Water pump gives no water

[Treybecky]

Intermitente pump not sending water problem: My problem was twice not pumping, it runs, but no water flows...2 nd time, I know I had about 1/3 tank left, last day of 14 day trip last month. Then Used city water the next day, worked fine, snd when I tried it again, it’s worked fine on pump. Can’t figure out why; geopro 19fd, 1 yr old, ... I had the a simular problem 1st time about 6 months ago but that time I ran it out if water, and only added 5-10 gal , but still wouldn’t work till I refilled the tank full next time a month later. Probably unrelated, But I figure it might have been a suction issue, And not enough water to get it reprimed? I’ve read the outlet on the FW tank is kinda high, and maybe not enough water in the tank ? but I thought the sureflo pump should have had enough to do self priming.... I checked the small bowl filter at the pump, found a little gunk, but don’t think it was a problem, but could been all it took. I don’t think there’s any loose fitting sucking air, and the new cartridge filter was not filling with water, and was on tight., it Worked fine for the 2 trips after I changed the cartridge 2 months ago. Now, The pump has worked fine on the last two trips, ... but it’s worrisome tho not knowing why it stopped pushing water in the past as described before,. When it didn’t work, sounded like pump might have been running in low mode, and no water coming out.

Now I have a spare pump on hand if it happens again, so, can anyone speculate on what happened ? I’ve read about priming the pump by pouring a 1/2 cup water into pump in outlet line, then try it, ... but it’s working fine now, so just hoping waiting if it happens again. Anyone have simular problem ever?

[Bama Rambler]

Sounds like a small air leak on the suction side, but it could also be a piece of trash stuck in the pump suction check valve.

[Treybecky]

Details? What do i look for when/if checking the check valve? Has anyone found debris in it? Where? Do you know where and how to access to check the check valve? Is it something safe to check if maybe its really ok? Can I damage or drop anything taking it out / and putting it back if carefully?

I’m really interested to see if anyone has any other experience with water not flowing on 12v sureflo pump, and then solving the problem later by running city water; and trying to pump again with 12v ,,

[cfo111]

Yes I have found trash in the pump can't tell you from what, maybe well water a camp grounds who knows.

[Flybob]

Originally Posted by Treybecky

, I know I had about 1/3 tank left,

How did you determine this? If you were using the lights on the tank indicator panel, they are notoriously inaccurate.

[Treybecky]

To answer how did I know how much water was in tank, I filled it the day before and only took two longish showers, and a little of the regular stuff. My water lasts 3- 3 1/2 days regularly, in fact I was well into the second fill up when it began to sputter on day 2, while the DW was taking her shower after mine. Am I 110% sure it was at 1/3? no. But pretty sure. Maybe TMO, but trying to get a good diagnosis.

btw, the campground water and city water that I have used for the last year; is filtered thru a 4" x12" filter outside 1st., and 2nd thru the inside FR water cartridge... so I think the chance of muck getting in is low.