3-way Pump - Difficult to Pump

[cpfiles]

I replaced the 3way pump (Leisure Components 131-5) on my popup last year. The family and I went out dry camping for the first time in it this weekend and had issues with the pump. The faucet worked, it was just extremely hard to pump. Does anybody know why that is? Is there a way to fix it?

A bit more info...I do not have a mechanical pump installed; the extra port is plugged right now. When we have had it hooked into city water, we really have to lean on it to get the water to come out. Thanks!

 

[E3 Junkie]

When hooked to city water are you using a pressure regulator?

 

[cpfiles]

I have tried it with both a regulator and without. There was not much of a difference. It should be noted that this was at the same campground, and I am certain that the pressure was regulated at the supply. With the city hookup works well enough; less than ideal but passable.

 

[Dubbya]

Yeah, if you really have to lean on it, it sounds like the water pressure is too high. Use the regulator and try restricting the flow by pinching the supply hose.

CG and city water pressures often fluctuate wildly throughout the day and can be as high as 70 psi. I know if I hook up at home, I really have to lean on the pump handle to get water.

 

[cpfiles]

Do you guys think too much pressure is also what makes it hard to use the hand pump? I never thought about introducing more air somewhere.

This is the first time I have had one of these so I am not really sure how they are suppose to operate. It is also worth mentioning that I completely replaced the water system in my camper. The original tank was missing, the line was nasty, and the faucet was broken; so I replaced it all.

 

[Dubbya]

Do you guys think too much pressure is also what makes it hard to use the hand pump? I never thought about introducing more air somewhere.

This is the first time I have had one of these so I am not really sure how they are suppose to operate. It is also worth mentioning that I completely replaced the water system in my camper. The original tank was missing, the line was nasty, and the faucet was broken; so I replaced it all.

Is it possible that something may have gotten into and is partially blocking one (or more) of the supply lines? It shouldn't be that hard to draw water with the manual pump but then again, you won't be able to operate the pump with one finger either.

 

[cpfiles]

Is it possible that something may have gotten into and is partially blocking one (or more) of the supply lines? It shouldn't be that hard to draw water with the manual pump but then again, you won't be able to operate the pump with one finger either.

Yes, it is possible. This is the first time I have used it since I installed it. I will have to double check everything the next time I have it open. I am just not sure how hard it should really be, which is why I asked. I did not figure it would be super easy, it just seems excessive.

I had the whole camper rocking trying to get water out of this thing a few times, and that silly little knob on the end of the handle is not the easiest thing to get a grip on.

 

[Dubbya]

I had the whole camper rocking trying to get water out of this thing a few times, and that silly little knob on the end of the handle is not the easiest thing to get a grip on.

*Dubbya giggles*