Water Pump

[Mike]

I have 2 holding tanks with a manual y valve. Both tanks are full and the system seemed to work fine up until about 2 weeks ago. The pump still makes noise like it's running but nothing comes out. Also, in the past the pump would shut down when it had established pressure and come back on only when a fixture was turned on. Now it just runs or sounds like it's running as long as the breaker is turned on. A guy in my marina said it's often the "pressure switch" on the pump rather than the pump itself and the switch is alot cheaper. Sound familiar to anyone?

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

Most likely the pressure switch or diaphragm

Both kits are easy to install and both are a fraction of the price of a new pump.

 

[Terry]

Hi Mike, I would take Peggie's advice...

but just as an alternative, make sure you have twelve volts at the pump. If you have eleven or less the pump will continue to run cuz' it does not have enough juice to reach the pressure shut off point.Terry

 

[Tom]

Check supply side 1st

Mike:You said "The pump still makes noise like it's running but nothing comes out." If your not getting water from the pump loosen the two water fittings on the pump and verify that you have water getting to the pump before you replace anything. If enough water is getting to the pump then there could be a problem with the pump or possibly a leak between the pump and the faucets (check your bilge). If insufficient water is getting to the pump than the problem is between the pump and the water tank. When I had this problem I was able to blow air back into the tank and clear a blockage. You should be able to hear air bubbling back into your water tank.Hope this helps.Tom

 

[Ed Schenck]

Tom is right.

Check the water supply to the pump as a first step. My boat displays exactly your symptoms when I first fill the empty tanks in the Spring. I have to prime first.I disconnect the hose at the manifold(two tanks with hoses to a selection valve) and fill with water. Seems the pump cannot break that vacuum between itself and the low point of the hose. If your water supply and all hose is higher than the pump then this is probably not your problem.