winterizing question?
winterizing this am and pump works but won't suck the pink stuff?? any ideas? valves are on bypass and got some to pump and them nothing. Pump is running but normally only runs when you have a wate...
Forum Discussion
mbopp wrote:
Many units have 2 valves. You need to open the valve going to the winterizing pick-up hose, and close the valve going to the fresh water tank.
I don't have that system but funny you mention it. I have actually modified a system like that. I thought I was a genius. I guess not.
To the OP, it's difficult to know what your problem might be without being there to test it. But try to check your lines to make sure they don't have a leak. If you use your holding tank I would think you would know if it has an air leak or not as it would leak while you used water from it, or you would just suck air. If you have a built in system that has been mentioned, make sure you have the holding tank shut off or you will just be sucking air. Turn on your other valve. Then turn on your water faucet and see if your pump comes on. If it does and it isn't sucking fluid, pull out the hose and turn it upside down and pour some liquid into it. This can just be water or antifreeze, either one. That may prime your pump. If it starts sucking, quickly put your hose back in the bottle and continue on.
Make sure your valve for the water heater is closed. One time I forgot to close that valve and all my antifreeze went into my water heater. That's fine, but that's not what I wanted to do. Then I had to go buy more antifreeze.:)
If you still don't get any sucking, you may have to go buy a totally new line and replace the line coming form the pump to the tank, if it sucks air that is.
One last thing.
Make sure you have your pump turned on. I forgot that part. After you have your cold lines filled, go back and fill your hot lines. Then go back to your hot water heater and open the valve just long enough to get some antifreeze in it. It doesn't have to be much because it should be drained anyway, but always put some in it. I typically turn it on for a 2 or 3 second count, then repeat one time for good measure. Then one more time just to make sure.
I never use my holding tank and it seems one year I have zero problems, and the next I have many.
I'm sure you've done this all before, but like I said, without being there, it's hard to tell you what might be going on. But typically it's a priming issue more times than not
Don't forget your fresh water storage tank.
(This is on my camper, I'm guessing it's about the same for them all in principle)
