Winterizing but Water Pump not Pumping

[BHobbs20]

Hi All-

This is my third winter as a travel trailer owner and I ran into an issue that I have not experienced before and I was hoping to get some help from the experts. I went through the typical winterizing process of by passing the hot water tank, pulling the drain plug on the hot water tank, etc. When I got to the step of putting antifreeze into the water lines, I noticed the water pump was not drawing in the antifreeze. I have a bypass line that sucks the antifreeze into the water system and I triple checked the bypass valve was positioned correctly. It is worth noting that my TT is connected to a city water hookup at a campground that has shut the water off for the winter. Therefore there is no water supply and the fresh water tank is empty. I was under the impression that as long as the antifreeze bypass line was hooked up, I wouldn't need water in the system but maybe that is my mistake. I think my next step is going to be taking a bunch of jugs of water to the campground to fill the fresh water tank to see if I can get the pump to start pumping again, but if anyone else has any thoughts it would be greatly appreciated.

~Brad

[MNtraveler]

Check this thread for a similar problem and lots of responses.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ad.php?t=96927

[ShowMeCamping]

I have found on my trailer that I have to place the jug of pink stuff on a step ladder to get it higher than the connection point entering the trailer. With the jug on the ground the pump will not draw it. I assume it has something to with the head height rating of these pumps, it's probably very minimal.

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by ShowMeCamping

I have found on my trailer that I have to place the jug of pink stuff on a step ladder to get it higher than the connection point entering the trailer. With the jug on the ground the pump will not draw it. I assume it has something to with the head height rating of these pumps, it's probably very minimal.

I have been using a 5 gallon bucket without issue.



Have you looked at the screen in the pumps bowl?

[BHobbs20]

my pump access is on the floor of my TT under the store. Generally when I am winterizing, the pink stuff is slightly above the pump. I have not had an issue with the pump drawing the liquid the past couple of years, so I am stumped this go around. I did not check the screen on the pump bowl, but I will add it to my checklist for the next go around.

[bigmac123]

You can also hand pump the antifreeze thru the lines.

[klaatu]

Hey there everyone. I had the same problem this year already. It turned out to be the outgoing check valve was completely stuck closed ! Partly from the city water pressure against it all summer. There is an outgoing pressure adjustment that you can remove and try to gently pull the valve out. Clean up the o ring etc and reinstall. It has plenty of lift if the pump is working properly.

[jrmorris]

Had same problem with 2015 Palomino. Had pump on for some time and nothing. Went to dealer and was told they also have problem but to keep pump on and raise the bottle. Did that and after a long time it started drawing and it only took a minute to have pink stuff flowing through faucet.

[Flybob]

It is possible that there is still water pressure in the system. Try opening a faucet.

[BHobbs20]

Where is the outgoing check valve located? Is it on the pump? I will try and look for it.

There is no pressure in the system. When I turn the faucets on it is completely dry.

[stantyszka]

Kink in the hose?

[00boomboom]

On my Rockwood I have a shutoff valve on the suction line going to the fresh water tank. It has to be closed in order to draw antifreeze

[Wolverine 1945]

If I were you I would not leave water hose hooked to TT over the winter !!!
It will cause something to freeze & brake !!!

[MNtraveler]

Originally Posted by jrmorris

Had same problem with 2015 Palomino. Had pump on for some time and nothing. Went to dealer and was told they also have problem but to keep pump on and raise the bottle. Did that and after a long time it started drawing and it only took a minute to have pink stuff flowing through faucet.

Sounds like that might have unstuck the valve as stated in #7. Interesting.

[DougP47]

I would check the water tank valves. Bi-pass open and the in and out closed. Put a plug in the city water inlet. Open and close all faucet one of them might have pressure on the line. Did you blow the water out of the water lines?

[BHobbs20]

I put about 4 gallons of water in the fresh water tank and we able to get the system pressurized again. Thank for the tips. One follow up question.. I drained the fresh water tank and not much water came out. Should I be concerned that I have about 4 gallons of water in the 40 gallon tank for winter in Ohio?

[DougP47]

I would drain the tank then blow water lines out if it was mine.

[MNtraveler]

Originally Posted by BHobbs20

I put about 4 gallons of water in the fresh water tank and we able to get the system pressurized again. Thank for the tips. One follow up question.. I drained the fresh water tank and not much water came out. Should I be concerned that I have about 4 gallons of water in the 40 gallon tank for winter in Ohio?

It might be the angle you are sitting on the ground that keeps it from running out. You could try repositioning it or driving around with the valve open. You won't see it drain while driving but if you stop along the way you might or might not see a water trail. Or you can have a chase car watch if you are intensely interestedly... Anyway, on level ground it should mostly drain out and a small bit in the bottom will be OK due to having ample room to expand. You don't want any water freezing in a valve though.


Land of 10,000 Lakes
2016 Forester MBS 2401R