Water pump acting odd

[PSteward]

Hello,

Recently the water pump which pumps water from my tank and pressurizes the lines automatically doesn't seem to be working properly. It is "always on" normally meaning it pumps only when the line loses pressure but now it seems to be random or when the boat is hit by a wave....
Is it something unit specific or could it be something in the lines?

Thanks

[Tellie]

Usually the two red wires feed a pressure switch. Sometimes these switchs are adjustable. Look for an Allen head screw right near these two red wires. Turning this screw one way or the other either increases the cut out pressures or lowers the cut out. If you can find this just try experimenting with turning it slightly. If you pump comes on more often turn it the other way a bit past it's original spot. This might fix it. Of course if you have any water leakage in your plumbing system this would need to be corrected first.

[PSteward]

If there was an issue past the unit it would run all time, if there is a unit before would that cause it to not run when the pressure measurement is after?
Not sure how many years the unit has been in the boat but I'll try the adjustments when I'm back on board this weekend.
Odd thing is that it does work but just not like it used too or should....

[Stu Jackson]

Every single one of those pumps have a manual called Troubleshooting. Most of the pumps are pretty much the same, so download one, say from Shurflo or Jabsco and follow their guidance. You could also Google pressure water pump repair and adjustment. This identical question comes up so often. And in many cases it runs because of a leak.

[Tellie]

An issue past the pump does not mean an on demand pump will instantly turn on like you notice when you open your galley faucet. You're not losing that much water. A small leak of a drop or two every minute will eventually trip the pressure switch and engage the pump. It's a small enough amount of water that the pump may charge itself back up within seconds. A loose hose clamp, not enough Teflon tape on one fitting, etc. anywhere down line can cause this effect.

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by PSteward

Hello,

Recently the water pump which pumps water from my tank and pressurizes the lines automatically doesn't seem to be working properly. It is "always on" normally meaning it pumps only when the line loses pressure but now it seems to be random or when the boat is hit by a wave....
Is it something unit specific or could it be something in the lines?

Thanks

Does your system have an accumulator tank? If that tank's internal bladder has failed the pump will run whenever the tap is turned on and may also turn on briefly when jarred, such as you mention.

[OndinePLC]

Your pump might be leaking back through the rubber valves in it, either worn or a bit of thread or something stuck in it.