Water Pump Keeps Coming On for a Split-Second

[mjs01776]

Today, I decided to really flush the water tank since the previous owner added anti-freeze directly to the water tank during winterization and the water's now "funky". So, I turned on all faucets to drain the tank, filled it with fresh water (and some bleach), and drained it again. Did this about three times. The pump must have been running straight for about 60-90 minutes.

So, here's the issue: Now the pump turns on for a split-second about every 15-20 seconds. All the faucets are tight. I ran water again to get rid of any air pockets. This was not an issue before this afternoon's cleaning.

Any ideas? There don't appear to be any leaks neat the pump or any faucet. I rechecked all connections.

This is a 2009 360DA with a Shurflo Blaster (not accumulator tank). Could there be an issue with the pump's shutoff switch? Are there better replacements than a Blaster (that might be quieter and does not require an accumulator tank)?

Thanks all for your replies.

Martin

 

[Stray Cat]

Any water dripping from the through hull of the water heater relief valve? Try lifting the lever on the relief a couple of times to flush any possible contaminants and let it reseat.

 

[MrDough]

I would double check the strainer and connections first to make sure everything is clean and okay and that there are no leaks.
Also, open up the pump to see if there is crude stuck inside because if you have an aluminum tank, you'll get a lot of pieces from corrosion. Good website for on how to do it open up the pump and what to check.
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/repairing_diaphragm_pumps.htm

If everything checks out okay... I have the same pump on my boat and I know that the pump does have an adjustable screw at the bottom to control the on/off for pressure control. If you go on the shurflo website, you can find on how to adjust it. :thumbsup:

 

[mwph]

Sorry. Duplicate post.

 

[tedmalone]

Mine was doing the same thing, and I finally discovered a small leak near the inlet of the ice maker. My boat has an accumulator tank, but somebody bypassed it before I owned the boat. I'm getting ready to plumb it back in and hope it's still functional.

 

[mjs01776]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I followed all of your suggestions and they all helped narrow down the problem.

The culprit: debris (from the bottom of the tank -- plastic shavings from the factory) got stuck in the diaphram. I cleaned the strainer which had stuff in it and then took the pump apart, cleaned it, and then adjusted the trigger switch -- now it's back the way it was before. :thumbsup:

I excluded a leak as the pump still kept coming on even after I capped the outlet side with a plug.

Thanks!!!

 

[MrDough]

Nice to hear that everything worked out.

I would recommend you get an accumulator though as that would reduce the amount your water pump would have to turn on (reducing noise) and prolong its life. It also is beneficial to your system as it keeps a constant pressure instead of spiking which could possible save your pipes and hoses from rupturing.

There are pumps that have variable speeds so that you do not need an accumulator but it may not be worth changing out your old pump to have one.