why does the pump become stiff and difficult topump?
494062
Pumps are designed to be 'self lubricating', that is, the water lubricates the moving parts. Sediment, and heaven only knows what else goes through a pump, hinder the process of lubrication. A toilet pump can be made easier to pump by pouring a little salad/cooking oil into the toilet bowl before pumping.
494063
I have this pump and have had this problem periodically. There are some moving parts that are lubricated at the factory. Some of that lubricant is washed away over time (especially if you have flushed anything soapy). If the pump is stiff (and maybe squeaking), then your piston o-ring needs to be lubricated with petroleum jelly. Once you do that, it will be good as new. Do a Google search for your manual for more detailed instructions.
494064
Sometimes salts can can build internally if the pump is intermitently used. A small amount of vinigar allowed to stay in the pump will disolve the build up, if any, and may improve the operation.
494065
It shouldn't. Either there is something in there that shouldn't have been flushed or the wet/dry switch is in the middle ( between wet and dry position).
494066
possible that someone tried to flush something other than human waste down toilet, creating a blockage, you will have to disassemble toilet and flush line. upon disassembly check flapper valves, make sure they open and close easily, if not replace. also, lubricate pump rod when in full vertical position, that may help
494067
The lever that switchs from pump out only to flush and pump is probably not over all the way.
494068
I have not had this problem with either pump I installed. Possibly water is not staying in the line and the gaskets are getting dried out or your intake and overboard discharge are clogged and water is not flowing smoothly through the system or (if you have one) your holding tank is full so there is no place for the water to pump into...
629093
In response to M. Hursh, it may be possible that it was not pumped enough to build up the pressure needed before the spray. It does require a few pumps before the top becomes stiff and it does not last long if it sits a while from my short time experience with this product.
515455
Just bought a small hand pump to pump them up as mine went soft as well. You could probably put some "tire flat" in them to help seal the bead of the tire to the rim better.
1148329
I had no problem putting air to the tires by using a regular hand pump. Perhaps you might want to check the pump? Make sure the pump head is inserted fully to the tire's valve
1862127
Just lift the pump out and pour it from the top. A small funnel might help.
1401942
Clare, today I am actually replacing this pump today! As others have noted, it is much too hard to pump! It looks good, and really it can be pumped, but is much stiffer than it should be so both young and old will find it hard to use. We kept using it hoping it would break-in, or we would get used to it. It say it holds 14 ounces, and that is one of 2 sizes I have seen - my new one holds 17 oz. The pump is well made and has not failed in any way.
1086558
You may have to twist the pump either to the right or to the left in order for the pump to pop-up to the top. That really should do the trick.
1326723
The pump has rubber bushings to reduce vibration and noise, but I don't think the pump itself is that much quieter than other pumps.
350359
Hi,this is not squeezable. you can pump it. try several times for the first time use.
672874
I had no difficulty with mine. You want to moisten the opening in which you insert the pump with Vaseline and when you insert it straight on their is a puncture like then you start pumping. If this doesn't help your pump may be bad. Good luck
1382659
FWIW, the pump seems to be made of what used to call construction paper. It is a miracle of design and makes crinkling noises when you step on it. You know that the ball is close to the right pressure because the hose pops loose from the pump. ;)
1711880
It is pretty stiff. There is a slight give because it is basically rigid and hard.
2285154
You might have a piece of gravel or a small snail stuck inside. I would take it apart and use a cotton swab to see if anything comes out. It's one of the quietest pumps on the market.
310300
I just opened mine. Make sure the pump pin is screwed on tightly and that you stick the pin halfway into the ball. I had air escaping and my husband made those two adjustments and my ball is firm and has retained its firmness.
2258958
Make sure the silver knob coming out of the bubble level housing is backed off a turn or two, and the whole top, from the bottom of the bubble level housing, should rotate to pan. Only the bottom part that attaches to the vertical tube stays fixed. It was very stiff at first until I exercised it a few times. It's still a little stiff, but that keeps panning smooth and not jerky.
888118
The pressure switch may be sent to low. Adjust it with the screw in the front of the pump head.
125480
I haven't had any problems with soft or hard even with soreness. I use a medela manual pump and the First Years miPump Double pump has done a great job for me.