water pump not shutting off?

[impresa]

I accidently left the water pump on my 2007 hunter 41, with nothing running or faucets on, and 2 days later my water tank was empty. Went sailing for the day, again with the pump on [for the head] and upon return to dock the water tank was down 1/4.
I can find no leaks anywhere on the boat, yet, it does seem like the bilge pump runs occasionally.... Almost as though the water pump continues to pressurize the system even though nothing is on.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Cat

 

[zeehag]

you have a pressure water leak.
follow your hoses and pray isnt more than a fail hose clamp.. good luck.

 

[impresa]

thanks for the reply. I shall do as you suggest.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Since the bilge pump is running more than normal I'd say you found where the leak is ending up. Start at the bilge and pump it as dry as you can. Note if there is water coming down the keel sides or through a lumber hole. Follow the clews of flowing water till you get to a pressure water hose.
Most of the pressure water hoses are non spliced runs so it is likely that the leak is at a faucet, the hot water tank or a Tee. If you have access to those places you might give a quick look and get lucky.
good luck

 

[Kings Gambit]

I had a similar situation a while back; not quite so severe, however. The hose coming out of the hot water tank had become brittle and had cracked. It is one of those color-coded opaque, plastic hoses. Couldn't see the crack b/c it was on the underside of the hose (of course); had to feel along the hoses for evidence of leakage. Don't leave the hot water heater on all the time while at the dock; if you leave the boat plugged in all the time, then turn the heater off when away.

 

[jdhohmann]

I would also suggest that you make sure you have water in your water tank, if not then you simply may not be building up water pressure enough to shut down your pump...

 

[Johnb]

To empty your fresh water tank the pump would have to run quite frequently.

On my boat with all faucets etc. off the system will stay pressurized (pump off) for 4 to 6 hours. With just a dribble out it will run at least once per 2 minutes, most likely more often.

If the water is disappearing and the pump is not running, then it is leaking from the suction (upstream) side of the pump. You do not say if you have one or 2 tanks, are both emptying or just one? Can you isolate them from each other? If you have to trace leaks on the upstream side of the pumps then food coloring can be your friend. (Be a rebel and put red in the starboard and green in the port).

If the pump is cycling then do what Zeehag says.

 

[Breal]

Look at the seals of the water pump itself. The o-ring on mine failed and it wouldn't pressurize causing the pump to run continuously when turned on. The water ended in my bilge one drop at a time.

 

[Rob38]

Could be leaking from a stern shower head off the swim platform. Worst case is its leaking into one of the aft lockers and running forward into the bildge.