Smith's RV Centre

Problem

Possible Cause

Correction

Pump runs but no water flows at outlets

Low water level in tank
Clogged water lines
Kink in suction line
Air leak in suction line
Loose hose clamps on suction
side of pump
Stuck pump-check valve
Punctured diaphragm
Cracked pump housing
Stuck backflow valve
Broken pump-drive belt
Worn pump impeller
Pump running backward
Plugged in-line filter

Replenish supply
Locate, remove obstruction
Straighten line
Repair air leak
Tighten clamps

Repair or clean valve
Replace diaphragm
Replace pump housing
Replace backflow valve
Replace belt
Replace impeller
Reverse pump wiring
Replace element or screen

Pump cycles off and on with faucets closed

Water leak in plumbing
Leaking faucet sets
Defective toilet valve
Internal leak in valve
Failed pressure switch

Locate and repair
Repair faucet sets
Repair valve
Install pump-repair kit
Replace pressure switch

Pump motor fails to run

Blown fuse
Master switch off
Low battery charge
Loose wiring connection
Poor ground
Defective pump motor

Locate and replace
Turn on master switch
Charge battery
Check all connections
Check ground connection
Replace motor 

Pump fails to shut off when faucet is closed

Empty water tank
Low voltage condition
Leaking faucets
Failed pressure switch

Replenish water supply
Charge batteries
Repair faucets
Replace pressure switch

Excessive pump noise or vibration

Restricted intake line
Inadequate pump mounting
Loose mounting bolts
Worn mount bushings
Failed pulsation damper
Loose drive pulleys
Worn pump bearings

Clear suction hose
Mount per manufacturer's specs
Tighten bolts
Replace with new bushings
Replace with new damper
Tighten pulleys
Replace bearings

Inadequate water flow

Air leak at pump suction
Undersized suction line
Kinked outlet line
Clogged intake strainer
Leaking pump diaphragm
Inadequate pump wiring

Check suction line
Replace with larger line
Straighten line
Clean strainer
Replace diaphragm
Rewire with larger wire

Sputtering water flow

Air leak in suction
Air not bled from lines
Air in water heater

Repair leaks
Bleed air from lines
Bleed hot-water lines

Pump will not prime

Empty water tank
Air leak in suction line
Restricted suction line
Defective pump diaphragm
Defective pump impeller
Broken pump-drive belt
Clogged intake strainer

Fill water tank
Repair suction line
Clear obstruction
Replace diaphragm
Replace impeller
Replace drive belt
Clean strainer