Clogged Suction Line?

[billy.p]

I have a 2010 29BHS. For the last few years we have relied solely on the fresh water tank and pump for water without issue. Today, the pump started running for long periods of time without shutting off. I thought the tank was out of water so I put in 30+ gallons.

The pump would start feebly putting out water for a few seconds and then nothing. If I closed all the valves, after a couple minutes of running it would build up enough pressure to shut off.

I've done the following:

• Cleaned the pumper inlet filter screen -- didn't help
• Run the pump from a 20oz water bottle off of the antifreeze line on the pump -- it worked fine. Water came out of the kitchen faucet fine until the bottle was drained.
• Removed the tank suction tube from the pump and first blew through it (no air moved) and sucked (no movement) with my mouth.

It seems to me that somehow my suction line has become clogged. One question, is there a check valve on the suction tube that may be stuck?

I was going to try blowing it out with compressed air. Any other tips to unclog it?

[kblast523]

Sounds like you are sucking air. Check where the suction line goes into the tank, bet it's come loose/has a hole. For that matter, check the entire feed to the pump.

[oldmanAZ]

Welcome to the forum.

I believe the any kind of check valve would be in or at the pump. No one has mentioned one somewhere in the line to the tank.

Trying to blow out the line could rupture your fresh water tank.

Sounds like kblast523 is on the right track: It's likely the line between the pump and the tank has a leak somewhere.

[billy.p]

If it was leaking air, wouldn't I have been able to blow air into the line with my mouth? It was holding pressure. Doesn't feel like a leak to me.

I'll check the line, but just doubting. I don't see bubbles or air in the pump filter.

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by billy.p

If it was leaking air, wouldn't I have been able to blow air into the line with my mouth? It was holding pressure. Doesn't feel like a leak to me.

I'll check the line, but just doubting. I don't see bubbles or air in the pump filter.

You said you tried blowing in the line and it held pressure. Have you tried sucking on the line, too, to see if it would hold suction?

[billy.p]

Yes

"Removed the tank suction tube from the pump and first blew through it (no air moved) and sucked (no movement) with my mouth."

I could not get air to move either way. Not even a little.

[kblast523]

Sounds like it's kinked. You are going to have to find it under the unit below the floor, and check for pinching/crimping. If it's like mine, it's semi-clear nylon reinforced 1/2 inch tube. Mine was lightly kinked at both in and out pump fittings.

[billy.p]

A kink in the line makes sense. My suction tube is the same as yours. I can stick my inspection camera and take a look.

How difficult is it to get the tank out? The bottom of my trailer is enclosed and insulated. Looks daunting to me.

[Seann45]

Did you make sure the winterizing valve was all the way off? or not defective?