Newbie Question on Hand Pump & Heater

[Jogameky]

Hi - we recently bought a 2001 Viking 2170 in which the hand pump on the sink had a broken lever so we bought a new one. We replaced the hand pump with a exact style of the original - a white one with the lever on the side.
We always dry camp, so we fill our water tank at the campground to cut down on the extra towing weight. The problem is - after we use the hand pump,the water will go back down the hose (to the height of the water in the holding tank). The only way we can get the air out of the hose and use the pump is to suck the air out with our mouth each time you want to use it. I called the dealer and asked if this is normal - he said no and exchanged our hand pump at no charge. But now this pump does the exact same thing. Does all the hand pumps do this? Can there be a problem elsewhere?
We are very frustrated and will probably buy a water pump since we never camp where we can hook up to city water.

Also, we have a heater in our pop up. Will it only run when hooked up to electricity? There is no way it can run on LP?
Thank you!

[Jim K in PA]

Welcome to PUT!

There should be a check valve in the line, or at the pump.  I do not have a pump faucet, as our 2170 has a 12V pump.  However, a one way valve in the supply (suction) line will prevent the drain back without having to replace the hand pump again, or having to convert over to a 12V pump.  your local RV parts supply should have them in the correct diameter (hint: measure your tubing before you head out to buy one).

[wavery]

Hi - we recently bought a 2001 Viking 2170 in which the hand pump on the sink had a broken lever so we bought a new one. We replaced the hand pump with a exact style of the original - a white one with the lever on the side.
We always dry camp, so we fill our water tank at the campground to cut down on the extra towing weight. The problem is - after we use the hand pump,the water will go back down the hose (to the height of the water in the holding tank). The only way we can get the air out of the hose and use the pump is to suck the air out with our mouth each time you want to use it. I called the dealer and asked if this is normal - he said no and exchanged our hand pump at no charge. But now this pump does the exact same thing. Does all the hand pumps do this? Can there be a problem elsewhere?
We are very frustrated and will probably buy a water pump since we never camp where we can hook up to city water.

Also, we have a heater in our pop up. Will it only run when hooked up to electricity? There is no way it can run on LP?
Thank you!

Most hand pumps have a built in check-valve. It may be that this one does not and a separate check valve must be installed. When installing the check-valve, be sure to install it the correct direction. It is a "One-way" valve.

What is the make and model of the heater?

Most PU heaters are run on propane and have a 12v electric fan.

[Jogameky]

Welcome to PUT!

There should be a check valve in the line, or at the pump.  I do not have a pump faucet, as our 2170 has a 12V pump.  However, a one way valve in the supply (suction) line will prevent the drain back without having to replace the hand pump again, or having to convert over to a 12V pump.  your local RV parts supply should have them in the correct diameter (hint: measure your tubing before you head out to buy one).

We definitely don't have a check valve in place. Thanks for the suggestion, we will be giving that a try!! Either that - or the hubby might just put in a 12Vpump!   :p

[Jogameky]

Most hand pumps have a built in check-valve. It may be that this one does not and a separate check valve must be installed. When installing the check-valve, be sure to install it the correct direction. It is a "One-way" valve.

What is the make and model of the heater?

Most PU heaters are run on propane and have a 12v electric fan.

Thank you for the suggestion on the check valve - we will be heading to the store!!

As for our furance it is a Suburban NT-16SE. I understand the fan runs on electric - but do we need electric to ignite the system? Can we use it without the fan if we can start the furnace via 12V?  :confused:

[coach]

It's a forced hot air furnace. the fan must blow or the propane doesn't flow!