Water Pump Question

[smithfamily4]

We have a new-old (1983) TT. So far everything has been in fine working order. We tested the water lines last night and there are no leaks - YAY

I have a question though. We flipped the switch for the water tank and got nothing. Nothing at all. Now, there was no water in the tank, but I still thought it would kick on and try to pump.

Is there a sensor that would keep it form kicking on if the tank is empty

or

is it possible that it runs only on the battery? Because we don't have any battery hooked up at the moment. We were running on AC.

Thanks in advance!

[MACK C-85]

The pump is 12v. You're older trailer probably needs the battery hooked up for the convertor to supply 12v.

The only things in your trailer that are 110v (if you have them) are: the outlets, the Air Conditioner, a Gas/Electric fridge, and the microwave.

Everything else, the lights, the water pump, the vent fans, the furnace, are all 12v.

The A/C and the Refrigerator also require 12v for the controls.

However, you say you are on A/C and everything is in working order. Does that mean that the lights are working? How about the fridge? Vent fans?

Mack

[smithfamily4]

Thanks for the help Mack

lights, frig and the stove vent all are working with the AC

[MACK C-85]

OK, that narrows it down some.

There are a couple of things to check,

1. Blown fuse, most likely in your convertor enclosure.

2. There is a pressure switch on the pump. The pressure switch allows you to leave on the on/off switch and it will pressurize the system and cut off the pump at a certain pressure. When you open a valve, it senses the drop in pressure and turns the pump on until the pressure builds back up.

3. IF it has sat for a long time it may be physically bound up, you might be able to manually spin it to loosen it up.

Some of the other guys will be along shortly with some more specific help on how to check some of these things.

Mack

[smithfamily4]

when you say
"you might be able to manually spin it to loosen it up."
I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. Could you be a little more descriptive for me? The only other camper I've had was a pup which we bought brand new, so we never experienced much in the way of repairs in the few seasons we had it.

Thanks again Mack.

Barbie

[MACK C-85]

Some of the older pumps were centrifigal and the shaft stuck out the side of the casing. Thinking about it, yours is most likely diaphragm and this wouldn't apply.

Check out You Tube there's a pretty good Trailer Life video on Troubleshooting Water Pumps.

Mack

[smithfamily4]

thanks!

Barbie

[mainah]

If you can reach it OK turn it on and give it a whack and see what happens.