Fresh water system

[gj1973]

Hi everyone, I'm the new owner of an old sea ray 250. I'm looking to get the fresh water system running. The tank hasn't been used in a very long time, I know this because after filling it and turning the pump on, the bilge started filling up with water from the sun deck shower hose that was half connected and lying next to the engine. One hose remove and stopper inserted, and water starts spewing out of the t junction after the water pump. I then replaced that plastic T connector, and I now have water in the galley. So far, so good, however I now need some advice...

When I switch on the water pump at the helm, its constantly pumping. I don't think this is meant to happen. Eventually the pressure builds up and leaks occur elsewhere. I'm working my way through these leaks but worry that the pressure from the always on pump is going to push the leak somewhere hidden that I can't see so easily.

I've got great cold water in the galley but only a dripping tap in the head sink unit. I guess something is blocked.

No hot water. The boat has a water heater which runs off the engine and 240v. Should I expect at least cold water from this if the heater is off.

Should I be looking to put some chemicals through to descale the pipes and the like? I'm never going to drink this water; its for hand washing and using the head (which doesn't work either but I haven't got round to looking at this yet!)

Lastly I never thought spending a wet Sunday afternoon, lying upside down squeezed in an engine compartment, trying no to bang my head / get cramp, could be so much fun....

thanks for your help.

 

[jrudge]

The pump should cycle on and off depending on demand. If you have a header tank it will store up some pressure so the pump does not need to run for small demands of water.

It does not sound a happy water system.

Given you have leaks everywhere / blockages it is possibly worth considering replumbing the whole thing, or at least replacing all the (presumably) push fit connectors.

 

[Trundlebug]

I think that the pump constantly running with little or no water visibly coming out indicates further unseen and undiscovered leaks in your system.

Alternatively, it could be that your calorifier (hot water cylinder where the 240v immersion heater is) is still filling up. You will only get water out of the hot tap when the calorifier is full.
The way to do this is to close the cold taps and open the hot taps until you get water coming out. Have faith, it can take a while but depends obviously on the size of the calorifier.

Only switch your immersion heater on when you're sure the calorifier is full with water.

Good luck, it's no fun trying to fix blown pipes in inaccessible places.
I suggest you keep an eye on the bilges if the pump continues to run with the taps closed. It'll all end up there eventually.

 

[rafiki_]

Hi everyone, I'm the new owner of an old sea ray 250. I'm looking to get the fresh water system running. The tank hasn't been used in a very long time, I know this because after filling it and turning the pump on, the bilge started filling up with water from the sun deck shower hose that was half connected and lying next to the engine. One hose remove and stopper inserted, and water starts spewing out of the t junction after the water pump. I then replaced that plastic T connector, and I now have water in the galley. So far, so good, however I now need some advice...

When I switch on the water pump at the helm, its constantly pumping. I don't think this is meant to happen. Eventually the pressure builds up and leaks occur elsewhere. I'm working my way through these leaks but worry that the pressure from the always on pump is going to push the leak somewhere hidden that I can't see so easily.

I've got great cold water in the galley but only a dripping tap in the head sink unit. I guess something is blocked.

No hot water. The boat has a water heater which runs off the engine and 240v. Should I expect at least cold water from this if the heater is off.

Should I be looking to put some chemicals through to descale the pipes and the like? I'm never going to drink this water; its for hand washing and using the head (which doesn't work either but I haven't got round to looking at this yet!)

Lastly I never thought spending a wet Sunday afternoon, lying upside down squeezed in an engine compartment, trying no to bang my head / get cramp, could be so much fun....

thanks for your help.

It is possible that the fresh water system has not been properly emptied over winter, and therefore you might be finding leaks caused by freeze bursts. Just a question of chasing them round I'm afraid. The system should not be too complex on this boat, but access is always challenging, as I guess you are finding. Good luck!

 

[gj1973]

thankyou guys. I'll give these suggestions a go at the weekend.

 

[Momac]

If a tap produces little water check for a filter in the spout. Most mixer taps have a filter which can be removed for cleaning.
A modest build up of crud can inhibit the flow.

 

[Robg71]

how old is the boat... does it have an alloy tank??
could be blocking filter as well, causing pump to continuously run. (assuming you have fixed all leaks....