Commisioning the pressure water system

[bkupmstr]

I have a new to me Catalina 34, and I'm ready to go back in the water and trying make use of my first pressureized water system.

The tanks were winterized, drained down low and antifreeze put in.

I was told to just add a few gallons of water and pressurize the system and then open a faucet and let all the antlfreeze/water drain out.

Problem, the system doesn't seem to pressurize and send water to the faucet.
Thanks from the newby

[ChuckA]

Can you hear the pump running when you turn on the water pressure? If not, could be something electrical. Check for voltage at the pump. If no voltage, check the switch and the fuse. Those pumps have a pressure switch that turns the motor on when the pressure is low and off, when the pressure reaches its max. Could be a bad pressure switch.

When the system was winterized, did the pump get run after anti-freeze was added to the tank? That needs to be done to displace fresh water in the pump and water lines. Otherwise the pump housing may crack if it freezes.

If the pump is running, but you get no water pressure, the pump may have failed. Here is a typical installation guide with more troubleshooting tips.
http://www.shurflo.com/pdf/Marine/91.../911-740-D.pdf

If you know the pump model and mfg. you may be able to download a guide from the manufacturer.

Good Luck,

Windsurfers don't have water pumps. (my fishing boat has fresh and saltwater washdown pumps, I've changed them both...)

[bkupmstr]

Chucka,
The pump runs and i can hear some gurgling when i open the faucets.
I read the PDF and will do some troubleshooting.

Thanks

[k1vsk]

Originally Posted by bkupmstr

Chucka,
The pump runs and i can hear some gurgling when i open the faucets.
I read the PDF and will do some troubleshooting.

Thanks

Could be only one of three things: a bad pump, no water, entrained air.

Probably just purging air from the system. Make sure you have water in the tank, if multiple tanks, make sure the proper one is selected, give the water heater time to purge air and you should have water. If not, it's likely a pump problem.

[bkupmstr]

any tips on how to purge the water heater?

How long do I let the pump run before it becomes dangerous for buring it out?

Thanks

[k1vsk]

How long- depends on your pump's flow rate and the size (volume) of the hot water tank (e.g., 6 gpm to a 6 gal tank = 1 minute approx).

There is no trick to purging the air. As you pump, it will force air out.

If this takes any more than a few minutes, you have other problems.

Obviously this has no effect on the cold side - are you getting water out there? If not, ignore the above and start looking for a clogged valve or connection.

[badsanta]

You may need more water, fill it up some more. Mine needs a little head pressure to start it flowing.The water heater may have a bypass valve on it to keep from filling it up with antifreeze.

[jackdale]

Silly question

Is your water manifold set to allow water to flow? Is the ball valve open?

Jack