Water pressure surge?

thompsdw

New Member
Apr 15, 2007
196
Richmond, VA
Boat Info
2000 Sundancer 270
Engines
7.4 MPI Mercruser
Now that I have all leaks fixed and the hot water heater changed, I've noticed that the water pressure fluctuates at every tap. I can hear the pump running with water flow, and then it seems to stop (pressure drops) and then it turns back on (pressure rises). The end result is pressure at the tap that rises and falls.

Any ideas? Pressure switch?


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That helps, so to be clear ................ your faucet speeds up, slows down, speeds up, slows down, etc?
 
Mine doesn't do that. Once it's pressurized I could turn the pump off and still have good pressure. With the pump on it holds a pretty constant pressure all the time.
 
That is what I thought. What I believe is happening is that the pump is cycling too quickly. I swear I hear it turn off and on quickly. Since I fixed the system (yea, right) - it doesn't seem to stay running while water is being pumped. Is the pressure sensor in the pump itself?
 
There is a pressure switch on the front (I believe) that's adjustable and may solve your problem.
 
Look for an accumulator tank. It evens out the pressure.

accumulator.jpg
 
Are you hooked up to city water or are you using the water in your tank. We are having the same problem now using city water.
 
Don't believe I have one. Should I on my boat (above)?

Don't know. Check your parts manual to see if it shows one. It has a rubber bladder inside and some air and serves to even the flow. That way the cycling of the water pump does not make the water ebb and flow.
 
Ensure that you are getting adequate water flow. If there are restrictions in the faucet that reduce the flow enough it can allow more pressure being built up in the line. Once the pressure gets high enough the pump stops. Then some water gets by the restriction it causes a drop in pressure and the pump cycles on once again.
 
I think he was suggesting that you check the strainer/filter on the side of the pump.

Also, if you are hooked to city water, you cut off the breaker for the boat pump.

And, the pressure reducing valve in the back where the city water hose hooks up has been know to go bad.
 
I think he was suggesting that you check the strainer/filter on the side of the pump.

Also, if you are hooked to city water, you cut off the breaker for the boat pump.

And, the pressure reducing valve in the back where the city water hose hooks up has been know to go bad.

Yes, anything that restricts water can cause similar issues so checking the filter at the pump is a great idea. Also, OP did say that he is using the potable water system only - not pressurized city water which probably rules out a bad pressure valve where the city water connects.
 
I recently cleaned the strainer. My point on the faucet is that line restrictions would have to be in the tubing itself. Although, I think some restriction is possible - I'm not sure where to look.
 
Mine does that if I only open the faucet slightly. It basically isnt flowing enough water to keep the pump on - so the pump builds up pressure then cuts out, pressure drops a little, pump cycles back on. Its annoying, so I find myself opening the faucet up more than I may need just to keep the pump running.
 

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