Pump Not Pulling From Tank

[Top942002]

When using pump, it flows for 15-20 seconds and then start sputtering/cavitating/spitting. Almost like it's used up the water in the line and can't draw anymore. I'm at wits end on this. Ideas anyone?

 

[Lantley]

When using pump, it flows for 15-20 seconds and then start sputtering/cavitating/spitting. Almost like it's used up the water in the line and can't draw anymore. I'm at wits end on this. Ideas anyone?

Has the pump ever worked properly? is this a sudden/new issue?

 

[BryanValRox]

When using pump, it flows for 15-20 seconds and then start sputtering/cavitating/spitting. Almost like it's used up the water in the line and can't draw anymore. I'm at wits end on this. Ideas anyone?

In addition to Lantley’s very important question, have you inspected your pumps inlet screen to ensure that it isn’t plugged with anything?

The pump is normally easily access behind the panel, you could easily remove and test it by placing the suction line in a bucket of water and see if it acts normally.

 

[Dadmck]

I would also check the diverter used for winterizing and make sure it isn’t turned toward the hose that you use to add anitfreeze.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

If you didn't get all the water out of the filter basket, that plastic part can crack if freezing conditions occur. This will cause a leak AND allow air to be sucked into the pump, causing some of the issues you are talking about. Here is a random image off the web of the pump. I put a red arrow to the filter area.

 

[Top942002]

Has the pump ever worked properly? is this a sudden/new issue?

Last used for winterizing. Suction line worked fine. This was the first time drawing from the tank.

 

[Top942002]

I would also check the diverter used for winterizing and make sure it isn’t turned toward the hose that you use to add anitfreeze.

Diverter was the first check and was in the appropriate configuration. Did that when I added water to the tank.

 

[Top942002]

If you didn't get all the water out of the filter basket, that plastic part can crack if freezing conditions occur. This will cause a leak AND allow air to be sucked into the pump, causing some of the issues you are talking about. Here is a random image off the web of the pump. I put a red arrow to the filter area. View attachment 4391

Totally forgot about checking the filter cup. Duh!

 

[Top942002]

UPDATE: Filter and filter basket checked with no blockages and defects. All good. Drew water via diverter and pump drew good and shut off upon pressure increase. When switched to fresh tank, cavitation and pump continued running. If there was a break/leak in the line to the fresh tank, what happened to the 25 gallons of water I sent there? Hmmmm.

 

[BryanValRox]

UPDATE: Filter and filter basket checked with no blockages and defects. All good. Drew water via diverter and pump drew good and shut off upon pressure increase. When switched to fresh tank, cavitation and pump continued running. If there was a break/leak in the line to the fresh tank, what happened to the 25 gallons of water I sent there? Hmmmm.

So, I am not sure of your overall design and your testing process. But, if you have a tank style water heater, you could easily loose 12 gallons in there by pressurizing the system.

 

[2 Allies]

What does your level gage on the fresh tank show? If you have never pulled water put of yhe tank through the pump, it sounds as though there is a blockage exiting the tank or an obstruction in the suction line to the pump. You state that the pump is pulling liquid up in the winterizatiin mode, it sounds like the pump is fine. The only other thing to consider is the Nautilus valves correctly lining up to pull from the tank.

Good luck,

 

[2 Allies]

Also the line that fills the tank is located on the top of the tank and is separate from the exit or pump suction line that comes off the bottom of the tank.

 

[2 Allies]

One other thing, if there is a leak(opening) in the suction line, the pump will suck air and cavitate

 

[BryanValRox]

Have you checked all the connections on the back of the Nautilus Panel? If the right one loosened up, it could suck air and act as you are describing.

 

[dwcfish]

Also the line that fills the tank is located on the top of the tank and is separate from the exit or pump suction line that comes off the bottom of the tank.

I have an Avenue and can't specifically speak about the Paradigm, but on the Avenue the only thing that comes out of the bottom of the tank is the fresh water dump valve

 

[dwcfish]

The overflow comes out of the top of the tank, the water flows out of that when the tank is full. Other lines enter the top of the tank.

 

[2 Allies]

I have an Avenue and can't specifically speak about the Paradigm, but on the Avenue the only thing that comes out of the bottom of the tank is the fresh water dump valve

dwcfish,

If you were to pull down your underbelly, I think you will find a discharge pipe coming out of the low point on the end of the tank. You are right about the dump valves it comes off the bottom. The discharge is at the bottom but comes off the end of the tank.

 

[2 Allies]

Unless the Avenue has a dip tube

 

[Top942002]

What does your level gage on the fresh tank show? If you have never pulled water put of yhe tank through the pump, it sounds as though there is a blockage exiting the tank or an obstruction in the suction line to the pump. You state that the pump is pulling liquid up in the winterizatiin mode, it sounds like the pump is fine. The only other thing to consider is the Nautilus valves correctly lining up to pull from the tank.

Good luck,

Panel showed half full on fresh tank. During the winterizing process, I dumped about 20 or so gallons. Pump worked great filling lines with antifreeze. My model Paradigm is equipped with the manifold system and has only city/dry camp and power fill selectors. Seems blockage in suction line is likely issue.

 

[Popular RV]

When using pump, it flows for 15-20 seconds and then start sputtering/cavitating/spitting. Almost like it's used up the water in the line and can't draw anymore. I'm at wits end on this. Ideas anyone?

This usually points to an air leak or restriction on the suction side of the water pump. Common causes include a loose inlet fitting, cracked hose, clogged strainer, or a failing pump check valve. Also confirm the fresh water tank has adequate water and the tank vent isn’t blocked. Tightening connections and cleaning or replacing the pump strainer often resolves this. Issues like this are fairly common in RV systems, and resources and guidance from RV-focused brands like Popular RV can be helpful when troubleshooting.