[woodsyowl]

This topic has probably been addressed somehwere here, but I could not find a specific reference to this problem and complaint, so I seek help from experts here.

Problem: Two burned out demand pumps in two years. Cause uncertain, but suspect pump switch on bulkhead under sink gets accidentally switched on and runs for long period without water. Pump literature says running without water will not burn out pump, but I wonder about that. First pump was a FloJet. Latest burnout a Shurflo, although it does run, just doesn't produce enough suction to pump water.

Why does Casita put this switch right in a spot where it is sure to get turned on by accident? And, has anyone relocated this switch and if so, where? And, finally, what else could be causing these pumps to go bad? Filters are clean, no obstructions found....????

Thanks in advance for any help on these questions.
dj

[Rob and Linda]

Good morning, DJ...

I relocated our water pump switch to the wall on the right side of the refrigerator... it is easily reached from the kitchen and the bathroom, and since it is "right on the way" as we enter and exit the Casita, it's easy for us to check whether it is ON or OFF.

I am using a ten-dollar (!) switch that I bought at Ace Hardware that has a removable toggle. With the toggle removed. the switch cannot be turned on. We habitually remove the toggle between trips.

Cheers,

Rob

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This post has been edited by Rob and Linda: 31 January 2012 - 08:52 AM

[Don in OKC]

There has been a lot of talk about this in the past.

The solution is to install a lighted switch. Many RVs have em.

It doesn't 'cure' the problem, but it will draw your attention to when the pump 'might' run....according to the pressure in the water line. It easily goes un-noticed when you're putting the Casita away for a time.

All that's involved is to buy a lighted switch, $2-3. (Ace Hdwe) and run an extra wire from the switch to 'ground'.

====

Ha, ha.....looks like Rob and I had our replies going at about the same time.....but he surely types faster.

The new wire goes to the the switch and causes the light to come on when the switch is 'on'. The other two wires go to the same place on the new switch. There should be a little diagram with the switch.

The lighted switch really helps.

The light comes on whether the pump is running or not. It's to alert you that 'IF' the water pressure in the system drops, the water pump WILL run.......and run until the pressure returns to shut it 'off', or you wake up and turn the switch 'off'.

Very helpful!

---

Harold; thank you for posting. I wasn't aware that my pluses and minuses were backwards. I think it's fixed now.

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This post has been edited by Don in OKC: 31 January 2012 - 08:53 AM

[Us burros]

I'm slow.

The switch is where it is probably for convenience, convenient place for Casita to install it and convenient place for user to reach.

It could be relocated, requiring rerouting the wiring and doing something about the existing cutout.

Some type of "bump protection" could be installed over the switch, such as a pull handle, that one would accidentally hit before hitting the switch.

It could be replaced with a lighted rocker switch, requiring the adding of ground wire to the new switch. The "lighted when on" feature helps remind you, but may be a problem if you like to leave the water pump on at night.

If you want a really obnoxious reminder, install a less than $1 blinking LED, with the lens mount, requiring a hole being drilled near the existing switch and adding a ground for the LED.

No matter what they say, I had to replace a burned up bearing in our Shurflo and I know the pump had been left on for several hours without it being primed

Harold

This post has been edited by usburros: 31 January 2012 - 09:21 AM

[Indy-hp]

Personally, I think the bump protection is the simplest answer. Just mount a small drawer pull over the switch.

[frkbrown]

LittleHouseCustoms.com (Debbie & Larry) has lighted switches on their web page, along with many other handy items for Casita mods, including a lighted water heater switch. The pricing is good and they deliver right away, along with clear installation instructions and photos. I installed both of these switches recently and am very pleased with them.

Rock on!

FB

[RX]

The LittleHouseCustoms.com, lighted switch as an excellent option. And as Frank said, they get it sent out immediately and extremely reliable. We also had problems with it switching on and not realizing it. Many years ago, before Larry came up with the lighted switch resolve we put a cover over the switch. It has an opening on one side for you to turn it on or off and it does not happen on its own. The switch from The LittleHouseCustoms.com is a better solution for visual awareness. The other awitch in the picture is for a light under the sink.

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This post has been edited by RX: 31 January 2012 - 12:34 PM

[jerry-go-see]

Some added info
The Casita manual pg 22 showes a suctions side factory install water filter. I believe its located behind the 45 deg panel located under the dinette table at floor level. Its well AWAY from the water pump, but on the suction line to the pump. I would check and make sure no restriction is here. I haven't looked or verified that the filter is there yet in my casita, so maybe someone else can say for sure its there.

[Dennis The Menace]

woodsyowl, on 31 January 2012 - 06:49 AM, said:

This topic has probably been addressed somehwere here, but I could not find a specific reference to this problem and complaint, so I seek help from experts here.

Problem: Two burned out demand pumps in two years. Cause uncertain, but suspect pump switch on bulkhead under sink gets accidentally switched on and runs for long period without water. Pump literature says running without water will not burn out pump, but I wonder about that. First pump was a FloJet. Latest burnout a Shurflo, although it does run, just doesn't produce enough suction to pump water.

Why does Casita put this switch right in a spot where it is sure to get turned on by accident? And, has anyone relocated this switch and if so, where? And, finally, what else could be causing these pumps to go bad? Filters are clean, no obstructions found....????

Thanks in advance for any help on these questions.
dj

I stole this idea .Drawer pulls.Home Depot. 45cents

[Muttley]

Dennis draw pull solution has worked for us on 2 Casitas. I also installed a lighted switch which fit in the same hole as the original. I required a ground wire which was simple to connect.