Cracked In-Line Strainer

[Stan & BJ]

For the second year in a row, I've discovered, upon de-winterizing, that the plastic bowl in my Shurflo in-line strainer is cracked and spraying a fountain of water when the water pump is turned on. I had to repace the bowl last year, and now I've just ordered another one online! Presumably the cracking is due to freezing. I winterize using my Vectra's RV anti-freeze winterization system. Because of last year's problem, I specifically checked the strainer bowl after winterizing last fall, and it visually was full of pink anti-freeze. And then today the one-year old bowl is cracked and spraying water! ~~ What's happening? Interestingly, it never froze/cracked in winters prior to '08-'09. Is freezing the cause? Has anyone had this problem? Perhaps the bowl simply should be removed for the winter, but I see no reference to doing so in any Winnebago or Shurflo materials. Thanks for any help! Stan ~ North Carolina

[RV Wizard]

Stan, The strainer should be on the inlet side of the pump and if cracked and the pump is turned on should not be spewing water; if anything allow the pump to suck air and not pump. I would suggest that the pump be inspected to be sure the strainer is on the inlet side, that the line is coming from the fresh water tank and that the winterizing valve is in fact working properly. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I second what Mike said - should be sucking air, not spewing water.

And it can crack if any water is left in it over the winter. Especially if on the pressure side rather than the intake, because the pump check valve keeps the water in as it expands.