Water pump question (SOLVED)

[arctic_bunny]

Hi;

I know this is a basic question....

As first-time TT owners/users, we went out today to try out the plumbing in our new-to-us Flagstaff 831KRSS. We filled the fresh water tank, put the anode rod back in the water heater, turned on the taps, turned on the pump.... and nothing. The manual says to let the pump run while it fills the hot water tank until water comes out the taps at a steady stream, then turn off the taps, and the pump should turn off automatically. How long should it take for water to come out the taps? We waited a loooong time, and nothing. Does this mean the water pump is broken? Or is there a much simpler, forehead-smack-inducing, explanation?

Thanks in advance!

AB

[Triguy]

First, did you hear the pump working and are all bypass valves turned correctly?

Assuming the pump was working but not taking up water, than check for a clogged inlet. Also check your fittings to make sure they are threaded correctly and tight and not sucking air. Long shot, but my FW line can be shut off just below the FW tank, too, so check if there is a valve that is closed.

Some pumps will have a winterizing kit that allows the pump to suck antifreeze to fill the lines. Make sure that is bypassed so the pump is set to to take up water from the tank.

I would start there and let us know.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Triguy

First, did you hear the pump working and are all bypass valves turned correctly?

Assuming the pump was working but not taking up water, than check for a clogged inlet. Also check your fittings to make sure they are threaded correctly and tight and not sucking air. Long shot, but my FW line can be shut off just below the FW tank, too, so check if there is a valve that is closed.

Some pumps will have a winterizing kit that allows the pump to suck antifreeze to fill the lines. Make sure that is bypassed so the pump is set to to take up water from the tank.

I would start there and let us know.

My money is on right there.

[arctic_bunny]

Thank you for the responses!

Now, where do I find the bypass?

[Herk7769]

It is not a "bypass" in the same sense as the bypass for the water heater.

It is more like a "selector" and switches from the fresh water tank to a gallon bottle of RV antifreeze through a hose.

In the photo (and believe me when I say that my compartment DOES NOT look this neat) the gallon jug is hooked up to a T valve that is the selector. It should be very close to the water pump.

[arctic_bunny]

Is it possible this is inside, under a closet, and requires a screwdriver to take off the panel?
Otherwise, I've seen nothing like it.

[Herk7769]

In my 5th wheel the basement wall had to come down.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by herk7769

In my 5th wheel the basement wall had to come down.

Put 1/4" push pins in mine, compliments of some govt agency that flys airplanes.

[Herk7769]

I discovered that with that wall removed I had lots more space.
Most of it never found its way back in. I just use a small section now.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by herk7769

I discovered that with that wall removed I had lots more space.
Most of it never found its way back in. I just use a small section now.

Looks like it is already occupied and not much room for anything else.

[arctic_bunny]

It was indeed in the compartment. And exactly as you said. It had the antifreeze line attached. There was no valve to attach the water hose, and the coupler was missing (I suspect down the hole). But I have one now!!!!

Thank you so much. One mystery down, many to go!

[Fire Instructor]

Originally Posted by herk7769

I discovered that with that wall removed I had lots more space.
Most of it never found its way back in. I just use a small section now.

I've lost that wall, plus similar useless, space-stealing walls under the bench seat, under the kitchen sink, and under the bathroom sink. If there's open space in my TT, I've figured out a way to utilize it.