How to Silence a Noisy Water Pump

[JRTJH]

Many members have complained of a noisy water pump. There are a number of reasons why the pump may be noisy, but here are some of the most common problems and one remedy (in parenthesis):

1. Pump is screwed to tightly to the mount surface compressing the mount pads. (Loosen the pump mounting screws)

2. Plumbing runs are touching the RV framework or cabinetry. (use foam to wrap around the plumbing where it goes through walls/cabinets and where it lays on the floor).

3. Solid PEX used to attach pump to fresh water tank and to plumbing runs. (Replace the solid PEX with flexible pipe to allow pump to vibrate without being attached to a solid pipe)

4. Bad Pump. (replace with a quieter model)

Before you resort to #4, there is one alternative that will probably isolate your pump from the RV and help make it more quiet. All it takes is a couple of hours and some basic skills.

First, gather the materials, cut to size, remove the pump (you'll need it for a template) and make sure you have sufficient adult beverages (only after doing the cutting).....

MATERIALS:
2 pieces of 1/4" plywood 6" x 10"
1 piece of 3/4" mat foam 6" x 10" (dense foam similar to what cushioned floor mats are made of)
Contact Cement (not latex contact cement, but the "real stuff")
4 large head 1/8" bolts 1.5" long with nylon lock nuts (to mount pump)
4 square drive #2 panhead screws (like the ones that were holding the pump originally) 1.5" long.

DIRECTIONS:
Cut the plywood to size and drill 1/2" holes as shown in the top board only. These holes will be used to screw the entire assembly to the floor of the RV.
Mark the top board for bolts to attach the pump mounting feet cushions and temporarily install these bolts in place.
Apply contact cement to both sides of the foam and one side of the top and bottom plywood boards.
Per instructions on the contact cement, allow to dry the appropriate time, then attach foam to the bottom board and then attach the top board to the assembly making sure the pump bolts are in the correct position.
Allow to dry overnight and enjoy the adult beverage stored in previous steps........
Once the effects of the adult beverage have expired and appropriate rest has been obtained (overnight sleep), use the #2 square drive screws to attach the assembly in place on the RV mounting surface. Preferred location is where the pump was previously installed, but this may change slightly depending on requirements. Ensure the screws do not extend through the RV surface and puncture any RV plumbing or electrical runs.
Mount the pump to the top of the assembly using the 4 bolts and nylock nuts. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN, the pump foot cushions should only be slightly depressed.
Electrically connect the pump to the existing wire and reconnect the plumbing runs to the inlet and outlet ports on the pump. NOTE: It is best to use flexible runs to prevent vibration from occurring.
Function test the pump for operation and inspect for any leaks that may be present. Once the installation is verified operationally and there are no leaks, reinstall the access panels. Your pump should be significantly more quiet than before.

[canesfan]

Very nice. Much more elaborate than my usual 4 soft rubber washers/grommets under the feet and the flex hoses.

You need to sticky this.

[therink]

I have always been able to quiet noisy pumps on multiple rvs by locating the source of the noise (usually water hammer causing the line to hammer on floor or edge of holeetc. I find the problem area and then zip tie the hot and cold lines very tight to one another. (they often run parallel to each other). Some areas, I just put a price of foam pipe insulation wrap on line. This usually means removing a drawer or panel to access the aarea. I have also reduced noise by simply removingg pump screws and rating the pump a few degrees until noise is reduced that remounting it in that position. It is just a matter of trial and error and some patience.
I use the pump all the time so a quiet pump is important.