Water pump problem

[Brush]

I have previously put water in the fresh water tank and used the water pump with no issues. The first time I attempt to use the water pump to winterize I have problems. I turned the pump bypass valve and started the pump but the antifreeze will only suction a few inches up the hose. Can the hose be too long? The hose supplied by FR is way too short to use in the area where the pump is located so I added a small length of hose and it is now approximately 4 feet long. Does the system have to be primed before you can use the bypass for the first time?

[dretired]

Any faucets "open" drain caps "off" ?? any other reason for a air leak ??

[Brush]

All faucets were closed and hot water heater bypassed. Grey and Black drain cap is on.

[mtnguy]

Make sure the fitting on the added on hose is tight. Any air leak there, and the pump may not pull from the antifreeze jug.

Make sure there there are no kinks in the siphon hose.

Try to keep the siphon hose as low as possible.....no high spots.

Make sure the bypass valve handle is totally in line with the siphon hose

[ayotte]

I would say to try opening the cold water tap closest to the pump to let some presure off. Maybe then with the free flow it will suck the antifreeze up.

[Brush]

It appears that I may have had one of the shower nozzles open and a cap on the low point drain was loose and leaking. I corrected these two issues and the bypass suctioning works but it works best when I introduce a little antifreeze into the bypass line.

Thanks to all for the suggestions!

[dretired]

Glad to hear you have the pump working now..