Fresh water pump problems

[Five O'Clock]

Hey All,

I have been having some issues with my fresh water pump. I have a 20 gallon fresh water tank, and a shur-flo pump. When I turn on my DC panel, flick the water pump switch on, the pump will run for a few seconds then stop. almost like the pump is filling up with water. it's very loud and vibrates rough too. I'll turn on one of the 3 sinks and water will pump through, but then it usually stops even though the sink is still open.

I also have a washdown on the swim platform (it must be raw water too right?) that almost never turns on with the pump, it does, but very sporadically.

I want to know where to start. Should I check all the lines first to see if there is a leak? I don't ever see any wetspots in the engine room, nor in the cabin. And I never have to turn on any of my 4 bilge pumps even when the water is flowing. Sometimes, the water pump will turn on randomly so you can hear it and feel it, but there are no sinks on, and the washdown hose isn't on. Which leads me to believe that there is no leak in the system, because the boat isn't filling with water.

Leak in the system so that it isn't pressurized, or faulty pump?

Any suggestions?

 

[Five O'Clock]

Re: Fresh water pump problems

so after doing some further research, a main problem amongest my particular water pump, is "air in the system" or "air trapped in the system" or "air in the hot water heater"

how would I check this out, and how could I fix it?

 

[gstanton]

Re: Fresh water pump problems

If it's air in your system, fill your freshwater tank and run each faucet for a couple of minutes, to get the air "pocket" out. Most water pumps are self priming, so that should not be an issue. If it was a leak, you would hear the pump cycle on and off periodically. On my Sea Ray 230, the freshwater wash down, located on the stern, comes from the freshwater tank also.

Another thing to consider would be a clog of some kind that is stopping the flow of water from the pump. The pump will pressure up and stop, once it reaches that pressure... although no water is making it to a faucet. If you suspect that, I would disconnect the hose at the pump (if you can get to it!) and blow back through the faucet to see if something nasty pops out - or is open. Good luck!

On edit...... I just noticed you are in Mass. In that case, it could also be that the pump "bellows" froze or cracked, not allowing the pressure to pump the water through. Most RV dealers stock parts for these pumps.

 

[Five O'Clock]

Re: Fresh water pump problems

thank you gstanton.... i'll give each try a whirl.. thanks!