Friday, 30th June 2023
The weather has become much cooler today, only 19c and cloudy.
A quiet morning, reading and coffee.
A pleasant walk, in the early afternoon, and, we make it back to the van, just as the rain starts.
More reading, and, then, during a lull in the rain, the entertainment is watching one of our neighbours attempt to erect their inflatable awning.
They do succeed in getting it erected, but, it takes about 3 hours, and, they do get a soaking, when the rain returns.
Saturday, 1st July 2023
Tanya's birthday today (47), so, "happy birthdays" are duly wished.
The plan for today was to go cycling, but, it is very windy, not cycling weather.
In the event, the day is soon filled, but, not in the most enjoyable way.
To explain:
Modern Caravan and Motorhome water systems (ie taps, shower, toilet flush) work with a pressurised system, to create the flow of water. The pressure is supplied by a 12v electric pump, which 'kicks in" occasionally, to maintain the pressure. Unless water is being drawn (ie via a tap etc), then the pump should be silent, and off. If the pump is periodically "kicking in" when no water is being drawn, this is bad news, it means, there is a leak in the system... somewhere.
This morning, I noticed that the pump was "kicking in" periodically for no apparent reason.
We have a leak, somewhere I thought, or, a tap has been left partially turned on.
A quick check showed all the taps were fully "off", no obvious evident of water leaking onto the floor etc.
A little later, I had cause to open the cupboard under the sink.
I found the leak, or, rather the results of the leak, the cupboard and it's contents were well soaked.
The culprit was found to be the mixer tap in the kitchen area.
The water appeared to be leaking from the base of the tap.
Accessibility is almost none existent.
Fortunately, I had some tools with me.
We emptied the contents of the cupboard, and Kathleen set about drying those items which could be saved, and disposing of those items which were ruined.
With the aid of the internet, I found out how to remove the cutlery drawer, this gave me access to the underside of the kitchen sink, and the waste water pipe, but, I still could not access the tap.
I removed the kitchen sink (with some difficulty), and, the waste water pipework.
I was now able to remove the kitchen tap.
Closer examination showed that the leak was in fact coming from the top of the tap, but, gravity was causing the water to flow down the inside of the tap body, and, emerge at the base.
I suspect the tap needs a new ceramic cartridge (thank you YouTube).
The temporary solution is to re-assemble the sink and waste water system and lay the tap, in the sink, so, the leaking water simply goes down the drain.
Replacing the cartridge will have to wait until we get home, I am sure we can work around the problem for a few days, particularly if we increase our frequency of "eating out".
I am sure, the part could have been ordered online, and, delivered here, but, I am equally sure there will be more than one type, size, etc etc, so, best to wait until I am home.
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