Continuous drain from fresh water

[casa3805]

Just bought a 27 ft, 1984, rear bath, Sovereign. We took it on its Maiden Voyage this past week. Hooked up city water and immediately noticed water draining out a drain tube under the rear. 3 tubes there. Two had valves that would allow for winter draining but the tube the water was coming from seemed to head up the left side towards the fresh water tank.
Never could get it to stop so had to disconnect city water and use fresh water tank and water pump when we needed to flush or wash. Dripped when not being pressurized but turned into a steady stream if pump was on or city water hooked up. Still had a great time, just put a drip pan underneath and emptied occasionally.
Any thoughts as to the cause? Where do I look?

[NevadaGeo]

I bet there's another valve on that drain line, just hidden and in an odd place. Mine are oddly placed.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by casa3805

Just bought a 27 ft, 1984, rear bath, Sovereign. We took it on its Maiden Voyage this past week. Hooked up city water and immediately noticed water draining out a drain tube under the rear. 3 tubes there. Two had valves that would allow for winter draining but the tube the water was coming from seemed to head up the left side towards the fresh water tank.
Never could get it to stop so had to disconnect city water and use fresh water tank and water pump when we needed to flush or wash. Dripped when not being pressurized but turned into a steady stream if pump was on or city water hooked up. Still had a great time, just put a drip pan underneath and emptied occasionally.
Any thoughts as to the cause? Where do I look?

The high pressure pop off valve, is the problem.

The output from it goes to that 3rd drain line.

It's a brass valve that's tied into the water system, and the number on top if it says 111.

Andy

[casa3805]

wow, quicker response than I could have hoped for. I believe I found the valve and it is pretty accessible. Does not have a 111 stamped on it but it is a brass pressure valve with the words "Unless otherwise stamped, pressure regulated to 125", and of course it is stamped to say "60". So the initial surge from the water hookup probably blew this out. Hopefully these are readily available at local hardware stores. Will write back when I change it out an test. Thanks Andy! Thanks Airstream Forums!
Chuck

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by casa3805

wow, quicker response than I could have hoped for. I believe I found the valve and it is pretty accessible. Does not have a 111 stamped on it but it is a brass pressure valve with the words "Unless otherwise stamped, pressure regulated to 125", and of course it is stamped to say "60". So the initial surge from the water hookup probably blew this out. Hopefully these are readily available at local hardware stores. Will write back when I change it out an test. Thanks Andy! Thanks Airstream Forums!
Chuck

You may not find that pop off valve at a hardware store, but they are very common to Airstreams.

A few Airstream dealers have it.

Andy

[casa3805]

I'll check a plumbing supply house here in Corpus Christi and then check back with you to see if Inland RV Center is one of the few that have it and will ship. I should also have a pressure regulator that I install in the line I imagine, so should that be about a 60 lb to 40 lb or something in that range?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by casa3805

I'll check a plumbing supply house here in Corpus Christi and then check back with you to see if Inland RV Center is one of the few that have it and will ship. I should also have a pressure regulator that I install in the line I imagine, so should that be about a 60 lb to 40 lb or something in that range?

Your Airstream already has a pressure regulator.

However, for maximum protection, some owners install a pressure regulator, at the faucet. That then protects the water hose, as well as a backup for the trailer.

Yes, we maintain a nice inventory of many parts.

Andy

[azflycaster]

The pop off valve might be working as designed since you don't have a problem when using the water pump. Most water pumps regulate the water at around 45 pounds which is well under the 60 pound limit for the pop off valve. If the water regulator is not working or out of adjustment you might have too much pressure in the system causing the pop off valve to open.

A simple test would be to install an inline regulator on the hose connection and see if water still drains from the system.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

The pop off valve might be working as designed since you don't have a problem when using the water pump. Most water pumps regulate the water at around 45 pounds which is well under the 60 pound limit for the pop off valve. If the water regulator is not working or out of adjustment you might have too much pressure in the system causing the pop off valve to open.

A simple test would be to install an inline regulator on the hose connection and see if water still drains from the system.

I agree.

And much easier than changing the valve, too.

Andy

[casa3805]

Thanks to both, my fault for not giving complete info. While I was able to continue camping with minimal effects using the pump, it still dripped continuously after the initial blow out by the faucet connection. I can turn the pump on, use the toilet or sink, but it also creates a stream of water thru the drain. When I turn the pump off it reduces to a light drip.
Chuk

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by casa3805

Thanks to both, my fault for not giving complete info. While I was able to continue camping with minimal effects using the pump, it still dripped continuously after the initial blow out by the faucet connection. I can turn the pump on, use the toilet or sink, but it also creates a stream of water thru the drain. When I turn the pump off it reduces to a light drip.
Chuk

Ahh, back to post # 3.

Andy

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by casa3805

Thanks to both, my fault for not giving complete info. While I was able to continue camping with minimal effects using the pump, it still dripped continuously after the initial blow out by the faucet connection. I can turn the pump on, use the toilet or sink, but it also creates a stream of water thru the drain. When I turn the pump off it reduces to a light drip.
Chuk

Sounds like the pop off valve...

[casa3805]

LOL if it wasn't Sunday I would be out searching.

[casa3805]

I just had a senior moment I think. I believe the valve I found was actually the pressure regulator. (That is why it is stamped "60") Where the heck would the pop off valve be hidden?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by casa3805

I just had a senior moment I think. I believe the valve I found was actually the pressure regulator. (That is why it is stamped "60") Where the heck would the pop off valve be hidden?

Near it.

Andy

[casa3805]

Ignore last post. Being old is tuff, being stupid is tuffer.