Water pump?
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8119
Printed Date: 23 Jun 2025 at 12:27pm
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Topic: Water pump?
Posted By: cdsmith
Subject: Water pump?
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2016 at 9:49pm
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So... Third trip in the 171 is this weekend and unlike the past two trips this time we will be dry camping... So I decided to check out the water system using the pump - it did not go so well. It takes about 30 to 45 seconds for the pump to "pump up" to pressure, then I get a good solid stream of water (about two to three cups) then the water slows down to a trickle with the pump running like mad. The pump sounds like it may be sucking air while the faucets are open - I don't see any leaks and the fresh water tank is full. This is happening on all the faucets... Any ideas out there?
cd |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2016 at 9:53pm
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Check to see if your winterization valve is fully closed. If it is partially open, it could be pulling air, although I would think that would lead to sputtering. Another thing to check is the filter on the input side of the pump. It may be that the filter is clogged. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: cdsmith
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2016 at 10:37pm
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I do not believe I have a "winterization valve" at least I don't see one anywhere... I just went out and filled a 1 gallon jug and it took over 3 minutes using both faucets wide open... That seems like a long time - with a flow rate like that a shower would be out of the question... I'll take a look at the filter - if it is removed what kind of water mess would I have? Thanks cd
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2016 at 11:02pm
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It would not be a big mess. The filter is small and since it is on the inlet side of the pump, it would not be under pressure. I have not removed mine yet, so I don't know how easy it is. It likely twists off and then there is a screen inside. The winterization valve, if you have one, would be located near the filter. It is a 3-way valve. One line leads to the fresh water tank. Another leads to the pump, and the third leads to a stub hose that you can stick into a bottle of RV antifreeze to winterize. The second picture in this thread has a good shot of the filter and winterization valve: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8101&PID=76538&title=rpod-171-water-pump-question-and-mod#76538 - Picture link The actual location may vary in your R-Pod should be the same as I believe the poster of the other topic also has a 171. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: cdsmith
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 12:21am
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I saw those pictures - they don't exactly match my set up (their pump is mounted horizontally mine is mounted vertically)... I'm sure there is no winterization valve on mine... I'm going to try to remove and clean the filter tomorrow and see if things improve. If not it will be off to the dealer. Thanks cd
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 1:18pm
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There were only a few years where there wasn't a winterization valve (2013-2014?). ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: cdsmith
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 1:28pm
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And I have a 2013 - so I guess I'm in the group of 'non-winterization valve". Good news is the filter on the pump was plugged - easy fix (It is a Flojet with the "snap-in port fittings" - quick easy cleaning process). Bad news is it was plugged up with green stuff - slime. So I'm now in the process of draining the tank - see if more comes out. Then I'll do a sanitization. Thanks for all the help. cd |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 7:53pm
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Glad you got it figured out and that the fix was relatively easy. A good sanitization should help. At least if there is still enough residue to plug the filter again, you will already know how to get to it and clean it. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: cdsmith
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 8:09pm
| It has been a good "pod" day... I even got the fridge to work on propane... A little tapping in the right place does wonders... |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 9:09pm
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Boom! ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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