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Newbie
Joined: Oct 13, 2008
Posts: 4
Caravan: ACE Tycoon ABI
Towcar:Citroen Picasso
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 Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 12:55 pm Post subject: Leaking hot tap. |
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As a newbie to caravanning and forums I apologise in advance for any gaffs. A few weeks back I replaced the pressure release valve on my 1993 ABI Ace's Carver water heater because I found the plastic thread had aged and was cracked and leaking. All seemed fine on the next trip out but when using the kitchen hot tap on the following trip it continues to trickle water even after switching off the tap. It is a micro switch system and when the tap is turned off the pump does go off so I don't think it's a faulty micro-switch. The water continues as a slow trickle (much less than when pumped) until it eventually goes to a drip. I don't have any technical knowledge of caravans or the water system and so would appreciate advice as to what may be causing the water to continue trickling out of the tap. It appears that the hot water system is under pressure and continues to trickle/drip until the all pressure has been expelled. Replacing the pressure relief valve may be a red-herring but it seems to much of a coincidence. I was wondering if some debris might be trapped in a valve somewhere. Any suggestions appreciated including whether this question should be in the tech/mech forum. Thanks in advance. |
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gwc
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Joined: Jun 13, 2008
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Location: Creswell, Worksop, Notts
Caravan: What ever is in stock ...... Not a lot at the moment!
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Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 3:55 pm Post subject: |
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Hi and welcome
Sounds like the tap is continuing to trickle because the valve in the tap is either worn, damaged or has some debris in it. It will need stripping if possible to see what’s in there or replacing.
Because of the size of the hot water system and due to the increase in temp and therefore pressure, sometimes there will be a pressure build up but if the tap is OK then the pressure should not be enough to cause the tap to leak.
If you can post an image of the tap we might be able to give you more help.
Regards
GWC |
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zaskar
Weekender
Joined: Jul 17, 2008
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Location: Cheshire
Caravan: Abbey Spectrum 535
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Referred By: Outdoor Bits
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Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 3:56 pm Post subject: Re: Leaking hot tap. |
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What sort of taps have you got (as in, how does the "on/off, hot/cold functions work.
Just repaired a similar fault on my cousins 'van. On those taps, they are chrome finish with a large handle on top which you raise/lower for on/off and swivel for hot/cold.
On this type, the fix was.................
1. Using a sharp blade, carefully prise out the red and blue marker plastic out of the top handle.
2. Underneath these, you will find a phillips screw which when unscrewed will allow removal of the tap handle.
3. Look down inside the tap body and you will find a thin brass locking ring, about 1.50" in diameter and with 2 flats on it.
The inner tap body is in 2 halves of white plastic with a rubber gasket between the two.
Using a pair of snipe (long) nosed pliers, carefully tighten up the brass ring (if it will) being careful not to overtighten. This MIGHT reseal the two halves of th tap together.
In my case, this was not enough.
I had to remove the brass locking ring and thin washer underneath. This then allowed me to remove and separate the two inner halves of the tap body where upon I found the rubber gasket to be covered in calcium type deposits, probably due to long term leakage (bless my Cousin!  )
Once this gasket was cleaned up, a THIN layer of sealant applied and the tap rebuilt, the leak was cured.
Its a bit of a fiddly job and care is needed not to be cack handed due to all the brittle plastic involved but considering the ridiculous price of a replacement tap, it's worth the 3/4 hour or so of work. IMHO!
H.T.H |
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Why should I have 2.4 kids, a semi and a Mondeo, just cos its the done thing?
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gwc
Rally-er
Joined: Jun 13, 2008
Posts: 149
Location: Creswell, Worksop, Notts
Caravan: What ever is in stock ...... Not a lot at the moment!
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Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 10:05 am Post subject: |
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You are going to have fun with these!
What you need to do is with a large flat bladed screw driver, prise the knob off very carefully, trying not to crack it! This can be done with the tap in situe.
You will find inside a screw that operates a plunger that shuts off the water supply at the same time as activating the microswitch. It might be that the "O" rings have perished on the plunger or some one has had it to pieces before and not reassembled correctly. That is the fun bit. When you reassemble you have to make sure that everything is in the correct position so the switch operates when the valve closes.
There is no easy way to explain how to set the tap up; it's just trial and error until you get the knack!
Good luck
GWC |
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broadclose
Newbie
Joined: Oct 13, 2008
Posts: 4
Caravan: ACE Tycoon ABI
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Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 11:00 am Post subject: |
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Thanks GWC, I'll have a go at the weekend when I've got plenty of time.
Thanks zaskar for the instructions but looks like I have a different tap to the one you fixed.
Any other tips and tricks appreciated from anyone otherwise I will update next week as to what I find and either my success or failure. |
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zaskar
Weekender
Joined: Jul 17, 2008
Posts: 21
Location: Cheshire
Caravan: Abbey Spectrum 535
Towcar:Kia Sorento
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Referred By: Outdoor Bits
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broadclose
Newbie
Joined: Oct 13, 2008
Posts: 4
Caravan: ACE Tycoon ABI
Towcar:Citroen Picasso
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Referred By: Google
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Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:57 am Post subject: |
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Quick update. I could not remove tap tops without damaging the plastic tap body even after removing the taps from the van. Visit to local caravan dealer found exactly same taps and the guy said there are no serviceable parts on my model of tap (so that made me feel a bit less of a failure). Purchased and fitted new taps. Your diagnosis of the fault was correct, the hot tap valve/seal was faulty because I could blow air (from my mouth) through the hot tap inlet even when the tap was in the closed position but couldn't blow air through the cold water side. New tap fitted and no more dribbling/dripping hot tap. Many thanks for all you help, advice and speedy responses to my question. |
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