Water problems

Dbraw · 09-30-2002, 06:32 AM

After four months of restoration on our 1971 23' Safari, we took it out for a nice weekend and just got back yesterday. Everything went good except the water supply. I need some advice on figuring out how to fix the problem.
When I hooked up to city water, there was a big leak from above the belly pan just behind the wheel on the street side. When I used the water pump and the instead of hooking up the city water, water came out of the city water connector. I had replaced the water pump recently and hooked the input and output lines correctly. The pump works fine and furnishes water when we need it, but water still comes out the city water fitting.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Dan

**Chuck** · 09-30-2002, 06:51 AM

Sounds like the "check-valve" might be the problem. I'm told that on my '73, its right in that vicinity, although I haven't had a chance to check it out myself yet. I was having some leakage out the city water connection when running the pump, too. It was just a dribble; when the pump was activiated, it would pressurize the system and shut off ok; but then it would come on in about 3 minutes, re-pressurize the lines, then shut off.

anyway, seems to make sense that the check valve could be a "weak spot", not preventing back-flow from the pump, and leaking from the city pressure.

Dbraw · 09-30-2002, 11:59 AM

Chuck,
Thanks for the reply. What should be done to the check valve? Also how do I identify it? My pump acts like the one you described.

Dan

**Chuck** · 09-30-2002, 12:32 PM

I don't know what it looks like, as I haven't actually laid eyes on it myself

, but I'm sure you'll know it when you see it. at least, that is my plan. look for something with 1/2 inch copper line connected to it on both ends, and that is dripping water!

LOL!it needs to be removed and replaced. It may be a standard thing that can be had from any repair place. I seem to remember someone actually posting an AS part number that they got out of their service manual. (I gotta buy one of those, too).

uwe · 09-30-2002, 03:38 PM

Hi Dan,

I had the exact same problem like you when hooked to city water. I found the following problems:
The water drip when using the pump was caused by a defective one way valve somewhere in the system. I purchased a new hose connection and screwed it on the city water input pipe, and it took care of the problem. The hose connection has a one way valve in it, plus a cap so you can close it off while travelling. I found it at Camping world.
The other situation was a overpressure valve doing it's job. I am referring ot the drip behind the rear wheel. The trailer has a valve with a hose attached to it next to the water heater. If the city water pressure gets too high, then the relief valve will let off excessive pressure, resulting in a drip behind the left rear wheel. It is doing it's job...... So, I solved this by using an outside pressure regulator right at the faucet, before the hose that goes to the trailer. This way the hose is protected as well.
Ideally one should remove and clean the pressure regulator and relief valve on an older trailer. I will do this when camping season is over. One or the other items will probably need replacing.

Dbraw · 09-30-2002, 04:25 PM

Thanks for the advice. Is the relief valve hose a small clear rubber hose? I have seen one back there but didn't know the purpose. Also, where is the relief valve? I can see a brass barrel shaped item in back or the water heater. It is about one and a half inches in diameter and about two inches long, connected to the copper supply line. How do you clean it?
Dan

uwe · 09-30-2002, 04:58 PM

Yes, the relief valve has a drain hose on it. At least mine does.......
It needs to be taken out to be cleaned, most likely it's got years of crud and deposits from hard water on it. I am not sure how yours is mounted, mine must be de-soldered and re-soldered to go in and out. I am going to score some random pipe and learn how to do this. The pressure regulator is the bulb type looking thing with the screw and the tab on it. This, too might need cleaning and adjusting. This unit has flange fittings on it, so it can be unscrewed. You might check if the drip actually comes out of this clear hose, or if something else is leaking. Mine only leakes when the water pressure is very high, like in some of the county parks we go to.
There is a thread on this with pictures.
Good luck!

BobbyW · 09-30-2002, 06:43 PM

Maybe this can help as a "Go By" Example. From my '65.

-BobbyWright

Dbraw · 10-01-2002, 06:12 AM

What a wonderful thing this Forum is. I feel like I have all the Airstream mechanics right here in my back yard. Thanks for the advice and expecially the photo. I now know what the plumbing things are back by the water heater. Now just got to go fix them.
Dan

davidz71 · 10-01-2002, 06:47 PM

Dan,
If I remember correctly, Inland RV Andy mentioned in an earlier thread that there are at least 2 check valves between the pump and the city water connection. I have a PAR pump and had been making my city water connection at my hose reel just behind the roadside rear wheels of my 31' Excella 500. After someone told me that the other female hose connection just in front of my grey/blackwater drain was also a city water connection, I tried it. That's exactly what is was; however, once I disconnected the hose, water would run out that connection at a slow rate when I used the pump. My guess was that at least the checkvalve near the rear hose connection had developed a tear or crumbled once I made that connection. I have not put in a new checkvalve yet but have used a plastic male hose plug found at a garden center to prevent water from going out that way. Cheap fix until later.

Dbraw · 10-02-2002, 06:15 AM

Craig,
Thanks for the info. I like the idea of just plugging the water inlet to stop the drip. When we got home, I hooked up our garden hose to the city water inlet and had no problem with water overflow. It must have been excessive pressure at the campground up at Defeated Creek.
Better start scouting for deer and cleaning your muzzle loader. Won't be long.
We hunt down in Linclon County, lot of deer.
Dan

Dbraw · 10-25-2002, 03:42 PM

Took out our leaking and not working water heater and trashed it. Then just connected the inlet and outlet of the hot water line with a length of stainless braided line until I can find a good price on a water heater. In doing the repairs I noticed a lead at the top of the relief valve, it was rusted and the top was open. Can't find one locally so just plugged the fitting with a threaded brass plug after removing the valve. Is there any problem using the water system like this? I will be using an inline pressure guage at the water spicket in campgrounds.
Dan

hobanfamily · 06-24-2007, 04:56 PM

Hello Everone! This is my first time on this site and I have been an Airstream owner for two days! I couldn't be happier! My family just got a 1976 Sovereign. It's beautiful! But, I feel totally defeated in understanding what I need to do to take care of her. After reading so many posts....... I'm afraid I can't properly care for her. Any suggestions for books, manuals, etc? Thanks!

Inland RV Center, In · 06-28-2007, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobanfamily

Hello Everone! This is my first time on this site and I have been an Airstream owner for two days! I couldn't be happier! My family just got a 1976 Sovereign. It's beautiful! But, I feel totally defeated in understanding what I need to do to take care of her. After reading so many posts....... I'm afraid I can't properly care for her. Any suggestions for books, manuals, etc? Thanks!

You can purchase a "service manual" from a few dealers, such as us.

Andy