Fresh water pump died, did I cause the issue?

[agallant80]

The pump for my fresh water tank died. I bought the boat new in Feb so it was not age that killed the pump. It is a pressure pump so when you turn on the fosset it senses the loss in pressure, turns the pump on, then when you turn the fosset off it will build up to 20PSI and turn the pump off. Is leaving the system pressurised killing the pump or was it just a fluke where I got a bad pump. I can't see anything in the manual that says to not leave the pump on all of the time (it does not run all of the time just keeps 20PSI in the lines). When I took the old pump apart the diafram had a bad seal, water got in to the electric motor and rusted everything up.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Fresh water pump died, did I cause the issue?

When not in use for more than a day I always turn that type of thing off.

 

[rbh]

Re: Fresh water pump died, did I cause the issue?

That seems to be a short life for a new pump, but then how often did it cycle on and off per hour? and did this run constantly since you installed it in Feb?

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Fresh water pump died, did I cause the issue?

Not your fault. Just a lemon pump. They're made to be on call.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Fresh water pump died, did I cause the issue?

That seems to be a short life for a new pump, but then how often did it cycle on and off per hour? and did this run constantly since you installed it in Feb?

It rarely cycled on/of. Only when we would open up a fosset. I always kill the main breaker to all DC devices and turn the battery selecter switch to off when she goes back on the trailer. Perhaps I sould not let the pressure sit in the system when she is on the trailer. I will let the pressure out as part of my putting the boat away for the week check list.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Fresh water pump died, did I cause the issue?

Not your fault. Just a lemon pump. They're made to be on call.

That is kinda what I figured. Just checking though.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Fresh water pump died, did I cause the issue?

You didn't kill it. There should also be a small accumulator tank in line somewhere which holds pressure as well (so the pump doesn't constantly cycle). When a tap is opened (shower or *faucet*), it will then cycle on due to a significant drop in pressure. MY was always left on and lasted 10 years.

BTW, if you leave your boat in the water unattended while away from the dock, I would turn it of only because if there happens to be a fresh water leak in the cabin, the pump will empty the entire water tank.