water pump

roned2 · 06-10-2009, 10:06 AM

We usually use city water so have rarely used the water pump. We are currently in a state park with no water on site. Our pump usually makes a constant noise when water is called for. Now it makes a laboring, chugging noise while the water is on similar to when there is insufficient water in the tank. We are 3/4 full at this time. Any ideas? I am not handy so solutions I hope will be simple.

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-10-2009, 10:17 AM

Weird. Is there air in the lines? Does water come out smoothly when you open a faucet?

The noise you describe occurs when the tank is empty because the pump is sucking in air. If it's making the same noise and the tank is 3/4 full, you might be sucking air into the pump through a leak. Check to be sure the hoses are tightly attached (hand tight) to the pump and that the hose has a watertight connection with the tank.

Dave

mcgyver210 · 06-10-2009, 10:42 AM

Also check for blockages on the inlet side this can also be the cause of low or no water flow.

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-10-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyver210

Also check for blockages on the inlet side this can also be the cause of low or no water flow.

Good point. You may have gotten some debris in the tank that is either blocking the line (big debris) or got sucked up and is clogging a filter screen.

Dave

Wavery · 06-10-2009, 01:03 PM

There is a filter screen on the intake side of the pump. It's very fine and easily clogged. You might want to remove the intake hose, remove the fitting, pull out the screen and clean it.

06-10-2009, 04:11 PM

When not using shore water, and you first fire up the pump, it will run for some time to fill the hot water tank. Open the hot water valve and let the air escape until water comes out. The pump should then turn on and off as demand is called for.

ThePair · 06-10-2009, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumbleweed

When not using shore water, and you first fire up the pump, it will run for some time to fill the hot water tank. Open the hot water valve and let the air escape until water comes out. The pump should then turn on and off as demand is called for.

Couldn't you also just open a hot water faucet or two? That's what I've always done, and it seems to work out fine, and purges the air in the process...

roned2 · 06-11-2009, 01:22 PM

Still problems with the pump. Took off the aerator on the kitchen faucet. Pump runs normally from cold tap. Hot water tap continues to make a rapid on off noise. I did let the pressure off on the outside. THe pump came on normally and the water came out. Through all of this I am getting water flow from both taps. Just the hot water tap in both the bathroom and the kitchen seems to be a problem. Additionally, last night there was a leak from the hot water tap in the bathroom that pooled on the area above the sink.

06-11-2009, 03:13 PM

Opps

Long day. Hot water valve should read hot water faucet

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-11-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roned2

Pump runs normally from cold tap. Hot water tap continues to make a rapid on off noise.

This seems important, since it rules out the pump as the problem. The only difference between the cold and hot water plumbing is that the hot water line has the water heater in between the pump and the faucet. Perhaps some tank sediment has clogged the inlet or outlet of the water heater.

Dave