Water Pump Malfunction

[capnlmk]

When we dewinterized this spring and refilled the water tank on my 2016 R25SC, the water pump didn't seem to be functioning properly. It made more noise than usual, with considerable vibration and the hot and cold water pressure in the cabin was little more than a thin stream.

Thinking the pump might not have primed properly after being dry all winter, we did the trick of stuffing a towel around the water fill port and then forcing water into the tank, in an effort to force water into the pump. Tried this approach a couple of times, but it didn't make any difference.

So, we do have cabin water, both hot and cold, but with a lot of pump noise and not much pressure. I am reluctant to run the pump, not wanting to harm it -- so I leave the pressure water turned off. Suggestions for what we should do next would be most appreciated.

 

[baz]

The pump making a lot of noise sounds to me that it's trying but there's a blockage somewhere. The pump obviously is working (maybe as best it can) as you do get a small water stream coming out.

I assume your water system was in perfect order prior to winterizing, right ?

 

[ALICE J]

I had an issue of low pressure and found that I had a leak in the o-ring on the intake take side of the pump. I was sucking air. Took the whole filter assembly off, rinsed thoroughly in fresh water the filter, canister and o-ring; carefully inserted the o-ring and all was well in the RT world. As I recall I had taken the filter off for routine cleaning and some how dirt had become lodged on the seal, and was itsy bitsy, teny winey, tiny speck that was the culprit.

 

[Brian B]

As Alice J wrote it very well could be sucking air. I had a similar problem after cleaning the pumps filter screen. If all the parts are not seated just right it will suck air. Also check the clear plastic screw on cap for any cracks. Do you add RV antifreeze to the system when you winterize? If you do the pump should not have been dry, it would have the antifreeze in it.

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hello,

First thing I would make sure is the water filter and gasket are on correctly. Second thing I would do is disconnect the intake hose to the pump (no tools required) and blow air back into the tank. Connect everything and try again. I had this issue recently and it was a pretty easy fix to get it going.

Thank you!

 

[capnlmk]

Thanks, all. I've got several things I can try now. I appreciate all your suggestions.

 

[Irish Mist]

If you disconnect the output side and switch the pump on you can see immediately if it is the pump or beyond.. If it flows great with lots of pressure then you have blockage up stream.

 

[capnlmk]

Done and done!
I followed Andrew Custis' advice, checked and cleaned the filter and blew out the input hose with my air compressor. It worked. Now I have plenty of water pressure and the pump just hums along, as it should.
Thanks, Andrew. Now, back to more summer tugging...