Fresh water pressure drops after a few seconds

S

shoffman

New Member
Apr 1, 2009
14
Stratford, CT
Boat Info
280 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 4.3L TPI
The fresh water system on my 2005 280 DA is dropping pressure slowly -- until only drops come out -- after a few seconds of turning on any faucet.

Since it fairly quickly re-builds pressure after closing all faucets, I don't think it's a problem with the pump, but probably with some "pressure tank" or switch/regulator.

Any ideas how to isolate the problem?

Thanks in advance!

Steve
 
Mine does the same thing when the water tank doesn't have enough water in it. Sure it is sufficiently full of water?
 
I don't think your problem would be the pressure tank. The purpose of that is to provide instant pressure once a faucet is opened as the pump is not continuously running providing pressure. It provides your first few seconds of water pressure till it drops to the point the pressure switch kicks the pump on. Your pump should deliver a constant flow of water at a decent pressure without falling off. Did you see if possibly someone replaced the pump with one that does not have enough GPH? I believe our factory one is 3.3GPH. I don't believe onboard water pumps have impellers that wear as most are designed to run dry momentarily without damage.
This all being said with the idea that your using the onboard electric water pump and do not have the boat hooked up the the city water supply. There is a built in regulator in that connection that could stick causing the situation you described.

One more thought would be to check your inline strainer. Might be plugged with crap from the tank which would not really hamper pressure as much as it would hamper flow.
 
There is no "pressure tank". The only thing that get's pressurized is the lines from the pump to your faucets. Try Dave's advice - that would be the best thing to try first.
 
Is it cold and hot or only hot? The hot water tank has a back-flow preventer/ spring that can get stuck....
 
I also had a problem with water flow once and it turned out to be a lot of build up of white slime in the strainer and pump. I figured it was excessie use of the powder type water treatments. Cleaned it all out, flushed several times and problem fixed.
 
Thanks guys, for your timely replies. Here are my answers to your questions & suggestions:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/member.php?u=532gerryb: Yes, the tank is full.

Skuza: I'm pretty sure the pump is stock. FYI, I didn't mention it in my previous post, but this problem just started happening out of the blue a few weeks ago. Yes, I'm using the onboard electric water pump and do not have the boat hooked up the the city water supply. I'll definitely check the strainer for blockage.

Dave S: Thanks for the link -- I'll check the pressure regulator switch.

Lazy Daze: Okay -- thanks for the info.

KHARRIMAN: It happens with both cold and hot water.

Jack380AC: Thanks for the info -- I'll definitely check the strainer. I haven't used any water treatments.
 
Steve, I had the same situation up until this weekend. While I was replacing the pump, I discovered a large piece (1/2 by 1/2) of mineral build up. This junk was in front of the filter at one of the elbow's. I think it would lay down when the pump wasn't activated, allowing a little water and pressure to build up. So when I tuned on the water, I would get plenty of pressure for about five seconds and then it would turn into a dribble. But, once I removed the object, I had plenty of pressure. I think this piece of junk was being forced up against the fitting when the pump was activated blocking the water flow. Just a possibility, but if you have any elbow's or nipples in your water line, you might pull them apart and make sure there clean. R
 
Thanks, R! That sounds like it could be my problem as well. If it's not a blockage in my strainer, I'll check the elbows and nipples (one of my favorite "tasks" hahaha). Steve
 
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