water pump failure - a pit stop story

We go away on summer holiday often with friends of ours from Kendal, and over the years many of those holidays have been to our favourite site in Cornwall (see my story "A quiet corner of Cornwall"). Our friends usually found they had forgotten some essential piece of equipment so every holiday they had to take a trip to the local caravan spares centre, so they knew exactly where it was! I had only had to go with him once for something or other, so I wasn't quite clear where it was.

Well, one morning the good old trusty Whale pump I put in many years previously (more than 15, I think!) decided it had had enough. It had been noisier than usual for a few days so I knew it was coming! Anyway, I removed it, which took about 20 minutes as I had trouble with one of the jubilee clips, with the angle it was at.

Anyway, I took the tired pump with me to show what i needed to replace as this should ensure a correct fit! Peter decided they needed a couple of additional things so he came along as well, which was good as I was then navigated straight to the place with no problem!

After being told "Oh, they don't make THAT pump any more" I wondered quite what to do next. Anyway, I said it wasn't a problem as long as I got something similar(ish) to replace it. After a little further search I ended up with one that would fit and all I needed was to add an elbow piece which I duly bought there and then, plus appropriate jubilee clips.

I then seemed to have to wait while Peter finished purchasing his other additional items they needed for this trip that for some reason they had forgotten.

Well, we got back to site, and I took my bits straight in the caravan (Sarah had stayed chatting and drinking tea next door while I was away as the cupboard was left open with all contents removed, and no water), fitted the pump in place (with new elbow), one of the spade connectors needed replacing as well, but I keep a small toolbox in the car while away in which I have a basic crimp tool, and spare connectors, just in case.

Anyway, within about 10 to 15 minutes it was all back in place, tested with no leaks, and I went next door to announce the fact. Peter looked at me rather surprised, and said "But I haven't finished putting away all the things I've bought yet!"

Ever after that, It seems if ever they have any problem with anything, I get "errr, Chris, have you got your toolbox handy?"