Freshwater System Question

[TUselton]

So - after having purchased our 31' Sovereign International 10 or so years ago, just now getting it roadworthy for an upcoming trip. Have replaced axles, tires, brake actuator, many many little 'fiddly bits', and am now working on the water & drain systems.

Filled the freshwater tank today and then tried to pump using the 12v pump. The pump runs, but produces no water from the faucets. Is there a shut-off valve somewhere (mine is center-bath if that matters.) that needs to be opened to pull from the tank, and if so, where? Does my pump need to be primed? Perhaps faulty? Probably worth mentioning that we can hook up to 'city water' and get water from the faucets.

Secondly, is there also a drain for the freshwater tank somewhere?

Thanks!

[CruizinDux]

TUselton, can't help with the locations requested but yes, prime the pump, tighten the strainer top and connections (if you have one) and pump supply side connections. Open the faucets and let the pump run and run and run... Likely will take more that a few minutes. 10 years old, I would also replace the rubber washers in the connections.


Maybe disconnect the pump in-flo and blow into it. I use a small cestion of hose and and a male adapter when winterizing to blow all Pre Pump H20 back into the tank. Depending on distance to the tank (I would think nearby) you should hear the blow back air bubbling, an indication that at least the tank has water and the supply line from the tank to the pump intake inside the tank is intact.


last idea...after 10 years the pump impeller is dry and shot. Time for a new pump. Probably time anyway.


CW operational is academic...i't under it's own pressure though at least confirms distribution is intact.


b

[TUselton]

Pump is bad. I had ordered/received a new one a while back...just in case.

[CruizinDux]

Originally Posted by TUselton

Pump is bad. I had ordered/received a new one a while back...just in case.

Ya can't have too many spare parts. Congratulations!

FWIW you may want buy a handful of connector washers and visit each twist connection. Also a good time to snug thing up for the new water pressure.
B

[CBWELL]

While you are installing the new pump, it is good time to install the RV antifreeze winterize kit on the pump inlet.

[dbj216]

Hello fellow vintage Airstreamer from Conifer. There are several of us in this area. Airstream was good at providing a drain for the fresh water tank. Sometimes the drain valve is shot so when opening it, it breaks causing another project.

I think the water pump in your trailer is a Pell belt drive "crankshaft" pump. Runs like an old Briggs lawnmower engine. These are neat old pumps that last a long time. It might be the piston seals are dried out from sitting for a long time. The new pump should get your water system pressurized again.

It will take a while to recommission your Sovereign for your trip. My Conifer friend and I are going to do some significant repairs to his 76 Sovereign next winter. I have a 75 Overlander 27' that I'm actually getting close to finishing this summer. I enjoy working on these old Airstreams. Crazy I know.

Maybe we can meet up someday.

David