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Old 04-08-2016, 02:42 PM   #1
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Unable to get water pump to prime.

We're doing our first trip since TT was winterized. My winterization consists of blowing out water lines, draining water heater, low points and the fresh water tank. I also keep power and propane on with the thermostat set at 40 degrees all winter, as we do use it during the winter months. At no time were any valves turned to suck in antifreeze. Anyway, I filled the fresh water tank to "1/3" full before pulling out last night for our trip. Turned on the pump and opened the bathroom faucet. I can hear the pump running, but it will not pressurize the water lines or pump the water. Water works fine on city water.
I've not had this problem in the past. Does anyone have any idea how to get the pump primed?
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Old 04-08-2016, 02:48 PM   #2
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It was probably still filling the water heater.
Possibly you didn't have enough water in it either.


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Old 04-08-2016, 02:51 PM   #3
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I'll add more water to fresh water tank and try again, But I did hook up to the city water first to fill the water heater and purge the water lines of air before trying the pump. I'll report back.
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Old 04-08-2016, 03:07 PM   #4
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Did you open the pressure relief valve on the water heater to verify water?
Just opening the hot water tap and getting water does not guarantee that the tank is full or even have any water in it.


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Old 04-08-2016, 03:19 PM   #5
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I recently had this problem. (1) The pumps are hard to prime, so don't give up on it, but don't run it too long without water. (2) You must fill your tank to full that should give you enough water to get water flowing to the pump. Once flowing to the pump it should prime. Finally you could disconnect some of the lines front and aft of the pump and try to get some water into it. Reconnect then try again. Fill your water tank to full/overflow that is the trick.
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Old 04-08-2016, 03:28 PM   #6
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I would also try another facet like the kitchen. Add more water to fresh water tank. for kicks Id even look at the valve by the pump to make sure it is in the right position. Later RJD
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Old 04-08-2016, 03:36 PM   #7
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I would check the valve to the antifreeze add point. It will suck air if open. It should be close to the pump on the inlet side. I learned this after my dealer winterized mine year before last. They left the valve open for whatever reason.
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Old 04-08-2016, 03:45 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RETCHIEF View Post
I would check the valve to the antifreeze add point. It will suck air if open. It should be close to the pump on the inlet side. I learned this after my dealer winterized mine year before last. They left the valve open for whatever reason.
Mine will suck air a bit even when closed, I needed to use teflon tape on the threads and cap it to keep it from breaking the prime.

EDIT: It will take a bit to get the lines re-filled with water if you did not do it with a hookup first.
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Old 04-08-2016, 04:24 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TURBS View Post
Did you open the pressure relief valve on the water heater to verify water?
Just opening the hot water tap and getting water does not guarantee that the tank is full or even have any water in it.


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Yes, I used the pressure relief to fill the water heater.
Tank is now "2/3" full as reported by the panel and still the pump will not prime.
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Old 04-08-2016, 04:29 PM   #10
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Valves, NONE have been turned. It worked in January, it should work now. I am the only one that does any servicing and I never turned any valve. And I've never been able to find the hose that would be used to suck glycol. The service hole is in the closet and the portal isn't large enough to get a good look at anything. I'm thinking the water heater has to be pulled to get access.
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Old 04-08-2016, 04:30 PM   #11
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I'll fill it to the top and try again.
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Old 04-08-2016, 04:45 PM   #12
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Still won't prime.
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Old 04-08-2016, 04:53 PM   #13
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I have also had issues. Not conceptual but overfilling the water tank fixed my problem every time, crack open the pump inlet connection so it leaks to let the air out and the water gets in and primes the pump.
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Old 04-08-2016, 05:08 PM   #14
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One problem with blowing out lines vs adding pink stuff, is you can not blow out the water pump itself. Unless you ran it for a few seconds after you blew out lines, it may have had water in it and froze. My pump runs for a good 3-4 mins before the lines pressurize.
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Old 04-08-2016, 05:23 PM   #15
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Never thought of that.. I've wrecked a few pump heads from letting it freeze.

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Old 04-09-2016, 06:36 AM   #16
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I keep it heated during the winter so freezing shouldn't be a problem. I'll see if I can't contort my arm enough to loosen the inlet side to let out air.
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Old 04-09-2016, 06:37 AM   #17
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The tank was filled until it overflowed, still won't work.
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Old 04-09-2016, 06:46 AM   #18
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Have you checked the filter between the pump and fresh water tank?
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Old 04-09-2016, 06:46 AM   #19
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Tank is, full so it's not that.
I haven't found an air leak, but can't rule it out.
No way I know of to check the others possible causes with the tools I have on hand. I'll pull the plug tonight and let the 49 gal tank drain. It'll be raining anyway.
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Old 04-09-2016, 06:47 AM   #20
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Unable to get water pump to prime.

Any suggestions on make and model pump with which replace this one?
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