Water pump problem

crowsnest

Newbie here again… 2018 tab 400. Water pump is running but I can’t seem to get all of the air out of the lines. Turned faucet on it water just sputters and spits. Raised front of trailer but that doesn’t help. 

XenanMe

If you close all the faucets and turn on the pump does it just continuously run or does it stop eventually?  If it doesn’t stop then either there isn’t enough water in the fresh water tank or there is a tap/drain open somewhere.  Check the outside shower taps, etc. to make sure they are closed.  If that doesn’t work then check the water pump filter.  Make sure it is clean and that the filter cover isn’t cracked.  A dirty or malfunctioning filter will stop the pump from priming properly.

crowsnest

Thank you. I’ll take a look and report back 

Sharon_is_SAM

@crowsnest - it is very helpful to first hook up to city water and clear your lines of air and fill the Alde tank.  Then disconnect from city water and fill your fresh tank, then turn on the pump.  We do this before we depart on a trip where we will be using the water pump.  Saves time and water.

Slackers

I do what @Sharon_is_SAM recommends but sometimes have an issue with the pump.  When that happens, briefly opening a faucet allows the air bubble to escape and the pump turns off shortly after the faucet is closed.

crowsnest

filter is clean so on to the next suggestion! Thanks 

crowsnest

Ok. Filled the Alde tank while connected to city water and filled the fresh water tank. Turned off city water and turned on pump. Still sputtering. 

MuttonChops

@crowsnest ;
Are you letting the Pump Stop, fully pressurize, before you open a tap?

As @Slackers noted some air pockets can be difficult to clear and small opening/closing of a tap can help those air pockets to clear . . . and/or allow the pump to stop.

On my rig the hot water lines (Alde) tend to have the most difficult air pockets to clear.

crowsnest

Ok. Update. The filter wasn’t tight on the pump. So now no air in the lines but water pressure from pump is really low. 

Sharon_is_SAM

Search Low Water Pressure - common problem especially for hot water.  May be due to mixing valve?

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/search?adv=&search=+water+pressure&title=&author=&cat=all&subcats=1&tags=&discussion_discussion=1&comment_comment=1&discussion_poll=1&within=1+day&date=

crowsnest

It’s low either hot or cold. I read discussion on the link you provided. Unfortunately I don’t own an air compressor. Could I connect a water hose to the pump inlet hose to force debris out of the line? Although as someone pointed out, blowing any debris back into the tank won’t keep it from clogging again. Perhaps the tank needs a larger drain outlet that would allow debris to be washed out? 

crowsnest

Update: replaced Shurflo with a pump from Lippert (supposedly really quiet). Pretty good pressure but REALLY noisy, even when held in my hand to rule out vibrations as the source. Manufacturer said it was probably defective. Sent it back. Ordered another Shurflo. Great pressure for about 10 seconds then hardly any. Also takes 30 seconds to shut off after turning off tap. Can anyone recommend another pump? I know Shurflo has a good reputation but I’m pretty dubious at this point. Thanks 

kenbac

On our recent trip boondocking, three times I had to 'prime the pump' when we arrived at our campsite. The water tank is full. Somehow it seems to lose its 'prime' while traveling and I have to go through a priming process of running the pump with a funnel on a garden hose to the winterize side. Anyone else have a problem with their system losing prime? Solutions? thanks

Sharon_is_SAM

Make sure the pump inlet line and filter cap is tight as any air entry will impact the prime.  Try flushing the toilet as that may help.

kenbac

checked the line and the filter cap, they are tight. flushing the toilet did not help either.

kenbac

thanks

JamesC

Sounds like an air leak on the intake side of the system. I had a similar issue and found hairline cracks in the clear plastic cover of the filter. Replaced the filter and it works perfectly now. Your local rv supplier should have them since they’re a common item. 

XenanMe

@crowsnest When you replaced the pumps did you also replace or remove the filter?  The filter is often the culprit for noise and low pressure issues since a faulty filter will allow air into the lines.