2011 International 23D owner

[rkoepsell]

Just picked up a used Airstream and am new to forum. Also new to dewinterizing the plumbing. I've sanitized the water system but the pump doesn't seem to pressurize the system. Sputters and a bit of water coming thru the faucets but no buildup of pressure. Any ideas?

[dkottum]

The most obvious problem would be the plumbing water drains under the trailer are open, does water run out under the trailer? Is there water in the fresh water tank? Try hooking it up to an external water supply, that tell you if the internal pump/water supply are faulty. Look for the easy things first.

When you get it running, check the hot water heater bypass (used for winterizing) to see it's in the normal position. The owners manual will locate the bypass and external drains for you.

doug k

[rkoepsell]

Thanks - I've hooked up to city water and the internal plumbing works fine. All the valves appear to be in the right position - no water running out and the fresh water tank is full. The only thing that remains to check is the water pump - the Airstream manual talks about cleaning out a strainer screen but the pump seems completely self contained with no access. The other thing that I'm hoping is causing the problem is that I'm trying to do this with the trailer not on level ground. Can't do much about that at the moment unfortunately!

[dkottum]

Be sure the fresh water tank has water, don't go by the monitor on the wall because they are notoriously inaccurate.

doug k

[idroba]

Originally Posted by rkoepsell

The other thing that I'm hoping is causing the problem is that I'm trying to do this with the trailer not on level ground. Can't do much about that at the moment unfortunately!

If it is far off level, and there is not much water in the tank, you may just be sucking air. Try more water in the tank.

[DKB_SATX]

If you find there's plenty of water in the fresh tank and this continues, go look at your city water inlet while the pump is running. On my trailer (MUCH older than yours) the check valve doesn't work, so if I don't have the fresh water inlet securely capped the pump will never build up pressure, and water comes out the city water inlet.