Air in water lines when running on tank

[bryankloos]

Hey all,

I’m on my first dry camp with no hookups. We filled the holding tank and ran the pump to pressurize the system.

Seems the pump in pulling air into the lines. All faucets are bubbling and spitting even after purging for several minutes.

I can hear gurgling at the pump.

I pulled the access panel an don’t see anything off with the pump. No leaks.

I confirmed I have water in the tank at the drain (pickup is 3 inches from the drain) and the winterization valve seems to be in the correct position for use.

Any suggestions or thoughts as to where I’m drawing the air?

This has never happened on city water.

Oh, the camper is a HW296.

Thanks

Bryan

[nomad297]

It sounds like the diverter/valve located right at your pump is in the antifreeze suction position. Take a look to find the valve and switch it over.

Bruce

[MR.M]

Originally Posted by bryankloos

Hey all,

I’m on my first dry camp with no hookups. We filled the holding tank and ran the pump to pressurize the system.

Seems the pump in pulling air into the lines. All faucets are bubbling and spitting even after purging for several minutes.

I can hear gurgling at the pump.

I pulled the access panel an don’t see anything off with the pump. No leaks.

I confirmed I have water in the tank at the drain (pickup is 3 inches from the drain) and the winterization valve seems to be in the correct position for use.

Any suggestions or thoughts as to where I’m drawing the air?

This has never happened on city water.

Oh, the camper is a HW296.

Thanks

Bryan

If there is a strainer installed before the pump like many have make sure the 0-ring is installed and it's tight . check the pump connections also sometimes they are only hand tight

[01tundra]

Originally Posted by bryankloos

Hey all,

I’m on my first dry camp with no hookups. We filled the holding tank and ran the pump to pressurize the system.

Seems the pump in pulling air into the lines. All faucets are bubbling and spitting even after purging for several minutes.

I can hear gurgling at the pump.

I pulled the access panel an don’t see anything off with the pump. No leaks.

I confirmed I have water in the tank at the drain (pickup is 3 inches from the drain) and the winterization valve seems to be in the correct position for use.

Any suggestions or thoughts as to where I’m drawing the air?

This has never happened on city water.

Oh, the camper is a HW296.

Thanks

Bryan

Was the water heater empty prior to starting the pump? If so, it can take a while to purge that 6 gallons of air.

[bryankloos]

Water heater had water from two weekends ago. We didn’t drain. It’s also the cold side. I’ll check the divergent valve again. I do have a strainer and I see some washers on the ground near it. I’ll check that as well.

Just need to find the best way to access the pump with some working room.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by bryankloos

Water heater had water from two weekends ago. We didn’t drain. It’s also the cold side. I’ll check the divergent valve again. I do have a strainer and I see some washers on the ground near it. I’ll check that as well.

Just need to find the best way to access the pump with some working room.

The pump's suction strainer is usually a clear bowl/housing that screws directly to the pump. Not sure why there would be washers on the ground?

[shadows4]

You are sucking air from some place. I would start at the pump and give all the fittings a turn. I bet you find a loose one.

[CampJen]

We had this happen the first time we took out our new trailer and searched everywhere for a loose gasket or fitting, anything - it turned out someone at the dealer left the shower miser system turned on.
It's a simple check that might save you some time!!
Good luck!

[TheMcBees]

Had a similar issue with our new TT. It turned out to be the strainer housing to the pump. 1/4 turn more and the issue was resolved. At least in the driveway. Next trip is soon. That will be the true verification.

[01tundra]

Originally Posted by bryankloos

Water heater had water from two weekends ago. We didn’t drain. It’s also the cold side. I’ll check the divergent valve again. I do have a strainer and I see some washers on the ground near it. I’ll check that as well.

Just need to find the best way to access the pump with some working room.

If you have one, there's been several cases of the showermiser fittings leaking behind the wall and drawing in air.

[bryankloos]

Fixed the leak today. It was the elbow fitting attaching the hose to the strainer. Seems it was over tightened at some point and would simply spin when the collar was fully seated on the threads. I replaced the 90 degree elbow and the strainer as I didn't like the current strainer. After everything was tightened down order was restored.

Thanks for the help!

Bryan

[bikendan]

Thanks for coming back and letting us know what the problem was. Glad you were successful.

[TheMcBees]

Great news. It always feels good to get an issue resolved!

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Thanks for coming back and letting us know what the problem was. Glad you were successful.

X2

Bruce