recommisioning fresh water system

[richk]

I'm frustrated; for the first time since buying the boat 13 years ago I'm not able to repressurize the fresh water system. There's a 64 gallon tank in vee berth; f/w pump is next to it (same level as top of tank.) I can put my thumb over pump outlet and it stops cycling. Get air out of all 3 sets of taps (head, galley and vee berth) then a bit of water but no solid stream. Tried bypassing hot water heater. No joy. Must be an air leak somewhere?

Any ideas where to start now?

Rich

 

[lr172]

I wouldn't be suspecting an air leak. If the pump will produce pressure at it's head and you have no water leaks, the problem is not likely on the pressure side. I would first confirm that you can suck a good volume of water from the feed side. If you can't pull a good volume, look for blockage in the line or a plugged vent line. Pull the filler cap and see if it improves. If the feed side flows well, I would check the pump out. The valves could have failed. Just because the pump creates pressure doesn't necessarily mean it can push any volume.

Good luck,

Larry

 

[richk]

Larry...thanks so much...

I'll try your suggestions soon, tonight after work, I hope. I really appreciate your response...
Rich

I wouldn't be suspecting an air leak. If the pump will produce pressure at it's head and you have no water leaks, the problem is not likely on the pressure side. I would first confirm that you can suck a good volume of water from the feed side. If you can't pull a good volume, look for blockage in the line or a plugged vent line. Pull the filler cap and see if it improves. If the feed side flows well, I would check the pump out. The valves could have failed. Just because the pump creates pressure doesn't necessarily mean it can push any volume.

Good luck,

Larry

 

[Dan Johnson]

Rich K...

Like Larry, I suspect the suction side of the pump is at fault. With 64 gallons in the tank, cracking the connection to the pump (or selector valve if you have one) should produce a healthy stream of water from gravity alone. If it doesn't you have a possible clog in the feed line to the pump or the outlet from the tank.

Take the pump valve assembly apart to see if you have a piece of sediment preventing a valve from closing completely. It could be just pushing water back into the tank or not creating any suction to speak of.

All else fails, it could mean a new pump.

 

[richk]

Larry and Dan
My problem is fixed. I don't know which of your suggestions worked but I tried most of them and now I have a functioning system.
Thanks
Rich
now, for the lower life line which is jammed in the stanchion. Hah!