Pump Leak?

Question

I have been playing with an issue on my trailer recently where water pressure seems to be low or the pump runs a long time priming the line. I figured the issue is a leak before the pump that was letting air into the line. I think I have narrowed down the source but am unsure the best way to resolve it.

It appears to be the thread on the braded hose coming from the fresh water tank to the pump. The hose has a plastic thread and the pump inlet is plastic as well. It appears to vibrate loose after a bit of use, and hand tightening it seems to solve the issue for a while. The problem is being that it is plastic parts, I am unsure what I can put on it to try to tighten the threads. I have tried Teflon tape and if anything I think it made it worse, it may make a good seal, but it is slippery.

Any thoughts on what can go on plastic threads similar to Locktite, but not so strong that I cannot get the hose off when I need to winterized or is not going to melt the plastic thread?
Thanks

soundguy · Answer

Seems to me you're trying to fix a problem that doesn't, or shouldn't exist, meaning that if your pump /  hose setup uses the ubiquitous Shurflo fittings there's no reason at all for them to leak or require the use of any teflon tape or even back off if hand tightened properly.  I'd suspect your system is leaking air elsewhere as it doesn't take much to prevent the pump from doing it's job ... as an example, are you sure the city water inlet check valve isn't leaking air? :@

rwbradley · Answer

I would not say I am positive it could be elsewhere.  However I have noticed that it seems to loosen after use and tightening it (maybe a quarter turn) seems to solve the issue for a while.  Also when on city water I do not have the pressure issue (and obviously since I am not using the pump, the priming issue).  Also, I think (but am not positive) that my city water is plumbed after the pump.

soundguy · Answer

rwbradley wrote:Also, I think (but am not positive) that my city water is plumbed after the pump.It is, that's why a city water check valve that isn't seating properly and has nothing connected to it can drop pressure in the lines downstream of the pump, causing the pump to react by turning on to rebuild the lost pressure.  Obviously, when you're hooked up to city water that check valve plays no role as it will be open all the time to allow city water to enter the system.  Confirming it's not leaking is simple ... merely close it off with a threaded 3/4" male GH plug and if the problem is resolved you know the check valve is leaking.

rwbradley · Answer

SoundGuy wrote:rwbradley wrote:Also, I think (but am not positive) that my city water is plumbed after the pump.It is, that's why a city water check valve that isn't seating properly and has nothing connected to it can drop pressure in the lines downstream of the pump, causing the pump to react by turning on to rebuild the lost pressure.  Obviously, when you're hooked up to city water that check valve plays no role as it will be open all the time to allow city water to enter the system.  Confirming it's not leaking is simple ... merely close it off with a threaded 3/4" male GH plug and if the problem is resolved you know the check valve is leaking.Excellent I will give that a shot.  If it turns out to be the issue, is the check valve fairly standard and have you seen instructions on replacing it?Thanks

bobbo · Answer

That happened to me early in a 3 week RV trip. The check valve on my shore water inlet started leaking. It needed to be replaced, but I didn't want to fool with it on the road. I bought a hose end shut off, screwed it in, and closed its valve. Got us back home just fine, and I replaced the check valve.

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