Water pressure problem

[C Robb Worthington]

Hello all, I've got a water pressure pump that never stops pumping on my 88 Catalina 30. We switch it on to get water out of the system, all faucets will deliver water with the pump running. It seems that it never gets the system up to pressure. Does the pump have a built in pressure switch? The problem did seem to be progressive over time, the pump ran longer and longer until now it never stops. I've made a cursory check (could be more thorough) for leaks and have found none. Could a plugged vent cause this? I'm mystified. Thanks

 

[Dave Bousquet]

Accumulator Tank

Hi Robb,It sounds to me like you need an accumulator tank. The purpose of this item is to build pressure in the system so the pump does not have to run all the time while you have the faucet open. On My C-30 the pump used to run all the time while the faucet was open. Now I can run the faucet for about 10 seconds before it kicks in and then it runs only shortly. This preserve your batteries and pump.Now, why is it running all the time? Are all of your tanks full? When mine are running low, the pump will not stop on its own. Once I fill them back up its not a problem. Hope this helps.

 

[Craig Steinkraus]

Pump troubles...

Robb...Sounds to me to be a problem with the pump. They normally have a built in pressure switch. The switch may be dirty or corroded. If there are no leaks and the problem has been progressive, I'd replace the pump. You could possibly dismantle the pump and clean it, but as they are not a high cost item, why mess around with a temp.solution.Craig Steinkraus" Wings " C38 #280

 

[Allen]

Ditto

My pressure switch failed and I had the exact same problem. New pump from Shur-flow works great. Problem solved.

 

[Dennis Fegan]

Pump Problems

Rob,The pump has a microswitch at the motor end. You can find it easilly as that is were the wires are attached It is easy to replace (I keep a couple on the boat). They normally fail open but apprently yours has done the opposite. After I replaced the pump the first time I found the switch and keep it as a spare which I have never had to use!.Good luck,Denny Fegan

 

[C Robb Worthington]

Thanks

great suggestions one and all,I'll check out the microswitch as well as dismantling and cleaning what I can.We start a housesit tomorrow and the tanks just ran dry so the timing is perfect. Thanks for the tips

 

[Todd Osborne]

Sounds like impeller

My pressure switch went out on my pump, but it did stop pumping. It slowed down & drew more amperage until the fuse blew. If your pump keeps pumping you may actually have a damaged impeller that won't create enough pressure to turn the switch off. Or your switch broke & the pump ran until the impeller became damaged. Either way, my money is on the impeller. Fix it first. But an accumulator tank (if you don't have one already) really saves wear & tear on both suspect items. I'd get one if you don't have one already.

 

[Ken Wagner]

pressure switch

I have had the same problem with my fresh water pump,there is a small switch on the sure flow model pump that I replaced that fixed the problem.The switch is available through Shure Flows web site web site.