I have an 89 Catalina 30 with a hot and cold pressured water system. I don't know the brand of the pump or the pressure tank but when I turn the power on to the pump, the pump will run constantly . It does not build up enough pressure to stop running and when I turn on the faucet, the water spurts out with a lot of air mixed in. It gets the entire counter wet. Is there a process I can follow to determine the issue ? Thanks in advanced. CM
Fresh water pump always running
- Thread starter cmorin
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Several possibilities
Check the line from the tank to the pump to see if it's clogged by sediment (if the tank full you'll most likely end up with a lot of water in your bilge, but at least it's clean water). Check the tank vent thru-hull for a blockage. A blocked tank vent will cause a pump to pull a vacuum that prevents anything from being pulled out of it. If you've just filled the tank, there's air in the plumbing. Leave the faucets open to spit air long enough to bleed it all out. If that doesn't work, the pump diaphragm or impeller (depending on the type of pump) has prob'ly failed. You could just replace the diaphragm or impeller, but 20 years is about the lifespan of a fresh water pump...replace it. I'd go with a Shurflo...it'll last another 20 years. 2.8 gpm is the right size for a boat the size of yours...about $80 from Defender (prob'ly twice that much from WM) and an easy swap out.
Check the line from the tank to the pump to see if it's clogged by sediment (if the tank full you'll most likely end up with a lot of water in your bilge, but at least it's clean water). Check the tank vent thru-hull for a blockage. A blocked tank vent will cause a pump to pull a vacuum that prevents anything from being pulled out of it. If you've just filled the tank, there's air in the plumbing. Leave the faucets open to spit air long enough to bleed it all out. If that doesn't work, the pump diaphragm or impeller (depending on the type of pump) has prob'ly failed. You could just replace the diaphragm or impeller, but 20 years is about the lifespan of a fresh water pump...replace it. I'd go with a Shurflo...it'll last another 20 years. 2.8 gpm is the right size for a boat the size of yours...about $80 from Defender (prob'ly twice that much from WM) and an easy swap out.
Air pockets
Mine did this too. Put towels in the salon and head sinks and fill the water tanks. Turn on the cold water tap in both sinks and let her run till all the air escapes. Then turn off the cold and turn on the hot and repeat. The air in the lines is causing the pump to pump air which it is not designed to do so it just keeps trying to build up the pressure.
Mine did this too. Put towels in the salon and head sinks and fill the water tanks. Turn on the cold water tap in both sinks and let her run till all the air escapes. Then turn off the cold and turn on the hot and repeat. The air in the lines is causing the pump to pump air which it is not designed to do so it just keeps trying to build up the pressure.
check all fittings
Happened on my Catalina 30. Sometimes even an air leak that does not look like a water leak can be the problem. Tighten all clamp fittings and look for weathered hoses. At least you know your pump is working! Good Luck!
Happened on my Catalina 30. Sometimes even an air leak that does not look like a water leak can be the problem. Tighten all clamp fittings and look for weathered hoses. At least you know your pump is working! Good Luck!
Wow !!
Thanks everyone, I cannot wait until Saturday to try all of the suggestions !! If there are anymore keep them coming. CM
Thanks everyone, I cannot wait until Saturday to try all of the suggestions !! If there are anymore keep them coming. CM
Happens when we empty the tank too.
CM: This happens to us too if we empty the fresh water tank. You need to prime the pump again. Once the pump is primed it should start pumping and stopping correctly. If it continues to cycle, you probably have an air leak or you have a bad pump. Depending on the age of the pump, you may be better off replacing it. The new VSD pumps are very nice an quiet too.
CM: This happens to us too if we empty the fresh water tank. You need to prime the pump again. Once the pump is primed it should start pumping and stopping correctly. If it continues to cycle, you probably have an air leak or you have a bad pump. Depending on the age of the pump, you may be better off replacing it. The new VSD pumps are very nice an quiet too.
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