fresh water -air lock? HELP !!!

[Rick J B]

Hi ! Could someone please help me. I have recently filled up my fresh water tanks on my Catalina 42Mk2 ( both tanks) . Since this time we have notice a strong "stagnant " smell in the first run off water when opening the facet, this then disappears after a minute of opening. Today , we hear the water pressure pump activated more than normal and the water spurting not running smoothly until now no water can be discharged. I believe this could be an air lock in the system?? IF this is ( and please feel welcome to correct me) how do I get the air lock out of the system and have running water ? Why the strong "stagnant" smell appears? HELP :-( Thanks so much! Kind regards, Rick

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Probably mutually exclusive problems. When did you last disinfect the lines?
As to the air lock, when did you last open and clean the pump filter?
After doing so, bleed the air from the filter with the faucets open to purge any entrained air.

 

[Calif. Ted]

Which tank valve did you open and are trying to pump from ? In general on most Catalinas the front tank is slightly higher and will drain to the rear tank. Usually the pump is located near the aft tank and there is also a small inline strainer on the pump inlet that may become blocked.
Here's a link to a plumbing diagram which may be helpful.
http://www.catalina42.org/owners_manual/extra_width_pages/hullxxx-mk2-3cabin-pullman-fin-fresh_water_system-double-size.jpg