Cycling water pump

[John Richard]

I have a 2001 model boat and the water pump will occasionally activate for about a second. I realize that this might mean a leak, but I can't find it. The boat is new, so I doubt that a leak could be the culprit. What is the best and easiest way to find a leak? Could this also come from air in the system? Is it best to turn off the pump when not using it?

 

[Chris]

Check this out!

Our system used to do the same. After much searching I found out that the water control at the shower head was off, but the hot/cold valves were open. No water was leaking from the head, but having the valves open was enough of leak to turn on the pump. May not your situation, but worth a look.

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

If it's not a leak, it's most likely a defective

diaphragm in the pump. That would cause an air leak that causes the pressure to drop, causing the pump to cycle. Talk to your dealer. Leave the pump on while you're on the boat...after all, you don't turn off the breakers for the lights when you turn them off...no need to turn off the power to pump either. Each time you do, the pump has re-prime, which just adds stress to it and wears out the valves and diaphragm faster.

 

[Don]

Most likely you have a small leak .....

somewhere. If you can't find a leak, try disconnecting the outlet line from the pump and installing a short piece of line with a plug in the end. If it still cycles, then the pump is leaking internally. If it does not cycle, then you haven't found the leak. BTW, I turn my pump off when I am off the boat. My logic is if a leak did occur, the pump would run untill it burned up or drained the battery. You should not have to prime it each time you turn it back on.