Fresh Water Pump Screen

[coreychamness]

I can see that the screen on my water pump has white "crud" on it and I would like to clean it. When I attempted to unscrew the cover I found it too tight to remove and I was afraid I would break it if applying a tool. I noticed there was a red button and when I pushed it I was able to remove the entire screen assembly - unfortunately a gusher of water began dumping into the bilge so I immediately put it right back. Is there anything that can be done to be able to clean out the screen without draining the tank? Is it normal for the screw-on cover to be so tight?

Corey

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Corey:

Have you turned the water pressure switch off? Not sure if this helps eliminate the water pressure at the water pump when you take the screen off but I do know it eliminates the pressure when I work on the galley sink screen.

Jim F

 

[stwendl]

If the pump is lower than the tank water level it will just siphon out of the tank even if the pump is off

 

[Levitation]

Your bilge will benefit from the flushing.
I flush my bilge during annual maintenance - in process this week - I usually use the water hose and jack the trailer tongue up so it runs to the stern.
Between that and draining the fresh water tank I end up with the cleanest bilge pumps in town :mrgreen:

And just a suggestion - 3- 5 gallons of white vinegar poured into the fresh water tank with 15 gallons of water, run the faucets till they smell of vinegar then allowed to set for a day or three followed by a fill and drain/flush x 3 will result in a sweet fresh water tank and no white crud, no skinned knuckles, no nuttin honey - what's not to like?

 

[knotflying]

As Jim said, make sure your water pressure switch is off. Water will initially come out, but should subside. Be sre that the orange o-ring is properly seated before screwing the clear plastic cap back on.

 

[The Masons]

I have found its easiest to remove the whole filter assembly by sliding the retainers on the housing so you can wiggle the assembly and remove it (this of course done with the water pressure off). Take the assembly to a fresh water hose and hold the hose so water flushes out the crud. I make it flow through both directions and it washes out all the bits of plastic and other crud that have been trapped. I also discovered this has little effect on flow unless it is very clogged. Most of the slow-flow issues have been caused by screens on the faucets themselves getting clogged. I have installed an inline water filter which does a great job keeping our water tasting fresh and sweet. I also use an R/V filter at the source and therefor start with water already filtered once before it goes into my tanks.

 

[coreychamness]

Perhaps I was too impatient when i previously removed the assembly using the red retainer button/sliders. Water was gushing - even though the water pressure was off. The pump is essentially slightly below the tank exit so I was expecting the water to gush out unless there is a valve or something that prevents. I'll probably just wait until the tank is nearly empty next time.