will diaphragm pumps reversee?

[rpackard]

On two occasions I have found a blockage in the line going from my water tank">fresh water tank to the ship's pressure pump. I have cleared the line by using an air pump to force air back into the tank.

Now i am wondering if I could just reverse the +/- 12v leads on the diaphragm water pump. Could I then force water from the hot water tank back into the main tank? Do diaphragm pumps reverse this way?

I don't need advice on finding the cause of the blockage. that is a topic for another time.

Richard

[Ryban]

No, generally they are designed with check "valves" or flaps that prevent flow from moving in the opposite direction.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diaphragm_pump

[RaymondR]

Originally Posted by Ryban

No, generally they are designed with check "valves" or flaps that prevent flow from moving in the opposite direction.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diaphragm_pump

Yep, does not matter which way the motor rotates they only pump one way.

Probably the same piece of detritus plugging the suction line. You need to get it out of the system. If it's plugging the tank outlet you might get it out by using a fret saw blade. Hold one end with a pair of pliers, push the other in and withdraw the blade. With any luck the blade will catch the detritus and drag it out or saw it into smaller pieces which will then flush out through the outlet.

[ggray]

Originally Posted by RaymondR

Yep, does not matter which way the motor rotates they only pump one way.

.

That's right, it doesn't matter if the piston (diaphragm) goes up down up down or down up down up....

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by ggray

That's right, it doesn't matter if the piston (diaphragm) goes up down up down or down up down up....

Thanks, for clearing that up.

[RaymondR]

They also do a slight wobble whilst going up and down. So they go up, wobble, down etc.

[HopCar]

Originally Posted by RaymondR

They also do a slight wobble whilst going up and down. So they go up, wobble, down etc.

Sounds like you’re describing a new dance. Ok everybody! Let’s do the Diaphragm Pump!