Fresh water pressure, help

nauticalrich · #1 (**permalink**) 07-24-2003

Here''s the problem: Cold water side loses pressure immediately and it takes quite a while for the pump to build pressure.
The hot water side seems ok even when it has cooled down and sat for a few days.

I am by no means an expert but I think there might be a leak somewhere in the cold water lines. Has anyone any experience in this?

joub · #2 (**permalink**) 07-24-2003

Sounds like you are on the right track...must be a leak.

The mystery is why not the hot water side as well? The pump should provide pressure for both sides of the system initally. Maybe a check valve in the hot water side?

You can track down the leak by looking for water dripping/running into the bilge or, open up the system at some point and insert a temporary plug. Turn on the pump and see if it holds pressure. If so, then the leak is likely further down the line. If not, it must be between the temp plug and the pump. Repeat the process until you isolate the problem.

Good luck,

Jim

GordMay · #3 (**permalink**) 07-26-2003

Sounds like the fresh-water pump is leaking back, If pressure when pumping seems good (18 - 25 psi), it''s likely the check valve (at the pump).
Gord

GordMay · #4 (**permalink**) 07-26-2003

OOPS! Did''nt quite pay enough attention to your post.
You say, Pressure builds slowly, when pumping.
Sounds like the impellor or diaphragm needs replacing. Both available as re-build kits.
Gord

sailingbauble · #5 (**permalink**) 07-26-2003

My experience has been, the emptier the tank, the longer the air pump has to run to build sufficient pressure inside the tank. Do you experience the same performance whether the tank is filled with water or nearly empty?

nauticalrich · #6 (**permalink**) 07-28-2003

I''m learning. It was the strainer. I do have a leak somewhere but it is apparently not that bad.

Thanks everyone for the imput.

Nautical Rich