We own a 2007 Nash travel trailer we purchased last year. We have never used the pump (always used campground water) Well, I was testing the pump the other day and it doesn't prime. I can't get it to prime on a tank full of water nor can I get it to prime by putting the "winterizing tube" in a bucket of water and using that as my water source. The pump also sounds "less loud" than I am used to RV Pumps sounding. Is there any way to check the pump or should I give up and buy a new one? I'm guessing the pump is 7+ years old.

A new pump will solve the problem. A pump rebuild kit takes about 10 minutes to install (about the time to install the new pump) and only cost about $18.Try the pump kit first. IT will likely solve the problem. Fred.

This problem has been discussed previously. A few suggestions: 1. be sure all the valves are in the correct position to get water from the tank and not from the winterizing line. if there is a filter upstream be sure it is not clogged. 2. turn on the pump and open all the faucets for a couple of minutes 3. reverse the inlet valves and try to get some water into the winterizing line by holding it up vertically to put pressure on the pump inlet.

As said earlier check to see if all of the valves are in the proper position. Since you haven't used it in years it is possible that your suction strainer is plugged and needs to be cleaned or replaced. JMO

A quick fix is to use a wet dry vacuum on a faucet to "pull" a prime. once primed, the pump may be fine.

Chris Bryant wrote:A quick fix is to use a wet dry vacuum on a faucet to "pull" a prime. once primed, the pump may be fine.Wow Chris - I wouldn't have thought of that. Great idea!

Water Pump won't prime, suggestions? | Good Sam Community

Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
A new pump will solve the problem. A pump rebuild kit takes about 10 minutes to install (about the time to install the new pump) and only cost about $18.

Try the pump kit first. IT will likely solve the problem.

Fred.
Dick_B
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
This problem has been discussed previously. A few suggestions: 1. be sure all the valves are in the correct position to get water from the tank and not from the winterizing line. if there is a filter upstream be sure it is not clogged. 2. turn on the pump and open all the faucets for a couple of minutes 3. reverse the inlet valves and try to get some water into the winterizing line by holding it up vertically to put pressure on the pump inlet.
BTPO1
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
As said earlier check to see if all of the valves are in the proper position. Since you haven't used it in years it is possible that your suction strainer is plugged and needs to be cleaned or replaced. JMO
Chris_Bryant
Explorer II
Sep 07, 2015
A quick fix is to use a wet dry vacuum on a faucet to "pull" a prime. once primed, the pump may be fine.
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Sep 07, 2015
Chris Bryant wrote:
A quick fix is to use a wet dry vacuum on a faucet to "pull" a prime. once primed, the pump may be fine.

Wow Chris - I wouldn't have thought of that. Great idea!
SoundGuy
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
Chris Bryant wrote:
A quick fix is to use a wet dry vacuum on a faucet to "pull" a prime. once primed, the pump may be fine.

Connected to a trailer's water system that's leak free any of these potable water pumps should easily prime without having to "pull" a prime. Since the question is whether or not the pump itself has an issue I'd disconnect it's intake and output lines from the trailer entirely and run a short hose directly from a jug of water directly to the pump intake. If the pump is functioning correctly it'll prime almost instantly, in which case you'd know there has to be a leak elsewhere in the camper that won't allow the pump to prime no matter how hard it tries.
RJsfishin
Explorer
Sep 07, 2015
If the pump and the FWT is on the same floor/plane, the pump is already primed, if the tank is 1/4 full, and a faucet is open.
Chris_Bryant
Explorer II
Sep 07, 2015
SoundGuy wrote:
Chris Bryant wrote:
A quick fix is to use a wet dry vacuum on a faucet to "pull" a prime. once primed, the pump may be fine.

Connected to a trailer's water system that's leak free any of these potable water pumps should easily prime without having to "pull" a prime.

I agree they *should*, but even a very small bit of debris in the valve body can keep it from priming. You have a choice- pull the pump, tear it down, clean it, put it back together and install.
Or you can spend a minute with a vacuum.

That's why I said "quick fix"- plus it may be another problem entirely.
enblethen
Nomad
Sep 07, 2015
Do you have a screen type "filter" on in in-take side? Check to make sure it is clear of any debris.
Is there water when you disconnect the in-take line?
screaminjlew
Explorer
Sep 09, 2015
I've had this happen before on my trailer where the pump would just run and run without priming, what I did was open the kitchen faucet while the pump is on and that would release the air in the lines.