a thought.... If the water pump was pumping water out the outlet, then that leak you showed would be leaking by the water pump pressure. So just be prepared that there still be a issue with the water pump also.

 

[jeffh]

Just a thought.... If the water pump was pumping water out the outlet, then that leak you showed would be leaking by the water pump pressure. So just be prepared that there still be an issue with the water pump also.

I considered that, too. I’ll report back with what I find.

 

[Vic Harder]

and an observation from my camper, if I have two water outlets open, not much water comes out of either.... seems the pump needs to have some "backpressure"? to operate? So, I suspect that manifold leak will prevent the pump from working well. Fix that first and hopefully all will be well.

On another note, 2 manifolds (that I am aware of) failing recently. Must be something "best practice" wise we can pass on to our members in order to avoid this?

 

[pvstoy]

Yes both in cold climates that freezing can occur.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Must be something "best practice" wise we can pass on to our members in order to avoid this?

Maybe the best practice for campers with a manifold should be the pink stuff, a thorough winterization using RV antifreeze.

 

[pvstoy]

I see pictures of the new plumbing and it baffles me as to why it looks so complicated and more parts that might be needed. More parts means more parts that can break. I like it simple.

I can see one manifold with individual lines heading off to each compliance. And it shows as a bunch of water pipes snakes taking up room. For a quick look it might look confusing.

Running plumbing in a house one line is run and tee's along the way branch off. Looks simple.

In the camper if the drain line back into the tank is the low spot, then why not have all lines from there have a slope downward to it. Might help prevent having water in runs that are flat and the volume freezes.

Just chatting....

 

[Andy Douglass]

Well, folks, I followed the group’s instructions: hooked up to city water opened the tap and shower. Here’s what I found. Sure looks like a cracked manifold to me - can anyone confirm? If so, what type of manifold is it so I can replace it?

View attachment 66656

Here is my experience with that manifold a few years ago:

Winterizing.

+1 for bottles. We use a wide mouth 1.5L water bottle (clearly marked) so it has become a His and Hers bottle. ;-) Yup, middle of night, grab the 1 liter wide mouth Nalgene bottle ...can't miss! Wife uses portable Lu that slides nicely under the shelf at rear of Hawk....

www.wanderthewest.com

 

[bworner1991]

You can get the manifold from Four Wheel Camper site. I just replaced mine for same issue. It was much easier than I expected.
Pretty simple after unhooking water pump and moving it out of the way.
There is a hanger with screw (very close to your leak) that frees the manifold.
Then you just use a crescent wrench to loosen each hose and then finger remove.
Replace manifold and install in reverse step order.
Took about an hour for the whole thing.

 

[rubberlegs]

Also, always open the tap before you turn on the pump power switch.

I've not heard of that before. It must be to avoid the power surge when you turn on the pump.

Speaking of that, we blew out numerous fuses with our compressor. And that's a pain when you need to air up. Then I read that you should not turn on the compressor when attached to your tire, but when it's off. We've not blown a fuse since.

 

[kt2872]

Well, folks, I followed the group’s instructions: hooked up to city water opened the tap and shower. Here’s what I found. Sure looks like a cracked manifold to me - can anyone confirm? If so, what type of manifold is it so I can replace it?

View attachment 66656

Wow! this same thing happened to my camper, a 2020 Grandby the first winter that I had the camper. I had winterized my water system by draining and using air to blow the system out. the leak that I found was in the treads where the brass cap is. I was a bit concerned about the plastic manifold and the brass cap and the expansion/contraction rates for the two unlike pieces used. I measured both pieces at 72 degrees F then I froze both down to a temp of 18 degrees F and remeasured both pieces, what i found was that the brass piece contracted at a fairly greater rate than the plastic, which lead me to believe that the brass end piece contracted down and cracked the plastic manifold. it is a real pain to replace the manifolds, as you will find out. I was able to find like plastic end caps on the internet and replaced the brass with those and have not had a problem since.

 

[trexoffroad]

Lots of good info but I still have a similar issue I’m hoping maybe someone has insight that helps.
Mine is a 2023. I just recently bought it and it has sat for some time with no water. This past weekend I filled to check everything and while the pump is primed and pumps water, it doesn’t shut off. It doesn’t even attempt to have enough pressure to trigger the cutoff. I’ve looked and looked for a valve that I might have missed but only see one valve in the water pump area (one going to Girard water heater) The other valve is the actual tank drain at rear of camper by door.
It does provide water pressure to faucet and outdoor shower.
Any ideas before I order a new pump? I’ve looked and looked for any leaks as well and see none anywhere.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

My guess is you have air in the line or a faulty check valve. I’d try connecting to city water, and turn on each faucet, one at a time, letting it run until there’s a steady stream. Do cold first, then hot water. I suspect you have air in the hot water heater.

After doing that, disconnect city water and try the pump again. Cycle your faucet on and off a few times while it’s running.

I have no suggestions for the check valve if the above doesn’t work.