Water pump

[StreamRollin]

Getting ready for first trip of the year. I filled up the fresh water tank so that I could flush the antifreeze from the lines into the holding tank. Check for leaks didn't see anything. When turning on water pump it catters very fast on off on off. Checked again for leaks,nothing. What's up?
Jim

[Protagonist]

Clarification, please:

Does the pump clatter even with all faucets and valves closed?

When you open a facuet, does water come out of the faucet? If so, when the faucet is open does the pump come on and stay on?

Is the pump a diaphram pump or an impeller pump? On a 1999, it's probably a disphram pump, but best to ask and be sure.

Without more detail, my first guess would be that the pump needs to be primed, and is clattering because it's trying to run empty. But that's only a guess.

[StreamRollin]

Sorry I should have been more clear. When the faucets are off the pump clatters. when I turn on the faucets water come out and the pump stays on. only when I turn of the water does the pump clatter. I'm not sure what type of pump it is other than I know it's a Sure Flo.
Thanks for helping out Jim

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by StreamRollin

Sorry I should have been more clear. When the faucets are off the pump clatters. when I turn on the faucets water come out and the pump stays on. only when I turn of the water does the pump clatter. I'm not sure what type of pump it is other than I know it's a Sure Flo.
Thanks for helping out Jim

Okay. That definitely helps. Most likely culprit is a slight leak somewhere in the system (if it's not leaking out where you can see it, the water might might be leaking into a void space in your trailer). Basically, there is a loss of pressure, just enough to trip the pump, and the pressure builds back up in one or two strokes and shuts back off. You're looking for something the size of a pinhole.

If you still have antifreeze in your lines, the tint in the water could help you track down where the leak is. Check hose fittings on the pump first, and then work away from the pump until you get to each faucet.

[68 TWind]

Make sure you have enough water in your water tank. When my tank gets low the pump can't pick up enough water to pressurize the line after I shut a faucet. The pump just chatters because it is trying to build pressure and there is not enough water. With no water to build pressure the pressure switch stays on and the pump keeps running.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by 68 TWind

Make sure you have enough water in your water tank. When my tank gets low the pump can't pick up enough water to pressurize the line after I shut a faucet. The pump just chatters because it is trying to build pressure and there is not enough water. With no water to build pressure the pressure switch stays on and the pump keeps running.

Yeah. I thought of that as well, until StreamRollin said that when he opens a faucet the pump comes on and stays on. If the tank was low on water, that wouldn't happen; he'd just suck air and get spits and spurts out of the faucet.

[TG Twinkie]

Is the clattering noise constant when you have the faucets closed? If it is you either have a drain open, have a leak or the pump is sucking air. If it is not constant, you may have a small leak. If it is not constant and your pump cycles periodically and you don't have any leaks, the pressure is dropping because water us flowing back thru the pump. Minor backflow is not uncommon.

[Silver Otter]

Twice I've forgotten to close those two "low point" drains underneath. Live and learn, and learn, and learn . . . oh no, not another "learning experience!"

[StreamRollin]

Well a big THANKS for all the help with my clattering pump problem. Got home from work today and checked the 3 valves by the hot water tank, tightened down the nut that is below the handle - pump stopped.Problem fixed Thanks Jim

[Silver Otter]

Yay, success! Love it how this forum works for all of us.