Hopefully not an expensive mistake

We put it down as one of those absent minded errors when not fully aware of what one is doing. I'm outside cleaning off the muck from previous outing in the freezing wind and my wife inside making it cosy with regard to heating etc. After about 15 minutes, she opens the window to advise me that the fan? is making a funny noise. Due to the endurance test I'm experiencing outside, I dismiss her concern. It is only when I take refuge inside to get the feeling back to my hands I discover the pump is in operation so immediately switch it off. Of course this is definitely a big no no. Holding onto the slight comfort that the pump was seemingly operating correctly at the point of switching it off. Hoping not any damage done but we will do a refill of fresh water tank on Friday to see if all systems are correct. Will let you know the outcome, fingers crossed.

Opps.  

Is it a submersible or bulkhead mounted diaphragm pump?

If the latter you will more than likely have got away with it.

Dave

If it is an " in tank" type of pump and is toast, it is not such a disaster. It is well worth having a hatch put in the tank then in future it becomes a quick job to clean the tank and gauge points or replace the pump.
Take a look at [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] not a huge job.

Hi, user manual reveals it is a Whale submersible water pump fitted in the freshwater tank. Hey ho, here's hoping. Despite the ill treatment, it might have survived to receive acclaim and brownie points.
Colin

Our 2014 Broadway EB came with a tank hatch fitted so I've bought a spare pump and carry it with the van.

John.

Hi John, thanks for the info, will look for tank hatch (is it somewhere immediately under the removable carpet?) on our 2013 Broadway FB. Oh! hallelujah if it has. Looked at whale submersible pumps on web, illustration appears to be similar to the whale watermaster fresh water filler, simply dangles in the fresh water tank? If this is correct, I will be obliged to know type and model no. you carry as a spare.
Regards Colin

Hi Colin on our Broadway the tank hatch is underneath the van in the centre of tank.

This is the proper whale pump which pumps 13 litres per minute.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

There is the cheaper whale pump approx. £12 this pumps 10 litre per minute.

John.

Ever brighter sky on the horizon John, grateful thanks and replacement won't break the bank. Assume hatch visible on underside of tank that is easily removed to reveal the pump that is dangling from it's electrical wiring?
Colin

Am very relieved and happy to report that the water pump despite running dry for some 15 minutes performed perfectly this afternoon. Made doubly sure by running the shower for 2-3 mins producing adequate power. Thank you all for your advice.

Well done, what a relief for you now relax, a lesson learnt is how we all learn is it not?

Thank you daisy mae, certainly a lucky break considering number of warning statements that suggest pump damage is certain if run dry. Time will tell if performance and reliability has been compromised but as you say, can relax and plan for the first tour in the van.
Regards Colin

daisy mae wrote:Well done, what a relief for you now relax, a lesson learnt is how we all learn is it not?

Yes ... 

... but only if we live long enough!!    

Yes indeed Dutto, you have a point. Us mostly pensioners (or near to) can wonder how many good years are left to persue our passion of motorhoming. Forever looking over your shoulder when the DVLA come knocking can be a sombre thought. However, in the meantime we all are not concerned are we, for today and all other days relaxing with our van are going to be great!